A&E Briefs — Jan. 7, 2026
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Writers Read event
The Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., will host its first Writers Read of 2026, a collaboration with the Olympic Peninsula Authors (OPA), on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 2-3 p.m. The theme will be “Expectations?”
In 2026, what do we hope for? What do we fear repeating? And how do we greet a fresh calendar when the pages are still blank? Come spend an hour listening to thoughtful readings, contemplating what lies ahead, and finding inspiration in how others are meeting the year before them.
This Writers Read event is free and the public is welcome.
The Blue Whole Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and closed on Sundays in January. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.
Talent try-outs
The City of Sequim invites community members of all ages to audition for “Shine On, Sequim!,” a new talent competition taking place as part of the 2026 Sequim Sunshine Festival from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. This event gives amateur talent acts the chance to shine on the festival stage, celebrate local creativity, and compete for prizes.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Guy Cole Event Center at Carrie Blake Park. The purpose of the auditions is to confirm that acts are eligible, family-friendly, and prepared for a live stage environment. Solo and group acts are welcome. Talent acts must be amateurs who do not earn income from performing.
Eligible audition participants will be randomly selected within youth and adult categories to fill performance slots. The selected talent acts will take the stage at the festival inside a heated tent. Audience members will vote for their favorite youth and adult talent acts.
For complete details and the audition application, visit sequimsunshinefestival.com. Audition applications must be submitted by Jan. 12. Anyone with questions can contact Parks and Events Specialist Carrie Kann at ckann@sequimwa.gov or 360-582-2454.
Friends sale this weekend
Friends of Sequim Library will host its monthly sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at its store in Rock Plaza at 10175 Old Olympic Hwy. Organizers said there is a large selection of DVDs in all genres priced at $1 unless otherwise marked, with books $1 each unless otherwise marked. Current fiction books from 2022-2025 are $3 each, and CDs four for $1. Proceeds support programs and other expenses with the Sequim Library.
Dance fundraiser
The Port Townsend High School Orchestra will host a Community Dance Fundraiser on Friday, Jan. 9 at the American Legion Hall, located at 209 Monroe St. in downtown Port Townsend across from Pope Marine Park. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with dancing from 7-9 p.m.
Two groups of high school students will provide fun dance tunes throughout the evening.
Experienced caller Dave Thielk calls squares, circles, mixers and reels that appeal to beginners and experienced dancers alike. On any one evening, dancers can expect a rich variety of traditional figures.
All experience levels are welcome, and all dances are taught. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person, but no one will be turned away at the door. Come alone, with a friend, with a partner, or with the family.
