Arts & Entertainment Community
Harbor Happenings | Plunge into 2026
This week we say farewell to 2025 and howdy to 2026 with music, food, champagne and a splash.
Olalla Polar Bear Plunge
Olalla’s annual polar bear plunge starts around noon on New Year’s Day as people from far and near brave the icy waters of Colvos Passage by leaping from the bridge next to the Olalla Bay Market.
The market will be open with hot drinks, good cheer and certificates confirming each jumper’s historic leap.
The 2025 Olalla Polar Bear Plunge. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
Pier into the Night
For those who prefer to stay dry while learning about the critters that call the Salish Sea home, Harbor WildWatch hosts the first Pier into the Night of 2026 at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, on Gig Harbor’s Maritime Pier. Divers with video cameras will livestream what they encounter underwater, projecting the images onto a big screen on the pier.
Gnome hunt is ending
There’s still time to find the gnomes hidden along the downtown waterfront. But hurry – the hunt ends Dec. 31.
Nearly 30 businesses are participating in the find-the-gnomes contest. People who finds them all will win a $50 gift card and an I Love Gig Harbor blanket. Get details here.
Look for these gnomes at downtown businesses.
Live music
What’s New Year’s Eve without music?
Ring in 2026 at the Eagles Club with music by The Profits starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Sparkly attire is encouraged. Tickets are $20 per person for members and their guests. The Eagles Club is located at 4426 Burnham Drive.
Ocean 5 has two New Year’s Eve parties to choose from with music, food and dancing. The upstairs event space has a buffet dinner and dueling pianos with Jeff and Rhiannon from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Or rock away the old year downstairs with My Guilty Pleasure from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Masquerade attire is suggested, but jeans are always in style. Do one party or do them both. Get tickets here.
The Tim Enders band with special guest Doug McGrew rings in the new year at the Floatation Device, 14511 Sherman Drive NW in Purdy.
The Olalla Winery kicks off the 2026 music lineup at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2 with Wildwood Angel playing traditional country hits of Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and more. Tickets are $20.
The Beer Vault, 14004 Purdy Dr., as an open mic at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2. hosted by Shawn Pratt of Northwest Chill. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
At the library
The Gig Harbor Library has a week of activities for all ages starting with a winter diorama-making event geared to elementary-aged kids at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31; a Dungeons and Dragons Club at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan 4; and an Engineering Explorers STEAM gathering at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.
Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to make vision boards at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5. The library is at 4424 Point Fosdick Dr.
At the movies
The Flashback Cinema movie at the Galaxy Theatres in Uptown this weekend, is “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” Showtimes are 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, and noon Sunday, Jan. 4. Flashback movies are just $5.
The Galaxy begins a new series of classic movies Monday, Jan 5 with the original 1954 version of “A Star is Born” starring Judy Garland as a young singer and actress looking for fame. Showtime is 10 a.m. The classic movies are just $5.
Looking ahead
The Gig Harbor Literary Society’s book group meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, to discuss “Sharks in the Time of Saviors” by Kawai Strong Washburn. Book group meetings take place at the Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Drive.
