If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than a few winters, you know that January is basically a test of human endurance. It’s gray. It’s damp. The sun is a myth.
But then, usually right around mid-January, something weirdly magical happens at the 5th Avenue Theatre. A few thousand people—some dressed as goats, others as nuns, and a surprising number in drapes—descend on downtown. They aren’t there for a protest or a tech conference. They’re there to scream-sing "The Lonely Goatherd" at the top of their lungs.
Honestly, the Sound of Music sing along Seattle tradition is one of those things that sounds a little cheesy until you’re actually sitting there with a goody bag in your lap. It is pure, unadulterated joy. If you’re looking for a way to break the winter blues, this is it.
What Actually Happens at These Things?
You might think you’re just going to watch a movie. You’re not. It’s a four-hour marathon of interactive theater where the audience is the main character.
Before the film even starts, there’s a host who warms up the crowd. They teach you how to use the "fun pack" (more on that in a second) and lead a vocal warm-up. You’ll practice your hisses for the Baroness and your "awwws" for Gretl.
Then comes the costume contest. People in Seattle do not play around when it comes to costumes. I’ve seen entire families dressed as the hills—literally, green felt with little plastic trees glued on. I’ve seen "Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings" (which is basically just a cardboard box with a ribbon, but hey, it works).
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The screening itself is the 1965 classic in full-screen Technicolor. The lyrics are on the screen, but let’s be real: most of the crowd knows every word to "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" by heart.
The 2026 Schedule and Venue
For 2026, the tradition continues at the 5th Avenue Theatre. It’s the perfect spot for it because the architecture is so ornate it almost feels like you’re inside an Austrian palace anyway.
The dates for the 2026 run are:
- Saturday, January 17: Shows at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Sunday, January 18: Show at 12:00 PM.
Ticket prices usually hover between $40 and $50, which includes your prop bag. Pro tip: The 6:00 PM show on Saturday tends to be the rowdiest (in a fun way), while the Sunday matinee is packed with kids.
Decoding the Magic Moments Fun Pack
When you walk in, you get a tote bag. This is your survival kit for the next four hours. If you’ve never been, the items might seem random, but they all have a specific "trigger" in the movie.
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Basically, the host will explain it, but here’s the gist:
- Bubbles: You blow these when Maria is spinning on the mountain during the opening title.
- Confetti Poppers: These are for the "Big Kiss" between Maria and the Captain. The theater turns into a glitter bomb.
- Edelweiss: Usually a silk flower to wave during the Captain's emotional song.
- Invitations: Sometimes there's a card to wave when the "party" scenes happen.
It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s also surprisingly emotional when 2,000 people hit the high note in "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" together.
Is It Weird to Go Alone?
Short answer: No.
I see people asking this on Reddit every single year. The vibe is so communal that you aren't really "alone" once the music starts. You’re part of a giant, singing hive mind. You’ll be hissing at Nazis and cheering for puppet shows with the person sitting next to you regardless of whether you came with them or not.
Real Talk: The "Drapes" Costume Hack
If you want to participate in the costume contest but have zero sewing skills, do the "Curtain" look. Maria famously makes play clothes for the kids out of the old drapes in her room.
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Buy a cheap, ugly floral bedsheet from a thrift store. Cut a hole in the middle for your head. Tie it with a rope. Boom. You’re a Von Trapp child.
If you want to go more "high fashion," I’ve seen people come as "Ray, a Drop of Golden Sun" wearing all yellow sequins. The creativity is half the fun.
What to Know Before You Go
It’s long. The whole experience, including the contest and intermission, is about 4 hours.
Don’t expect a quiet movie experience. People will talk, people will sing, and people will definitely yell things at the screen. If you’re a purist who wants to appreciate the cinematography in silence, stay home and watch your 4K Blu-ray.
Also, the 5th Avenue Theatre has a lot of stairs, especially if you’re up in the mezzanine. If you have mobility issues, make sure you call the box office ahead of time to get seated on the main floor.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to join the hills, here is how to handle the logistics:
- Book your tickets now. These shows almost always sell out by the first week of January. Check the 5th Avenue Theatre website or authorized sellers like StubHub.
- Plan your outfit. If you're going the DIY route, start scouring Goodwill for "curtain" fabrics or nun-adjacent black robes.
- Warm up the pipes. Maybe listen to the soundtrack on your commute for a week. You don't want to lose your voice halfway through Act II.
- Arrive early. The costume contest starts right at the ticketed time, and the line to get through security and grab your fun pack can be long. Give yourself at least 45 minutes.
Go ahead and lean into the kitsch. It’s the best way to survive a Seattle winter.