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Events In & Around the Northwest

December 2008 through February 2009

Washington

Bellevue Magic Season

Through 1/4 Downtown Bellevue

Live carolers and drummers line the streets outside Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, Meydenbauer Center hosts a series of holiday performances, and an ice rink welcomes skaters at Bellevue Downtown Park. (425) 453-1223, www.magicseason.com

Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park

Through 1/4 Spanaway Park, Tacoma

Marvel at spectacular displays of holiday lights along a two-mile drive along Spanaway Lake. The Fantasy Lights Walk, a chance to preview the displays, takes place Nov. 23. (253) 798-4176, www.piercecountywa.org

Zoolights

Through 1/4 Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma

More than a half-million holiday lights, along with live music and refreshments, create a merry setting for strolling the grounds and visiting the animals. (253) 591-5337, www.pdza.org

Tacoma RV Show

1/7–1/11 Tacoma Dome

From new model-year vehicles and accessories to the latest on resorts and campgrounds, this show offers the latest and greatest on all things RV. (253) 756-2121, www.otshows.com

Methow Valley Pursuit

1/10–1/11 Methow Valley

The region’s signature Nordic ski event features a classic ski race on Saturday and a skate race on Sunday on courses spanning the length of the valley. (509) 996-3287, www.mvsta.com

Fire and Ice Winterfest

1/16–1/17 Chelan and Manson

The events at this winter festival include snowmobile races, ice sculpting, a chili cook-off and entertainment for all ages. (800) 424-3526, www.lakechelan.com

Tri-Cities Sportsman Show

1/16–1/18 TRAC Center, Pasco

The indoor archery shoot and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations are among the highlights. (509) 697-8208, www.shuylerproductions.com

America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show

1/17–1/18 Clark County Washington Fairgrounds, Ridgefield

Peruse a selection that includes vintage and antique estate jewelry, coin operated machines, toys, furniture and more. (503) 282-0877, www.palmerwirfs.com

Bavarian Ice Fest

1/17–1/18 Downtown Leavenworth

Visitors flock to the streets of Leavenworth for such games and contests as the great Frisbee sweep, snowball toss and the Bavarian mug relay. (509) 548-5807, www.leavenworth.org

Washington Sportsmen’s Show

1/21–1/25 Puyallup Fair and Events Center

Learn about the latest gear and accessories for boating, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. (253) 756-2121, www.otshows.com

Inland Northwest RV Show

1/22–1/25 Spokane Fair and Expo Center

This huge show allows you to meet with factory reps, sign up for special show discounts and peruse a massive selection of RVs spread over 160,000 square feet in eight buildings. (509) 466-4256, www.spokanervshow.com

Hoptoberfest

1/23 Yakima Convention Center

Enjoy a traditional German dinner and Northwest microbrews while meeting luminaries from the hop-growing and beer-brewing industries. (509) 865-4677, www.americanhopmuseum.org

Smucker’s Stars on Ice

1/23 Spokane Arena;
1/24 Key Arena, Seattle

Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen teams with a cast of international figure-skating champions in this touring exhibition. (216) 436-3708, www.starsonice.com

Seattle Boat Show

1/23–2/1 Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle

The 10-day show features more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the newest accessories, while 200 world-class boats are on display on Lake Union. (206) 634-0911, www.seattleboatshow.com

Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival

1/24–1/25 Concrete and Rockport

Seminars and tours focus on bald eagles and their winter habitats in the Skagit Valley. (360) 853-7626, www.skagiteagle.org

Coffee: The World in Your Cup

1/24–6/7 Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle

This new touring exhibit explores the influence of coffee on the environment, culture and economies of the world’s coffee-producing regions. (206) 543-5590, www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/info

Tacoma Home and Garden Show

1/28–2/1 Tacoma Dome

Vendors and seminar leaders provide all the tips and supplies you need to spruce up your home and garden. (253) 756-2121, www.otshows.com

George Balanchine’s Jewels

1/29-2/7, McCaw Hall, Seattle

Pacific Northwest Ballet presents “Emeralds,” “Rubies” and “Diamonds,” George Balanchine’s tribute to three golden eras of dance. (206) 441-2424, www.pnb.org

National Boat Show

1/30–2/8 Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

Scores of vendors will be on hand to show off the latest boats and accessories. (509) 747-4604, www.spokaneboatshow.com

Spokane International Film Festival

2/5-2/15 AMC Theatre at River
Park Square, Spokane

The festival showcases dozens of recent features, documentaries and shorts. (509) 624-2615, www.spokanefilmfestival.org

Asia Pacific New Year Celebration

2/7 Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall

This celebration of the lunar new year features live music, dance, demonstrations and hands-on activities reflecting the diversity of Asia-Pacific cultures. (253) 383-3900, www.asciapacificculturalcenter.org

The Lion King

2/11-3/15 The Paramount Theatre, Seattle

The pulsating rhythms of the Elton John/Tim Rice score bring the jungle to life. (206) 467-5510, www.theparamount.com

Spokane International Auto Show

2/13–2/15 Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

Thirty-six auto manufacturers representing Spokane’s car dealers showcase the latest vehicles and vehicle technology. (509) 467-5138, www.spokaneautoshow.com

Festival Sundiata

2/13–2/16 Seattle Center

The African-American cultural celebration showcases dance, music, arts and more. (206) 329-8086, www.festivalsundiata.org

Ocean Shores Antique and Collectible Show

2/14-2/15 Ocean Shores Convention Center

Now in its seventh year, the show allows visitors to peruse a selection of items ranging from furniture and pottery to dolls and vintage baseball cards. (360) 289-4411, www.oceanshoresact.com.

