May 2026
concerts
| Concerts | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| May 31 | Brandi Carlile | Gorge |
| May 31 | Ladytron | Neptune |
| June 4 | Louis Tomlinson | Climate Pledge |
| June 5 - 6 | Rüfüs Du Sol | Gorge |
| June 6 - 7 | Bob Dylan | Chateau Ste. M |
| June 8 | Human League | Marymoor |
| more concerts | ||
Seattle events May 2026
Teenage party FREE
May 1, 2026 (7 to 10 p.m.)
Downtown (0.4 miles SW)
Teen Night Out is a party “planned by teens and designed for teens” from age 13 to 19, with DJ music, art-making activities, a fashion show, in-gallery Bingo games, and parachute time at Seattle Art Museum, 1300 1st Ave. for ages 14 to 19.
Party at UW
May 1, 2026
(4.4 miles NE)
The $43 Party on the Cut has live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and lawn games in parking lot E12 near Husky Climbing Rock, Montlake Blvd. NE in Seattle.. You can take Link Light Rail to University of Washington station. Bring age 21+ ID. No pets.
Restaurant week
May 1 - 2, 2026
Seattle & Eastside
Get a special deal at 220 restaurants (from Seattle to Issaquah, and Edmonds to Rainier Beach) during Seattle Restaurant Week. To see a restaurant’s specials, scroll down the page and click its name. Held in the spring and fall.
Printing festival FREE
May 1 - 2, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tacoma (34 miles S)
Meet printers, make paper creations, and watch steamrollers print art during Tacoma Wayzgoose at Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S in Tacoma.
Adult art
May 1 - 3, 2026 (12 to 4 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1.2 miles NW)
Seattle Erotic Art Festival is an uncensored collection of art, films, and live performances at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St. in Seattle. Pan Eros Film Festival is Sat. & Sun. at nearby SIFF Film Center. Must be age 18+ or 21+ depending on the date.
Black film festival
May 1 - 3, 2026 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Central District (1.7 miles SE)
Seattle Black Film Festival “features film screenings, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and in-depth chats with filmmakers” at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave. S, Seattle.
RV show
May 1 - 3, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Puyallup (37 miles S)
See the latest recreational vehicles at Puyallup RV Show at Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW in Puyallup. Your children age 17 and younger are free. Wear sunscreen.
Irrigation festival FREE
May 1 - 9, 2026
Sequim (67 miles NW via ferry)
Billed as the state’s oldest festival, Sequim Irrigation Festival has an art walk, a family day and kids’ parade, arts and crafts, a breakfast, a walking tour, a car show, and a grand parade, mostly near Sequim Civic Center, 152 W Cedar St. in Sequim. Schedule.
Apple Blossom Festival FREE
May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027
Wenatchee (148 miles E)
Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in Eastern Washington has entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, carnival rides, an arts & crafts fair, a car parade (Fri. 6 p.m.), a car show (Sat.), and a grand parade (Sat. 11 a.m.) in and around Memorial Park, 2 S. Chelan Ave. in Wenatchee. Schedule.
Celebrate Mexico FREE
May 2, 2026 (11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.)
Beacon Hill (3.3 miles SE)
Enjoy Mexican food for sale, live music (until 5 p.m.), children’s activities, and a craft fair at Cinco de Mayo Celebration sponsored by El Centro de la Raza at Plaza Roberto Maestas, 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St. in Seattle.
Boat parade FREE
May 2, 2026 (noon)
University District (4 miles NE)
Watch boats cruise through the Montlake Cut near the University of Washington on Opening Day. You can take Link Light Rail to the University of Washington station, and then walk to Lake Washington Ship Canal Waterside Trail or other viewing locations.
Rowing races FREE
May 2, 2026
University District (4 miles NE)
Cheer for crew teams racing through the Montlake Cut during the Windermere Cup. You can take Link Light Rail to the University of Washington station, and then walk to Lake Washington Ship Canal Waterside Trail or other viewing locations.
May Day FREE
May 2, 2026 (1 to 7 p.m.)
Wallingford (4.8 miles N)
Celebrate spring by playing games, hearing live music, and dancing around the Maypole at the May Day Celebration and Potluck at Meridian Playground, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N in Seattle. Bring a potluck dish, non-alcoholic beverages, and flowers for making head wreaths.
Outdoor craft market
May 2, 2026 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Mountlake Terrace (18 miles N)
Making Local has 50 vendors of gifts, food, clothing, art, pottery, jewelry, plants, home goods, and candles at Mountlake Terrace City Hall, 23204 58th Ave. W in Mountlake Terrace.
Tasting in Mill Creek
May 2, 2026 (4 to 7 p.m.)
Mill Creek (21 miles N)
A $40 ticket to Beer & Wine Walk includes a glass and 8 tickets for tastes of beer and wine in the shops at Mill Creek Town Center, 15115 Main St. in Bothell for age 21+. Held in May and September.
