What to Do in Vancouver, WA This Week: January 2026 News and Events

Welcome to a fresh mid-January in Vancouver, WA, where rainy-day coziness meets crisp Columbia River views. From warm-water swims and open skate sessions to lantern-lit history and neighborhood cocoa tastings, here are the best ways to fill your week. Dress for chill and drizzle, keep an umbrella handy, and build in extra travel time during evening showers.

This Week at a Glance: Jan 12-18

• Tue Jan 13 - Cozy Craft Night at the downtown library: Bring your knitting, sketching, or mending project for a relaxed, drop-in session with tables, power outlets, and tea. Great for teens and adults easing back into routine after the holidays.
• Wed Jan 14 - Waterfront Winter Walk: Take an evening stroll along the riverfront to see seasonal lights reflecting on the water. Family and stroller friendly. Watch for slick spots on boardwalks after showers.
• Thu Jan 15 - Open Skate at Mountain View Ice Arena: Recreational sessions are ideal for beginners and rusty skaters. Helmets and gloves recommended. Check session times before you go and arrive early for rentals.
• Fri Jan 16 - Family Warm-Water Swim at Firstenburg Community Center: A toasty pool evening that is perfect for little ones. Life jackets available and lap lanes typically open for adults.
• Sat Jan 17 - Winter Nature Walk at Vancouver Lake Regional Park: Join a guided bird and wetlands ramble. Bring binoculars if you have them and waterproof footwear for puddles along the shoreline.
• Sat Jan 17 - Lantern-Lit History Stroll at Fort Vancouver: Explore the grounds after dusk with rangers and volunteers sharing wintertime stories of the fur trade and early settlement.
• Sat Jan 17 - Downtown Hot Cocoa Crawl: Independently sample creative cocoa and chai specials at participating cafes and bakeries. A fun way to warm up between errands.
• Sun Jan 18 - Jazz and Brunch by the River: Local musicians pop up at several waterfront eateries during late morning and early afternoon. Call ahead for wait times during peak hours.

Make the Most of the Week

- Getting around: Evening rain can make parking lots and riverfront paths slick. Wear traction shoes and use crosswalks with extra caution at dusk. C-TRAN routes along Mill Plain and Fourth Plain provide frequent service to downtown and the library.

- What to pack: Layer up with a light rain shell, warm hat, and pocket hand warmers for outdoor events. If skating, thin socks work better than bulky ones for rental skates.

- Family tips: Bring a towel and a change of clothes for swim night, and label water bottles. For nature walks, kids love a simple scavenger list like pinecones, heron, cattails, and driftwood.

Neighborhood Notes

- Parks and trails: Winter maintenance is underway on popular paths. If you encounter cones or temporary detours, follow posted signs and give crews space.

- Volunteers needed: Weekend trail stewardship and park cleanups continue through January. Gloves and tools are typically provided for short shifts suitable for teens and adults.

Plan Ahead - Later This Month

Mark your calendar for these January highlights and registration deadlines. Times can shift with weather, so confirm details closer to the date.

• Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day of Service: Many local groups host neighborhood litter pickups, food bank sorting, and schoolyard garden projects. Dress for rain and bring a reusable water bottle.
• Fri Jan 23 - Winter Arts Night at the community center: Family-friendly crafts, student performances, and a mini gallery walk featuring local creators.
• Sat Jan 24 - Guided Nature Walk at Columbia Springs: Explore ponds and forested trails while learning about salmon habitat and winter wildlife behavior.
• Sat-Sun Jan 24-25 - Symphony Weekend at Skyview Concert Hall: A midwinter program featuring classical favorites and a Sunday matinee suitable for first-time attendees.
• Thu Jan 29 - Neighborhood Association Roundtable: Meet-ups for block watch leads and volunteers to share winter preparedness tips and small grant ideas.
• Sat Jan 31 - Community Blood Drive and Wellness Pop-Up: Give blood, grab a blood-pressure screening, and pick up info on free winter fitness classes in February.

Quick Reminders

- Flooded curb lanes are common after heavy showers. Do not attempt to drive through standing water. - Bring cash or a card for small entry fees and rentals at rinks and pools. - If air quality dips due to inversions, consider indoor options like the library, community centers, and galleries.

Have a great week, Vancouver. Share this guide with a neighbor, and we will see you on the trail, at the rink, or warming up with cocoa downtown.