Author Archives: David's Picks

December 5-7, 2014

Holiday Displays and Festivals
THRU DEC 31
o Seattle Center Winterfest [Map]
o Bellevue Magic Season [Map]
o Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights [Map]
o Woodland Park Zoo Wildlights [Map]
o Gingerbread Village [Map]
o Issaquah Reindeer Festival [ Map]
o Point Defiance Zoolights [Map]
o Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach [ Map]

Christmas Ship onshore viewing
See the lighted and decorated Christmas ship and listen to the live choir.
FRI:
o 8:00-8:20 Gene Coulon Park
SAT:
o 4:20-4:40 Medina Beach Park
o 5:30-5:50 Houghton Beach
o 9:45-10:05 Matthew Beach Park
SUN:
o 5:40-6:00 Ferdinand Street Park
o 6:15-6:35 Stan Sayres Park
o 6:45-7:05 Mt. Baker Beach
(www.argosycruises.com)

Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition
FRI Dozens of caroling teams compete with all donations to benefit the Pike Market Senior Center and downtown food bank. 5pm to 8:30pm at Westlake Park. Map
(www.pikemarketseniorcenter.org)

Celebrations Holiday Home Tour
FRI Tour unique Eastside homes decorated for the holidays. Proceeds benefit Eastside Assistance League. Map
(www.eastside.assistanceleague.org)

Redmond Lights Winter Festival
SAT Celebrates Redmond’s diverse holiday traditions, cultures, and faiths with musical entertainment, refreshments, and fun activities for the whole family. In downtown Redmond. Map
(redmondlights.com)

Mary Bridge Festival of Trees
SAT-SUN Nearly 70 elaborately decorated Evergreen trees and holiday decor. Games and crafts for kids. Festival benefits Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Directions & Parking
(www.multicare.org)

Phinney Neighborhood Winter Festival
SAT-SUN Crafts Fair with 115 artists and vendors, hundreds of musicians and dancers, live ongoing entertainment on two stages, a quilt raffle, a bake sale and lunch items. Map
(www.phinneycenter.org)

Burien Winterfest
SAT Free horse and carriage rides, hay rides, hot treats and in-store specials. Map
(www.discoverburien.com)

Kent Winterfest
SAT Kids Santa Parade and Tree Lighting with music and free hot apple cider, hot chocolate and popcorn. Map
(www.kentlionsclub.org)

Victorian Country Christmas
WED-SUN Victorian themed commercial exhibition with 560 holiday shops, gourmet food and wine tasting. At the Puyallup Fair and Events Center in Puyallup. Map
(www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com)

November 27-30, 2014

Thanksgiving Holiday
THU A uniqely American tradition of giving thanks.

Macy’s Holiday Parade
FRI A Holiday Tradition in Downtown Seattle as the parade makes it’s way through the streets followed by the official arrival of Santa Claus. Map
(www.macys.com/believe)

Black Friday Sales
FRI The day after Thanksgiving is known for store sales and discounts. So-called because this is the day that retailers hope to put their balance sheets in the black.

Holiday Displays and Festivals
FRI-DEC 31 Holiday festivals opening this weekend include:
o Seattle Center Winterfest [Map]
o Bellevue Magic Season [Map]
o Bellevue Botanical Garden d’Lights [Map]
o Woodland Park Zoo Wildlights [Map]
o Gingerbread Village [Map]
o Issaquah Reindeer Festival [ Map]
o Point Defiance Zoolights [Map]
o Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach [ Map]

Ski Areas Open
FRI Due to the past week’s snowfall, some ski areas will be opening on Friday. Click here for latest ski report. (For your safety please check the current pass report and have the appropriate legal traction devices when travelling in mountain passes.)

