Republic Winterfest outhouse races are a sight to see.
Photo: Turning Point Photography. All photos courtesy of the RRVCB.
Story sponsored by the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau—Republic, Washington’s much-loved Winterfest returns for 2026 with family-friendly fun and community spirit packed into the second weekend of January. The celebration is set for Friday evening and all day Saturday, Jan. 9–10, with a Friday night light parade to kick things off and a full slate of creative events and contests on Saturday. While this year’s specific schedule is still being finalized and may change, many activities that have been crowd favorites in recent years are expected to return.
In past Winterfests, the light parade down Clark Avenue included locals and visitors alike decking out floats, vehicles and winter gear in colorful lights. Saturday’s lineup historically begins in the late morning and offers free participation in a host of community contests and activities. Fun highlights from previous years have included outhouse races, where teams build and race decorated outhouses down a snowy course; the crowd-pleasing K-9 keg pull that spotlights strong and spirited pups on leashes; boisterous tug-of-war matches; and other outdoor contests that get everyone cheering.
In addition to these lively competitions, Winterfest weekend in years past has also featured safety-manned kids’ zones, creative challenges like chili or snow-sculpture contests, and even whimsical events like Sasquatch calling and book walks. While organizers continue to shape this year’s roster, these activities show the playful, small-town energy that Republic brings to winter celebrations.
Visitors can bundle up and enjoy indoor and outdoor warming spots around town, explore local shops and eateries, and use Winterfest as a jumping-off point for winter recreation in Ferry County—whether that’s snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or a scenic snowshoe or stroll on the nearby Ferry County Rail Trail. Be sure to check official event updates as January approaches, since times and offerings may shift from year to year. Find details about the event at Republicwa.com.
Republic has several lodging options for winter visitors looking to set up basecamp for a night or more in the winter wonderland of this historic mountain town. Learn more about winter adventures in Republic and find lodging and other amenity info at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.
Photo courtesy of Nils Larsen and Altai Skis
Looking for winter adventures around Republic? Check out our guide to cross-country and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Sno-Parks and trails. If snowmobiling is your passion, give our guide to over 200 miles of snowmobile trails around Republic a read.
