Author Archives: David's Picks

Easter Sunday
SUN Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus

Kid’s Easter Activities
o SAT Redmond Town Center Spring Eggstravaganza Bunny petting zoo, bouncy house, crafts and more. Map
o SAT Gillman Village Issaquah Easter Eggstravaganza Treats for kids and photos with Easter Bunny. Map
o SAT Bunny Bounce and Easter Baskets for the Animals at the Woodland Park Zoo! Hop, skip or jump to Bunny Bounce for Easter Egg hunts, Easter baskets for the animals and more. Map
o SAT Kent Station Egg Hunt Hunt eggs filled with candy and prizes from local merchants. At the Kent Station mall. Map
o SAT Snohomish Easter Parade Easter bonnet contest, kids’ egg hunt and the only major Easter parade in the state. Map
Find more Easter fun near you

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
THRU APR 30 Tulip and Daffodil fields in bloom around Mt. Vernon and LaConner. Directions and parking
(www.tulipfestival.org)

Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest
FRI-SAT Scotch, Whiskey and Beer tasting, seminars and sales. Proceeds benefit the Seattle Humane Society. At the Fremont Studios in Seattle. Map
(scotchbeerfest.com)

State Parks Free Day
SAT In honor of Spring day, Saturday is a State Park “free day” and the Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park Find a Park
(www.parks.wa.gov)

National Parks Free Entrance Days
SAT Free admission at Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and all other National parks. In celebration of National Park Week. Find a Park
(http://www.nps.gov/index.htm)

Sakura-Con
FRI-SUN The 7th largest North American anime convention with merchants and cultural exhibitors. At the Washington State Convention Center. Map
(www.sakuracon.org)

World Rythm Festival
SAT-APR 30 Drum, dance, listen and learn in more than 100 performances and workshops with music of Africa, Asia, Cuba, Brazil, India, America, Middle East and more for youth and adults at Seattle Center. Map
(www.swps.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)

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
THRU APR 30 Tulip and Daffodil fields in bloom around Mt. Vernon and LaConner. Directions and parking
(www.tulipfestival.org)

Washington State Spring Fair
THU-SUN From garden displays, to racing pigs, to dogs performing amazing water tricks, Spring Fair offers tons of free attractions that the whole family will enjoy. At the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup. Map
(www.thefair.com)

Seattle Restaurant Week
THRU APR 18 More than 165 local restaurants are serving up three-course dinners for just $35, and many also offer discounted two-course lunches. Map
(srw.seattletimes.com)

Apollo 11 Mission Exhibit Opens
SAT-SUN Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission. A new exhibit featuring the Apollo 11 Command Module and other rare Smithsonian artifacts. Through September 2. At the Museum of Flight. Map
(http://www.museumofflight.org)

National Grilled Cheese Day Pop-Up
SUN 20+ food vendors celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day on Sunday, April 14th with a pop-up at the Fremont Sunday Market. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Map
(Mobile Food Rodeo)

Anacortes Spring Wine Festival
SAT Anacortes Spring Wine Festival brings 30 wineries, six restaurants and live music to pier one overlooking the scenic Guemes Channel, Map
(www.anacortes.org)

Marine Mammal Mania
THRU APR 14 Hands-on activities, special talks and demonstrations devoted to marine mammals. At the Seattle Aquarium. Map
(www.seattleaquarium.org)

Best of the Northwest Spring Art & Fine Craft Show
SAT-SUN 100 artists displaying jewelry, clothing, paintings, glass art, and sculptures plus food trucks at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Map
(www.nwartalliance.com)

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
THRU APR 30 Tulip and Daffodil fields in bloom around Mt. Vernon and LaConner. Directions and parking
(www.tulipfestival.org)

Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade
SAT Floats adorned with thousands of daffodils on parade through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting. Parade Start 10:15 AM
(www.daffodilfestival.net)

Moisture Festival
THRU APR 07 The Moisture Festival is the world’s largest Comedy/Varietè festival, running for four weeks every spring in Seattle. Venues
(www.moisturefestival.com)

