December’s wrapping up — the holidays, the planning, the year-end scramble. But before the world rushes into February, January quietly delivers something better: chances to get out, enjoy good company, and treat yourself to music, wine, theatre, or just a night out in town. And if it’s nice out – enjoy a sunset on your way. They are fabulous here.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit — or a reason to leave the house — here’s what’s happening around town in January 2026. Explore with us!
🗣️Go Out with Friends (with Purpose)
Wednesday, January 7: The House of Smith kicks off 2026 with a new monthly book club night. Bring your book club to a new venue where they pour the wine (and wash the glasses); or bring friends to curl up and read with a good glass.
Wednesday, January 14: Burwood Brewing kicks off puzzle night – for those of you who love finding the big picture. Teams compete to complete a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle first. Prizes and bragging rights are at stake!
🎶 A Month Full of Music (And Venues Worth Visiting)
The Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival returns mid-January with a lineup that turns unexpected spaces into intimate concert halls. Over the course of several nights, you’ll find world-class musicians performing everywhere from wineries to theaters — often paired with wine, conversation, and a smaller-scale experience that feels distinctly Walla Walla.
Highlights include:
- Evening concerts at Gesa Power House Theatre
- A “Tasting Music” series at Foundry Vineyards
- A genre-crossing performance by Sybarite5
- A Beethoven-focused finale that blends classical tradition with modern energy
For classical fans and the classically curious, this is one of the best reasons to plan a January visit.
🎻 Symphony Season Continues
If you’re looking for rich choral music and powerful vocal performances this January, one of the season’s standout events takes place onSunday January 18. As part of the Walla Walla Symphony’s winter season, Still We Sing brings a blend of classical and gospel-inspired music to the valley.
🎭 Local Theatre with Laughs
Looking for something lighthearted? The Little Theatre of Walla Walla closes out the month withLeading Ladies, a fast-paced comedy that’s perfect for a night out that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Pair it with dinner downtown and you’ve got a classic winter evening full of fun and laughter.
🎸 Live Music & More at Gesa Power House Theatre
Gesa Power House Theatre is one of Walla Walla’s winter cultural anchors, bringing stage-worthy performances right into the heart of town. If you’re looking for indoor music events that go beyond the tasting-room circuit, this historic venue delivers big-city energy with local warmth.
🎶 Saturday, January 10 — Amelia Day and The Cloves
Kick off your January concert season with Amelia Day and The Cloves at 7 PM. This Washington-born artist blends folk, rock, and storytelling for an event that’s perfect for a winter weekend date or a night out with friends.
🎸 Thursday, January 29 — International Guitar Night XXVI
Come out for the 26th Anniversary American Tour of International Guitar Night. This celebration of guitar artistry features a global lineup bringing energy to downtown Walla Walla.
🍷 Saturday, January 31 —End January in style with the Almost February Film Feast. Starting at 5:30 PM, enjoy an evening of local culinary delights and wines, followed by a 7 PM short film festival curated around food and community.
Gesa Power House Theatre’s January lineup offers something for everyone. And because these concerts are indoors and ticketed, they make for ideal winter outings — a chance to get out and enjoy live performance without having to fight traffic.
🍇 Sips, Bites, and a January Send-Off
January is the perfect month to slow down, savor, or just celebrate a new year. Saturday, January 31, 2026 gives you a full slate of one-off reasons to get out:
- Southside Snow Day: Wineries & Breweries Open House (1-4 PM) A winter-friendly open house featuring Southside wineries and breweries, with special pours, casual bites, and a come-as-you-are vibe. No pressure, no reservations — just a great excuse to explore places you may have meant to visit all year. Enjoy with or without snow.
- Almost February Film Feast at Gesa Power House Theatre — 5:30 PM. Local food and wine start the evening, followed by a 7 PM short film festival centered on food, creativity, and community. A perfect prelude to February Restaurant Month in Walla Walla, and an easy bridge into the next season of dining out.
- “Fishnets & Fetishes” Burlesque Night at House of Smith Wines — 8:00 PM. Bold, playful, and unapologetically fun. If you’re looking to close January with a little sparkle and surprise, this is your nightcap.
One day, multiple reasons to leave the house. Sip, nibble, laugh, toast — and enjoy the winter valley at its most lively.
🥂 Wineries & Restaurants All Month
- Friday – Saturday, January 16-17 (Friday-Saturday): Lagana Cellars is partnering with The Witlof, a new Basque-Korean (yes!) fusion restaurant, to pair their Walla Walla expertly crafted wines with a 3-course dinner (Friday), or splurge on a 7-course dinner with wine pairings on Saturday. Expect bold flavors paired with beautiful wines for a memorable night out.
- Sunday, January 25: You have been warned,this will sell out. As a warm up for the (also likely to sell out) The Soiree, a benefit gala for cancer research, the annual Signature Cocktails & Bites competition is back! Get your ticket while they last for an evening watching and tasting while Walla Walla’s best bartenders and food truck chefs offer unique cocktails, mocktails, and bites to capture a win.
- ALL JANUARY: And if planning really is not your thing, do not worry. The Marcus Whitman is offering a 3-course prix fixe all month paired with L’Ecole wines. And if you want more wine (an excellent idea), show up early at the hotel and you can sample L’Ecole’s wines in their elegant Heritage Tasting Bar inside the hotel.
- ALL JANUARY (Fridays and Saturdays): And on the same corner as the Marcus Whitman, Spring Valley Vineyards offers a delightful wine tasting paired with fondue.
❄️ Why January Is the Sweet Spot
January in Walla Walla isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing a few things really well.
It’s wine tastings where you can talk to the person pouring. Concerts where you’re close enough to feel part of the performance. Theater nights that feel intimate instead of packed. And dinners where you don’t have to plan weeks ahead.
Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or just looking for a good excuse to go out on a weeknight, January quietly delivers.
We’ll see you out there — coat zipped, glass in hand.