Snow In Puget Sound This Weekend? There's A Chance
Some weather models are predicting a touch of snow, but we're really emphasizing the word "chance" here.
By Neal McNamara , Patch Staff | Nov 29, 2018 1:20 pm ET | Updated Nov 29, 2018 10:33 pm ET | Courtesy of Patch.com
SEATTLE, WA - If it does snow this weekend, it will be just enough to get you into the holiday spirit. It definitely won't be enough to get you stuck driving up a steep hill.
According to the Seattle Weather Blog, some forecast models are showing the chance for flurries on Sunday morning. Basically, some weather set to head through Northern California this weekend will draw cool air south and into Western Washington. Add some moisture, there's your snow.
But Seattle Weather Blog's Justin Shaw explains it much better:
An area of low pressure will track into Oregon/Northern CA on Saturday, which will help draw much cooler air from the north into Western Washington Saturday into Sunday. As this low continues tracking south, some of the moisture on the northern end will brush Western Washington.
The University of Washington's WRF-GFS model suggests that there is a chance - albeit, a slight one - of some of this moisture falling as snow flurries over parts of Western Washington Sunday morning.
Accumulations would be essentially zilch, with temperatures around 34-35 degrees in spots that do see some flurries.
The chance of snow will range between 0 and 20 percent, with the best chance northeast of Seattle and perhaps along I-90 east of Issaquah. Here's the UW WRF-GFS model. The areas shaded lavender and blue are where snow chances are best.
File photo by Neal McNamara/Patch
26 Places to Pick Up and Cut Your Own Christmas Trees Around Seattle This Winter 2018
Where To Go for Trees, Garland, Wreaths, and Free Cocoa
Enchanted Winds Tree Farm offers hot drinks and holiday decorations in addition to their U-cut Firs.
In addition to the beginning of season-long holiday events like Enchant Christmas and the Christmas Ship Festival, the day after Thanksgiving is also when most Christmas tree lots and farms open for the season. Below (and on our Christmas tree listings page), we've compiled all of the places where you can get your own tree, whether you want a pre-cut one or you want to cut your own, accompanied by seasonal activities for kids and adults alike, including cider, gift shopping, and visits from Santa and/or his reindeer.
SEATTLE
City People's Garden Store
The nursery offers Noble, Frasier, Grand, Douglas, and Nordmann Firs come winter, all of which come with custom stands. You can also pick up garland, wreaths, and lots of other holiday decorations.
Madison Valley
El Centro de la Raza
Find your fresh, organically grown Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush at El Centro de la Raza's annual sale. They stock Nordmans, Nobles, and Douglas Firs in various heights. If you already have a tree, you can also purchase one to donate to the home of a low-income family.
Beacon Hill
Holy Rosary School
The Tree Lot Elves help a visiting Santa transform this church parking lot into a haven of pine-scented offerings, with a portion of proceeds benefitting local charities.
West Seattle
Swansons Nursery
Visit this indoor nursery for their Reindeer Festival, where you can shop Christmas trees in natural shapes, in addition to a variety of seasonal plants, bulbs, arrangements, and other gifts like books, jewelry, and home decor, all in the decked-out "winter wonderland" indoor nursery. Plus, visit with Santa and his real-life reindeer, check out model trains, sip cocoa, and enjoy live music throughout the season. As far as trees go, they tout their "Spin and Pick" system (in which hand-selected trees suspended off the ground and "ready for a spin by the pickiest purveyor"), and, this year, are introducing a new variety: the "Burton Blue" Noble Fir.
Crown Hill
SOUTH OF SEATTLE
Carpinito Brothers
Shop thousands of Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, and other Washington-grown trees at this nursery and market. Plus, check out the poinsettia room, take family photos with reindeer and Moses the nativity camel, sip on complimentary hot cider, and shop wreaths and other holiday decor.
Kent
Coates Christmas Trees
This U-cut farm emphasizes the Christmas spirit and family time, offering hot chocolate, cider, fires, visits from Santa Claus, and holiday decorations.
Auburn
Crystal Creek Tree Farm
Crystal Creek provides saws for cutting down your own tree from among their 23 acres of Noble and Nordmann Firs, plus free rides from the parking lot to the forest on a picturesque train car, built by owners Harvey and Janet Hawken.
Maple Valley
Papa's Tree Farm & Gift Shop
This 12-acre farm's range of services includes offers precut tree, fields for cutting your own trees, and the option to "point to the tree you want then let us do the rest." Whatever option you choose, don't miss the Christmas train, cute photo ops, gift shop, and free cider.
Maple Valley
Pfaff's Old Time Christmas Tree Farm
Choose your perfect holiday tree from 30 acres of U-cut and pre-cut options, and pick up some festive wreaths and garland while you're at it. If you're lucky, you might encounter a sweet old yellow dog who lives on the property.
Auburn
Three Tree Farms
Get a "true country Christmas experience" in the Cascade foothills as you choose from a large selection of pre-cut Nobles, Grands, and Nordmans. Before you head home, warm up by a fire and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cider, and homemade blueberry muffins.
Maple Valley
Wilson Hill Tree Farm
This farm provides saws, twine, and bailing materials for their U-cut trees, which include Noble, Frazier, Nordman, Grand, Silver, and White Firs. They also sell wreaths made onsite with fresh greens.
Auburn
NORTH OF SEATTLE
Farmer Brown's Christmas Tree Farm
Take your pick of Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce or Colorado Blue Spruce from 32 acres of farmland, and stay a little while to enjoy a bonfire, Christmas music, complimentary hot drinks, hot dogs, and wildlife-gazing.
Arlington
Long's Christmas Trees
This 20-acre farm on the Snohomish River Valley offers Noble, Grand, Frasier, and Douglas Fir trees, which you can either cut yourself with provided hand saws or ask a staff member to cut for you. Before you strap your tree to your car, sit by a fire with hot cocoa, cider, and candy canes.
Snohomish
Sky Nursery
Get your Noble, Fraser, Grand, and Nordmann Firs from this pre-cut lot, which also offers ornaments and handcrafted wreaths adorned with winter berries.
Shoreline
Stocker Farms
You'll find many varieties of Fir trees both U-cut and pre-cut, as well as wreaths and gifts. Those who bring a canned food donation get complimentary hot cocoa.
Snohomish
EAST OF SEATTLE
Buttonwood Farm
These Firs are 100 percent organic, which means they've been grown without pesticides or herbicides. You can cut your own or have someone cut it for you.
Redmond
Carnation Tree Farm
This Norwegian-owned farm has been open for 30 years. Stroll along its 16 acres for the ideal Douglas, Fraser, Grand, Noble and Nordmann Firs, or a Norway and Blue Spruce. They'll provide saws, and they shake and bail your tree for free upon purchase. Don't forget to stop by their barn to find holiday gifts, meet Santa, and buy treats from a bake sale.
Carnation
Christmas Creek Christmas Tree Farm
This family-owned farm grows plenty of Noble Firs in their fields for those who want to cut down their own Christmas tree, as well as a selection of Oregon-sourced pre-cut Nobles for those who don't. Santa also pays visits to the farm.
Riverbend
Enchanted Winds Tree Farm
In addition to its wide selection of U-cut Firs (including Noble, Grand, Douglas, Fraser, and Turkish), which staff members will bail and tie to your car, this farm also features a gift barn with wreaths and garland, ornaments, hot cider, cookies, and visits from Santa.
Issaquah
Keith & Scott Tree Farm
At this cattle ranch, you'll find U-cut Noble, Douglas, Fraser, Turkish, and Grand Firs, as well as beef and lamb meat ready to reserve for Christmastime from their well-cared-for livestock. Visitors can also meet other farm animals, like ponies and chickens.
North Bend
McMurtrey's Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm
Choose between Noble (whose spaced-out branches are good for hanging ornaments), Grand (known for their strong pine and citrus scent), Douglas, or Fraser Firs at this farm's U-cut field, and enjoy complimentary wagon rides, hot cocoa and cider, and candy canes.
Redmond
MJW Holiday Tree Lot
Find fresh, locally grown pre-cut trees in a variety of shapes and sizes from this downtown Kirkland lot.
Kirkland
Mountain Creek Christmas Tree Farm
Hunt for your perfect Fir tree (as well as wreaths, ornaments, and gifts) at this U-cut farm on Mount Si.
Snoqualmie
Snow Valley Christmas Tree Farm
You're bound to find a Noble, Grand, Turkish, or Nordman Fir that suits your fancy—this 100-acre farm claims to supply over 28,000 in their U-cut fields. They also sell gifts, wreaths, and ornaments.
Duvall
Trinity Tree Farm
Grab a hand saw and explore 40 acres of Douglas, Grand, Noble, and Fraser Firs. Before you head out, take advantage of complimentary hot cocoa, train rides (for kids), food stands, and fire pits.
Issaquah
WEST OF SEATTLE
The Wreath Works
If your holiday wreath is just as important to you as your Christmas tree, you'll find plenty of great offerings here. Their Noble wreaths are made on site, and their fields boast lots of Fir and Spruce trees. Plus, they have hot cocoa, cider, and a real-life Santa in their gift shop.
Port Orchard
Holiday Event Guide 2018
From a Jane Austen adaptation to a drag show—these are the 23 events to catch this season.