Seattle Restaurant Week
SUN-APR 18 More than 165 local restaurants are serving up three-course dinners for just $35, and many also offer discounted two-course lunches. Map
(srw.seattletimes.com)

Prince From Minneapolis at MoPOP
SAT Opening day of a new Prince exhibit from the Minneapolis Museum. With nearly 50 artifacts, including photos, artwork, a Prince guitar, and outfits from the Purple Rain Tour. At the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle. Runs through December. Map
(www.mopop.org)

Issaquah Wine Walk
SAT Enjoy music, art and wines from local boutique wineries poured in various designated tasting locations up and down Front Street, Issaquah. Map
(http://www.downtownissaquah.com/)

Orchid Show and Sale
SAT-SUN The Northwest Orchid Society will showcase a diversity of Orchid specimens cultivated by it’s members. At the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Map
(volunteerparkconservatory.org)

Marine Mammal Mania
FRI-APR 14 Hands-on activities, special talks and demonstrations devoted to marine mammals. At the Seattle Aquarium. Map
(www.seattleaquarium.org)

Puyallup Truck & Jeep Fest
SAT-SUN Commercial show of 4×4 trucks, parts and accessories. Free Admission. At the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup Directions
(www.4wheelparts.com)

Fred Meyer Fuchsia Saturday
SAT Special price on fuchsia starts with free potting at Fred Meyer stores. Bring your own pots.
(www.fredmeyer.com)

First Caturday at Cal Anderson Park
SAT Cat owners are encouraged to bring their furry friends on leash, stroller or pet carrier. Open to all – free admission. At Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill. Map

Cherry Blossom Viewing

University of Washington campus (The Quad)

The Quad in the University of Washington campus is probably the #1 spot to view Cherry Trees. The trees were originally planted in the Washington Park Arboretum around 1939, but then transplanted to UW in the 1960s, due to 520 floating bridge construction. They now line The Quad at UW.

Washington Park Arboretum Azalea Way

With 230 acres of gardens, including a Japanese Garden, the Arboretum is definitely a sight to see. You’ll find all types of flowers and trees there, including Cherry Trees on Azalea Way and in the Japanese Garden.

Seward Park and Lake Washington Boulevard

Seward Park is the original home of the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. Now, the festival takes place at the Seattle Center every Spring. The very first three Cherry Trees were planted in Seward Park in 1929, which were then followed by 3,500 more throughout Seattle in 1930.

Jefferson Park, Beacon Hill

Jefferson Park was very popular amongst Japanese-Americans living in Seattle in the 1920s, so to celebrate the park’s 100th birthday, The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Committee donated 25 cherry trees to be planted at Jefferson in 2012.

Point Defiance Park – Japanese Garden, Tacoma

The Consul General of Japan, the Honorable Kiyokazu Ota, along with the City of Kitakyushu in Japan, gifted Cherry Trees to Tacoma to celebrate the friendship they have had since 1959. They are planted in the Japanese Garden.

Georgetown Bites
SAT $5 specials from 34 vendors. In the Georgetown neighborhood. Map
(georgetownmerchants.org)

Moisture Festival
THRU APR 07 The Moisture Festival is the world’s largest Comedy/Varietè festival, running for four weeks every spring in Seattle. Venues
(www.moisturefestival.com)

Taste Washington
THU-SUN Wine tasting from from more than 200 local wineries plus food from local restaurants at CenturyLink Field Event Center. Map
(tastewashington.org)

Vegfest
SAT-SUN Vegetarian food festival with cooking demos, samples, book sale and kids’ activities at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Directions
(www.vegofwa.org)

Racing Season Opener at Evergreen Speedway
SAT Stock car races, figure-8, Fireworks. At Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. Map
(www.evergreenspeedway.com)

Moisture Festival
THRU APR 07 The Moisture Festival is the world’s largest Comedy/Varietè festival, running for four weeks every spring in Seattle. Venues
(www.moisturefestival.com)

Northwest Rodarama
SAT-SUN Hot rods, customs and vintage cars at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Map
(www.nwrodarama.com)

