While in many ways, it feels frivolous to be focusing on entertainment and “fresh new finds” in this moment in time, we’re still looking for bright spots wherever we can. And though the first (heavy) month of the year has come to a close, we are trying to keep the hope alive for possibilities 2026 might bring — and the ways in which we might make this year feel more aligned.
Perhaps you’ve vowed to pursue some new hobbies (check out these cooking classes offered by PCC), rescue a pet or to take in more art (get upcoming events on your calendar now like the Nordic Museum’s Sami Film Festival in early February). You can also find ways to combine fun outings (like Kraken games on special theme nights!) with good causes, thanks to the Kraken Common Thread program which involves a collaboration with local altruistic organization Intentionalist.
If you’re looking to move your body more in this season, Bellevue’s 38,400-square-foot Life Time gym (featuring added perks like classes, a cafe, saunas, steam rooms and more) is still offering 2025 rates for a wee bit longer. In a few months, they’ll host an event to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, too, so keep an eye out.
Feeling hopeless in the light of everything going on? There are countless organizations doing good in the community if you’re looking for ways to pitch in. We’re continually inspired by those sharing the gift of life by donating to Bloodworks Northwest, as well as local organizations like Lifelong that stand up for communities facing barriers to health and access to quality healthcare, lifesaving medicines, independent living and nutritious food.
For those looking to escape into the magic of the arts this season, Cirque de Soleil’s ECHO has brought its highly anticipated show to Marymoor Park in Redmond starting January 30. Due to such high demand, the show will now enjoy a three-week extension, sticking around until March 22. This dazzling production promises to bring modern and surprising twists with a story of connection, intention and the bond between humans and the animal kingdom.
As the 20th Big Top creation from Cirque du Soleil and its 51st overall, this iteration features an incredible cast of 52 artists representing 19 different nationalities. “The creative intention for ECHO was to try and create something our fans haven’t experienced yet in a big top,” says Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, Director of ECHO. The show explores how humans’ actions can ripple out to greatly affect our beloved planet and the animals who call it home. The title “ECHO” is fitting, and the audience discovers this effect in various metaphors throughout the show.
Mukhtar says, “I think it’s important when people come to ECHO to be blown away by the performances and acrobatics, and at the same time, I want them to leave feeling empowered.”
MUSIC TO OUR EARS
Concerts calling to us in this season include Fever Candlelight Concerts, which are illuminating (literally) gatherings that were initially designed to “democratize access to classical music. ” Cozy into the glowing scene at locations ranging from the Museum of Flight and Town Hall Seattle, to Sparkman Cellars and The Nordic Museum. These shows paying homage to artists ranging from Fleetwood Mac and Queen to Taylor Swift and LCD Soundsystem, plus there are seasonally-appropriate options around special holidays, too.
We’re currently excited to fill our homes with the new music of talented favorites ranging from Noah Kahan (for whom we’re keeping a hopeful eye on that tour page) to indie-folk talents, The Lone Bellow, whose next album “What a Time to be Alive” gets released on February 13th. They’re sticking to mostly East Coast/Midwest locations on this tour, kicking things off at Pittsburgh’s Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall and wrapping up at Miami’s Moon River at Sea.
The Lone Bellow’s latest album will include recent releases like the “galloping, heartfelt” song, “I Did It For Love,” which gets described as exploding “into an anthemic, sing-along melody through driving, expansive instrumentation as the band revels in the rewards of a lifelong relationship.”
The is also said to be their strongest, most exhilarating and cohesive record to date, featuring founding trio Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist and Kanene Pipkin, plus drummer Julian Dorio and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Geertsma. Fans will find comfort in the band’s trademark harmonies and captivating hooks, but they also will enjoy fresh takes and a sense of play brought into the new works.
“This record encapsulates everything we love and respect about each other,” stated Williams. “It’s a snapshot of the friendships we’ve built over the last decade-and-a-half, of how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown.”
Another longtime favorite of ours (here’s an interview with him from nearly a decade ago!), Langhorne Slim, debuts his newest works from “The Dreamin/ Kind” soon, and we can’t wait to experience his infectious energy live when he’s out our way April 25 at The Crocodile.
The newest album (his ninth), produced by Greta Van Fleet’s Sam F. Kiszka, is a 12-song collection that showcases the Nashville-based artist “strapping on an electric guitar and embracing his longtime love of larger-than-life rock and roll.” Featured songs include “Haunted Man,” “a hard-rocking juggernaut with a dreamy, harmony-drenched B section,” and “Rock N Roll,” a “propulsive, electrifying track.”
Slim reflects on writing another single, “On Fire,” which came to him one morning after listening to an old reggae record put out by Mississippi Records. It’s said to be bursting with Motown influences and soulful strut.
“I was stoked to record it with the boys, but knew it needed some extra flava, so I called the Queen, my dear friend Jess of Lucius fame, and though she was a fully pregnant goddess, she said she’d be there,” he says. “She laid down an orchestra of BGV’s in about an hour and made the song SLAP! Give it a listen. Sing it! Shout it! Tell the world about it!” It features an intro that’s a voicemail from Slim’s beloved late Grandmom May that he found saved on his phone.
