Spring Into Seattle’s Best Festivities

With much-anticipated sunshine, blooming cherry blossom trees, and more hours of daylight, the arrival of spring in Seattle seems to completely revitalize our beautiful city. Although something as simple as going for an afternoon walk in your neighborhood or on the waterfront can seem magical during this time of year, you’re also probably considering some bigger events to check out. We’re sharing the top upcoming events and fresh ideas to give you plenty of inspiration as you have fun and engage with your community over the next few months.

Cherry Blossom Festival

This list would feel incomplete without a mention up top of the iconic Cherry Blossom Festival at the University of Washington. From now until April 1, visit the UW quad to take in the sights of the remarkable, nearly 90-year-old trees. Local businesses and vendors will be on-site offering festival-themed treats and goods. To ensure you’re visiting when the cherry blossoms are at their peak-bloom, take advantage of UW’s live cam to chart their progress over the next few weeks.

Seattle Restaurant Week

Calling all foodies—Seattle Restaurant Week kicks off next month, lasting from April 14 to April 27. Some of the city’s best restaurants offer thoughtfully curated menus to diners, encouraging residents to try something new or support their favorite local spots as they put their best cuisine forward. Explore their list to choose your must-visit restaurants, bars, and cafes based on price, location, and vegan/vegetarian or gluten-free options. There is something for every palate during this annual celebration of delicious local fare.

Outdoor Concerts and Festivals

The only thing more fun than going to a concert is going to a summer concert outdoors. HONK! Fest West is a three-day, free festival throughout the streets of Seattle from May 31 to June 2. The vibe is energetic and community-oriented. Woodland Park Zoo’s famous ZooTunes series (celebrating its 40th anniversary) begins at the end of spring and spans throughout summer, offering an incredible lineup with some major artists.

Outdoor Exploration

After a few months of being cooped up on rainy days, most of us are ready to get outdoors and return to our amazing city, state, and national parks. With better weather, trail conditions improve and more options for outdoor recreation opens up. Some parks, like Mount Rainier, will still be mostly inaccessible (unless you plan on snowshoeing), but there are plenty of low-elevation hikes to enjoy this season. Dive into this list if you’re looking for the perfect trail to take in the trees and plants that are slowly returning to their lush blooms.

Cultural Events

Seattle is known for its cultural diversity, and there are plenty of festivals and celebrations happening this spring to honor this with everything from the Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Festival happening May 18 to the Northwest Folklife Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Events like these are informative, festive, and build community. For a monthly dose of culture, many downtown areas (like Mercer Island and Bainbridge Island) in the greater Seattle area host Art Walks, where businesses open their doors to host local artists.