By Seattle Met Staff 11/20/2018 at 11:43am | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
IMAGE: COURTESY ENCHANT
Wonderland
Back for its fifth year, Wonderland transforms Pike Place Market’s subterranean cabaret into a holiday treat equally snowy and saucy. Nov 1–Jan 13, Can Can Culinary Cabaret, $40 –Stefan Milne
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
Elizabeth Bennet’s frumpy sister, Mary, sheds her middle-child syndrome to find a love of her own in this sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Nov 21–Dec 29, Taproot Theatre, $20–$42 –Gwen Hughes
Seattle Turkey Trot
No need to fear the imminent Turkey coma, this Ballard tradition will have you up and running on Thanksgiving morning before the bird leaves the oven. What’s more, you can bring the dog along–we all know they’ll be scarfing down the leftovers, so they could use a nice run around too. Nov 22, Caffe Fiore, $25 –Aly Brady
Enchant Christmas
In enchantingly immersive fashion, Safeco Field will transform into the world’s largest light maze, inside which you’re tasked with tracking down Rudolph, Dasher, and the other seven missing reindeer. The string-lit wonderland allows you to ice skate through festive displays, get lost in the tangles of the maze, and meet a Santa. For those looking to work on their shopping lists, the Christmas Market is rife with stocking stuffer worthy crafts and treats, like Pacific Northwest-based Lumiere candles. Nov 23–Dec 30, Safeco Field, $20–$65 –AB
Winterfest
Watch the Seattle Center Armory transform into a Winter Wonderland complete with a skating rink, ice sculptures, delicious treats and a miniature train display. With five weeks of festivities, there are plenty of winter break opportunities to cozy up and celebrate. Nov 23–Jan 6, Seattle Center, Free –GH
The Byrd Ensemble: A German Christmas
Feel the chill of German December nights with this night of carols and chortets, featuring local organist Susanna Valleau. The lineup includes yuletide classics like Stille Nacht and other masterworks from the works of Bach and Franz Gruber. Nov 24, Trinity Parish Church, $18–$28 –AB
Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas
Jane Lynch (of Glee and a heap of other things) will perform jazzy arrangements of classic Christmas tunes. Previously Miss Hannigan in Broadway’s Annie, Lynch’s musical chops match her brash, comedic timing. Nov 24, Paramount Theatre, $39–$74 –GH
Miracle on 2nd
Rob Roy, Belltown’s consistently excellent and constantly nonchalant lounge, again gets seasonal: a holiday cocktail list, soundtrack, and a good deal of fake snow. Nov 25–Dec 24, Rob Roy, free –SM
Hanukkah Night Market
Bake, decorate, and light the candles at the Hillel Building at the University of Washington. It will fill with local vendors, crafters, and hobbyists in this first ever craft fair and night market, complete with live music and plenty of snacks. Nov 29, University Washington, Free –AB
Find some snow (maybe) and illumination in Leavenworth.
IMAGE: BRIAN MUNOZ
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival
If you can’t swing the plane ticket to Europe, but you still want the romantic feel of cobbled streets, twinkling Bavarian rooftops, hot mulled wine, and carolers wandering the streets, then you can find it in Leavenworth. The festivities include live music, dog sled rides and, for the kiddos, visits with Ole’ Saint Nick. Nov 30–Dec 16, Leavenworth, Free –AB
Rainier Beach Arts and Crafts Market
Rainier Beach Community Center hosts a craft market with handcrafted jewelry, baked goods, and woodworking. Meet local artisans and explore the opportunities for one-of-a-kind gifts to impress even your most nitpicky relatives. Dec 1, Rainier Beach Community Center, Free –GH
The Annual Latkeh Cook-Off
This is exactly what it sounds like, with some cheese and wine. A simple event, yes, but I’ll take a perfect Latkeh—blessed with sour cream, apple sauce, chives—over soggy holiday stuffing anytime. Dec 3, LoveCityLove, $25 –SM
The Sirens of Swing
For harmoniously vintage caroling, Seattle-based vocal trio Sirens of Swing will ring in the Holidays with plenty of festive tunes. Dec 3, Rendezvous, $20 –AB
A Judy Garland Christmas Special
This theater parody chronicles the backstage strife of Judy Garland’s infamous 1963 Christmas special. With publicists desperate for a jolly Christmas (after some unwelcome, binge drinking by Mrs. Oz, herself) Garland corals the whole family—including 17-year-old Liza Minelli, to get her waning career back on track. Dec 6–Dec 22, Theatre Off Jackson, $27 –GH
The Chanukah Party
“Best Food Friends” Blake Madden and Mike Wong take a break from monthly community dinners to host an epic Hanukkah celebration. Chow down on Jewish and Chinese fair as you enjoy the comedic stylings of Wildred Padua followed by performances from Brown Calculus, Hotels!, and Nearby. Dec 8, Russian Community Center, $17 –GH
Short Stories Live: A Rogue’s Christmas 2018
For lovers of fireside tales and literary revelries, look no further than A Rogue’s Christmas. The annual event features an eclectic collection of poetry, short fiction, and live music, with plenty of local figures reading from the works of John Updike and Jeanette Winterson (whose collection Christmas Days is certainly worth a read). If you’re more of a storyteller than an audience member, organizers will be accepting submissions inspired by “Holiday humiliations,” until November 27, some of which will be read aloud at the event. Dec 9, Taproot Theatre, $15 –AB
Walt Wagner Trio
Walt Wagner, the former Canlis pianist, known for playing everything from Prince to Fleet Foxes in a style between classical and jazz, hits Jazz Alley with his trio for a holiday celebration. His playing “Christmas in Hollis” by Run D.M.C. seems as likely as “White Christmas.” Dec 9, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, $31 –SM
Deck the Hall Ball
Given that $75 for a Death Cab for Cutie and Bastille ticket is already near the going rate, all the other bands playing Deck the Hall Ball are gravy, and some of that gravy—namely formerly local singer Jenn Champion—trumps the main event. Dec 11, WaMu Theatre, $75 –SM
A Drag Queen Christmas
Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race can kindly make their way to the Moore for a live holiday take, which, as it happens, is an all-ages show. Some degree of glitter in the dress-code feels mandatory. Dec 12, Moore Theatre, $22–$54 –SM
Handel’s Messiah
George Friderick Handel’s Messiah is as quintessentially Christmas as any carol. And when 50-some psalm-centered movements begin to run together, conductor Dmitry Sinkovsky will lead the Seattle Symphony and Chorale in the incomparable Hallelujah chorus. Dec 14–16, Benaroya Hall, $24–$89 –GH
Campout Cinema: Die Hard
Die Hard is not only the greatest action movie of the 1980s. It is also, simply, the greatest Christmas action movie ever. To celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary, MoPOP brings an outdoor movie vibe inside the building’s Sky Church, along with drinks and gallery access. Dec 22, MoPOP, $14 –SM
Sugar Plum Gary
Santa meets Satan in Emmett Montgomery’s one man show. The local comedian takes to the stage in a red onesie and doles out an act both absurd and faintly evil. “Christmas in five words,” he grumbles through a huge beard, “He sees you when you’resleeping.” Dec 22–24, 18th and Union, $10–$22 –SM
Stas and Kass: Home for the Holidays
Two local natives converging for a show isn’t such an event. But when those two are Stas Thee Boss (formerly of THEESatisfaction) and Kassa Overall (jazz musician/MC/producer) and it’s a holiday show, eventfulness is rather besides the point. This is pure treasure. Dec 27, Barboza, $10 –SM
Where to Dine Out for Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re prone to burning pie crusts and under-seasoning, then don’t fret. These local eateries have got you covered.
By Aly Brady 11/12/2018 at 9:40am Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
Thanksgiving at Miller’s Guild features autmnal pickings like roasted delicata squash.
Thanksgiving dinner is a multihour undertaking; if you don’t want to spend the entire day before—and the day of, let’s be honest—as stuffed in the kitchen as bread inside a turkey, there’s plenty of Turkey Day options for which we can be thankful. Just remember to snag a reservation in advance; these spots go fast.