More shows on our radar include: The high-energy Irish trio Socks in the Frying Pan performing Thursday, February 26, at Hidden Hall and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country bringsingtheir live show to The Showbox on February 5.
Portland-based sisters Joseph come to Neptune Theatre March 8, and The Barr Brothers play Fremont’s Nectar Lounge March 27 on the Let it Hiss tour (with guest Georgia Harmer). On May 3 Waxahatchee co-headlines a tour with frequent collaborator MJ Lenderman, this time at playing our Paramount Theatre.
Looking farther ahead, Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, welcome Grammy Award-winner Brandi Carlile back to The Gorge Amphitheatre for her “Echoes Through the Canyon” weekend. The two-day event features a fantastic lineup of empowered women: Indigo Girls, Bonnie Raitt, I’m With Her and Sara Bareilles, as well as other surprise guests.
FRESH FLAVORS
These past months have brought a ton of culinary additions to the city, like Curry Lab Sapporo in Ravenna and downtown’s Marin, a modern coastal restaurant inside Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle. And now G.H. Pasta & Pizza comes to Phinney Ridge in early February. (Formerly known as) Autumn Seattle, the restaurant now meets the needs of the neighborhood by adopting the GHPP concept; think house-made pastas and pizzas, the Autumn burger and polenta fries, TVs at the bar, beers on tap and a new family-friendly kids’ space (plus Pasta & Wine Tuesdays and seasonal specials).
Nearby, we’re reminded of the continued value of Uneeda Burger — where their classic burger offering, priced at just $8 — continues to feel like a steal, and a tasty one at that. The burger’s made with quality, antibiotic-free meats, and Uneeda’s entire menu can be made gluten-free as an added bonus.
During recent travels, we’ve been grateful to have learned about Singing Pastures, a woman-owned food brand that makes a highly transportable snack that’s full of clean, functional protein — meats sticks (go figure!). The delicious items come in flavors like original beef, uncured bacon and pork and juicy pineapple (our personal favorite).
The woman-owned brand from Maine (and 9th-generation farm) produces these items made with grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, grass-fed bone broth and grass-fed collagen for better skin health. The products involve natural fermentation, having been slow smoked for 16 hours, and we have to say we’re unexpectedly hooked.
On the beverage side of things, we can always recommend Schilling Cider, whose Excelsior Imperial Apple and Imperial Mango flavors are both climate neutral, joining the local brand’s list of sustainable feats.
We recently tried some other tasty flavors — the spiced Chaider, “a local custom-made proprietary Chai Tea blend in collaboration with Kinglet Tea of Portland,” and the Imperial Hyper-Dry, an 8.4% dry blend of fresh-pressed PNW apples and heirloom bittersharps. In 2013, they became the first West Coast cidery to package only in cans and kegs, aiming to lower their carbon footprint. In addition, all of their packaging is 100% recyclable or reusable, from the cartons and cans to the shrink wrap and pallets.
Even though Dry January has come and gone, hot spots like Pioneer Square’s Smith Tower still help guests celebrate in style with spirits-free drinks. The elevated (35th-floor) Observatory Bar launched into 2026 with a Prohibition-inspired Temperance Bar Mocktail Program, that will stick around for a while longer. (To get to the bar, tickets are required, but locals get a discount.)
Try tasty sips like: The Night Watch, a rich spirits-free spin on an espresso martini; Redacted, a bright and citrus forward cocktail stirred with N/A London dry gin, cranberry and lime; The Dockside Story, a refreshing mix of N/A dark cane rum, lime and simple syrup; and The Press Run, a silky shaken drink made with N/A American malt, N/A amaretto, lemon, simple syrup and egg.
PURCHASES HELPING HEALTHY HABITS
For those not waiting for spring cleaning to tidy up spaces, we’re excited to share our best find in a really long time — Bissell vacuums, which may quickly turn things around at home, especially for pet owners. We can vouch firsthand for the 7.3-pound PowerClean® FurGuard,™ a cordless stuck vacuum that gets the job done (even during your dog’s peak shedding season). The 3-in-1 machine features a removable battery that powers the machine for up to 50 minutes, and it comes with advanced headlight and brush roll technology, too.
In even better news, every purchase helps the brand continue its mission of saving pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation® . Since 2011, they’ve donated over $45 million to the foundation, which partners with animal welfare organizations to make a difference.
Your teeth can get a glow-up this season too, with the Brushmo Super Sonic Toothbrush, designed with five customizable modes to match all your oral care needs. Here’s a fun stat: The toothbrush delivers 33,600 brush strokes per minute with a built-in, two-minute timer that helps removes plaque and reduces stains for an effective brush every time. (It’s ideal for home or for travel, thanks to 30 days of battery life and an IPX7 waterproof design.) Each set includes four specialized brush heads for: plaque removal, whitening, sensitivity and total clean.
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