Boats! Bikes! Brews! And beats! Seattle is transitioning out of its gloomy weather and there are plenty of lively events to set the tone for the warm months to come. If you’ve got your heart set on summer, you can celebrate the return of late sunsets and warm weather with these 10 things to do in Seattle this May!
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1. Cheer on Seattle’s Female Athletes – All month long
When it comes to women’s sports, Seattle boasts a heavy-hitting roster! See Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe take the turf with the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field in SoDo. Or head to the Seattle Center to catch catch the four-time WNBA Champion Seattle Storm hit the court at Climate Pledge Arena.
But if you don’t manage to lock down tickets to a game, you’re not out of luck! At Ballard’s newly opened Rough & Tumble pub, female sports dominate the screens and the menu, with tongue-in-cheek items like Franch Toast named for goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.
2. Set out on a Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure this May
Orcas, humpbacks, minkes, sealife, and a whale watching guarantee? Yes please! Spend a day out on the water this May with a half-day whale watching tour! Departing directly from pier 69, cruise through the Sound with the guidance of an expert onboard naturalist as you join the search for our beloved PNW friends.
3. Boat Parade Opening Day – May 6
An Emerald City tradition, Seattle Opening Day is the official beginning of Seattle’s boating season. Join local boaters as they set off and tie together in the middle of Lake Washington in a display of marine camaraderie.
If you want to spectate from land, stake out a spot early along the historic Montlake Bridge, or head to the picturesque Washington Park Arboretum waterfront and take it all in. Wherever you end up along the shore, settle in for a buoyant parade complete with adorned vessels and giant floats – some even hosting live bands!
4. Bike n’ Brews – May 7
Love to cycle as much as you love a good microbrew? Then the Bike n’ Brews ride is just for you! Even less seasoned bikers are bound to enjoy the (mostly flat) 38-mile route through protected trails and city streets. This epic race features scenic views along the route from Georgetown to Tukwila, plus a beer at the midway point and lunch at the finish line festival.
5. Seattle International Film Festival – May 11-May 21
Get a taste of the very best of Northwest cinema at the 49th annual Seattle International Film Festival, which features the best in international and independent films from around the globe during its 11-day span. From Latin American cinema to films rooted right here in the Pacific Northwest community; there’s bound to be a memorable moviegoing experience on the schedule for any cinephile.
6. Pamper Mom on Mother’s Day – May 14
What Mom really wants on Mother’s Day is to spend time with you! Fortunately, no matter what kind of activity she’s looking for on her big day, you’ll find it in the Emerald City. If you want to level up the classic Mother’s Day brunch, hop aboard a yacht in South Lake Union for a decadent brunch buffet, cocktails, and a special treat just for her. Or if you two bond over outdoor activities and fresh air, sign yourselves up for the Orca Running half marathon or 5K and enjoy spectacular waterfront views along the way. Whether you opt for an athletic endeavor or something a bit more relaxed, be sure to swing by the annual Pike Place Market Flower Festival to grab her a fresh bouquet!
7. A Candlelight Tribute to the Music of Adele – May 18
Settle in among the flickering candles and soak in the sounds of a string quartet reimagining Adele’s biggest songs at the luxurious Lotte Hotel. Listen to heartbreaking hits like Someone Like You and Easy On Me as well as timeless love songs like Make You Feel My Love in a new light while bathing in the glow of hundreds of candles.
8. Seattle Beer Week – May 19-26
After a day of exploring the city on foot – especially if you’ve lucked into a particularly warm spring day – you’ve most certainly earned yourself a cold beer. Lucky for you, with more than 60 breweries around Seattle, it won’t be hard to come by! The ideal time to celebrate the hop-tastic flavors of the region is during the 14th annual Seattle Beer Week with games, events, and special limited edition beers all over the city. And be sure to seek out this year’s commemorative brew from Ballard mainstay Stoup Brewing!
9. University District Street Fair – May 20 & 21
Head to the University District’s historic University “Ave” for a weekend fair full of performances, fresh food and local goods, plus plenty of shopping opportunities with numerous boutiques lining either side of the fair.
While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss the chance to experience the campus’s sprawling Quad area in full bloom! Get into the full swing of spring by strolling among the cotton candy-hued trees and velvety green lawns of the historic grounds.
10. Northwest Folklife Festival – May 26-29
A regional cultural epicenter, the Northwest Folklife Festival features more than 5,000 performers from more than 100 ethnic communities. Head to the Seattle Center for an immersive (and free!) musical and artful experience in the heart of downtown Seattle.
A regional cultural epicenter, the Northwest Folklife Festival features more than 6,000 performers across 20 stages and offers a space to learn, dance, play and try something new. Head over to the Seattle Center for an immersive (and free!) artistic and musical experience, right in the heart of the city.
May sees plenty of sunshine and blue skies, and if you’re lucky a prelude summer as temperatures rise. Discover Seattle’s secret spots in between activities or glance at our Instagram feed for ideas on how to explore around the city throughout the month.
Clipper Recommends:
- Looking for something to do with mom? Head to the Bellevue Botanical Garden and explore the colorful spring array of plants and flowers in full bloom.
- Local produce is coming into season and farmers markets are back in full swing citywide! Head to the Seattle farmers market website for schedules, as well as directions to the Columbia City market, reopening May 3.
Feature Photo: FRS Clipper