Obstacle race
May 2 - 3, 2026
Snohomish (33 miles NE)
Run 5K or 10K and conquer 20 obstacles on Seattle North Spartan Event Weekend at Meadow Wood Equestrian Center, 18601 Sky Meadows Lane in Snohomish. No pets.
Tacoma races
May 2 - 3, 2026
Tacoma (39 miles S)
Tacoma City Marathon includes multiple races: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and marathon relay. Sunday races go over the Narrows Bridge. All races end at Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park, 5361 Yacht Club Road in Tacoma.
Tour art studios on Vashon FREE
May 2 - 10, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Vashon Island (19 miles SW via ferry)
Drive aboard a ferry boat to visit 43 studios and galleries representing 140 artists during the weekend Vashon Island Visual Artists Studio Tour.
J.C. Superstar
May 2 - 17, 2026 (7 p.m.)
Downtown (0.2 miles SE)
Jesus Christ Superstar is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s epic rock musical with unforgettable songs, high-energy dancing, and powerful storytelling at The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave. in Seattle. Depicts violence and suicide.
Ride a mini train FREE
May 2 - Oct. 31, 2026 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Skykomish (66 miles NE)
On Saturdays, take a 10-minute ride on a miniature train over a bridge and through a tunnel, and then visit the gift shop at Great Northern & Cascade Railway, 101 5th St. N in pretty Skykomish. (Or see the schedule for Kitsap Live Steamers in Port Orchard.)
Jazz FREE
May 3, 2026 (6 to 8 p.m.)
First Hill (0.9 miles E)
Seattle Jazz Vespers features the five members of Jake Bergevin Quintet playing the trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums at Seattle First Baptist, 1111 Harvard Ave. in Seattle. Parking.
Japanese children’s day FREE
May 3, 2026 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Central District (2.1 miles SE)
Children’s Day Festival (Kodomo no Hi) includes martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, tea ceremony demonstrations, and local food vendors at Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington, 1414 S Weller St. in Seattle.
Cinco de Mayo in a casino
May 3, 2026 (7 p.m.)
Snoqualmie (27 miles E)
Your ticket to Machos, Tacos & Tequila includes 4 chicken tacos, a signature drink, and live Mexican wrestling at Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 SE North Bend Way in Snoqualmie for age 21+.
Outerspace scientist
May 6, 2026 (7:30 p.m.)
Downtown (0.3 miles NE)
Popular science advocate Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson gives a talk about “Science as a Way of Knowing” at The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St. in Seattle.
Eastside wine tasting
May 6, 2026 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Issaquah (16 miles E)
A $60 ticket to Grape Escape includes 10 bites from local restaurants or samples from local wineries, plus a silent auction at Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. NW in Issaquah. Bring age 21+ ID.
African dance
May 6, 2026 (7 p.m.)
Federal Way (23 miles S)
Step Afrika does energetic percussive dance using kicks, stomps, claps, and chants while integrating songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation at Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way.
Dancing to American music
May 7 - 9, 2026
University District (4.6 miles NE)
Witness technical expertise, unique artistry, and signature use of live music when Mark Morris Dance Group of Brooklyn performs Dances to American Music: Soul of America at Meany Center for the Performing Arts, 4040 George Washington Lane NE in Seattle.
Beer week
May 7 - 16, 2026 (12 to 10 p.m.)
Seattle (multiple locations)
Bars and breweries host dozens of beer-tasting and food-pairing events during Seattle Beer Week.
Seattle film festival
May 7 - 17, 2026
Seattle (multiple locations)
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) screens “the best in independent films from around the globe.” Parties on opening night and closing night (SOLD OUT) are for age 21+.
Film party
May 8, 2026
Tacoma (34 miles S)
Watch 31 short films produced in only three days by local teams at the The 253 Short Film Party, “a lively party with audience voting, door prizes, a photo booth, and local food and drinks for purchase” at Urban Grace, 902 Market St. in Tacoma. [Click the “7:00 PM” on their web page to buy tickets.]
Nature in Central Washington
May 8 - 10, 2026 (6 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Ellensburg (112 miles E)
Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe has guided nature walks, bird watching, science booths with live reptiles (Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), field trips, paddle boarding, float trips, and even windmill tours (Sun.) on the drier side of the state. Event locations include Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center (located in Helen McCabe State Park), 24343 Canyon Road in Ellensburg.
Contemporary dance
May 8 - 16, 2026 (8 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1.3 miles NW)
Seven local dancers of Whim W’Him perform works created by “three acclaimed choreographers” in the show Spring ‘26 at Cornish Playhouse, 201 Mercer St. in Seattle.
Opera
May 8 - 17, 2026 (2 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1.2 miles NW)
Carmen is Bizet’s classic opera about a hot-tempered Spanish gypsy woman who seduces a corporal, performed in French with English subtitles by Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St. in Seattle.
Camano artist tour FREE
May 8 - 17, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Camano Island (66 miles N)
Camano Island Studio Tour is a self-guided tour of 24 art studios and galleries, including Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way on Camano Island. This island does not require taking a ferry boat.