Norwegian Culture and Heritage Day
SAT Traditional Norwegian food, crafts, music, dance, genealogy, children’s activities, vendors. At the Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge in Ballard. Map
(www.leiferiksonlodge.org)

Seattle’s French Festival
SUN Celebration of Turkish culture with a variety of traditional and contemporary food, music, dance, art, and kids activities. At the Seattle Center Armory. Map More Festál
(www.fenpnw.org)

Washington Cask Beer Festival
SAT Handcrafted cask-conditioned beers from innovative regional breweries, admission includes a commemorative tasting cup and tastes at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Location
(http://www.washingtonbrewersguild.org/)

Mariners FanFest
SAT-SUN Q&A sessions with Mariner players and coaches, Zip Line, meet the Mariner Moose and other kids’ activities at Safeco Field. Map
(www.mariners.com)

Port Townsend Victorian Festival
FRI-SUN Victorian Grand Ball, historical theatrics, living history re-enactments, historic home tour, sponsored by the Victorian Society in America-Northwest. Downtown Port Townsend. Map
(vicfest.org)

Moisture Festival
THU-APR 07 The Moisture Festival is the world’s largest Comedy/Varietè festival, running for four weeks every spring in Seattle. Venues
(www.moisturefestival.com)

Emerald City Comicon
THU-SUN The premier comic book and pop culture convention in the Northwest. At the Washington State Convention Center. Map
(www.emeraldcitycomicon.com)

Irish Festival
SAT-SUN Irish & Celtic products, singing, dancing, childrens activities and more at Seattle Center Armory. Map
(http://irishclub.org)

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
SAT The Parade travels north on 4th Ave to the Reviewing Stand at Westlake Park and ends at the Seattle Center. Map
(www.irishclub.org)

PNNA Coin Show
FRI-SUN The oldest and biggest annual coin show in the Pacific Northwest with 85 local, regional and national numismatic dealer booths. At the Tukwila Community Center. Map
(www.pnna.org)

Seattle Library Spring Book Sale
FRI-SUN Over 100,000 items will be for sale with over 50 categories of nonfiction including art, cookbooks, crafts, gardening, history, music, performing arts, pets, nature and travel. At the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Map
(www.friendsofspl.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)

Doll, Teddy Bear & Antique Show
SAT-SUN Commercial exhibit and sale of antique to modern dolls, bears, supplies, clothing, jewelry at Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.dolls4all.com)

Everett Home and Garden Show
FRI-SUN Home building and remodeling ideas, vendors and information for your home, garden and yard. At the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Map
(www.everetthomegardenshow.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)

Tacoma Remodeling Expo
FRI-SUN Explore hundreds of exhibits on remodeling kitchens, baths, outdoor spaces and more at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Directions & Parking
(www.homeshowcenter.com)

Seattle Bike Swap
SUN Garage sale with deals on new and used bike related goods of all types and sizes. At Magnuson Park, Hangar 30. Map
(www.cascade.org)

International Gem & Jewelry Show
FRI-SUN Diamonds, silver, gold, necklaces, estate jewelry, watches and more at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Map
(www.intergem.com)

Daylight Savings Time Begins
SUN Set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday.

Issaquah Wine + Art Walk
SAT Enjoy music, art and wines from local boutique wineries poured in various designated tasting locations up and down Front Street, Issaquah. Map
(http://www.downtownissaquah.com/)

Seattle Home Show
SAT-MAR 03 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/)

Poverty Bay Wine Festival
FRI-SAT Enjoy live musical entertainment and the historic setting while tasting wines from over twenty Washington State Wineries and sampling delicacies from local food merchants. Hosted by the The Rotary Club of Des Moines at the Landmark Event Center in Des Moines. Map
(http://www.dmnprotary.org/)

Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year Celebration
SAT Celebration features Asian culture including martial arts, dragon dance, Chinese opera, brush painting and calligraphy. In conjuction with the Seattle Chapter of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. At Bellevue Square Mall. Map
(www.bellevuecollection.com)

