2026 is almost here, and Southwest Washington presents an abundance of ways to ring in the new year this week.
From Lewis County to South Thurston County, here are some events to kick off 2026.
To add additional New Year’s events to this list, email news@chronline.com with details, including location, date and time.
Toledo Cheese Ball Drop 2026
Bid farewell to 2025 and count down to 2026 in the cheesiest way possible at Toledo’s giant cheese ball drop. This fun, family friendly community gathering takes place on the riverfront for the countdown to midnight and watch the giant cheese ball drop to mark the start of 2026. The event begins at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the City of Toledo’s website.
New Year’s Eve at White Pass 2026
The White Pass Ski Area is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve party at 9 p.m. Wednesday. The evening includes night skiing, a DJ dance party in the day lodge, night tubing, and skiing and riding lessons.
For more information, visit https://skiwhitepass.com/events/new-years-eve.
Offut Lake Resort Polar Plunge 2026
The Offut Lake Resort north of Tenino will be alive with New Year’s celebrations, including a New York City New Year’s Eve party at the resort and the Lady of the Lake Public House. The resort will also hold its annual polar plunge event on New Year’s morning at 10 am.
Participants in the Offut Lake polar plunge event leap off of the docks on the lake behind the Lady of the Lake Public House Restaurant in groups of 10 to 15 people. After entering the water they make a very brief swim to the nearby boat ramp and exit the water.
For more information on the Offut Lake Polar Plunge 2026 event visit the Offut Lake Resort Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/ydxeedzd or give the resort a call at 360-264-2438.
New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Irish Dreams Motel in Randle 2026
Irish Dreams Motel and Celtic Spirits Speakeasy in Randle are offering a package deal to celebrate the new year with a room for the night plus dinner at the speakeasy. Dinner service begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday with specialty drinks and cocktails, and champagne will be served at 9 p.m. and at the ball drop at midnight.
Celtic Spirits Speakeasy is located at 10023 U.S. Highway 12 in Randle. To book a reservation, call 253-568-0737.
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Centralia Timberland Library 2026
For those interested in celebrating the new year without having to stay up late, the Centralia Timberland Library is hosting a “Noon Year’s Eve Party” at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The library will offer music, sparkling cider, crafts and a photobooth, complete with a countdown to noon.
Centralia Timberland Library is located at 110 S. Silver St.
New Year’s Eve with Exit 88 2026
Get ready for a wild ride of sound, as Rochester-based rock band Exit 88 will perform at McMenamins Olympic Club Wednesday, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show starting at 9 p.m.
Partiers aged 21 and over can enjoy a night packed with dancing and live music, as well as a champagne toast and balloon drop to mark the turn of the new year.
McMenamins Olympic Club is located at 112 N. Tower Ave. in Centralia.
New York New Year’s Eve at Centralia Church of the Nazarene 2026
Join the Centralia Church of the Nazarene for a relaxed New Year’s Eve gathering from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Attendees can enjoy video games, board games and the New York ball drop at 9 p.m. Bring a snack to share, and feel free to invite a friend.
Centralia Church of the Nazarene is located at 1119 W. First St.
New Year’s Eve at Market Street Pub & Grill 2026
Ring in the New Year the pub way — no tickets, no pressure, just good vibes. Beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Market Street Pub & Grill in Chehalis is offering a champagne toast at midnight, a DJ all night, a photo booth, and cold drinks. Market Street Pub & Grill is located at 523 N. Market Blvd in Chehalis.
Washington State Parks’ First Day Hikes 2026
Celebrate the new year with Washington State Parks during its annual First Day Hikes events on Jan. 1. More than 30 state parks across the state will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe treks, trail rides, polar plunges, interpretive activities and more on New Year’s Day.
For a full list of hikes, visit https://tinyurl.com/43wj2xvt.
Second Annual Battle of the Bands at The Juice Box 2026
Get ready to bring in 2026 with a roar, as the second annual Washington Association of Culture and Arts New Year’s Eve Battle of the Bands is back, bigger, louder and ready to shake the walls.
Third Space, Hero, Clear Nothing and Mattress will go head-to-head on the Juice Box stage in an all-out musical showdown. Each band will bring their fiercest set, but only one will earn the honor of helping to ring in the New Year at midnight.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Juice Box is located at 219 S. Tower Ave. in Centralia.
Centralia Rollerdrome
Come celebrate the New Year with two events at the Centralia Rollerdrome. The first will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. New Year’s Eve, and the second is a skate and dance from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Both events will include party favors and a confetti celebration.
For more information, visit centraliarollerdrome.com.