Chinese festival FREE
May 9, 2026 (10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1 mile NW)
Enjoy Chinese food, music, arts & crafts, painting, calligraphy, and traditional clothing during A Glimpse of China at Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St. in Seattle. The art exhibition is upstairs.
Wine walk
May 9, 2026
Queen Anne (2.2 miles NW)
“Queen Anne merchants host pop-up tastings with local boutique Pacific Northwest wineries” during $40 Queen Anne Spring Wine Walk, which begins at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 1818 Queen Anne Ave. N in Seattle. No pets or children.
Aerial show
May 9, 2026 (8 to 9:30 p.m.)
SoDo (2.8 miles S)
Silver Foxes: The Eras Tour features aerial artists age 45+ performing acts that celebrate each decade of history with heartfelt storytelling, humor, and fearless physicality at Emerald City Trapeze Arts, 2702 6th Ave. S in Seattle. Drinks & snacks for sale.
Neighborhood street fair FREE
May 9, 2026 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Beacon Hill (3.3 miles SE)
Beacon Arts Street Fair is a relaxed monthly gathering with live music, an art market, food vendors, and family activities located in the plaza outside El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave. S in Seattle.
Run in the U District
May 9, 2026
University District (4 miles NE)
Beat the Bridge includes an 8K run, a 3-mile walk, and a 1-mile fun run that begin on Montlake Boulevard, cross over University Bridge, and end on the field of Husky Stadium. See street closures. No pets. Register in the West Concourse of Husky Stadium, 3800 Montlake Blvd. NE in Seattle. Montlake Bridge closes at 7:45 a.m. for almost two hours.
Annual garage sale FREE
May 9, 2026
West Seattle (6 miles SW)
West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day typically has 500 homes participating.
Bird day FREE
May 9, 2026 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Seward Park (6.5 miles SE)
Explore interactive displays, watch short screenings, and get hands-on with activities for all ages during World Migratory Bird Day at Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S in Seattle.
Eastside plant sale FREE
May 9, 2026 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Bellevue (12 miles E)
Buy vegetable starts (tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, peppers, eggplant, squash) and ornamental plants (annuals, perennials, grasses, herbs, shrubs) at Spring Plant Sale, shop at the flea market, and get your plant questions answered at Bellevue Demonstration Garden, 15500 SE 16th St. in Bellevue.
Dog walk in Sammamish
May 9, 2026 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Issaquah (15 miles SE)
Walk n Wag includes a 3K walk, vendor booths, activities, entertainment, and a pet show at Lake Sammamish State Park to raise funds for improving the park. Parking is $10 unless you have a Discover Pass.
Outdoor art fair FREE
May 9, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Edmonds (17 miles N)
Shop from 100 local artists and food trucks at Edmonds Spring Fest by Urban Craft Uprising, on the lawn at Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St. in Edmonds. Vendors.
Edmonds jazz festival FREE
May 9, 2026
Edmonds (18 miles N)
Hear top student musicians performing at Edmonds Jazz Connection in three Edmonds locations, including Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave. N in Edmonds. Donation.
- Edmonds Center for the Arts — big bands
- Edmonds Theater — combos
- Francis Anderson Center — choral groups
Tasting in North Bend
May 9, 2026 (6 to 9 p.m.)
North Bend (30 miles E)
A ticket to Sip, Suds & Si includes a glass and 10 tasting tickets for wine, beer, and spirits in North Bend shops, with live music, for age 21+. Check in begins 5 p.m. at Northwest Railway Museum, 205 E McClellan St. in North Bend. Held in May and September.
Tasting in Puyallup
May 9, 2026
Puyallup (32 miles S)
Sip features wine, beer, cider, and music at 20 shops in downtown Puyallup for age 21+. Your ticket includes a glass and 10 tastes. Check in is located at the parking lot of Smile Solutions, 109 N Meridian in Puyallup. Held in May and September.
Reptile show
May 9, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Monroe (33 miles NE)
See frogs, snakes, geckos, and other exotic creatures at Seattle Metro Reptile Expo, with educational tables and vendors at Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE in Monroe. Children age 5 and younger are free.
Toy show
May 9, 2026 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Puyallup (37 miles S)
Shop from 250 vendors of vintage and modern toys, comics, and collectibles at the Washington State Toy Show at Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW in Puyallup. Admission costs less after 10 a.m. Children age 12 and younger are free. Held in May and November.
Whidbey Island festival FREE
May 9, 2026
Coupeville (58 miles NW via ferry)
Penn Cove Water Festival in quaint Coupeville has tribal canoe races, native arts and crafts, food, dance, music, traditional storytelling, and children’s activities near Coupeville Wharf, 24 Front St. NW in Coupeville. Schedule.
Flowers at the market FREE
May 9 - 10, 2026 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Downtown (0.3 miles SW)
Shop for Mother’s Day flowers during the Flower Festival, when 35 local farmers sell bouquets and musicians perform under the clock at Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St. in Seattle.
