March 7, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

🌸 Cherry-ish these blooms

An aerial photo of the University of Washington quad shows all of its cherry blossoms in peak bloom. A smattering of people are also gathering below to take in the blooms under a sunny sky.

All of this whimsical magic will be here in just a few weeks. | Photo by @vloquality

Know what’s got a spring in our step? The cherry blossoms have officially begun to pop.

The University of Washington cherry blossom account has said that the buds are all almost ready to go and expects it might see its first blossoms next week. Peak bloom — which is considered to be when 70% of a tree’s blossoms have emerged — tends to be late March to mid-April.

Whenever the trees have hit this mark, they’ll stay bountiful of blooms for about two weeks — assuming no major storms roll through. So, it’s time to scope out the best places to view the cherry blossoms.

These are some of the more popular spots, but you can check out the Seattle Department of Transportation’s interactive tree map (under the Explore Street Trees tab) to see what’s near you.

University of Washington Quad

The university’s collection of 29 cherry trees makes this a flower lover’s dream + a great Instagram location. The U District Cherry Blossom Festival runs from Saturday, March 16 to Monday, April 1, but you can also enjoy the beauty from your home with this livestream of its pink trees.

Washington Park Arboretum / Japanese Garden

You’ll find the cherry blossoms along the arboretum’s Azalea Way, which is free to walk through. However, if you want to use the opportunity to cruise the Japanese Garden, there are other beautiful displays.

Lake Washington Boulevard

For this one, we suggest starting at the north end of Seward Park for a casual stroll along Lake Washington. Those pretty views become even more charming when they’re framed by pink blooms.

Seattle Center

While you can find cherry trees scattered around this main tourist attraction, a large amount are located in the Seattle Center’s September 11 Memorial Garden. And don’t miss the Seattle Cherry Blossom + Japanese Cultural Festival April 12-14.

Asked

Where’s your favorite place to enjoy the blooms?

A. UW’s Quad
B. Washington Park Arboretum
C. Lake Washington Boulevard
D. Seattle Center
E. Other

Let us know

Events

Thursday, March 7

Happy Hour & Hellos: Cherry Street Coffee House | Thursday, March 7 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Cherry Street Coffee House, 2719 First Ave., Seattle | $5-$10 | Network with other local professionals while sipping on a latte or specialty cocktail.
The Seattle Jewish Film Festival | Thursday, March 7-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | AMC Pacific Place, 600 Pine St., Seattle | $13-$30 | View a variety of films from one of the largest Jewish film festivals in the country — choose from single event tickets, a full pass, or a virtual-only or hybrid package.

Friday, March 8

Women Supporting Women — A Pop-Up Event | Friday, March 8 | Times vary | University Village, 2623 NE University Village Street, Seattle | Free entry | Shop from 20 women-owned Seattle businesses that will be popping up around the Village.
Seattle Secrets | Friday, March 8 | 7:30-8:45 p.m. | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle | $15 | Laugh during this improv show that turns Seattleites’ anonymously submitted secrets into scenes.

Saturday, March 9

Open Mic Night | Saturday, March 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Inside, 1313 Fourth Ave., Seattle | $5 | Grab a drink and share that poem, song, comedy routine, or dance that you’ve been working on.
State Park Free Pass Day | Saturday, March 9 | Times vary | Washington State Parks | Free | Here’s a reminder that you can visit all state parks without needing a Discover Pass today.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

State

House Bill 2252 — a proposal that would’ve allowed neighborhood cafes on the corners of residential zones across Washington — is no more. Despite earlier bipartisan support for the idea, the bill faced hurdles in the Senate. Rep. Mark Klicker said he might try to bring the bill back next year. (Seattle Times)

Health

King County officials have laid out new plans to help fight fentanyl overdoses after data revealed a rise in deaths fueled by the drug. Strategies include creating a new 24/7 buprenorphine prescribing line, building a permanent sobering center, and further increasing the distribution of naloxone and testing strips. (KING 5)

Announced

Continued delays and now, departures. Two high-profile restaurants — MM by Morimoto, a concept by Michelin-starred Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and PastaRamen by James Beard nominee Robbie Felice — will no longer be part of downtown Bellevue’s $1 billion Avenue Bellevue project. The development is set to debut this June. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Civic

Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Coalition of City Unions reached a tentative agreement yesterday on labor contracts centered on wage equity impacting 7,000+ city workers. The contracts focus on four priorities: raising wages for the lowest-paid employees, strengthening city services, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring the city is a great employer.

Development

Keystone — a five story residential development featuring 74 apartments — is expected to break ground within the next two months in West Seattle. Most of the apartments will be priced at or below 80% of the area median income level. The 45,000-sqft property’s ground floor will also feature commercial space. (Urbanize Seattle)

Outdoors

Seattle Parks and Rec and local public health officials are urging residents and their pets to stay out of the water at Matthews Beach until at least Tuesday, March 12 following a nearby sewage spill. The rest of the park will remain open to visitors. (Seattle Times)

Biz

Local investment group Alliance of Angels is launching the third iteration of its “Innovation Fund,” a fund aimed at supporting new startups across the Pacific Northwest. The group hopes this round will raise between $1.3 and $1.9 million (or more) to help invest in approximately 14 companies. (GeekWire)

Kids

Parents, save the date. Seattle Parks and Recreation will open its Summer Camp Registration on Tuesday, April 16 at 12 p.m. The three to five-day camps — geared for kids ages 5-12 — will be offered at 14 locations, including various community centers, June 25-Aug. 28.

Sports

The Seahawks have released three of their high-priced, longest tenured players: Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, and Will Dissly. So, what’s next? Hear from the local experts on the Seattle Seahawks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Eat

Looking to change up your next night out? Look to the sky — or the Space Needle, that is. Indulge in an exclusive culinary experience at The Loupe Lounge, located upon the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, 500 ft above the city. See the limited-edition menu + make a reservation.*

Pets

Wonder Paws’ Omega Max Drops for dogs are veterinarian recommended, support healthy joints, and reduce itchy skin and shedding. Get 15% off with code DQMRME3N.*

Festival

🎶 Because we can, can, can

Drag artist Antonio Amor sits on a purple chair in a purple costume inspired by the French aristocracy and King Louis XIV.

Antonio Amor reigns from their palace in Newark with his eccentric costumes and drag performances | Photo via Thirsty Girl Productions

Come one, come all — the 9th annual Boylesque Festival is returning to Seattle with a new set of performers ready to dazzle you with their stand-up comedy routines, rousing drag performances, and circus acts.

Boylesque, which stems from a combination of the words “boy” and “burlesque,” is a loose categorization for drag- or burlesque-like performances which generally play on masculine gender roles.

The festival runs Friday, April 5 + Saturday, April 6 at the Triple Door with two completely different casts on both nights. Performers like Matt Adore and Antonio Amor come from far off lands like Chicago and New York City, but you can also expect Seattle-grown acts like Trojan Original and Judas Saint James to make an appearance.

Tickets are on sale and range from $30-$55 per person.

The Buy

Your favorite pair of sneakers from Nordstrom Rack’s spring sneaker edit. We’re loving the prices on pairs from Cole Haan and Lacoste.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

So I tried something totally new this week and went salsa dancing at the Century Ballroom on Monday. I had never tried it before, but I had a good friend teach me a few steps. I was still a little wobbly, but everyone I danced with was so kind and patient while I worked the moves out. I highly recommend giving it a go if you find yourself itching to get out one night.

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