07.28.2023

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Today’s Forecast

Tell us you’re from Seattle without telling us…

Unwritten rules of Seattle

A woman carries a plastic see-through umbrella through the rainy streets of Seattle, WA

Yeah, umbrellas aren’t really a thing around here. | Photo via @tek.tones

Whether you’re an Emerald City native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Seattleite understands to be true.

We asked our readers and Redditors to share Seattle’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Seattle, these might be a little difficult to explain.

The unspoken rules everyone knows

“Don’t ever use an umbrella. They just get in the way.” — u/Scienceneverlies

“The mountain is out today. (A sunny day with a clear view of Mt. Rainier).” — u/Various_Inflation_95

“Pike Place Market, NOT Pike’s Market. I-5, I-90, 520, NOT ‘the 5, ‘the 90...’ etc.” — reader Ashlii D.

A pedestrian shelter marked by a sign that says Pike Place Market, with buildings and the market in the background — It’s tempting to add an “s,” even though the name is right there.
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Photo by SEAtoday staff

We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting

“Honking is rude and not a method of communication.” — u/Objective-Ad5620

“Nobody jaywalks here. It can be an empty street and everyone will wait for the light to change instead of just looking both ways.” — reader Maya T.

“Mercer Street is to be avoided at any time of day, if you can help it.” — u/Travel_Cabbage

Sometimes you just have to laugh

“Telling out of towners, ‘Yes indeed it does rain here all the time.’” — reader David L.

“Children aren’t welcome, but dogs are.” — u/C0git0

“When standing in a line, don’t form an actual line, just stand around in a group.” — u/Reatona

A view of a hot dog with onions, relish, ketchup, and cream cheese — What toppings do you prefer on your Seattle Dog, besides cream cheese and onions?
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Photo via Monster Dogs

Eat like a local

“You can always get a chicken teriyaki special with gyoza within three blocks of your current location.” — u/TendoninBOB

“Cream cheese and grilled onions on your hot dogs.” — u/larsfandom

Seattle pro tips

“Always carry a hoodie.” — u/kellyyz667

“Many indoor lots near the Amazon campus have free parking on nights and weekends.” — Gabe, SEAtoday Senior Editor

19 more tips

Asked

Which “rules” did we miss?

A. “Two instantly recognizable words...”
B. “I remember when...”
C. “It takes some getting used to, but...”
D. “My favorite Seattle hack is...”

Spill your Seattle secrets

Events

Friday, July 28

Forest For The Trees Arts Festival | Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30 | 5-9 p.m. | RailSpur, 419 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle | Free | The four-day series of events in Pioneer Square includes a rooftop party, live performances, and an exhibit of vintage signs from Vanishing Seattle.
A Lei’d Back Luau | Friday, July 28 | 7-11 p.m. | The Dock Sports Bar & Grill, 1102 N. 34th St., Seattle | $6-$8 | Seattle Social Club hosts a Hawaiian-style mixer with music, drinks, and games — colored wristbands indicate if you’re single + ready to mingle or just want to meet friends.

Saturday, July 29

Farm to Vase Centerpiece Class | Saturday, July 29 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 21 Acres Center, 13701 NE 171st St., Woodinville | $90 | Tour a farm, get a demo on flower arrangements, and then create your own blooming masterpiece to take home.
Eastside Beer Week Tour De Pints | Saturday, July 29 | 12-7 p.m. | Cairn Brewing, 7204 NE 175th St., Kenmore | Free | The annual pub pedal for bike enthusiasts goes on a sudsy 20-mile journey starting at Cairn — the other stops are kept under wraps.
BLASTFEST | Saturday, July 29 | 2-10 p.m. | Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | $70-$50 | The city’s first-ever Afrobeats festival features performers like Tiwa Savage, who recently played at King Charles III’s coronation.

Sunday, July 30

Sounders FC vs. Club De Futbol Monterrey | Sunday, July 30 | 12 p.m. | Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave S., Seattle | $24-$495 | This match is part of the prestigious Leagues Cup — and the Sounders are taking on a tough Mexican team.
Ninth Annual Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition | Sunday, July 30 | 12-7 p.m. | Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | $20 | Local stylists, barbers, and beauticians compete for cash prizes as vendors show off their hair-raising wares.
Alicia Keys: “Keys to the Summer” Tour | Sunday, July 30 | 8 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena, 334 First Ave N., Seattle | $70-$189 | “This girl is on fire” — the Emmy-winning artist takes the stage and will have you singing along.

Monday, July 31

Evening Puppy Play Date | Monday, July 31 | 6-7 p.m. | Dog Yard Bar, 1546 NW Leary Way, Seattle | $16 | Woof it up at this off-leash social event for pups ages four months to a year — all breeds are welcome.
Silent Movie Mondays: Comedy Shorts (1913-1922) | Monday, July 31 | 7 p.m. | Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle | $12 | Enjoy classic films starring the likes of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin with a discussion after the screenings.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Tech

How to (finally) stop those brutal spam calls

This service protects your personal data not only from targeted ads, but also from scammers and identity thieves. | Images by Incogni

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The good news? This personal data removal service can resolve your worries about identity theft, finance scams, and robo calls.