Mother’s Day cruise
May 9 - 10, 2026
Eastlake (1.3 miles N)
Enjoy a Mother’s Day Cruise with a meal on Lake Union, departing from Chandler’s Cove, 901 Fairview Ave. N in Seattle.
Book fair FREE
May 9 - 10, 2026 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Central District (1.5 miles SE)
Seattle Art Book Fair celebrates independent publishing, book design, and artist books with talks, activities, art installations, and 80 exhibitors at Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave. in Seattle. Masks required until noon. Launch party on Friday night.
Family ballet
May 9 - 10, 2026 (1 p.m.)
Bellevue (11 miles E)
Designed for children ages 3 to 10, Alice in Wonderland “is a stimulating experience in the magical world of live theatre and dance” at Meydenbauer Center, 11000 NE 6th St. in Bellevue.
Bonsai garden day
May 9 - 10, 2026 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Federal Way (25 miles S)
See hundreds of bonsai on display, watch live bonsai demonstrations, talk to bonsai artists, join a tour, and shop from food trucks during BonsaiFest at Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S 336th St. in Federal Way. Suggested donation.
Bavarian festival FREE
May 9 - 10, 2026
Leavenworth (117 miles E)
Maifest has European folk music, Tyrolean dancers, yodelers, a grand march (Sat. at noon), and a Sunday run at Front Street Park, 820 Front St. in Leavenworth.
Musical cabaret
May 9 - June 6, 2026 (7 & 9 p.m)
Ballard (5 miles NW)
Seattle Cabaret Festival features artists who perform “rock, blues, opera, a cappella, political satire, folk, French chansons, and their own singer-songwriter material” at Egan's Ballard Jam House, 1707 NW Market St. in Seattle. Each show is sold separately. Schedule.
Mother’s Day comedy
May 10, 2026 (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Downtown (0.4 miles SW)
Laugh about motherhood at the $23 Mother’s Day Improv Show, which features improvised comedy at Unexpected Productions Improv, 1428 Post Alley in Seattle.
Mother’s Day restaurants
May 10, 2026
multiple locations
See the restaurants recommended by these websites for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Movie: Mamma Mia
May 10, 2026 (4 p.m.)
Central District (1.9 miles E)
Meryl Streep is a free-spirited mother singing and dancing at her daughter's wedding in Mamma Mia, which is $12 at quirky Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave. in Seattle. Click the red “4:00 PM” and then “Continue as guest.”
1990s sing along
May 14, 2026 (8 to 10:45 p.m.)
Central District (1.9 miles E)
The Totally ‘90s Sing Along projects 30 subtitled music videos on screen so you can sing along to NSYNC, TLC, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, and the Spice Girls at Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave. in Seattle. To buy a $17 ticket, click “8:00” on their page, and then “Continue As Guest.”
Eastside wine tasting
May 14, 2026 (5:30 p.m., VIP 4 p.m.)
Bellevue (9.2 miles E)
A $45 ticket to Old Bellevue Wine Walk gets you a souvenir wine glass and 12 tasting tickets to redeem in shops. Check in locations include 520 Bar & Grill, 10146 Main St. in Bellevue. Held in spring and fall. No children or pets.
UW dance show
May 14 - 17, 2026
University District (4.6 miles NE)
Graduate students studying dance wrote new dance works that will be performed by 60 undergraduate dancers at MFA Dance Concert in Meany Center for the Performing Arts, 4040 George Washington Lane NE in Seattle.
Jazz & wine in Chelan
May 14 - 17, 2026
Chelan (180 miles E)
Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival “showcases internationally acclaimed jazz artists and celebrates wonderful wineries” with 35 performances at wineries and venues around the lake for pass holders.
Party at MoPop
May 15, 2026 (7 to 10:30 p.m.)
Seattle Center (0.9 miles NW)
Celebrate a new photography exhibition at $45 Rebels + Icons Opening Party when MoPop “transforms into a pulsing atmosphere of soft seating clusters, turntables galore, a live graffiti artist, and vintage amplifiers” at Museum of Pop Culture, 325 5th Ave. N in Seattle for age 21+.
West Seattle wine tasting
May 15, 2026
West Seattle (6.6 miles SW)
A $45 ticket to West Seattle Wine Walk gets you a glass and 14 tastes of wine in shops at West Seattle Junction, beginning at John L. Scott, 4445 California Ave. SW in Seattle. Bring age 21+ ID. Held in May and September.
Geeky art fair
May 15 - 16, 2026 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tacoma (35 miles S)
GeekCraft Expo is a curated market of handmade “things to complement your geeky lifestyle” at Tacoma Armory, 1001 S Yakima Ave. in Tacoma.
Viking festival FREE
May 15 - 17, 2026
Poulsbo (22 miles NW via ferry)
Viking Fest celebrates Scandinavian heritage in Poulsbo with a carnival, food & craft vendors, and music on car-free streets surrounding Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, 18809 Anderson Pkwy in Poulsbo. Saturday events include a road race and a parade (2 p.m.).