Belltown
Local 360 Cafe and Bar
With most ingredients at this sustainable spot coming from the Seattle area, expect Thanksgiving to follow suit with its morning and evening menus. Highlights include corned beef hash and a buttery biscuit for brunch, with dinner options like turkey topped with celery root puree alongside fennel sausage stuffing. $49 per person, $7 optional sides, 206-441-9360
Shaker and Spear
This coastal seafood outpost takes to the land with turkey roasted in butter and thyme. To make it even cozier you can throw in a piping mug of mulled wine. A la carte menu, 206-826-1700 for reservations
Capitol Hill
Hula Hula
Enjoy your massive meal in a stress-free, tropical setting at this karaoke and tiki bar. Northwest-sourced turkey and other classics will be served along with, fittingly, Hawaiian sweet rolls. $27 per person, 206-284-5003 for reservations
Lost Lake Cafe
For a more subdued, casual holiday affair cozy up to the fireplace for classic turkey and ham served all day in this 24-hour diner. If you’re partial to pasta, try the the pumpkin ravioli, all the better with brown sage butter. A la carte menu, no reservations
Plum Bistro
This plant-loving vegan haven offers Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday and Thursday, with three different feast options, including turmeric-spiced Persian fish and potatoes dusted with pomegranate seeds, and a decadent portobello wellington with yam mash. $65 and $67 per person, 206-838-5333 for reservations
Denny Regrade
5 Point Cafe
Grab a booth and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast that runs all day long. Here the turkey comes deep fried (get gracious), and accompanied by candied sweet potatoes, stuffing, and other classics. $28 dinner, $7 dessert, no reservations
Miller’s Guild
This Northwest feast comes with kale salad piled high with apples, chestnuts, and delicata squash, followed by ham, turkey or prime rib. $89 per person, $48 children 12 and under, 206-443-3663 for reservations
Downtown
Goldfinch Tavern
While they’re already sold out for dinner, Goldfinch is doing a brunch as well. The menu includes all the necessary ingredients along with add-ins like fried sage and caramelized Brussel sprouts. $50 per adult $18 per child, 206-749-7000
Heartwood Provisions
This Friendsgiving dinner on Wednesday before the actual Turkey Day, is designed for the minimalist, with snacks and a handful of seasonally inspired craft cocktails like the bourbon, applejack, and maple infused “Autumn Crusta.” $10 cocktails, complimentary snacks, no reservation needed
Outlier
This feast comes replete with fresh bread from Macrina Bakery, butternut squash and pear soup, turkey leg confit, and fluffy bread pudding sprinkled with white chocolate. $75 per adult, $45 children 12 and under, free children 5 and under, 206-624-7755 for reservations
Rider
Rider will maintain their regular menu on Thanksgiving, with some festive additions like stuffed quail and Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes mixed with king crab. Brunch comes with bottomless mimosas so bottom’s up. A la carte menu, 206-859-4242 for reservations
RN74
For those looking for a decidedly un-American holiday dinner, RN74 offers a three-course French-inspired menu with highlights like a duck pate with mustard and shallots and a sugary pumpkin cheesecake topped with creme Chantilly, and plenty of vintages as well. $75 per person, $40 optional wine pairings, 206-456-7474 for reservations
Urbane
The farm-to-table classic serves roasted turkey breast and thigh doused in gravy, chased down with something a little different than your typical pie: a decadent sticky toffee pudding with cinnamon merengue and candied pecans. $49 per adult, 206-676-4600 for reservations
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger’s downtown location offers distinctive Southeast Asian cuisine, as well as an equally global menu for Thanksgiving. Feast on turmeric marinated turkey stuffed with sticky rice and wok fried curry pumpkin with coriander, just to name a few. A la carte menu, 206.623.4450 for reservations
First Hill
Hotel Sorrento
This buffet-style feast offers up the basics as well as welcome updates like their cornbread and chorizo stuffing and nourishing root vegetable hash. Kiddos can flock to the mac n’ cheese made with local Beecher’s. $75 per adult, $35 per child, party@hotelsorrento.com for reservations
Fremont
Agrodolce
Italian Thanksgiving—why not? This four-course meal boasts warm fennel apple soup for starters, and to finish, poached pear with chocolate gelato and red wine reduction. $75 per person, $35 optional wine pairings, 206-547-9707 for reservations
Madison Valley
Cafe Flora
Vegetarians can breathe easy: Cafe Flora makes for a deliciously festive, veggie-blessed four-course menu with sumptuous cauliflower cashew bisque and flaky pot pie stuffed with root vegetables and mushrooms. There’s ample gluten free and vegan options as well. $25 per person, 206-325-9100 for reservations
Pike Place Market
Maximilien
More French-style frivolity at this Pike Place favorite. Highlights from the six-course menu include foie gras and mushroom veloute to start, with options like a zesty seared sea scallop with fresh vegetables and caviar for the main course. Dessert delights with an upside down apple pie. $85 per person, 206-682-7270 for reservations
Scout
The Thompson Hotel’s family-style feast has everything from trout to parmesan and spinach gratin for the vegetarians. $90 per adult, $40 children 12 and under, $45 optional beverage pairing
Wallingford
Tilth
As always, Tilth whips up a locally sourced, four-course Thanksgiving meal with options from your traditional turkey to ribeye with chimichurri and apple puree. Finish it off with an irresistible pumpkin cheesecake with cashew and coconut. $85 per person, $40 optional wine pairings, 206-633-0801 for reservations
Outside of Seattle
Bellevue
Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi
The upscale Bellevue steak and sushi eatery does festive brunch right with pumpkin spiced waffles with brown butter and pecans, honey glazed pork belly, and nitro ice cream with, of course, both pumpkin and egg nog flavors. Sushi lovers never fear, there’s a raw bar too. $85 per adult, $35 per child, 425-625-2080 for reservations
The Lakehouse
Farmhouse-style fixings include the turkey stuffed with chanterelles and topped with a cranberry chutney. Other deliciously autumnal dishes include roasted squash salad and a creamy honeynut squash cheesecake and maple granola. A la carte menu, 425-454-7076 for reservations
Renton
Water’s Table
This scenic lakeside eatery offers turkey sliders and Beecher’s cheddar macaroni with ham at their Friendsgiving bar event starting Wednesday and running through Friday. On the day of there will be a morning buffet with Belgian waffles and, be thankful, bottomless mimosas. The main event, however, is dinner with turkey dipped in apple cider glaze and roasted squash gnocchi for those not so meat keen. $55 per person, $30 optional wine pairings, 425-207-2240 for reservations
Walla Walla
Eritage
Eritage’s Thanksgiving is perfect if you’re wanting to book it out of the city for the holiday. Apart from the lavish spread of turkey, potatoes and housemade woody rosemary gravy, make sure to start by warming up with their gingerbread pumpkin bisque alongside sweeping vineyard views. $35 per person, 509-394-9200 for reservations
Are the Holidays too Much? Tips to Manage Stress this Holiday Season
Not everyone feels celebratory at the holidays. Remember, it’s okay to take some time and space for yourself, or to ask for help.
Are the Holidays too Much? Tips to Manage Stress this Holiday Season
Monday, November 12, 2018 12:00pm | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice is in the air and little lights are going up, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
While this time of year is largely celebrated for joy, togetherness and thankfulness, not everyone is able to greet the season with the same sense of happiness. For many reasons, the holiday season can be difficult.
The holidays can invoke many difficult feelings due to pressures to feel a particular way, reminders of past holidays or lost loved ones, or even financial hardships. That’s why it’s important to remember self-care throughout this time. Below is a list to give you some ideas for how you can help manage stress this holiday season:
Acknowledge how you’re feeling. It’s okay to feel however you do, and you don’t have to feel a certain way just because it’s the holiday season. If you’re not feeling celebratory, it’s okay to take some time and space for yourself to take care.
Plan ahead. Planning for events, menus or shopping lists can help you avoid the stress of a last-minute trip and can grant you peace of mind to avoid forgetting items.
Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping for the holidays, make sure to plan for what you can afford and stick to it. Doing this can help take the burden off financial stress and help you find what’s realistic for you. For those with low-income or without shelter, you can also call 2-1-1 to find holiday resources that may be of help.
Take some time for yourself. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself and can be necessary to reduce stress and clear your mind. It’s much harder to complete tasks or take care of others, if your needs aren’t being met. Set realistic boundaries for what you can and cannot do, and be okay with saying “no” to things that don’t make you feel happy or comfortable.
Ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to ask for help.
Reach out. If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, stress, or grief, reach out to someone you love and trust. If you would prefer to reach out anonymously, you can always call Crisis Connections’ phone lines:
24/7/365 – 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1.866.789.1511
24/7/365 – WA Recovery Help Line: 1.866.789.1511
6 to 10 Every Evening – Teen Link: 1.866.TEENLINK
5 to 9 Every Evening– WA Warm Line: 1.877.500.WARM
8 to 4pm, M to F (closed for federal holidays) King County 2-1-1: 2-1-1
Remember, there are many reasons for why the holidays can be stressful and difficult for people. Your experience and your feelings are valid.
For more information, visit www.crisisconnections.org
The 40 Best Things To Do in Seattle This Week: Nov 19-25, 2018
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, a Best American Comics Birthday Bash, and More Arts Critics' Picks
The Pacific Northwest Ballet will bring back the wintery magic of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, starting this weekend. ANGELA STERLING
Our music critics have already chosen the 23 best music shows this week, but now it's our arts critics' turn to recommend the best events in their areas of expertise. Here are their picks in every genre—from the opening of Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights to the holiday cocktail wonderland Miracle on 2nd, and from Thanksgiving dinners to the first weekend of the Enchant Christmas light spectacular. See them all below, and find even more events on our complete Things To Do calendar.
Jump to: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
MONDAY
COMEDY
Losing It: Grief Comedy
The witty Claire Webber will host a night of sets on funny sad things by sad comedians, namely Rachel Larendau, Bobby Higley, Matt Valdispino, Sam Miller, Natalie Holt, Dewa Dorje, Lucy Tollefson, Bernice Je, and Heather Paul. This sounds like the perfect balm for a sore heart. It's presented by the Good Mourning festival.
FILM
Michael Franti: 'Stay Human' Documentary Tour
Bay Area rapper/vocalist/guitarist will perform and present the new doc Stay Human, a hopeful look at people around the world battling pollution, illness, poverty, and war through innovation, love, and courage. The film also looks at Franti's personal and musical story. The evening will include a Q&A.
READINGS & TALKS
Damien Echols: High Magick
In a story made famous by the HBO trilogy Paradise Lost in 1994, then-18-year-old Damien Echols, along with other teens, was convicted of murdering three young boys as part of an alleged Satanic ritual in West Memphis, Arkansas. After 18 years in prison and a better-late-than-never examination of DNA evidence, Echols and the others were released, an experience he wrote about in the 2012 book Life After Death. His latest work, High Magick, is a guide to the spiritual practices that helped Echols survive nearly two decades locked up for crimes he didn’t commit. KATIE HERZOG
David Sedaris
Beloved humorist David Sedaris returns to Seattle for roughly his 10,000th appearance. This time around, he’ll be reading from his new book of essays, Calypso. As with all of his readings, you’ll find yourself wishing you’d been born a Sedaris, but this time around, don’t be surprised if you shed at least one tear—maybe two. Calypso, as usual, is laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s also a sweet, sad meditation on getting older, on death’s inevitable approach, on lives both gone right and gone wrong. KATIE HERZOG
Jonathan Franzen: The End of the End of the Earth
Megan Burbank, formerly editor of The Stranger's sister paper the Portland Mercury, once called Franzen "the Gwyneth Paltrow of the literary world." His latest book is a collection of essays and speeches mostly from the past five years. They touch on endangered seabirds, his relationship with his uncle, and other diverse topics.
Liane Moriarty: Nine Perfect Strangers
Nine urbanites arrive eager for relaxation at an isolated health retreat, Tranquillum House, but the transformation promised is not quite what they were expecting in this new novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies, now an HBO series). Hear her read tonight.
TUESDAY
READINGS & TALKS
David Shields: Nobody Hates Trump More Than Trump: An Intervention
The prolific author and UW Milliman Distinguished Writer-in-Residence David Shields offers a "satirical compilation of the 'collected wit and wisdom of Donald Trump,'" an investigation into his psychological state, and a dissection of the politesse that gave rise to and sustains Trump. He'll be joined in conversation by biographer and essayist Neal Thompson.