Snoqualmie Santa Train
FRI-SUN Board the Museum’s railway at the North Bend Depot for a 20 minute, 3.5-mile trip to Snoqualmie. Once in Snoqualmie, they will enter the restored and seasonally decorated 1890-built Snoqualmie Depot for a visit with Santa Claus, cookies and hot cocoa. North Bend Depot Map
(www.trainmuseum.org)

Greet the Season at Lake Union Park
SAT Festive music and family-friendly crafts and activities all day followed by the launch of the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival! – at Lake Union Park, the Center for Wooden Boats, and MOHAI. Map
(http://www.mohai.org/)

Magic in the Market
SAT Entertainment, food and a holiday concert & Santa followed by a tree-lighting ceremony at Pike Place Market. Map
(www.pikeplacemarket.org)

Christmas Ship onshore viewing
See the lighted and decorated Christmas ship and listen to the live choir.
SAT:
o 7:15-7:35 MOHAI (S Lake Union)
o 8:05-8:50 Seattle Yacht Club
o 8:40-9:00 Westward Restaurant and Little Gull Grocery
SUN:
o 5:10-5:30 Kirkland Marina Park
o 6:25-6:45 Gas Works Park
(www.argosycruises.com)

Festival of Trees
THRU DEC 03 The annual event to benefit Seattle Children’s with decorated, themed trees on display at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Map
(www.seattlefestivaloftrees.com)

November 21-23, 2014

Space Fest
THU-SAT Presentations, demonstrations, and activities with leaders in the national and commercial space industry at the Museum of Flight. Free with Museum admission. Map
(www.museumofflight.org)

Yulefest
SAT-SUN Nordic Christmas celebration with craft vendors, Scandinavian musical performances, Nordic treats at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. Map
(www.nordicmuseum.org)

Festival of Trees
SAT-DEC 03 The annual event to benefit Seattle Children’s with decorated, themed trees on display at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Map
(www.seattlefestivaloftrees.com)

Oddmall Emporium of the Weird
SAT-SUN Entertainment and shopping for curious things at the bazaar of the bizarre. At the Everett Howard Johnson. Map
(oddmall.info)

November 14-16, 2014

Seattle Comedy Competition
THRU NOV 16 Featuring 33 comedians from around the world competing for cash prizes. At various venues around Seattle. Calendar
(seattlecomedycompetition.org)

Christmas in Seattle
FRI-SUN Browse a wide variety of gifts, including original handcrafted items, holiday and home décor, and specialty foods. At the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Map
(www.christmasinseattleshow.com)

Best of the Northwest Art Show
FRI-SUN Northwest Art Alliance presents arts and fine crafts by 110 local artists. In hangar 30 at Seattle’s Magnuson Park. Map
(www.nwartalliance.com)

Skidazzle
FRI-SUN The Seattle Ski & Snowboard Show™ celebrates it’s 44th Anniversary and features over 125 Exhibitor and Sponsor booths showcasing “A World of Skiing & Snowboarding Under One Roof™”. Directions
(www.skidazzle.com)

The Great Train Expo
SAT-SUN Full working display railroads plus interactive kids’ displays and trains and accessories for sale at Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.greattrainexpo.com/)

October 7-9, 2014

Glitter Sale at Seattle Goodwill
SAT-SUN An annual celebration of all that is glitzy and glamorous! Shop the Seattle store for formal dresses, fancy gowns, cocktail dresses and designer wear, and choose from our amazing selection of accessories and fabulous jewelry. At the Seattle Goodwill Store. Map
(www.seattlegoodwill.org)

Auburn Veteran’s Day Parade
SAT One of the largest Veterans Day Parades west of the Mississippi with honor guards, veteran units and military fly-over starting at 9am in downtown Auburn. Map
(www.auburnwa.gov)

Digital Photo Expo
SAT-SUN Photography exhibit, seminars, manufacturers representatives. At the Lynnwood Convention Center. Map
(www.kenmorecamera.com)

Cultural Crossroads Festival
FRI-SUN Featuring some of the area’s best ethnic entertainment on two stages, an international bazaar and exhibits. At Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. Map
(www.crossroadsbellevue.com)

Life Sciences Weekend at the Pacific Science Center
FRI-SUN Demonstrations, interactive exhibits and talks for all ages about the world of life sciences at Pacific Science Center. At the Pacific Science Center. Map
(www.pacificsciencecenter.org)

Discover Science Weekend at the Seattle Aquarium
FRI-SUN Explore ocean and marine research alongside scientists through engaging and fun interactive displays and activities At the Seattle Aquarium. Map
(http://www.seattleaquarium.org)