African festival FREE
May 16, 2026 (1 to 9 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1 mile NW)
Spirit of Africa Festival offers music and dance performances, a fashion show, a crafts marketplace, and food vendors in the Armory at Seattle Center. Learn more.
Theater party
May 16, 2026 (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1.4 miles NW)
Dinner tickets are sold out, but you can still get a $75 ticket to the after-dinnery party called Revelry After Hours, which includes “mouth-watering signature cocktails, tasty light bites, photo ops, special guests, and surprises” with DJ dance music at Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. in Seattle.
Polish festival FREE
May 16, 2026 (12 to 4 p.m.)
Capitol Hill (1.8 miles NE)
Pierogi Fest features pierogi dumplings (choice of meat, potato & cheese, sauerkraut & mushroom, sweet cheese, blueberry), Polish hot dogs, Polish beer, soft drinks, pastries, clothing, and a Polish choir (1:30 p.m.) at Polish Cultural Center, 1714 18th Ave. in Seattle.
Night market FREE
May 16, 2026 (6 to 10 p.m.)
Columbia City (5.5 miles SE)
Monthly Columbia City Night Market has 8 food trucks, 20 makers and vendors, live music, and a beer garden on 37th Avenue S. (from S. Ferdinand to S. Edmunds). Walk 10 minutes from Columbia City rail station to 4850 37th Ave. S in Seattle.
Seattle walk FREE
May 16, 2026 (8 a.m.)
Shoreline (9.2 miles N)
Walk all or just part of the 24-mile Seattle Super Saunter that goes the entire length of Seattle from north to south. It’s an informal event that begins at a light rail station — Shoreline South/148th Station, 5th Ave. NE in Shoreline.
Roller derby
May 16, 2026
Lynnwood (16 miles N)
Watch the women of Jet City Roller Derby play exciting games at 5 & 7 p.m., with food for sale and a beer garden at Edmonds Community College in Seaview Gym, 200th St. SW in Lynnwood. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Big trucks for kids FREE
May 16, 2026 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Sammamish (21 miles E)
“Come visit and interact with more than 20 service vehicles and personnel” (fire engine, aid car, state patrol car, backhoe, etc.) during Rig-A-Palooza. Also visit the bouncy houses and food trucks at Sammamish Commons Plaza, 801 228th Ave. SE in Sammamish.
Garden festival
May 16, 2026 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Federal Way (26 miles S)
See the blue poppy meadow in bloom, shop from artists, visit a food truck, and hear live music during Blue Poppy Day at Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 2525 S 336th St. in Federal Way. Children age 12 and younger are free.
Touch-a-Truck FREE
May 16, 2026 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Federal Way (27 miles S)
Touch-a-Truck is a family event where kids “explore the vehicles and equipment that build, serve, and protect our community, from ambulances and service vehicles to big rigs and tractors” at Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, 36201 Enchanted Pkwy S in Federal Way.
Pet festival FREE
May 16, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Auburn (31 miles S)
Bring your leashed pet to Petpalooza for a fun run (9:30 a.m.), pet contests, flying dogs, vendors, adoptions, and an agility area at Game Farm Park, 3030 R St. SE in Auburn.
Dragon boats in Tacoma FREE
May 16, 2026
Tacoma (35 miles S)
Watch dozens of teams race in long boats that hold 20 paddlers at Rainier Dragon Boat Festival, with opening ceremony at 8 a.m., first race at 8:30 a.m., last race at 4:21 p.m., and vendors of food and crafts at Thea’s Park, 535 Dock St. in Tacoma. See parking instructions.
Fairy festival FREE
May 16, 2026 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Tacoma (38 miles S)
Spring Fairy Festival is an indoor/outdoor street fair with 100 artists, craft vendors, dancers, magicians, musicians, and costumed fairies & elves that are indoors and outdoors at Crescent Moon Gifts, 6901 6th Ave. in Tacoma.
Beer & cider
May 16, 2026 (12 to 5 p.m.)
Gig Harbor (43 miles SW)
A $45 ticket to Gig Harbor Beer and Cider Festival includes 10 samples of beer or cider from Northwest craft brewers plus live music for age 21+. Located at the pavilion at Uptown Gig Harbor, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive in Gig Harbor. No pets.
Working boats FREE
May 16 - 17, 2026 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Westlake (1.3 miles N)
The Classic Workboat Show features tours of classic and modern working boats (tugboats, fishing boats, and emergency response vessels), a chance to meet their owners, and engine demonstrations at Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N in Seattle.
University street fair FREE
May 16 - 17, 2026 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
University District (4.6 miles NE)
Kick off street-fair season at the laid-back U District Street Fair, with 250 arts & crafts booths on car-free University Way NE (from NE 41st to NE 50th). Enjoy entertainment, beer gardens, 50 food trucks & booths, and a kids’ zone.