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
PERFORMANCE
Kitten N’ Lou Present: Cream
A confession: I've watched Kitten N' Lou's wedding video at least 20 times. They're just so gosh darn intoxicating and lovely. (It's on their website. I didn't, like, steal it or anything.) The burlesque duo exudes a chemistry unrivaled by any other stage pair I've seen, and, luckily for Seattle, this "world's showbusiest couple" are mainstays of the Emerald City. Their show Cream brings Vivacious, Cherdonna, and the Atomic Bombshells along for a Spanksgiving feast of drag and burlesque. Go and prepare to fall in love. CHASE BURNS
TUESDAY-SATURDAY
Note: Repeating events are likely not occurring on Thanksgiving; double-check before attending
ART
Martha Shade: Observations From the Lost and Found
Shade experiments with sculpture and beautiful, mosaic-like embroidery that reference ancient art and mythology.
Closing Saturday
TUESDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE
A People's History
Mike Daisey is back in town, as he often is, with a pretty simple but brilliant bit. He's going to read you some pages from Good Will Hunting's favorite history book—Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States. Then he's going to read you some pages from his high-school history book. Then we're all going to sit there and have a little reflection session on the difference between history as told by the conquerors and history as told from the perspective of the dispossessed. RICH SMITH
WEDNESDAY
COMEDY
Jamali Maddix
A comedian who’s half white (English) and half black (Jamaican), Jamali Maddix ranks as one of today’s most acute and funny young observers on racism. In his Viceland TV show Hate Thy Neighbor, Maddix boldly saunters into the rotten heart of extremist hate groups, examines their aggro actions, and tries to discern what motivates them. It’s a brilliant concept, and you’ll learn a lot while busting an occasional gut. In his stand-up act, Maddix further explores the many facets of racial issues, but he sometimes roams outside of them, as his “Karl Marx of pussy” bit will attest. DAVE SEGAL
Minority Retort presents: Yogi Paliwal
This Portland-bred comedy night showcasing comics of color is hosted by Jason Lamb, Julia Ramos, and Neeraj Srinivasan. They'll come to Seattle to host headliner Yogi Paliwal (who's from the Pacific Northwest and now lives in Brooklyn), Elliott GB, Alyssa Yeoman, and Silas Lindenstein.
FILM
Tod Browning's Freaks with DJ NicFit
You'll get a startling education from Tod Browning's 1932 circus horror Freaks if you think that deeply, entertainingly fucked-up movies didn't exist before John Waters. A tawdry tale of carnival "freaks'" brutal vengeance against two able-bodied lovers who spurn their company, Freaks is not exactly a heartwarming or enlightening portrait of people with genetic anomalies and unusual physiognomies. However, the "freaks" are played by people with disabilities, and they're portrayed with humanity (and filmed with unsettling fascination). Given how few portrayals of folks with unusual bodies can be found in non-medical contexts in classic film, Freaks remains absolutely essential, even if the representation isn't everything it should be. DJ NicFit will provide a live-mixed soundtrack.
PERFORMANCE
The 2nd Annual Circus Tramp Holiday Show
Local music and burlesque queen Caela Bailey will helm this true family affair as her Von Tramp brood, one of the most active groups in the Seattle arts scene, will helm a night of glittering glamour, featuring plenty of high kicks, costume changes, and soulful cabaret tunes.
WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY
Note: Repeating events are likely not occurring on Thanksgiving; double-check before attending
ART
Daniel Ursache: Uncanny Figments
Daniel Ursache, a Romanian-born, Montreal-based artist who created the beautifully eerie poster art for the Romanian Film Festival Seattle, will show his stark, detailed, surreally charming pen and ink drawings all month.
Closing Saturday
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
COMEDY
Seattle International Comedy Competition
For nearly all of November, a lengthy last-comic-standing battle rages. Thirty-two comedians (split into two batches, each of which performs every night for one week) start the contest, and one will finish a champion. Celebrity judges and audience reactions determine who passes the preliminaries and who becomes a finalist.
PERFORMANCE
Wonderland
Wonderland returns! Can Can will transform its venue into a snowy chalet and populate it with teasing beauties. If you just want to see pretty people dancing and eat short stacks or crab beignets with the fam, there's also a kid-friendly brunch version.
THURSDAY
FOOD & DRINK
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving: The pinnacle of American colonialism that commemorates a fake story of sharing. While the holiday is built on a lie, it's been adapted into a day to spend with loved ones, list gratitudes, and eat turkey and pie. Find a list of turkey trots and events on our Thanksgiving calendar, or check out our guide to where to eat Thanksgiving dinner.
FRIDAY
COMMUNITY
28th Annual Macy's Holiday Parade
In this festive procession of holiday cheer, bunches of floats, costumed characters, sports teams, and others march the Christmas-light-adorned streets of downtown for the Macy's Holiday Parade.
Macy's 62nd Annual Star Lighting and Fireworks Show
Per its annual tradition, Seattle's downtown Macy's will light up its 3,600-bulb star to greet the holiday season, and they'll celebrate with a grand fireworks display (weather permitting).
FOOD & DRINK
PNW Crab Feast
If the Pacific Northwest is known for one crustacean, it's the Dungeness Crab, whose meat is famously sweet and tender. This class—which includes lunch—will teach you how to choose your crab, how to break it down and clean it, and how to prepare a crab feast.
PERFORMANCE
A Necessary Sadness
Great local poets, storytellers, musicians, comedians, and others—Howie Echo-Hawk, Emmett Montgomery, Ravella Riffenburg, Jade Gee, et al—will join together for Danielle KL Gregoire's second production of A Necessary Sadness, which debuted at the Seattle Fringe Festival. The shows, part of Good Mourning: An Interactive Arts Festival About Grief, are inspired by John Koenig's Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, a compendium of invented words about complex emotions.
MUGZ
Americano will host this themeless drag night where styles can be diverse and out-there. For the first iteration, expect jaw-dropping insanity from "monthly mugz" Christian Brown, Michete, SHE, and Uh Oh (The Stranger's own Chase Burns), plus special guest Hera Diamandis. Recover from Turkey Day excesses with...more excess!
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
COMEDY
Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas
Mike Murphy (Uncle Mike, on Saturdays), Graham Downing (Cousin Graham, on Fridays), and Jet City cast members re-enact and trample over your fond Christmas memories in a happily vulgar performance. Not necessarily for squeamish types.
COMMUNITY
WildLights
The zoo will light up with more than 700,000 (energy-efficient) LED lights that recreate wild scenes and creatures at the annual WildLights display.
PERFORMANCE
Annie
This production of the classic musical is being directed by Billie Wildrick (she was the lead in the 5th Avenue’s recent Pajama Game), and she’s joined by an all-female creative team. Two young actors will switch off playing Annie. One of them is a girl of Tongan descent who happened to see 5th Avenue’s production of The Little Mermaid, in which Diana Huey played Ariel, and she turned to her mother and said, “Her skin is brown like me—that means I can do that, too.” Look at her now. Plus, Timothy McCuen Piggee will play Daddy Warbucks, and Cynthia Jones will play Miss Hannigan. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
COMMUNITY
Enchant Christmas
Not to knock quaint community Christmas tree displays, but this inaugural event at the Mariners' home base looks like it's going to raise the standards for holiday light spectacles by a lot. Safeco Field will be transformed into a magnificent winter wonderland complete with the "world's largest Christmas light maze" (which you can explore via an ice skating trail), seasonal concessions, live entertainment, and an artisan Christmas market.
PERFORMANCE
A Christmas Carol
ACT Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol is a dependable, simple pleasure, with just enough variation to warrant returning year after year. For the 43rd (!) edition, Kurt Beattie will direct and Ian Bell and David Pichette will alternate as Scrooge.
George Balanchine's 'The Nutcracker'
If you haven't seen this Christmas classic since you were a kid, give it a go this year. In 2014, PNB replaced its beloved Maurice Sendak set with one by Ian Falconer, who did the Olivia the Pig books, and I'm glad that they did. The new set is gorgeous in a Wes Anderson-y way, and it reflects the genuine weirdness and beauty in the story. I mean, the last 45 minutes of this thing is a Katy Perry video starring dancing desserts and a glittery peacock that moves like a sexy broken river. Bring a pot lozenge. RICH SMITH
In the Heights
Every decade, a musical comes around that reminds the general public that musicals can be popular, cool, and mainstream. The ’80s had A Chorus Line, the ’90s had Rent, the early ’00s had Wicked, and the teens had Hamilton. But before Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name for creating Hamilton, he was snatching up trophies and accolades for his other hugely popular musical, In the Heights. Broadway fans will go and fall in love again, and newbies will get a chance to see Miranda's earlier work for the first time. CHASE BURNS
The Twilight Zone: Live!
In sixth grade, I was in a short school production of “To Serve Man” (“It’s a cookbook!”). I played one of the aliens. That particular Twilight Zone episode is also adapted for the stage in Theater Schmeater’s traditional holiday presentation, which also features adaptations of “The Shelter,” “Death’s Head Revisited,” and “The Changing of the Guard.” Rachel Delmar directs. LEILANI POLK
SATURDAY
ART
Best American Comics Birthday Bash!
Celebrate the Best American Comics Series's latest volume with eminent local contributors Max Clotfelder, Simon Hanselmann, Alex Graham, and D.J. Bryant. Also, it's Max's birthday! Have some cake.
