Don’t sweat it, though (well, as much as you can help given the circumstances) — there are still many ways to ride out the heat wave in Seattle.
Have a frozen treat
Fainting Goat | This gelateria offers unique flavors like pink guava and rose.
Temple Pastries | This bakery just added its window service that offers ice cream from 1 to 9 p.m.
Make a splash
If you’re looking for lifeguarded beaches, Seattle has several spots staffed during select summer hours.
Sprayparks are another great way to cool off with little ones, and Seattle has 11 of these water-centric parks scattered around the city that are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day until early September.
Seattle also has some secret beaches where you can take a swim while avoiding the crowds.
Sit somewhere cool
Seattle museums | Cool air and even cooler exhibits await you at these hubs for Seattle history, art, and more.
Elliott Bay Book Company | Peruse curated staff picks in the front of the bookstore, grab a cold bev from Little Odd Fellows nestled in the back, and find a spot to sit and read for a bit.
Pup-tastic places
Your furry friends deserve some fun in the sun, too:
Dog Yard Bar | When it’s toasty out, your dog can splash through sprinklers and kiddie pools.
Magnuson Park | This park’s off-leash dog beach is the only one of its kind with direct water access.
Growlerz | Use the self-wash station’s cool water to clean and refresh your pup during the summer heat.
Seattle Humane Society has some extra tips on how to keep your fur babies safe in extreme temps.
Asking for a friend... okay, you’re right. It’s for us. Please help.
A. Swimming in the nearest body of water B. Staying inside wherever I can find air conditioning C. I don’t beat the heat; the heat beats me. :-( D. I don’t fear the sun. I bask under its glow like a lizard with its heat lamp. E. Other
Hoops on the Pier | Wednesday, July 10 | 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Pier 62, 1401 Alaskan Way, Seattle | Free | Start the day off with a youth basketball clinic followed up with an open courts sesh + tournament.
Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces | Wednesday, July 10 | 12 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena, 334 First Ave. N., Seattle | $25-$100 | Depending on the way you play your games, aces can be the lowest scoring card. We’ll have to wait and see what Las Vegas brings to the table.
Adulting 101: Business and Life Skills Workshop Series | Wednesday, July 10 | 6-9 p.m. | Made Space Seattle, 2002 E. Union St., Seattle | $20-$100 | It’s time to show life who’s boss around here — learn how to map out finances, meal prep, and set up insurance.
Thursday, July 11
Summer Series at the Amphitheater & Picnic in the Park | Thursday, July 11 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Volunteer Park Amphitheater, 1139-1157 Volunteer Park Rd., Seattle | Free | Pack some snacks and a blanket before heading out to the park for free ice cream and live music.
Form Fest Seattle | Thursday, July 11 | 7 p.m. | Barboza, 925 E. Pike St., Seattle | $20 | This festival has a lineup of live performers including Convexity, Paark, and grape milk.
AP Macroeconomics, Dusc, Romeo Maker | Thursday, July 11 | 8 p.m. | Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., Seattle | $15 | Don’t worry, there won’t be a pop quiz — just macro amounts of good tunes.
Friday, July 12
Seattle Cuban Dance Fest 2024 | Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14 | 7-10 p.m. | Club SUR, 2901 First Ave. S., Seattle | $45-$280 | Watch performances by a worldwide community of dancers and a variety of workshops.
Kirkland Uncorked | Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14 | Times vary | Marina Park Public Beach, 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland | $20-$35 | Discover some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest as you sample wine on the beautiful shores of Lake Washington — and use code SEA to receive two extra drinks when you buy a Grand Admission ticket.*
Saturday, July 13
History & Heritage Days | Saturday, July 13 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Heritage Park, 19921 Poplar Way, Lynnwood | Free | Take a trolley among the historic buildings of Heritage Park and get the opportunity to explore key spots.
The PNW is experiencing “near record” wildfire danger due to hot weather, an ongoing drought, and windy conditions. The vast majority of wildfires are started by people, so be sure to follow burning regulations to avoid sparking your own accidental fire. (Seattle Times)
Opening
Ballard’s beloved Conor Bryne Pub is reopening on Aug. 2, but with a little twist. The bar famous for its role in helping form local bands will be turning into a cooperative and operating on a membership-based model for funding. However, it’ll be keeping their regular music schedule. (My Ballard)
Coming Soon
Raising Cane’s confirmed its third Seattle-area location for Lynnwood. A specific address or signed lease hasn’t been revealed yet, but it’s expected to open within the first half of 2026. The previously announced University District and downtown Renton locations are expected to open in early 2025. (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Cause
King County Regional Homelessness Authority shared three tips on how to help fellow Seattleites experiencing homelessness during our current heat wave. Recommendations included carrying a few hydration drinks to hand out, donating supplies to cooling centers, and volunteering with orgs that provide shelter and resources.
Award
Seattle is one of 10 cities in the US to receive the 2024 All-America City Award (AAC). This recognition is for communities that have community-driven efforts, local innovation, and an established network of partnerships. Seattle received the AAC in part for its distinguished collection of “urban villages” and cultural communities. (National Civic League)
Edu
Some Bellevue middle schoolers recently got to watch their own ideas take flight after winning this year’s NASA TechRise Student Challenge. The Open Window School students won the competition where they then got to observe a launch that incorporated their rocket lander designs elements (Seattle Times)
Arts
King Street Station’s new exhibit “Luminous Being” opens tomorrow, July 11. The exhibit is the product of a decade-long self-reflection by artist Zabia Colovos. Stop by for its opening reception during Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk and check out live canvas painting, street dancing, and refreshments.
Sports
Should the Seattle Mariners take the chance on Luis Robert or Jazz Chisholm — (or both)? Hear from the local experts with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
Arts
🖊 The rest is still unwritten...
You could be Seattle’s next Civic Poet
Feeling like Natasha Bedingfield the way you’re staring at the blank page before you? | Photo by SEAtoday staff
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle City of Literature are looking for the next Civic Poet to fill a two-year residency that starts in early 2025.
The role of the Civic Poet is to curate public events (like readings, workshops, projects, and speaking engagements), with a $25,000 stipend as compensation.
The call is open to Seattle-based poets with an established body of work including published pieces, spoken word, project planning experience, and racial equity practice.
Some of the qualifiers:
Residency in the City of Seattle
Not an enrolled student at any level
Interested and experienced in promoting equity and inclusion through the arts
So, will you be our next Shakespearean Seattleite?
The Buy
The Buy 7.10.24 (Affiliate)
Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set, so you can enjoy soft, luxurious sheets that also keep you cool. How you know they’re good: The sheets were featured on Oprah’s 2018 Favorite Things list.
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