David's Picks

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.

Seattle International District Lunar New Year Celebration
SAT Celebrate the Year of the Pig with dragon dance, food walk, children’s costume parade and live reptile show At Hing Hay Park. Map
(www.cidbia.org)

Northwest Women’s Show
SAT-SUN Over 600 booths with everything from cosmetics to books plus firefighters, fashion shows, wine-tasting, seminars, celebrities, food and more at CenturyLink Field Event Center. Directions
(www.nwwomenshow.com)

PSEC Engineering Fair
SAT Hands-on activities and demos by professionals in local engineering societies, colleges and businesses. At the Museum of Flight. Map

Corvette and High Performance Meet
SAT-SUN Display of Corvettes and muscle cars, swap meet of parts and accessories at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.corvettehp.com/)

Pike Chocofest
SUN A romantic food and drink lovers delight. $60 ticket includes 10 drink tokens, unlimited food tastes, souvenir glass and live music. At the Pike Brewing Company – 1415 1st Avenue (Between Pike & Union). Map
(pikebrewing.com)

Children’s Film Festival Seattle
THRU FEB 09 The best and brightest in international children’s cinema with live performances, animation, features, and hands-on workshops for the filmmakers of tomorrow. At NW Film Forum on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Map
(www.childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org)

Northwest Bridal Showcase
SAT-SUN Bridal suite open house, professional displays, fashion shows and gown sale at Tulalip Resort. Map
(nwbridalshowcase.com)

Valentine’s Day at the Woodland Park Zoo
SAT Celebrate Cupid’s holiday the wild way with heart-shaped ice pops made of fruit juice, honey, strawberries and cranberries, herbal bouquets, heart-shaped steaks and more sweet treats for the animals., At the Woodland Park Zoo. Map
(www.zoo.org)

SR-99 Tunnel Opening Celebration
SAT Tunnel walk, family-friendly STEM activities, and a community celebration and art festival on the viaduct.

Enumclaw Wine & Chocolate Festival
FRI-SAT With 20+ wineries, over a dozen chocolatiers, many fine gift and specialties items. Two days of wine tasting, chocolate sampling, demonstrations, music, shopping and more. At Enumclaw Expo Center. Map
(www.enumclawchocolatefestival.com)

Kidstock!
SAT Kidstock! is the FREE, annual family event at ECA that features musical performances, theatre, arts education workshops, and activities for kids. At the Edmonds Center for the Arts. Map
(www.edmondscenterforthearts.org)

Children’s Film Festival Seattle
THRU FEB 09 The best and brightest in international children’s cinema with live performances, animation, features, and hands-on workshops for the filmmakers of tomorrow. At NW Film Forum on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Map
(www.childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org)

Seattle Boat Show
THRU FEB 02 Display and sale of all kinds of watercraft and seminars at CenturyLink Field Event Center and on the water at South Lake Union. Map
(www.seattleboatshow.com)

Belgianfest
SAT breweries pouring more than 50 Belgian-style beers in the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. Map
(www.washingtonbeer.com)

Red wine and Chocolate Festival
SAT-SUN A full weekend of sumptuous chocolates and tasty red wines. At Carpenter Creek Winery in south Mount Vernon. Map
(www.carpentercreek.com)

Groundhog Day
SAT According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow there will be an early spring.
(www.groundhog.org)

Seattle Boat Show
FRI-FEB 02 Display and sale of all kinds of watercraft and seminars at CenturyLink Field Event Center and on the water at South Lake Union. Map
(www.seattleboatshow.com)

Children’s Film Festival Seattle
THU-FEB 09 The best and brightest in international children’s cinema with live performances, animation, features, and hands-on workshops for the filmmakers of tomorrow. At NW Film Forum on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Map
(www.childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org)

Northwest Model Hobby Expo
SAT-SUN Hobby swap meet, vendors and judged model competition at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, WA Directions
(www.nwmhe.com)

Ursulmas Medieval Faire
SAT-SUN A full weekend of events including fighting, crafts, Bards, archery, youth activities and merchants at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe Map
(www.aquaterra.antir.sca.org)

Winter Friends Children’s Story Program at UW
SAT 10:30AM – For those who wonder where animals go when the weather gets frosty, these stories offer factual information as well as imaginative fun. After the stories, make a winter habitat tree. All ages are welcome. At the Elisabeth C. Miller Library on the UW Campus. Map
(depts.washington.edu/hortlib/index.shtml)

Skagit Eagle Festival Week 4
SAT Guided walks, photography workshops, arts & crafts sales, tours, raft trips, dance performance and music. About 2 hrs north of Seattle in Concrete, WA. Map
(http://concrete-wa.com)

Washington Sportsman’s Show
WED-SUN Fishing, hunting, camping equipment and vendors plus kids’ activities and seminars at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Map
(www.otshows.com)

Maker Day:Building Board Games
SAT Join local game design studio Forrest-Pruzan Creative in creating your own board game elements. At the Museum of History and Industry at south Lake Union. Map
(www.mohai.org)