COMEDY
Amy Schumer
You doubtless know her from her film comedies, but stand-up is where she gets real. So real. Remember when she had her come-up in 2007 on Last Comic Standing? She didn’t win, even though her bubbly delivery made the obscene observations about being a woman (that I could totally relate to and that were probably NSF network television) even more hilarious. Her raunchy-ass humor has remained firmly intact as her star has risen, and this stop in Seattle on Thanksgiving weekend will find her preggos and incorporating that into her material, if her viral morning sickness Instagram pic (Schumer in front of the toilet: “Today Markle is in Fiji #same… Milf alert”) and reviews of recent sets are any indication. LEILANI POLK
23rd Annual Magic in the Market
Pike Place is already fairly magical around the holidays, but this annual event amps things up: Kids can meet Santa and decorate cookies, festive musical performances will take place, hot apple cider and hot cocoa will abound, and the holiday tree will light up for the season.
FILM
Hep Cats
Cats in movies have symbolized everything from elegance to curiosity to evil, but sometimes—like in Paul Schrader's bloody remake of the classic Cat People—a risky choice, and the last in the series.
FOOD & DRINK
Trove and YWE Bake Sale and Brunch Pop-Up
“Bake sale” may conjure connotations of PTA functions and requisite Betty Crocker standards like blondies and cupcakes, but this bake sale and brunch pop-up from Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi’s Trove promises to be far more exciting, with freshly baked goods like a raspberry-glazed eclair topped with Froot Loops (yes, please), coffee, tiki cocktails, and a hot brunch. Better yet, 100 percent of proceeds from the bake sale will go to Young Women Empowered, an organization that aims to empower young women with mentorship and programs. JULIANNE BELL
SUNDAY
FOOD & DRINK
Miracle on 2nd
In 2014, Greg Boehm of New York bar Boilermaker temporarily transformed the space for his bar Mace into a kitschy Christmas wonderland replete with gewgaws and tchotchkes galore. Now the pop-up has expanded to bars in 50 cities worldwide and will be taking up residence in Belltown’s Rob Roy. The specialty cocktails are no ordinary cups of cheer: Beverages are housed in tacky-tastic vessels (a drinking mug resembling Santa’s mug, for example), bedecked with fanciful garnishes like peppers and dried pineapple, and christened with irreverent, pop-culture-referencing names like the “Bad Santa,” the “Yippie Ki Yay Mother F**r,” and the “You’ll Shoot Your Rye Out.” JULIANNE BELL
PERFORMANCE
Campfire
Gutter Twink Productions presents a new night of performance of various types, including from the wondrously blunt rapper Michete and others to be announced. Bobby Higley, who is like a sad and magical ear of corn come beautifully to life, will host.
Fefu and Her Friends
One of the finest directors in town, Stranger Genius Award winner Valerie Curtis Newton, will direct a play by one of the best American playwrights, María Irene Fornés. Fefu and Her Friends is a play about a group of ladies preparing for a charitable event in Fefu's country house. The women reveal bold characters constrained by antiquated characterizations of feminine nature, and we catch glimpses of their love, loneliness, and internalized oppression.
READINGS & TALKS
Lose One Thing Every Day: Poetry by Wryly Tender McCutchen
This local poet, who's taught at Hugo House and performed at many venues, will tell stories and recite poetry about different types of loss. The organizers write: "No loss too large. No grief too small. All mourning admitted." This is part of the Good Mourning arts festival.
Kirkland Road Closures set for Half Marathon on Saturday
The event will benefit Cascade Challenge, a nonprofit dedicated to providing leadership and outdoor adventure opportunities to youth ages 14-20.
With the Lake Washington Half Marathon set for Nov. 3, there will a number of road closures around town.
The race will start at 8 a.m. on the eastbound lanes of Juanita Drive Northeast and end at Juanita Beach Park.
The eastbound lane of Juanita Drive Northeast will be closed from 7-11:30 a.m. from 93rd Avenue Northeast to 98th Avenue Northeast.
From 7:30-10 a.m., Lakeshore Plaza will be closed. Merchants will have access to the Lakeshore Plaza parking lot via Kirkland Avenue.
The following timeline gives an approximate time frame for when runners will be at the listed intersections. The bulk of the runners will be onto the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail by 9:30 a.m.
20th Avenue West and Market Street: 8:05-8:23 a.m.
Market Street and 6th Street West: 8:06-8:26 a.m.
Waverly Way and Market Street: 8:15-8:42 a.m.
Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street: 8:16-8:47 a.m.
Lake Washington Boulevard and Lakeview Drive: 8:23-9:08 a.m.
Lake Washington Boulevard and Northeast 38th Place: 8:28-9:21 a.m.
Northeast 38th Place and 108th Avenue Northeast: 8:31-9:26 a.m.
108th Avenue Northeast and Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail: 8:32-9:29 a.m.
Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail and Northeast 112th Street: 8:54-10:41 a.m.
Northeast 112th Street and Forbes Creek Drive: 8:57-10:45 a.m.
Forbes Creek Drive and Market Street: 9:05-11:06 a.m.
The event — which will benefit Cascade Challenge, a nonprofit dedicated to providing leadership and outdoor adventure opportunities to youth ages 14-20 is expected to bring in about 1,000 people.
Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Image from LakeWashingtonHalf.com
Ballot Drop Boxes!
Return your ballot to a ballot drop box, no stamp required. Your ballot must be returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. election day. Plan ahead to avoid lines.
Auburn
Auburn Library
1102 Auburn Way South
Auburn, WA 98002
Directions to Auburn Library
Auburn Park & Ride
101 15th Street NE
Auburn, WA 98001
Directions to Auburn Park & Ride
Muckleshoot Tribe - Philip Starr Building
39015 172nd Avenue SE
Auburn, WA 98092
Directions to Muckleshoot Tribe - Philip Starr Building
Bellevue
Bellevue Regional Library
1111 110th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Directions to Bellevue Regional Library
Crossroads Shopping Center
(south entrance)
15600 NE 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98008
Directions to Crossroads Shopping Center
Newport Way Library
14250 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA 98006
Directions to Newport Way Library
Bothell
Bothell City Hall
18415 101st Avenue NE
Bothell, WA 98011
Directions to Bothell City Hall
Burien
Boulevard Park Library
12015 Roseberg Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98168
Directions to Boulevard Park Library
Burien Town Square Park
(corner of 5th Avenue SW and SW 152nd Street)
480 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
Directions to Burien Town Square Park
Covington
Covington Library
27100 164th Avenue SE
Covington, WA 98042
Directions to Covington Library
Des Moines
Highline College*
(entrance across from 27th Ave S)
2400 S 240th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198
Directions to Highline College*
Duvall
Duvall Police Department/Depot Park*
26225 NE Burhen Way
Duvall, WA 98019
Directions to Duvall Police Department/Depot Park*
Enumclaw
Enumclaw Library
1700 1st Street
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Directions to Enumclaw Library
Fall City
Fall City Library
33415 SE 42nd Place
Fall City, WA 98024
Directions to Fall City Library
Federal Way
Federal Way City Hall
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
Directions to Federal Way City Hall
Issaquah
Issaquah City Hall
130 E Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Directions to Issaquah City Hall
Kenmore
Kenmore City Hall
18120 68th Avenue NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
Directions to Kenmore City Hall
Kent
Kentridge High School
12430 SE 208th Street
Kent, WA 98031
Directions to Kentridge High School
Regional Justice Center
(near parking garage entrance)
401 4th Avenue N
Kent, WA 98032
Directions to Regional Justice Center
Kirkland
Kingsgate Library
12315 NE 143rd Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
Directions to Kingsgate Library
Kirkland City Hall
123 5th Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
Directions to Kirkland City Hall
Lake Forest Park
Lake Forest Park City Hall
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Directions to Lake Forest Park City Hall
Maple Valley
Hobart Food Market
20250 276th Avenue SE
Maple Valley, WA 98038
Directions to Hobart Food Market
Tahoma School District Building*
25720 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd SE
Maple Valley, WA 98038
Directions to Tahoma School District Building*
Mercer Island
Mercer Island Community & Event Center
8236 SE 24th Street
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Directions to Mercer Island Community & Event Center
Newcastle
Newcastle City Hall
12835 Newcastle Way
Newcastle, WA 98056
Directions to Newcastle City Hall
Normandy Park
Normandy Park Towne Center
19901 1st Avenue South
Normandy Park, WA 98148
Directions to Normandy Park Towne Center
North Bend
North Bend Library
115 E 4th Street
North Bend, WA 98045
Directions to North Bend Library
Pacific
Algona-Pacific Library
255 Ellingson Road
Pacific, WA 98047
Directions to Algona-Pacific Library
Redmond
Redmond City Hall*
15670 NE 85th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
Directions to Redmond City Hall*
Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village*
6505 176th Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
Directions to Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village*
Renton
Fairwood Library
17009 140th Avenue SE
Renton, WA 98058
Directions to Fairwood Library
King County Elections*
919 SW Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Directions to King County Elections*
Renton Public Health Center*
3201 NE 7th Street
Renton, WA 98056
Directions to Renton Public Health Center*
Sammamish
Sammamish City Hall
801 228th Avenue SE
Sammamish, WA 98075
Directions to Sammamish City Hall
SeaTac
Valley View Library
17850 Military Road South
SeaTac, WA 98188
Directions to Valley View Library
Seattle
Ballard
Ballard Branch Library
Corner of NW 57th St and 22nd Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Directions to Ballard Branch Library
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill Library
2821 Beacon Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
Directions to Beacon Hill Library
NewHolly Neighborhood Campus
7054 32nd Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
Directions to NewHolly Neighborhood Campus
Broadview/Greenwood
Broadview Library
12755 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98133
Directions to Broadview Library
Bryn Mawr/Skyway
Skyway Library
12601 76th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98178
Directions to Skyway Library
Capitol Hill
Seattle Central College
Broadway-Edison Building
(northeast corner) 1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
Directions to Seattle Central College
Central District
Garfield Community Center
2323 E Cherry Street
Seattle, WA 98122
Directions to Garfield Community Center
Columbia City
Rainier Community Center
4600 38th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
Directions to Rainier Community Center
Downtown
King County Administration Building
500 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Directions to King County Administration Building
Fremont/Wallingford
Waterway 19 Park (next to Gas Works Park)
2119 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
Directions to Waterway 19 Park (next to Gas Works Park)
Green Lake/Phinney
Green Lake Community Center
7201 East Green Lake Drive North
Seattle, WA 98115
Directions to Green Lake Community Center
International District
Uwajimaya
619 6th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98104
Directions to Uwajimaya
Lake City
Lake City Library
12501 28th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Directions to Lake City Library
Magnolia
Magnolia Park*
1461 Magnolia Boulevard West
Seattle, WA 98199
Directions to Magnolia Park*
Northgate
North Seattle College
(south visitor lot access from N 95th St)
9600 College Way N
Seattle, WA 98103
Directions to North Seattle College
Queen Anne
Seattle Pacific University Bookstore*
310 W Bertona Street
Seattle, WA 98119
Directions to Seattle Pacific University Bookstore*
Rainier Valley
Rainier Beach Community Center
8825 Rainier Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
Directions to Rainier Beach Community Center
Sandpoint/Laurelhurst
Magnuson Park/The Brig*
6344 NE 74th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
Directions to Magnuson Park/The Brig*
South Lake Union
South Lake Union
310 Terry Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
Directions to South Lake Union
South Park
South Park Library
8604 8th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98108
Directions to South Park Library
University District
University of Washington Campus
Schmitz Hall
(by north entrance on NE 41st St)
1410 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, WA 98195
Directions to University of Washington Campus
West Seattle/Delridge
Alaska Junction
Corner of SW Alaska Street and 44th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Directions to Alaska Junction
High Point Library
3411 SW Raymond Street
Seattle, WA 98126
Directions to High Point Library
White Center
White Center Library
1409 SW 107th Street
Seattle, WA 98146
Directions to White Center Library
Shoreline
Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th Street
Shoreline, WA 98155
Directions to Shoreline Library
Shoreline Park & Ride
18821 Aurora Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98113
Directions to Shoreline Park & Ride
Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie Library
7824 Center Boulevard SE
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Directions to Snoqualmie Library
Tukwila
Tukwila Community Center*
12424 42nd Avenue South
Tukwila, WA 98168
Directions to Tukwila Community Center*
Vashon
Vashon Library
17210 Vashon Hwy SW
Vashon, WA 98070
Directions to Vashon Library
Woodinville
Woodinville Library
17105 Avondale Road NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
Directions to Woodinville Library
Information and Images courtesy of KingCounty.gov
It's Seattle Restaurant Week!
