What To Do This Weekend In Seattle

What To Do In Seattle This Weekend May 9th – May 11th 2021

Spring is finally here and it’s time to get outside and have some fun! Seattle is beautiful this time of year. The flowers are blooming, the weather is getting less rainy, and I think I can speak for us all that it’s time to escape our homes. This weekend, we’re looking at the best things to do in Seattle. With a variety of options for food, shopping, and entertainment, there is something to do for everyone this weekend. Whether your planning a trip North of Seattle this weekend or just want some more ideas on what’s happening around downtown then read on!

Tulip festival Seattle Hot Air Balloons

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

8am – 7pm Friday – Sunday

1 hour North of Downtown Seattle, Washington

This is a trip that is worth taking this weekend. The Tulip festival in the Skagit Valley is in full swing! If you’re looking for some floral inspiration to get your home ready this Spring, then head out and explore the tulip fields. The festival has more than 300 acres of colorful flowers that are a sight to see in person. Be prepared with a charged phone and plenty of camera batteries when exploring these grounds on foot or by bike. You can even submit your Tulip photos from the weekend in a photo contest. Also, you should consider going to Tulip Town and getting a sunrise photo pass. 6 am is early, but you’ll get some awesome photos.

Cost: $10* ages 12+ | $5* ages 6-11 | Kids 5 and under are free

Washington State Fair

The Washington State Fair

10:30am – 9:00pm

45 minutes South Of Downtown Seattle

Interested in checking out some animals and having some fun this weekend? You can do that at the Washington State Fair. The fair is full of live animals, carnival rides, and games. You can also find a wide selection of concessions to bring back for yourselves or your kids when you head home from the fair!

The Washington State Fair is open every day until Sunday, April 12th, so be sure not to miss out on all it has going this weekend at 110 Ninth Avenue North in Puyallup. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance!

Cost: $30 – $50 per car

Planting plants

Stock up on plants and do some gardening

Location: All over Seattle

Seattle weather is wishy-washy this time of year. However, the rain is going away and the cold weather is leaving. It’s the perfect time to pick out some beautiful smelling flowers and other plants to spruce up your front yard. There are a variety of nurseries in the Seattle area that have everything you need and they’re ready for those interested this weekend! Otherwise, you can always go online and order something rare to put in your garden! If you like fresh veggies, you may want to pick up some starts from one of the local Seattle farmer’s markets this weekend. This is 2021, it’s the year you get your green thumb!

Cost: Varies by type plant

Seattle Film Festival 2021

Seattle International Film Festival

Friday – Sunday (all day)

At your house on your couch!

You won’t regret this! The Seattle International Film Festival is fantastic this year and it is virtual (No surprise here… the good news is you didn’t want to wear a mask while watching a movie anyway right?) That means it’s time to bust out the popcorn maker and tubs of ice cream! The Seattle International Film Festival has over 450 films to choose from this year, and for $75 you can pick six of your favorites. Alternatively, you could choose to get an all-access pass and watch them all for $250. This is a great way to explore some new movies while staying safe!

The Seattle International Film Festival has been around for nearly five decades. Beginning in 1976, the festival screens movies from all different perspectives and offers audiences experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world.

Cost: $$$

Hot air balloon rising over the trees to show the view of Mt. Rainier.

Seattle Hot air balloon ride

It’s time to check hot air ballooning off your bucket list. The best place to fly is right in front of Mt. Rainier with Seattle Ballooning. Although they don’t start flying until May 1 tickets book out very far in advance. If you are looking for a fun romantic experience or are ready to finally get out and do something fun, look no further!

Cost: Sunrise hot air balloon rides start at $295 per person

Restaurant week

It’s Restaurant Week

Most restaurants and bars are now open in Seattle. Let’s support our local community in the heart of downtown and get out to eat with friends (Don’t forget your masks). This year, it’s Restaurant Week in Seattle April 11-20th and many restaurants are giving a special menu for those that dine at their eatery during this time period. Don’t want to miss these deals!

Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill

Cost: $$

Gas Works Park

Explore Gasworks Park

Short Drive from downtown Seattle

Grab your coffee and head out to Gas Works Park! Gas Works Park has incredible views of Lake Washington and a playground perfect for taking the kids on a sunny day. The park is situated in an old industrial site that was transformed into one of Seattle’s most popular parks and public art spaces, complete with giant sculptures made from recycled materials like pipes or bathtubs! It’s still chilly here in the Pacific Northwest, but this is a really fun way to take a romantic walk along the water with your significant other. If it’s warm enough, consider bringing a picnic and watching the sunset. Gas Works Park is open from sunrise to dusk and located at 2101 N Northlake Way in Seattle, WA 98103 (near I-90).

Want to hit up multiple parks in one day? You can take a walk around Green Lake Park, walk along the beach of Alki Beach Park, or check out the sculptures at the Olympic Sculpture Park along the Puget Sound in Downtown Seattle.

Cost: Free

Try America’s Favorite Sandwich

Seattle and SODO

Paseo’s is delicious. It’s open until 11 pm so you can get a late-night sandwich or follow it up with dessert. Paseo is Seattle’s favorite place for sandwiches! If this claim sounds too bold, consider the fact that Paseos has won numerous awards and was featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations in 2007. Our favorite? The Paseo Caribbean Roast. It is legendary. It’s bursting with intense flavors. Imagine spicy pork meets crunchy romaine and sharp onions for an experience like no other!

Coffee Seattle

Find The Best Cup Of Coffee In Seattle

Everyone claims to have the best cup of coffee. Seattle is known for a small company called Starbucks. But did you know there are a ton of local coffee shops and cafes? Like the Cherry Street Coffee House. They roast their own coffee and have a huge variety of coffees to choose from. We love the Cherry Street House Blend! Street Bean Coffee Roasters is pretty amazing as well. They make a heck of an espresso. Also if you haven’t checked out Storyville Coffee it’s worth it as well.

Cost: Sleep…just kidding $3-8 a cup

Chihuly Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit

Chihuly glass is so beautiful and is an amazing place to visit more than once. Our favorite part about visiting the Chihuly Garden is the outdoor botanical gardens with all of the fascinating glass pieces interwoven. The special show is a must-see for anyone visiting Seattle or who lives in town, and it’s open through May 26th! The Chihuly Garden also has an indoor exhibit that will blow your mind as well- we loved looking at these masterpieces up close. The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit is worth checking out this weekend.

Cost: $$

Seattle Space Needle
A view of the Seattle Space Needle and the Seattle Skyline

High Views In Downtown Seattle

Surprisingly the majority of Seattleites have never been up the Space Needle. Maybe it’s just that most of us view it as a touristy experience, but it is known for some amazing views. The Space Needle is home to a rotating restaurant that offers 360-degree views in every direction- we highly recommend enjoying an evening meal here! Tickets start at $15 and go into hundreds depending on what you order so choose wisely (we suggest getting dinner).

The Sky View Observatory Is Kind Of Awesome

The Sky View Observatory is kind of awesome. It’s a quick trip and it’s a more affordable version of the Space Needle providing sweeping views of Downtown. The Sky View Observatory is open four times daily with the last admission at 11:00 pm- they are closed on Mondays, but we think it would be worth spending your day off here!

Hot Air Balloon Pilot Eliav C.
About the Author

Chief pilot of Seattle Ballooning. I get the opportunity to provide luxury hot air balloon rides just South of Seattle in front of Mt. Rainier. When you do what you love, it’s not considered work.

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