Snohomish Wine Festival
SAT The Festival will showcase 19 wineries from Oregon and Washington and will include many of the Snohomish area wineries. Guests will receive a commemorative wine glass, wine tastings, appetizers from local area restaurants and caterers, and entertainment by Back Porch Blues Unplugged and Bubbles & Fog at A Manor of Wine. Map
(http://snohomishcoc.com)

Sewing & Stitchery Expo
THU-SUN The largest expo of its kind for sewers, quilters and embroidery enthusiasts from around the globe. At the Puyallup Fairgrounds. Map
(www.sewexpo.com)

Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
WED-SUN The first herald of springtime in the Northwest with spectacular indoor show gardens, shopping, seminars, live music and more. In the Washington State Convention Center. Map
(www.gardenshow.com)

Seattle Home Show
SAT-MAR 03 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/)

Seattle Food and Wine Experience
THU-SUN A new showcase for food and wine in the Northwest with wine from more than 10 countries as well as artisan breweries and culinary exhibitors plus live music at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Map
(seattlewineandfoodexperience.com)

Chocolate on the Beach Festival
THU-SUN Five miles of chocolate at various venues from Copalis Beach to Moclips, with chocolate themed events. Map
(www.chocolateonthebeachfestival.com)

Pacific Northwest Yo-Yo Championships
SAT Championship level yo-yo players come to Seattle Center to compete for the title of Pacific Northwest Regional
Champion in the seventh annual Pacific Northwest Yo-Yo Championships. At the Seattle Center. Directions
(pnwr.yoyocontest.com)

LaConner Smelt Derby
SAT Smelt Fishing, pancake breakfast, art & antique shopping, family fun in scenic LaConner. Map
(www.laconnerrotary.org/)

NW Model Railroad Show
SAT-SUN Model Railroad Show and swap meet to benefit Snohomish County 4-H Clubs. At the Evergreen State Fairground in Monroe. Map
(www.unwclub.org)

Alki Winter Beer & Food Truck Festival
SAT Gathering of food trucks to benefit Special Olympics Washington. At Alki Beach in West Seattle. Map
(www.mobilefoodrodeo.com)

Octopus week at the Seattle Aquarium
THRU FEB 24 Hands-on activities for kids, octopus feedings and talks. At the Seattle Aquarium. Map
(www.seattleaquarium.org)

MOHAI Maker Day: Making the Mold
SAT Turn your line drawing into a plastic medallion using 3D printing, mold making, and resin casting with local maker Jeremy Elson. At the Museum of History and Industry at south Lake Union. Map
(www.mohai.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)

Everett Film Festival
FRI-SAT Highlighting the strength, humor and creativity of women through provocative and entertaining films from around the nation and across the globe. At Everett Performing Arts Center. Map
(www.everettfilmfest.org)

Noir City Film Festival
FRI-THU Noir City: The Big Knockover – Heists, Holdups, and Schemes Gone Awry.
Featuring a collection of classic and contemporary heist films. At the Egyptian Theater. Map
(www.siff.net)

Seattle Golf Show
SAT-SUN Over 160 exhibitors, contests, lessons and instructions. At Centurylink Field Event Center. Directions
(www.seattlegolfshow.com)

Seattle Bike Expo
SAT-SUN The best of biking – with 70+ exhibitors, test ride track, speakers & presenters. At the CenturyLink Field Event Center. Map
(seattlebikeshow.com)

Kids free at Northwest Trek
SAT-SUN Up to four children, ages 12 and younger, will receive FREE admission with every full-paying adult or senior. Join a kid-friendly, 30-minute Discovery Tram Tour to spy on moose, bison, elk, and other herd animals roaming freely through a 435-acre natural habitat. At Northwest Trek near Eatonville. Map
(www.nwtrek.org)

Octopus week at the Seattle Aquarium
SAT-FEB 24 Hands-on activities for kids, octopus feedings and talks. At the Seattle Aquarium. Map
(www.seattleaquarium.org)

President’s Day
MON United States federal holiday in honor of past US Presidents.