Gemstones & fossils
May 16 - 17, 2026 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Sand Point (7.6 miles NE)
Shop from 60 sellers of minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, and mineral art at the $7 Seattle Mineral Market in Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park, 6310 NE 74th St. in Seattle. Free for children age 14 and younger.
South Sound family fair FREE
May 16 - 17, 2026 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Olympia (58 miles S)
Lacey Spring Fun Fair has entertainment, a circus train, free rides, a giant slide, vendors, food, kids’ activities, fire trucks, a Saturday science fair, and a Sunday car show at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia. Expect lines for rides. No pets.
Powwow FREE
May 16 - 17, 2026
Mount Vernon (64 miles N)
Immerse yourself in native culture, including costume, dance, food, and crafts at All My Relations Powwow at Skagit Valley College, 2405 E College Way in Mount Vernon. The highlight is the grand entry (Sat. 6 p.m. & Sun. noon).
Soccer
May 16, 2026 - April 16, 2027
Pioneer Square (1.3 miles S)
Watch the Seattle Sounders play a home game at Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S in Seattle.
Norwegian day FREE
May 17, 2026
Ballard (5.5 miles NW)
Celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day at the 17th of May Festival in Ballard with events that include a beer hall, a luncheon, live music, an open house, and a 4 p.m. parade that has marching bands, drill teams, and Norwegians in costume.
Eastside African festival FREE
May 17, 2026 (2 to 6 p.m.)
Bellevue (11 miles E)
Sawubona Festival offers “live performances of dance, music, and poetry, with a children’s corner, vendors, and a Q&A panel of community members” at Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE in Bellevue. Go to the third floor of Building U.
Bulldozer day
May 17, 2026 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Puyallup (37 miles S)
Children can watch and even operate heavy construction equipment on Dozer Day, which also has police cars and fire engines on display at Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW in Puyallup. Buy tickets online, with last entry at 1 p.m.
Southern Italian band
May 20, 2026 (7:30 p.m.)
First Hill (0.5 miles SE)
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino performs with music, dance, and vocals at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave. in Seattle. See the free tickets for age 22 and younger.
Eastside party
May 21, 2026
Newcastle (14 miles SE)
A $79 ticket to Best of 425 includes a glass of champagne, heavy appetizers, and an awards ceremony for best of the Eastside as selected by Best of 425 magazine. If weather permits, this event is both indoors and outdoors at The Golf Club at Newcastle, 15500 Six Penny Lane in Newcastle.
Tacoma museum night FREE
May 21, 2026
Tacoma
The third Thursday of the month is free.
- Foss Waterway Seaport (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Museum of Glass (5 to 8 p.m.)
- Tacoma Art Museum (5 to 8 p.m.)
- Wash. State History Museum (3 to 8 p.m.)
Trapeze show
May 21 - 22, 2026 (8 p.m.)
SoDo (2.8 miles S)
The annual Protégé Show features advanced students performing a diverse array of aerial arts, including high-flying trapeze, juggling, and unicycling at Emerald City Trapeze Arts, 2702 6th Ave. S in Seattle for all ages.
Folklife music and dance
May 22 - 25, 2026 (12 to 6:30 p.m.)
Lower Queen Anne (0.8 miles NW)
Northwest Folklife Festival celebrates traditional arts with dance and musical performances, workshops, and panels from around the world at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. Visit food vendors and two beer gardens open to all ages. Suggested donation. Schedule.
Skaters
May 23, 2026 (7 p.m.)
Seattle Center (1.2 miles NW)
Stars on Ice features America’s top skaters in a show that “fuses timeless rock classics with the athleticism and artistry of world-class figure skating” at Climate Pledge Arena, 334 1st Ave. N in Seattle.
Chinese dance
May 23, 2026 (4 p.m.)
University District (4.9 miles NE)
The Annual Showcase of traditional Chinese dance includes dozens of performances by University of Washington students in colorful costumes at Kane Hall, 4069 Spokane Lane in Seattle.
Craft market
May 23, 2026 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Bothell (20 miles NE)
Shop from “nearly 100 vendors selling gifts, food, clothing, art, pottery, jewelry, plants, home goods, and candles” at Making Local Market in a parking lot at Bothell City Hall, 18415 101st Ave. NE in Bothell.
Memorial Day ceremonies FREE
May 23 & 25, 2026
multiple locations
Attend a ceremony honoring veterans.
- May 23: SeaTac — Wash. Memorial Park
- May 25: Kent — Tahoma National Cemetery
- May 25: Lakewood — Mtn. View Cemetery
- May 25: Lynnwood — Veterans Park
- May 25: Mill Creek — Library Park
- May 25: Olympia — The State Capitol
- May 25: Seattle — Evergreen Washelli
- May 25: Seattle — Garden of Remembrance
- May 25: Tacoma — War Memorial Park
National park day FREE
May 25, 2026
All national parks
Enjoy Free Entrance Days in the National Parks on Memorial Day if you are a U.S. citizen or resident. Expect more visitors than usual.