Hmong New Year Celebration
SAT Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of the people from the hilltops of China, Laos, and Thailand through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. Gain insights into the customary courtship ritual of ball tossing and participate in flower cloth sessions.
Map More Festál
(www.seattlecenter.com)

October 31 – November 2, 2014

Trick or Treat
FRI

LaConner Arts Alive
FRI-SUN Exhibitions by local artists in picturesque LaConner. Map
(www.lovelaconner.com)

Mexican Dia de Muertos
SAT-SUN A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed featuring live performances, spectacular sand paintings, special hands-on activities, foods, face painting and exquisite rituals. Create sugar skulls and paper skeletons, explore community altars and march in a musical procession to remember the dead.
Map More Festál
(www.seattlecenter.com)

Northwest Historical Miniatures Gaming Society Exhibition
SUN Hobby demonstrations combining the challenges of fine model-making and sophisticated strategy game-playing. Map
(www.museumofflight.org)

Daylight Savings Ends
SUN Set your clocks back one hour Saturday night

October 24-26, 2014

Best of the Northwest Art Show
FRI-SUN Northwest Art Alliance presents arts and fine crafts by 110 local artists. In hagar 30 at Seattle’s Magnuson Park. Map Map
(www.nwartalliance.com)

Trick or Treating at Seattle Waterfront
SUN Bring your little ghouls and goblins to Downtown’s Waterfront and trick-or-treat at participating businesses from the Ferry Terminal to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Map
(www.downtownseattle.com)

Halloween at the Seattle Aquarium
SAT-SUN creepy games and activities, face painting, fun treats and two kinds of pumpkin carving demonstrations – on land and underwater! Map
(www.seattleaquarium.org)

Museum of Fright
SUN Halloween treats, games, ghosts from aviation’s past and more at the Museum of Flight. Map
(www.museumofflight.org)

Woodland Park Zoo Pumpkin Bash
SAT Pumpkins for the animals, trick-or-treating, and more are in store for little goblins and ghosts. Map
(www.zoo.org)

Healthfest
SAT-SUN Discover Health and Wellness Options for You and Your Family 10am – 5pm, Seattle Center Armory Map
(seattlecenter.org)

Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival
WED-SUN Holiday shopping for decorations, gifts, arts & crafts plus Santa, entertainment and local chefs at the Tacoma Dome. Map
(www.holidaygiftshows.com)

October 17-19, 2014

Seattle Auto Show
WED-SUN See and compare hundreds of new 2014’s including new electrics & hybrids, exotics and classic muscle cars. At Centurylink Field Events Center. Map
(www.seattleautoshow.com)

MEHVA Fall Foliage Tour
SUN A scenic 4-hour trip through the Cascade foothills along the quiet back roads of east King County as the autumn leaves are turning color. Tour stops for photos and lunch. Buses depart at 11 a.m. from 2nd Ave. S. and S. Main St., across from the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters. Map
(www.mehva.org)

Bothell Beer Festival
SAT Local breweries, food and live music. In downtown Bothell. Map
(www.explorebothell.com)

Seattle TurkFest
SAT-SUN Celebration of Turkish culture with a variety of traditional and contemporary music and dance performances, art and textile exhibitions, films, youth activities, cuisine, and workshops.
Map More Festál
(www.seattlecenter.com)

Remodeled Home Tour
SAT-SUN Homeowners throughout the greater Seattle area are opening their doors to showcase their professionally remodeled homes, including whole-house remodels, master bedroom suites, kitchen transformations and more!
(remodeltour.com)

Woodland Park Zoo Pumpkin Bash
SAT-SUN Pumpkins for the animals, trick-or-treating, and more are in store for little goblins and ghosts. Map
(www.zoo.org)

Camp Korey Fall Festival
FRI-SUN Kids activites, farm animals, cooking demonstrations, farmer’s market and more. Camp Korey is located at Carnation Farm. Map
(campkorey.org/fallfestival)