ABOUT SRW
Dine out for a deal during Seattle Restaurant Week, where more than 165 restaurants across greater Seattle area offer a special three-course dinner menu for $33, and many also offer two-course lunches for $18. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity.
To take advantage of these deals, be sure to make your plans Sundays through Thursdays. Seattle Restaurant Week menus are not available Fridays, Saturdays or for Sunday brunch.
Seattle Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to visit the award-winning restaurants you’ve always wanted to try, rediscover old favorites and celebrate the cuisine that makes our region a culinary hot spot.
When is Seattle Restaurant Week?
Our fall 2018 promotion is taking place October 21 – November 8, 2018.
Are Restaurant Week menus offered every day of the week?
No. Seattle Restaurant Week prices and menus are only available Sundays through Thursdays. If you plan to visit on Fridays, Saturdays or for Sunday brunch, you will not be able to order from the Seattle Restaurant Week menu.
What are restaurants offering during Restaurant Week?
Three-course dinner menus typically consist of a starter (soup, salad or appetizer), entrée and dessert. Lunch menus will usually offer either an appetizer and entrée, or entrée and dessert. However, restaurants aren’t required to stick to this format, so the specific courses may vary. In addition, restaurants are required to provide prix fixe dinner options regularly valued at $40 or more, so you really will be getting a good deal.
Menus feature three options per course, including at least one vegetarian choice for each. Menus are subject to change from season to season based on availability of ingredients and the chef’s imagination.
Are reservations required?
No, but they are strongly encouraged. You can make your Seattle Restaurant Week reservations via Open Table, and remember that these menus are not available Fridays, Saturdays or for Sunday brunch. So while Open Table will let you make a reservation during these times, you’ll only able to enjoy Seattle Restaurant Week menus and pricing if you dine Sunday (after brunch) through Thursday.
If you’re aren’t sure whether a restaurant is serving their Seattle Restaurant Week menu when you plan on visiting, we recommend that you call them ahead of time.
Who do I contact with questions?
Seattle Restaurant Week inquiries: srw@seattletimes.com
Seasonal Events inquiries: andrea@seattlenetwork.org
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Menus and restaurants are being finalized, so keep checking back as we continue to add to the list.
American
Belltown
Japanese
Capitol Hill
Italian
Fremont
All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar
Seafood
Downtown
Italian
Bothell
Mediterranean
Downtown
Italian
Bellevue
Seafood
Des Moines
Seafood
Edmonds
Seafood
Kirkland
Seafood
Downtown
Fine Dining
Belltown
Seafood
Ballard
Italian
Madison Park/Madrona
Asian
Edmonds
Pacific Northwest
Woodinville
Italian
Downtown
Chinese
Bellevue
Pacific Northwest
Bellevue
French
Ballard
Italian
Redmond
Seafood
Downtown
Latin
Capitol Hill
Bodrum Bistro Anatolia Kitchen
Mediterranean
Wallingford
Pacific Northwest
Kirkland
American
Ballard
Steaks
Belltown
French
Downtown
American
Capitol Hill
Italian
Bellevue
Italian
Wallingford
Pacific Northwest
Capitol Hill
Bbq
Capitol Hill
Asian
Downtown
Mexican
Capitol Hill
Seafood
Ballard
Japanese
Fremont
Mediterranean
Eastlake/Lake Union
Italian
Downtown
Seafood
Capitol Hill
Pacific Northwest
Issaquah
Pacific Northwest
Redmond
Italian
Downtown
Seafood
Downtown
Italian
South Lake Union
American
Bellevue
American
Downtown
Steaks
Leschi
Latin
Downtown
American
Downtown
Steaks
Bellevue
Steaks
Belltown
Seafood
Downtown
Italian
Edmonds
Seafood
Downtown
Pacific Northwest
Fremont
Italian
Bellevue
American
South Lake Union
Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor
American
Ravenna/Roosevelt
American
Ballard
Asian
Downtown
Mexican
Ballard
Mediterranean
Queen Anne/Seattle Center
American
Downtown
Seafood
Bellevue
Italian
Downtown
Jep's Chef House at Preservation Kitchen
Global Infusion
Bothell
Japanese
Greenlake
Steaks
Wallingford
Italian
Capitol Hill
American
Capitol Hill
French
Fremont
French
Kirkland
Italian
Eastlake/Lake Union
Pacific Northwest
Downtown
Italian
Kirkland
Chinese
Capitol Hill
Pacific Northwest
Belltown
Greek
Downtown
French
Capitol Hill
Italian
Greenlake
French
Kirkland
Hawaiian/American
West Seattle
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria
Italian
University/Montlake
Pacific Northwest
Belltown
Seafood
Ballard
American
Capitol Hill
American
Eastlake/Lake Union
French
Downtown
Italian
Downtown
Steaks
Downtown
Turkish Cuisine
Downtown
Italian
Wallingford
Indian
Bellevue
Asian
Bellevue
Vietnamese
Capitol Hill
Italian
Issaquah
Pacific Northwest
Greenlake
Indian
Downtown
Bbq
Bellevue
Spanish
Ballard
Pacific Northwest
Downtown
Greek
Capitol Hill
Italian
Belltown
French
Ravenna/Roosevelt
American
Downtown
Pacific Northwest
Magnolia/Interbay
American
Kirkland
French
Fremont
Pacific Northwest
Capitol Hill
American
Capitol Hill
Italian
West Seattle
Pacific Northwest
Downtown
French
Madison Park/Madrona
Pacific Northwest
Bothell
Italian
Capitol Hill
Italian
Kirkland
French
Downtown
American
Laurelhurst
Pacific Northwest
Edmonds
Seafood
Des Moines
Seafood
West Seattle
Italian
Ballard
American
Laurelhurst
American
Ballard
American
Downtown
Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar
Seafood
Bellevue
Seafood
Downtown
Italian
Eastlake/Lake Union
Thai
Capitol Hill
Italian
Ballard
Seafood
Downtown
Italian
Ballard
American
Bellevue
Asian
Eastlake/Lake Union
Japanese
Capitol Hill
Asian
Downtown
Spanish
Capitol Hill
Pacific Northwest
Downtown
Small Plates
Greenlake
Italian
Belltown
Italian
Capitol Hill
Pacific Northwest
Capitol Hill
The Crab Pot Restaurant and Bar Lake Bellevue
Seafood
Bellevue
The Dining Room at Salish Lodge
Pacific Northwest
Snoqualmie
American
Downtown
The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
Seafood
Downtown
Spanish
Madison Park/Madrona
Pacific Northwest
Bellevue
Mediterranean
Edmonds
Mediterranean
Downtown
Fondue
Bellevue
Fondue
Queen Anne/Seattle Center
Mediterranean
Greenwood/Phinney
American
Capitol Hill
Seafood
South Lake Union
American
Wallingford
American
Kirkland
Italian
Downtown
Asian
Capitol Hill
Latin
Woodinville
Italian
Madison Park/Madrona
Italian
Bellevue
French
Madison Park/Madrona
Italian
Kirkland
Asian
Renton
Pacific Northwest
Tukwila
Asian
Downtown
WildFin American Grill Issaquah
American
Issaquah
American
Renton
Japanese
Wallingford
Steaks
Downtown
Your Complete Guide to the Biggest Halloween Parties, Concerts & Performances in Seattle in 2018
65 Major Events You Need to Know About, from This is Halloween to Tacocat
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is repackaged as a semi-scandalous spectacle for the masses in This is Halloween.