- Mount Rainier — no pets on trails
- North Cascades (always free) — pet policy
- Olympic National Park — pets on six trails
Wine tasting
May 29, 2026 (6 p.m., VIP 5 p.m.)
Kirkland (9.4 miles NE)
Taste a wide variety of dry rosé and white wines at $52 Rosé Revival & Cool Whites with a view of Lake Washington from indoors and outdoors at The Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Point in Kirkland for age 21+.
Teenage acrobats FREE
May 29 - 30, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
Georgetown (5.2 miles S)
The youth troupe called Celestial Circus performs Revolt of the Tails, an imaginative circus show where a colony of clever young rats living under the rule of a mysterious rat king perform acrobatics, aerial arts, and dance at Yaw Theater, 6520 5th Ave. S in Seattle. The one-hour show is family friendly.
Music by candlelight
May 30, 2026
multiple locations
Candlelight Concerts feature a string quartet playing familiar songs for an hour in the warm glow of simulated candles.
| Time | Artist | Venue |
| 6:00 PM | Adele | Nordic Museum |
Brewery Running Series
May 30, 2026 (11 a.m.)
(11 miles N)
Beer Run is a 5K fun run that includes a beer, door prizes, live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Repeats at different breweries all summer. This one is $47 at Hellbent Brewing, 13035 Lake City Way NE in Seattle.
Eastside bike ride
May 30, 2026 (SALES CLOSED)
Redmond (16 miles NE)
Register online for Flying Wheels Summer Century, which offers “beautiful rural riding, scenic views, well-stocked rest stops, and plenty of climbing” on your choice of 50, 70, or 100 miles. It includes snacks and a finish-line meal at Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE in Redmond.
Eastside wine tasting
May 30, 2026 (6 to 9 p.m.)
Issaquah (16 miles SE)
The $35 Gilman Village Spring Fest includes 12 tasting tickets to sample beer, wine, and cider with live music in the shops at Gilman Village, 317 NW Gilman Blvd. in Issaquah for age 21+. You’re welcome to bring your own glass.
Bee festival
May 30, 2026 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Woodinville (20 miles NE)
Hear talks about pollinators and how to help them, see insects, walk on a farm, make kid crafts, hear live music, and shop from food trucks during Pollinator Fest at 21 Acres, 13701 NE 171st St. in Woodinville.
International festival FREE
May 30, 2026 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Kent (20 miles SE)
Kent International Festival offers ethnic food (until 4 p.m.), songs, dance, art activities, and cultural booths at ShoWare Center, 625 W James St. in Kent.
UW party in Bothell
May 30, 2026 (2:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Bothell (20 miles NE)
Sample beer, cider, and wine from local producers, shop at food trucks, and hear bands on two stages at Bothell Block Party and BrewFest for age 21+ in the parking lot at Bothell Furniture, 18811 Bothell Way NE in Bothell. Sponsored by U.W. Alumni Association but open to the public. No pets.
Art fair FREE
May 30, 2026 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Federal Way (23 miles S)
Shop from artists, vote for your favorite, hear musical performances, visit food trucks, and check out art-making for kids at Arts Explosion in Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way. Saturday is the main day of this three-day event.
Scrapbook expo
May 30, 2026 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Puyallup (37 miles S)
Scrapbookers will find classes, vendors, and crop parties at Stamp & Scrapbook Expo at the Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW in Puyallup.
Mason County Festival FREE
May 30, 2026
Shelton (83 miles SW)
Forest Festival in Shelton lasts four days, but Saturday has the most events: a run/walk, pancake breakfast (7 to 11 a.m.), parade (11 a.m.), logging show (12:30 to 4 p.m.), carnival rides (12 to 10 p.m.), live music (4 to 10 p.m.), and fireworks at Oakland Bay Jr. High (10 p.m.).
Street band festival FREE
May 31, 2026 (12 to 6 p.m.)
(began this month on May 29)
Seattle locations
HONK! Fest West is “an immersive festival driven by the energetic performances of street bands from around the world.”
- Friday — Georgetown
- Saturday — Columbia City
- Sunday — Pratt Park
Blue Man show
May 31, 2026 (1 p.m.)
(began this month on May 29)
Downtown (0.3 miles NE)
Blue Man Group promises to rock your world with a combination of comedy, music, and special effects at Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St. in Seattle.
Latino concert FREE
May 31, 2026 (2 to 4 p.m.)
First Hill (0.5 miles SE)
A Celebration of Community by Orquesta Northwest features “Latino musicians, composers, and guest artists, performing traditional, classical, and mariachi music” at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave. in Seattle. Pre-show activities begin at 1 p.m.
Photography weekend FREE
May 31, 2026
(began this month on May 30)
South Lake Union (0.9 miles N)
PhotoFest offers free talks and workshops about photography, photo walks, and a chance to meet reps from the camera industry at Glazer’s Camera, 811 Republican St. in Seattle.
Asian American Film Festival
May 31, 2026
(began this month on May 29)
Seattle locations
Seattle Asian American Film Festival features Asian American artists who create innovative media. Friday includes an opening night party.