Pt. Defiance Zoo Boo
SAT-SUN The popular event features indoor and outdoor games, treats and more. Everyone in costume will receive a discount off the general zoo admission rate. At Tacoma’s Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Map
(www.pdza.org)

October 10-12, 2014

Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival
FRI-SUN Crab, chowder cook-off, arts, crafts and more. In Port Angeles. Map
(www.crabfestival.org)

Seattle Greek Festival
FRI-SUN Greek food, folk dancing, music and more at St. Demetrios Hall & Cultural Center in Seattle. Map
(www.seattlegreekfestival.com)

Kelsey Creek Farm Fair
SAT Entertainment, heritage demonstrations and activities, farm animals, tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides, food vendors, Kid’s Corral activities, pumpkin patch and decorating at Kelsey Creek Farm Park. Map
(www.myparksandrecreation.com)

Seattle Reptile Expo
SAT-SUN Sale of reptiles, amphibians and other exotic animals plus vendors at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup Map
(www.beanfarm.com/nwcbe/)

Suncadia Harvest Festival
SAT-SUN Live music, kids activities, wagon rides, arts & crafts, giant straw maze and more. At Suncadia Resort in CleElum. Map
(www.suncadiaresort.com)

Sammamish Arts Fair
SAT-SUN Display and sale by juried local artists including painting, mixed media, glass, jewelry, wood, textiles, photography and ceramics, art demos, activities, arts encounters at Sammamish City Hall. Map
(sammamishartsfair.wordpress.com)

Vashon Cider Fest
SAT Apple pressing, food and activities, cider tastings, kids’ activities in downtown Vashon. Map
(www.vashonchamber.com)

Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair
SAT-SUN Thousands of rare books, prints, maps, photos and more at Seattle Center Exhbition Hall. Map
(www.seattlebookfair.com)

October 3-5, 2014

Northwest Chocolate Festival
FRI-SUN The Northwest Chocolate Festival is proud to be the largest gathering of true Bean-To-Bar chocolate makers in the United States. We are delighted and tastefully surprised to be the largest dessert showcase in the city of Seattle.
Video At the Washington State Convention Center. Map
(www.nwchocolate.com)

Oktoberfest Northwest
FRI-SUN The 9th Annual Oktoberfest Northwest will serve up beer, brats, & authentic entertainment. At the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.oktoberfestnw.com)

Everett Sausage Festival
FRI-SUN Food booths, children’s games, Family Entertainment Stage, bingo, carnival, and Bavarian Beer Garden, Map
(www.everettsausagefest.com)

Leavenworth Oktoberfest
FRI-SAT Free transportation in Leavenworth, live music, German food, arts and crafts, and activities for the whole family. Oktoberfest in Leavenworth is the next best thing to being in Munich!
Map
(www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com/)

Seattle Home Show 2
FRI-SUN The Seattle Home Show is the Northwest’s largest consumer home show with everything for the home – indoors and out – with hundreds of exhibits including builders, remodelers, the latest appliances and fixtures, seminars and wine tasting. At Centurylink Field Events Center. Map
(http://seattlehomeshow.com/)

OysterFest
SAT-SUN Seafood cook-off and Iron Chef competitions, entertainment, wine tasting, oyster-shucking competition and more at Mason County Fairgrounds in Shelton. Map
(www.oysterfest.org)

Issaquah Salmon Days Festival
SAT-SUN Arts & crafts, food, entertainment, salmon exhibits and more in downtown Issaquah. Kids love watching the salmon jumping in the stream near the hatchery. Map
(http://www.salmondays.org/)

Children’s Story Program at the Elisabeth C. Miller Library
SAT Programs are presented one Saturday a month for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. All ages are welcome. 10:30 AM at the UW Elisabeth C. Miller Library. Map
(depts.washington.edu/hortlib/index.shtml)

Northwest Tea Festival
SAT-SUN Fun and educational event about the multifaceted world of tea with authors, experts, retailers, artists and enthusiasts at Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center. Map
(www.nwteafestival.com)

Croatia Fest
SUN Continuous live music and dance performances, food demonstrations and vendors of Croatian merchandise.
Map More Festál
(www.seattlecenter.com)