Must List: January

Sing Happy Birthday
Lake Quinault Lodge Turns 85
Lake Quinault Lodge in the Olympic National Forest turns 85 this year, and it has a present for you: $85-per-night rates from January 2 through March 12 on lakeside and main lodge rooms. For $85 more, you can repair to the Roosevelt dining room and enjoy a dinner for two, including a bottle of the house red or white from Maryhill Winery. A happy birthday indeed. 866.297.7367; nationalparkreservations.com/olympic_lakequinault.htm

Get Cooking
Fried Chicken & Champagne
Released in November, Seattle chef/caterer Lisa Dupar’s first cookbook, Fried Chicken & Champagne: A Romp Through the Kitchen at Pomegranate Bistro (Southern Accents, $38), showcases her tasty fusion of high-end cuisine and Southern classics. With Dupar’s guidance, dreamy recipes—such as the seafoody Frogmore stew and the chocolate bourbon pecan pie—become realities.

Give a Hoot
Seward Park Owl Prowl
This monthly gathering of all things owl begins with nature facts for kids, children’s book readings and what every party needs: owl pellet dissections. A two-mile guided night hike through the forest follows, during which participants use newfound hooting skills to call down barred owls. 1/22. Times vary. $4. Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S.; 206.652.2444, ext. 103; sewardpark.audubon.org

Hop Across the Pond
Hamlet at National Theatre Live
Take a virtual trip to London with National Theatre Live, a series of theatrical productions recorded live on the esteemed stage and broadcast in high-def at SIFF Cinema. Kicking off the series is none other than Hamlet, directed by award-winning Sir Nicholas Hytner, whose brooding tones (and raingear costuming) pair perfectly with our gray skies. 1/10. 7:30 p.m. $15–$20. SIFF Cinema at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St.; 206.324.9996; siff.net

Blow Your Mind
Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Film Festival
This competitive showcase of 20 original short films (animated and live action) is hosted by EMP/SFM and introduces audiences to quirky androids, dystopian futures, self-loathing Trekkies and dysfunctional aliens, to name a few. A panel of industry pros, including Seattle’s own Lindy West, Barbara Brown and Ben Kasulke, will determine which weirdness wins. 1/29. 4 p.m. $9–$15. Cinerama Theatre, 2100 Fourth Ave.; 206.770.2702; empsfm.org