- Fri. — Wing Luke Museum
- Sat. & Sun. — Langston Hughes Institute
Celebrate Orca whales FREE
May 31, 2026 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Queen Anne (1.3 miles NW)
Orca Fest has live music, chalk art, face painting, educational booths, and a volunteer clean-up at KEXP, 472 1st Ave. N in Seattle.
Greek festival FREE
May 31, 2026 (12 to 6 p.m.)
(began this month on May 29)
Capitol Hill (1.4 miles NE)
Bite of Greece Seattle offers Greek food, wine, and music at at Church of the Assumption, 1804 13th Ave. in Seattle.
Indoor craft fair
May 31, 2026 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
(began this month on May 30)
Sand Point (7.6 miles NE)
Renegade Craft Fair features 180 vendors of indie crafts plus a few food trucks inside Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Suggested donation $5. Repeats in Nov.
Monster trucks
May 31, 2026 (2:30 p.m.)
(began this month on May 30)
Everett (28 miles N)
Big trucks roar in freestyle motocross at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, which features laser lighting, spectacular effects, jumping, crashing, crushing, and stunts for all ages at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave. in Everett.
Rugby
May 31 - June 7, 2026
Tukwila (12 miles S)
Watch Seattle Seawolves play an exciting Major League Rugby game at Starfire Sports, 14800 Starfire Way in Tukwila.
| Date | |||
| May 31 | 5:00 PM | New England Free Jacks | |
| June 7 | 6:00 PM | California Legion | |
All-American musical
May 31 - June 7, 2026
(began this month on May 30)
Everett (29 miles N)
Take a rollicking trip back to the 1950s with the cast of Grease as they navigate the social waters of high school and love at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. in Everett.
Live theater
May 31 - June 20, 2026
- ▼ next date with two seats
- May 31 — Feuding coworkers accidentally fall in love in She Loves Me at Centerstage.
- May 31 — We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up is about a fictional music duo in Issaquah.
- June 3 — Witty rom-com Barefoot in the Park is set in an NYC apartment at Taproot.
Bus to the mountains
May 31 - Aug. 30, 2026
(began this month on May 26)
Seattle, Bellevue, North Bend
Ride the Trailhead Direct bus to hiking trails on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays for $2.75 each way. Children age 18 and younger are free.
Concerts at the locks FREE
May 31 - Sept. 7, 2026
(began this month on May 30)
Ballard (5.5 miles NW)
Hear a Free Summer Concert on the lawn at beautiful Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 NW 54th St. in Seattle. Bring a picnic, chairs, and blankets, but no alcohol. Rain may cancel. Held on Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day.
Baseball
May 31 - Sept. 27, 2026
(began this month on May 30)
SoDo (1.6 miles S)
Watch the Seattle Mariners play an exciting home game at T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Ave. S in Seattle.
Sailboat
May 31 - Oct. 31, 2026
(began this month on May 1)
Waterfront (0.7 miles W)
Sail into postcard-like views of Elliott Bay aboard the schooner Bay Lady. Your two-hour voyage departs from Seattle's Tall Ship, 2201 Alaskan Way in Seattle. Snacks and drinks are sold onboard. Price varies by date.
Free things to do FREE
May 31 - Dec. 31, 2026
(began this month on May 1)
- Ballard locks tour 2 p.m. (Wed. - Sun.)
- Bellevue Botanical Garden, dawn to dusk
- Classical music, Seattle, Tacoma, Eastside
- Dance bands, Lake Forest Park (Fri. - Sat.)
- Frye Art Museum, Capitol Hill (Wed. - Sun.)
- Gold Rush Museum, Seattle (Wed. - Sun.)
- Henry Art Gallery, U.W. (Thurs. - Sun.)
- Kubota Garden, Rainier Beach brochure
- Olympic Sculpture Park near Pier 70
- Walking trails in Seattle
- Woodland Park Rose Garden until dusk
concerts
| Future concerts | ||
|---|---|---|
|
| ||
| June 4 | Louis Tomlinson | Climate Pledge |
| June 6-7 | Bob Dylan | Chateau Ste. M |
| June 8 | Human League | Marymoor |
| June 13 | Alex Warren | Climate Pledge |
| June 17 | Natalia Lafourcade | Paramount |
| July 1 | Ziggy Marley | Chateau Ste. M |
| July 10 | Forrest Frank | Tacoma Dome |
| July 21 | The Fray | Chateau Ste. M |
| July 25 | Boyz II Men | Chateau Ste. M |
| Aug. 1 | Ed Sheeran | Lumen Field |
| Aug. 2 | Megan Moroney | Climate Pledge |
| Aug. 30-31 | Noah Kahan | T-Mobile Park |
| Sept. 18 | Beck | Chateau Ste. M |
| Sept. 21 | Journey | Climate Pledge |
| Oct. 15 | Doja Cat | Climate Pledge |
| more concerts | ||