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Get Incogni for 55% off with code 6AMCITY

News Notes

Fitness

Paddle up, folks. A huge pickleball tournament known as the Seattle Open started yesterday and will run through the weekend at the Lower Woodland Park Tennis Courts. The tourney features the world’s best pros alongside top amateurs and is being televised nationally on ESPN, CBS, and the Tennis Channel. (KING 5)

Number

2.3. That was the seismometer reading from Taylor Swift’s sold-out Lumen Field concerts last weekend. Compare that to Marshawn Lynch’s exciting play in the 2010 NFC Wild Card known as the “Beast Quake,” which only measured a 2.0 magnitude from the crowd’s reaction — so Tay’s the winner. (Seattle Times)

Civic

Pass the popcorn, please — Seattle and King County may give Cinerama’s revamp a financial boost. Two councilmembers are proposing a total of $2 million in grants to help the theater’s new owners SIFF reopen the iconic spot. The fund allocations will be discussed at local council meetings soon. (GeekWire)

Development

The new Betula House affordable apartment complex recently opened near Seattle U at 355 15th Ave. It has 50 units — more than half of which rent between $1,345 and $1,595 per month. Retail on the ground floor will include a bakery, coffee shop, and barber. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Sports

Ready for some football? The Seahawks training camp in Renton got underway this week and saw the return of special teams player Ben Burr-Kirven. The team starts with a 90-man roster that will be whittled down to 53 before the regular season, so we’ll see if Burr-Kirven makes the cut. (Field Gulls)

Community

Seattle’s Downtown Ambassadors — paid workers who help clean city streets and promote community safety — now cover new ground. The ambassadors’ range expanded this month to include a 15-block area from south Pioneer Square to T-Mobile Park, all part of the Metropolitan Improvement District that was renewed in May. (KING 5)

Concert

We’re “burnin’ up” because the Jonas Brothers are coming to town. Everyone’s fave middle school boy band that recently gained new popularity will stop by Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, Nov. 10 when they’ll play five albums in one night — whoa. Presale starts Thursday, August 3.

Biz

Months after announcing a Seattle expansion, Moderna has reportedly subleased 54,350 sqft of office space at 1099 Stewart St. in South Lake Union. The pharmaceutical + biotech company said it plans to hire up to 220 people here once it sets down roots. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Eat

Why, yes, we will take a giant sub with a show. The Crocodile’s Here-After performance venue will serve sandwiches from popular Pioneer Square restaurant Tat’s Deli starting Wednesday, Aug. 2. You can get items like eggplant parm during happy hour, events, and after hours.

Feel Good

Excuse us while we sob uncontrollably. Washington State Ferry crew members launched a rescue boat near Whidbey Island’s landing to save a kitten who had fallen into the water. The lil’ cutie is doing just fine now and ferry employees have volunteered to adopt it. (Seattle Times)

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Outdoors

Take an accessible hike

Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in Seattle

A paved trail that leads to a red barn with clouds in the background

The 30-mile Centennial Trail has paved paths and accessible parking. | Photo via Snohomish County

The outdoors are for everybody — and there are plenty of hikes in our area that are friendly to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Get some fresh air on three of our favorite accessible trails.

Centennial Trail, Nakashima Barn, 32325 WA-9, Arlington
The northern trailhead for this popular trail has ADA compliant parking stalls and Sani-Cans.

Myrtle Edwards Park to Elliott Bay Park, 3130 Alaskan Way, Seattle
This paved path offers views of the waterfront, trains, boats, and the nearby Sculpture Park. There are separate paths for hikers and bikers, and the trail is relatively flat at a 3% or less grade.

Seward Park Perimeter Loop, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
This 2.4 mile loop is the place to go if you’re looking for outdoor time with minimal elevation and lovely views.

What’s your go-to wheelchair-accessible trail? Let us know where we should explore next.

See our full hiking guide

Answered

This week we asked “What’s your favorite vintage sign” and here’s what you said:

CarWash_SEA — The larger version of this sign designed by Beatrice Haverfield is at MOHAI.
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Photo by SEAtoday staff

In honor of Vanishing Seattle’s vintage sign show tonight in Pioneer Square, we asked what local signage past or present you really love. Around 66% of you said the Elephant Car Wash sign. A few also wrote in their own choices, including the old Last Exit on Brooklyn coffee house and Frederick & Nelson.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Gabe

From the editor

I’ve been in Seattle long enough to recognize all the “unwritten rules” folks shared with us. We also have a heated “Seattle Freeze” discussion going on Instagram — hopefully you’ll want to hang out. Maybe?

Drink Up Month
What I’m drinking: TGIF — I’m planning on mixing a nice dirty martini using vodka from OOLA later

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