Staying home to watch horror movies is a perfectly suitable way to spend Halloween, but there are also many, many opportunities to go all out this year. Below, we've rounded up 65 major events you should get tickets for ahead of time to avoid the risk of them selling out. Whether you want to wear your costume to a party (like the Fremonster Spectacular), dance to live music (like at a show with Tacocat, Mirrorgloss, and Sleepover Club), see a performance (like This Is Halloween), or eat a fancy meal (like at the Alice B. Toklas Tour and Dinner), we've got you covered. All of the events below are between October 18–31 and cost $15 or more, and there are also more than 300 other options on our complete Halloween calendar.
OCTOBER 18–NOVEMBER 3
PERFORMANCE
The Cabiri's Ghost Game XII: Into the Dark
The Cabiri semi-circus troupe will perform their 12th annual show on the Ghost Game theme. Hear creepy stories and myths musically accompanied by Susan Du Mett of vox vespertinus, Eric Maia of celadon, and Seattle Kokon Taiko.
Arcadia, Ballard, $25-$45
OCTOBER 19
FOOD & DRINK
Science of Spirits
Discover the science behind your favorite boozy refreshments, and taste samples from local distillers like 3 Howls Distillery, Blackfish Spirits Distillery, Bomond Vodka, Captive Spirits Distilling, and others.
Pacific Science Center, Seattle Center, $45
OCTOBER 19–20
HAUNT
Georgetown Haunted History Tour
Discover the creepy secrets that lurk behind the street corners of Georgetown at this ghostly tour.
The Stables, Georgetown, $20/$25
OCTOBER 20
PARTY
The Apocalypse Vampires vs Wolves Halloween Party
Models in freakish ensembles will traipse down the runway, artists will show their work in a juried show, vendors will sell all sorts of wares, and guests can enter a vampires vs. werewolves costume contest.
Eden, Pioneer Square, $30
Fashionably Undead VIII
Wear your most freakish and fabulous costume to this spooky-ooky party to win appropriately ghoulish prizes. There will also be drinks, live DJs, art installations, and access to Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film.
MoPOP, Seattle Center, $30/$33
FOOD & DRINK
Halloween Pub Crawl 2018
Don your Halloween costume and hop around to various Seattle bars for 14 hours at this eighth annual crawl.
Various locations, $15-$25
MUSIC
Fear Factory
The organizers say: "Be ready for a haunt and a thrill. Bring your best costume and rave with us to shirk the late night chill!" In other words, look your spookiest and dance between three stages of live DJ sets.
DiTec Studios, Sodo, $20
OCTOBER 20-NOVEMBER 4
PERFORMANCE
Ghost Party
Dacha will stage another one of their site-specific, interactive productions, this one seasonally appropriate for Halloween: the story of a dead lost soul stuck in an eternal party.
Russian Community Center, Capitol Hill, $15/$25
OCTOBER 21
FILM
MoPOP Matinee: Young Frankenstein
Mel Brooks's sublimely absurd comedy about a reluctant mad scientist (the staggeringly funny Gene Wilder) and his monstrous yet sensitive creation (Peter Boyle) will be shown after a reading from The New Annotated Frankenstein by Leslie S. Klinger and the unveiling of a bust of Mary Shelley.
MoPOP, Seattle Center, $34/$36
OCTOBER 24–31
PERFORMANCE
La Fin — Halloween Kink Cabaret and After Party
Expect a melding of dance, contortion, and aerial arts as the performers of burlesque revue Valtesse bring out their demons for a night of sexy spooks. Dinner is included.
The Ruins, Queen Anne, $75/$100
OCTOBER 25
FOOD & DRINK
Zoo BOOze & Bites
Support the Zoo Society by enjoying wine, whiskey, beer, and food tastings from local restaurants. There will also be Halloween-y games, raffles, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, $35/$75
PERFORMANCE
Seattle Radio Theatre: "The War of the Worlds" 80th Anniversary Live Broadcast
You know the story: When it first aired on the radio in 1938, The War of the Worlds scared the living shit out of people who thought the hour-long broadcast of H.G. Wells’s book brought to dramatic aural life was real, mostly because of how it was presented (odd news bulletins that interrupted the program, a supposedly live report with Martians at the scene, more alarming news bulletins involving an alien invasion). Obviously, this could never happen today, but it’s still fun to look back and remember those literally dark (pre–TV/social-media/electronics in general) days. For this special 80th anniversary celebration, Town Hall, Seattle Radio Theatre, and KIRO Radio have banded together to stage a live broadcast of the classic. It will feature live music and sounds effects, plus the voice powers of Dave Ross and other KIRO Radio hosts along with some Seattle Radio Theatre mainstays. LEILANI POLK
SIFF Cinema Egyptian, Capitol Hill, $15
OCTOBER 25–27
PERFORMANCE
Carnevolar IX: VHS - Circus Spectacular and Dance Party
Emerald City Trapeze performers will fly above your head in feats of circus wonder, all while taking you on a gruesome journey through "horror movies of the ages." Come in your costume to look cool on the dance floor after the show.
Emerald City Trapeze Arts, Sodo, $35/$55
OCTOBER 26
FESTIVALS
FreakNight 2018
Annual high-key wild-out throwdown FreakNight, basically a Halloweentown Coachella, features a whole night of live music, dancing, a market, and a darkly neon environment of scary circus attractions, bizarre sideshow marvels, and carnival rides.
WaMu Theater, Sodo, $112
FOOD & DRINK
Alice B. Toklas Tour and Dinner
The Hotel Sorrento lays claim to the peculiar honor of having been deemed one of the 13 most haunted hotels in the world by USA Today. Why? It’s said that the specter of late eccentric socialite Alice B. Toklas lurks there; she’s known mostly as the muse and lover of Gertrude Stein (not to mention the progenitor of an apparently killer pot brownie recipe). Toklas lived briefly in Seattle as a teen, and her apparition has been glimpsed roaming the halls of the Sorrento’s fourth floor dressed in flowing white. At this spooky event, the hotel will pay homage to its favorite “permanent resident” with a tour of some of the sites of reported paranormal activity, followed by a prix-fixe dinner inspired by Toklas’s eponymous cookbook. (No word on whether her famous brownies will be served.) JULIANNE BELL
Hotel Sorrento, First Hill, $120
Prohibition Sucks: A Vampire Speakeasy
Blood-sucking vampires meet the Roaring Twenties at this fancy Prohibition-era speakeasy shindig, which requires a "Great Gatsby black tie" dress code and features live music, passed hors d'oeuvres by chef Shawn Martin, and classic era-appropriate craft cocktails "with a vampire twist" from Seattle Bartending. Proceeds benefit the NW Honey Bee Habitat Restoration.
The Factory Luxe, Sodo, $75
MUSIC
Bootie Seattle: A Monster Mash-Up Spectacular
Seattle's only all-mashup dance party throws down for an all-out celebration of the dark and twisted by breaking out Halloween-themed performances and "spooktacular" mashups (as a pre-party for the big day itself), with a midnight costume contest and cash prizes.
Re-bar, Downtown, $15-$20
Brazilian Halloween Boat Party
Shake it on two separate dance floors to Brazilian funk and Latin mixes while the yacht drifts over the smooth waves of Lake Union and Washington. There'll be a full bar to lend you courage for the costume dance-off.
The Islander Cruise Ship, Downtown, $20
Halloween Hiphop Boat Party
Dance to hiphop, R&B, and old-school jams on a boat this All Hallows' Eve, tunes courtesy of DJ Fly Rich and DJ Tae Xtravagent. Costumes are highly encouraged.
The Islander Cruise Ship, Downtown, $30/$50
Noise Complaint: Are You Afraid of the Dark, Too?
Ghouls, goblins, and all other Halloween freaks looking for a place to dance away their favorite holiday can do so at this Halloween get-down, which promises "multiple rooms of music," plus a costume contest and spooky visuals and art installations.
Monkey Loft, Downtown, $30/$35
Stayin' Alive at The Roller Disco
Many live DJs will be scattered about the roller rink supplying groovy cuts for you to dance to in your costume.
Southgate Roller Rink, White Center, $20
PARTY
13th Annual Baila Con Los Diablos Halloween Salsa Party
Channel your passion for Halloween into salsa dancing at this dance competition and party. If you don't feel like entering the competition, you can also just show up in your costume to sip special drinks, see others perform, and enter raffles.
Salsa N' Seattle Dance Studio, Atlantic, $20
PERFORMANCE
Things That Go HUMP In The Night
The Titillation Sinsations offer you sweetness and frights in a babely, booby show for Halloween.
Rendezvous, Belltown, $20-$35
OCTOBER 26–27
PARTY
Seduction 2018
Does Halloween give you sexy shivers? Submerge yourself in a haunted shipwreck at the Seattle Erotic Art Festival's party and enjoy dancing, go-go hotties, great performers like Ms. Briq House, the Shanghai Pearl, Whisper de Corvo, and others, plus treats, swag, and salacious art that'll make you sweat. Doll yourself up in your most opulently sinister threads and compete in the costume contest. Your ticket price will help fund the festival next year.
Gallery Erato, Downtown, $40-$175
OCTOBER 26–28
PARTY
Zom-Bees Knees Bash
Undead spirits from the 1920s—including zombie flappers—will haunt this speakeasy Halloween party while Sister Kate Dance Company gives ghoulish dance performances. Wear your best era-appropriate costume, and keep your eyes peeled for a special séance.
Smith Tower, Pioneer Square, $50
OCTOBER 27
FOOD & DRINK
Witches' Tea
At this Halloween version of the hotel's High Tea service, gather your coven to master potions and spells while sipping tea and tasting assorted sweets like fresh-baked scones, cookies, tea sandwiches, and truffles. Witch and warlock regalia is very much encouraged.