Red Wine and Chocolate

2/14–2/16 Multiple wineries, Yakima Valley

A single ticket allows visitors to sample red wines paired with chocolate treats at dozens of participating wineries. (800) 258-7270, www.wineyakimavalley.org

Seattle Home Show 2009

2/14–2/22 Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle

More than 600 displays feature home and garden products, while seminars, demonstrations and the model homes round out the offerings. (425) 467-0960, www.seattlehomeshow.com

Chicks on Sticks

2/15 Icicle River Trail, Leavenworth

Female cross-country skiers of all abilities are invited to participate in the 8K race. A portion of the event’s proceeds benefit breast cancer research. (509) 548-5477, www.skileavenworth.com

Northwest Flower and Garden Show

2/18–2/22 Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle

Spectacular display gardens, expert tips and hundreds of vendors make this one of the most popular shows of its kind. Check the show’s Web site for deals at nearby hotels. (206) 789-5333, www.gardenshow.com

Wintergrass Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival

2/19–2/22 Downtown Tacoma

Dozens of artists perform bluegrass and other styles of American roots music in venues throughout downtown Tacoma. (253) 428-8056, www.acousticsound.org

Inland Northwest Motorcycle Show and Sale

2/20–2/22 Spokane Convention Center

See the latest motorcycles and motorcycle accessories and sign up for prize giveaways. (509) 466-4256, www.spokanemotorcycleshow.com

Mystery Weekend 2009

2/21–2/22 Langley

Join throngs of amateur sleuths while scouring the streets of Langley for clues in this year’s whodunit. (360) 221-6765, www.visitlangley.com

Spokane Golf Show

2/21-2/22Spokane Convention Center

A free round of golf with every paid adult admission is reason enough to attend this event, which also offers product displays and instruction on the finer points of the game. (509) 466-0510, www.spokanegolfshow.com

Sewing and Stitchery Expo

2/26-3/1Puyallup Fair and Events Center

Learn intricate techniques in hands-on seminars or simply peruse the selection of supplies and accessories from more than 400 vendors. (253) 445-4632, www.sewexpo.com

Spokane Home and Yard Show

2/26–3/1 Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

The event is known for its garden displays, while vendors and exhibitors showcase the latest in equipment, supplies and design trends. (509) 924-0588, www.custershows.com

CPR Saturday

2/28 Renton Technical College

The free event offers certified training in Adult CPR, taught in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. (206) 726-3534, www.seattleredcross.org

Idaho

McCall Winter Carnival

1/30–2/8 McCall

The winter celebration features a casino night, barbecue, parade, fireworks and “tons of music.” (208) 634-7631, www.mccallwintercarnival.com

Chocolate Walk

2/13 Downtown Coeur d’Alene

Businesses throughout the downtown area offer creative chocolate treats in honor of the season of romance. (208) 415-0116, www.cdadowntown.com

Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest

2/25–2/28 University of Idaho, Moscow

Jazz masters representing many styles lead seminars for school students by day and perform at night. (208) 885-6765, www.uiweb.uidaho.edu

Oregon

River City Bluegrass Festival

1/9–1/11 Oregon Convention Center, Portland

The sounds of bluegrass and other styles of American roots music fill the air in performances and workshops. (503) 282-0877, www.rivercitybluegrass.com

Portland International Auto Show

2/5–2/8 Oregon Convention Center, Portland

Kick a tire or two at this showcase of what’s available in 2009 and see prototypes of vehicles that may roll off the line some day in the future. (800) 251-1563, www.paragonexpo.com

Portland Jazz Festival

2/13–2/22 Portland

McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard and Dianne Reeves are among the artists performing in this year’s festival, which celebrates the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. (503) 228-5299, www.pdxjazz.com

Fisher Poets Gathering

2/27–3/1 Downtown Astoria

Seafaring men and women present poetry, humorous readings, boisterous songs and touching tales of adventure in various venues throughout the former canning capital of the world. (800) 875-6807, www.clatsopcc.edu/fisherpoets

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Dine Out Vancouver

1/14–2/1 Vancouver, B.C.

Many of the city’s finest restaurants offer discounted prices on special three-course dinner menus to showcase their cuisine. (604) 683-2000, www.tourismvancouver.com

Cultural Olympiad 2009

2/1–3/21 Vancouver, B.C.

More than 400 performances take place in 70 venues throughout the city and nearby regions in anticipation of the 2010 Olympic Games. Highlights include headliner Sarah McLachlan in the one-year countdown concert (2/12 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre). www.vancouver2010.com

Whistler Winter Arts Festival

2/1–2/28 Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

The Whistler Arts Council hosts a series of concerts, performances, film screenings, snow sculpting demonstrations and other events in support of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. (604) 938-9221, www.whistlerartscouncil.com

Chinese New Year’s Festival

2/15 Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver, B.C.

Live music, martial arts, calligraphy demonstrations and art exhibitions, in conjunction with the parade through Chinatown, herald the arrival of the new lunar new year. (604) 662-3207, www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

Since events and event details are subject to change, we recommend calling ahead to confirm listing information.