Last call. Your business could be in front of thousands when you secure your spot in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide. Save 20% with code PGG2025 at checkout. The deadline for submissions is May 23.
🎶 I’mmmmm gonna soak up the sun
Downtown Seattle | City of Seattle Government Facebook Page
Seattle’s getting a little taste of summer weather this holiday weekend as temps are expected to peak around the mid-70s for three days in a row. Wahoooo.
If you’re experiencing some decision paralysis on how to get the most out of this rare blessing, let us offer a few suggestions.
Keeping things low-key
Find a restaurant with a rooftop or patio, order your fave beverage, and enjoy the breeze.
Grab a book, a blanket, some snacks, and set up camp for the day in one of our lovely parks.
Up for a light activity
Grab your reusable grocery bags and head over to one of our several local farmers markets — grab fresh ingredients for lunch and have a picnic.
Adventure’s your middle name
Nothing rejuvenates your love for Seattle like a tour of the city on a sunny day. We can confirm that hot air balloon rides are much better without the rain clouds.
51st Seattle International Film Festival | Thursday, May 22-Sunday, May 25 | 1-11 p.m. | Various locations | $19+ | Seattle’s going to smell a little more popcorn-y these next few weeks — check online to see which of the hundreds of dramas, comedies, documentaries, and more that you may want to catch.
Alison Jean Cole presents “A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington” | 7 p.m. | Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park | Free | This author’s guide to the best places in the PNW to rockhound includes details on finding remnants of ancient sea-floors, lava flows, and stones carved by glaciers.
Friday, May 23
54th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival | Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26 | Times vary | Seattle Center | Free | Seattle’s crunchiest festival is back — get ready for lots of hackysack, dancing, live music, and plenty of cultural surprises.
Champions Of Magic: Chasing The Unbelievable | Friday, May 23, Saturday, May 24, Saturday, May 24 | Times vary | Paramount Theatre | $39.50+ | Abracadabra — you are now feeling wistfully inclined to buy tickets to this dazzling touring magic show.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm | 7-9 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena | $30+ | It’s well known that the mercury tends to fall when a big storm approaches — this Arizonan team should expect the same treatment.
Saturday, May 24
Tinder Live! w/ Lane Moore | Saturday, May 24 | 7 + 9 p.m. | Here - After | $35 | Love is in the air and this comedian needs some help scrolling through her Tinder; the audience votes on which way she swipes.
Sunday, May 25
Massive Monkees Day | 6 p.m. | Neptune Theatre | $38+ | This celebration of Seattle’s homegrown breakdancing crew includes dance battles, live DJs, guest MCs, and giveaways.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Seattle, Hyatt at Olive 8 offers serene hotel packages that cater to your well-being. Indulge in a daily dose of relaxation with their 65-ft saline lap pool, rejuvenating day spa Elaia, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
Ready for a refreshing experience? Explore packages and plan your stay below.
Heading out of town for the weekend? Make sure to plan accordingly — AAA is predicting that a record number of people will travel 50+ miles this Memorial Day weekend. WSDOT’s travel charts recommend hitting the pavement early or much later in the day.
Transit
Sound Transit has pushed back the expected opening date for the Link Light Rail extension that connects Seattle to Bellevue from Dec. 27, 2025 until early 2026 due to construction issues. This change might also delay the 1 Line’s southerly extension to Federal Way. (Seattle Times)
Open
Make note for your next staycation — the new 1 Hotel Seattle is now open in South Lake Union. Inspired by the PNW’s natural environment, the hotel leans into elegant, sustainable features like using reclaimed timber, locally sourced bed linens, organic mattresses, and a built-in clothes donation partnership with Mary’s Place for those who packed too much.
Eat
Popular local bakery Temple Pastries is expanding into something that’s got our stomachs already rumbling: pizza. In the evenings, owner Christina Wood will turn the space into Sacro Bosco and serve Roman-style pizzas, Italian wines, and desserts like tiramisu and olive oil cake. It opens Friday, May 30. (Eater Seattle)
Coming Soon
Pretty brick deal here — Lego is getting ready to open another Seattle-area store across the street from the Northgate Station. This is the seventh Washington location, but the first in Seattle proper. Look for a Sept. 13 opening date. (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Weather
Ooh la la — it looks like we’re in for quite the beautiful Memorial Day weekend, Seattle. There are some showers predicted for Monday, but otherwise highs coast in the mid 70s (what is this, July 5?). See what’s coming with KING 5 meteorologist Rich Marriott.
Sports
While the Mariners’ game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday was a little rough, the team was able to reclaim the series for a win. Next up — the Houston Astros. Hear from the local experts on the Seattle Mariners with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Now Open
Blooms & Twine Floral Design is the newest Seattle Restored pop-up. Visit Lake City to check it out along with a full building activation featuring Ayo Collections, Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, an artist residency, and window art installations. Learn more.*
That is one happy-looking pup. | Photo via Dog On K9 Academy
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We know small businesses are the heart of our community, so earlier this year, we asked local small businesses to tell us about themselves. They delivered.
We’ll be shining the spotlight on a few of SEA’s small businesses this month. We started by introducing you to Seattle Chainstitch Massacre, and now we’d like to turn the spotlight over to Dog On K9 Academy, a dog care service offering all of Seattle’s pups some love + exercise.
Here’s how Dog On K9 Academy would describe its business.
Tell us about yourself.
We are a dog care service business that provides training, sitting, walks, and half day adventures.
What’s unique about the small business scene in Seattle?
Seattle’s small business scene stands out for its mix of innovation, community focus, and strong support for local entrepreneurs.
Pass the mic. What other small business in town should everyone know about, and why?
DubSea Coffee, because the owners make you feel welcome and at home. It’s more than just a coffee shop!
When someone visits your small business for the first time, the one thing they have to do, see, or try is _____.
Our half day adventures! Your dog will love you for it.
The Buy
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
Wowowow — I got to see another incredible performance from the Grand Kyiv Ballet last night and it was just pure magic. “Swan Lake” is a classic for a reason and it was a true delight to see it performed again with such artistry.
I got a chance to talk to them for a bit before they made their Seattle debut in 2023 and loved getting to hear their story firsthand. Check it out and keep an eye on tickets for their next show in September.