Hotel Sorrento, First Hill, $39
Yelloween
This classy haunted bash will overfloweth with Veuve Clicquot cocktails, LED cotton candy, and live beats from DJ Pryme Tyme.
W Hotel, Downtown, $20
MUSIC
Diwaloween
Kill two birds with one very festive stone by celebrating Halloween and India's festival of lights in the same night. Hear music from Canadian dhol player 2faanmusic, dance to Bollywood music from DJ Aanshul and DJ TAMM, enter a costume contest, wear free glow necklaces, and eat free candy.
Crocodile, Belltown, $15/$25
Halloween Latin Boat Party
Shake it on two separate dance floors to reggaeton, hiphop, dance music, and Latin mixes from DJs Luna and Geo while the yacht drifts over the smooth waves of Lake Union and Washington. There'll be a full bar to lend you courage for the costume dance-off.
The Islander Cruise Ship, Downtown, $25-$100
Hip Hop Halloween Boat Party
Cruise around local waters dancing to your hiphop favorites, in your costume.
The Spirit of 76, South Lake Union, $60-$150
Opulent Temple: Gothica
Opulent Temple will host this eerie gothic bacchanalia with an intimate area of music, costumes, and dancing provided by DJs HOJ, Billy Casazza, Grammar, Ian Powers, and Chris Tower, all amidst the trappings of an underworld costume party.
Eden, Sodo, $30-$34
PARTY
BeautyBoiz go BOO, pt. 4
Make your Halloween as queer as possible with Forward Flux and Beautyboiz, featuring Kimber Shade's runway show, dance by Purple Lemonade and others, Rajah Makonnen's large-scale digital projection art, and a DJ duel between DJ Ricki Leigh and DJ Reeces Pieces. There'll be plenty of cherished queens to lead the festivities in gory, heroic, fantasy, alien, and fetish drag: Sativa, Hera Diamandis, Old Witch, Better Wetter, and many others.
Fred Wildlife, Refuge Capitol Hill, $20/$25
Black Cat Ball
Raise money for the kitties at Purrfect Pals by wearing a feline masquerade disguise and dancing the evening away after enjoying a three-course dinner and live auction.
Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, $150
Fremonster Spectacular
Halloween party people will be glad to know that Fremont's Halloweekend bash will return with even more DJs, live performances, tricks, treats, goblins, and inventive booze creations than ever before. Expect Valtesse go-go dancers, fog machines in every corner, bondage and suspension performances from Seattle Shibari, live sets from DJs Jeromy Nail and Kipprawk, a costume contest, and more.
Fremont Foundry, Fremont, $55/$99
Halloween Party + Costume Contest!
Indisputable reality TV legend Tiffany "New York" Pollard will grace Seattle as the host of a costume contest with local drag talents Nebraska Thunderfuck and La Saveona Hunt (so look your absolute best). After the contest, get down to spooky town with DJ Nitty Gritty.
Queer/Bar, Capitol Hill, $15-$350
HAUNT: The Ultimate Halloween Bash
Dance the night away with 2,000 other people at what claims to be "Seattle's largest, hottest and most anticipated" Halloween party. There will also be a costume contest with a $1000 prize for the best overall winner, so put some effort into it.
MoPOP, Seattle Center, $39-$149
Hybrid Halloween Costume Party
KISS FM hosts Carla Marie and Anthony will host this Halloween bash, complete with costume contests and live DJs.
Baltic Room, Capitol Hill, $50/$100
Reboot Theatre Company Presents Halloween IV: FOURboding...
The Reboot Theatre Company will put on a fun, dancy, boozy time for you and raise money for their own programs. Eat Plaza Garibaldi's Mexican food, try your luck in a raffle, and partake of the open bar.
Sodo Pop, Sodo, $50/$60
Seattle Opera Halloween Party
After The Turn of the Screw, head backstage in your costume for food, drinks, dancing, and more with Seattle Opera.
McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, $35
The Shop of Horrors Halloween Party
Look your most monster-y for a costume contest and dance party. Look out for fire dancers swiveling their flame sticks.
Derby, Sodo, $30-$50
Voodoo on the Bayou Halloween Costume Party
This New Orleans-inspired Halloween party will have live jazz, live painting from Chris Kelleher, tarot readings by Angela Maria-Fava, a drag performance by Sylvia O'Stayformore and her "voodoo vixens," and more mystical fun.
Sanctuary at Admiral, West Seattle, $75-$1,000
PERFORMANCE
Tits or Treats—A Halloween Hextravaganza
Enjoy a night of "dancing, singing, stripping, howling, boos, boobs, and booze" in Columbia City at this Halloween cabaret.
Columbia City Theater, Columbia City, $25-$160
SPORTS & RECREATION
Magnuson Halloween Run
Take part in a 5, 10, or 15K course in your costume, then stick around for a post-race selfie wall and "haunted beer and warmer garden."
Magnuson Park, North Seattle, $22-$32
Monster Dash 5K
Walk or run a 5K dressed as a monster, then release your excess ghoulish energy in a post-race dance party.
UW Campus, University District, $10-$20
Thrill the World Redmond
Zombify yourself and join the rest of the horde to perform the "Thriller" dance to raise money for Team Survivor Northwest. There will also be a photo booth, costume contest, and live music.
Redmond Town Center, $20-$40
THROUGH OCTOBER 27
PERFORMANCE
The Turn of the Screw
In 1954, English composer Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) premiered his opera based on Henry James's ghost story The Turn of the Screw. Its music is darkly gorgeous, jolting, manic at times, and often outright scary. In key sequences involving the children in the story, the atonal sounds float like a ghost in a room of mirrors. Anyone familiar with the Portishead track “Cowboys” will already have a good sense of how this echo-stark opera sounds. Because the opera is as much about ghosts as sexual abuse of women and children, it provides new and important meanings for our #MeToo moment. CHARLES MUDEDE
McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, $25-$314
OCTOBER 28
FESTIVALS
Spooktacular Moisture Festival Auction
Raise money for 2019's Moisture Festival of variety and circus arts at this costumed party featuring a silent and live auction, catered meal, and showcase of Moisture Festival performers.
Hale's Palladium, Fremont, $85
PERFORMANCE
Ho-lloween Burlesque
Local burlesque favorites Violet Tendencies, Mx. Pucks A'Plenty, Smokey Brown the Clown, and others will keep you entertained during this sexy-spooky Halloween show.
Gay City, Capitol Hill, $15-$30
SPORTS & RECREATION
Run Scared
Wear a costume that's both spooky and breathable to the annual Run Scared 5/10K around Seward Park. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Seward Park, Rainier Valley, $50/$55
OCTOBER 31
FILM
Collide-O-Scope Halloween
Spend the holiday experiencing a delightfully freaky, swirly montage of music and mayhem made of found-footage phantasmagoria from the archives of the cheeky Collide-O-Scope duo, Shane Wahlund and Michael Anderson. Come in costume—they may bestow one of their much-coveted prizes upon you! And keep your breath bated for their special surprise guest! After the show, head to an afterparty at Bill's Off-Broadway to process the trippy mayhem in your brain.
SIFF Cinema Egyptian, Capitol Hill, $18
MUSIC
La Luz, Shy Boys
Reliably excellent surf rock group La Luz will return to their original hometown for a rowdy Halloween show with opening support from psych-pop band Shy Boys.
Crocodile, Belltown, $20
A Rambling Halloween with the Sadies
The Sadies love American country almost as much as they love American punk, although their shows sometimes out-punk their records, and their guitars sometimes out-punk their voices. ANDREW HAMLIN
Sunset Tavern, Ballard, $20
Rusko! Halloween Night
Dubstep DJ Rusko will spin bass-heavy beats for costumed partiers.
Aston Manor, Downtown, $20-$30
Tacocat, Mirrorgloss, Sleepover Club
It’s been pretty dark lately, huh? Weeks (months, years…) of deeply impactful, negative news plastered everywhere you look can really drag a person down. I think we all deserve to feel lighter, more mobile, more buoyed by the season. Tacocat can raise you to that level. I’ve been attending their shows for a decade now, and I can attest to the health benefits of witnessing their neon-candy punk-pop explode through an ecstatic crowd. Join them and local power cuties Mirrorgloss and Sleepover Club for a wild night out, and don’t forget your costume—these bands will surely be decked out in some Technicolor fantasy looks. KIM SELLING
Chop Suey, Capitol Hill, $15/$18
The True Loves, Mother of Pearl, Emerald City Soul Train
Eight-piece instrumental soul group The True Loves, often seen backing singer Grace Love, focus on tight grooves and modern soul motions influenced by the generations of the genre before them. KIM SELLING
Neumos, Capitol Hill, $15
PARTY
All Hallow's Eve Party
This opulent/gory space will offer Halloween cocktails, a live swing band, aerial performances, and a live DJ.
The Ruins, Queen Anne, $25
A Haunted All Hallows Eve - Ghost Tour and Halloween Party
Hotel Sorrento is infamously riddled with ghosts. Hear stories from its past by taking a haunted tour, then keep the mood going with a dance party, a costume contest, and cocktails.
Hotel Sorrento, First Hill, $20
Scary Ferry
Take a haunted boat ride on Lake Union, and wear a costume to win cool prizes.
The Hiyu Ferry, Eastlake, $50
THROUGH OCTOBER 31
PERFORMANCE
Beware the Terror of Gaylord Manor
The world-famous Seattle-based drag queen BenDeLaCreme has written and performed three acclaimed solo shows, but Beware the Terror of Gaylord Manor is the artist's first foray into writing, directing, and starring in an original play of her own. It's a spooky, campy twist on the horror flick genre, featuring ghosts, dancers, music, and special effects. It first premiered last year for a sold-out run at ACT, and returns this year surely with a few of its kinks worked out. The chemistry between BenDeLaCreme and Scott Shoemaker alone is worth the price of admission. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE
ACT Theatre, Downtown, $40-$76
The Dark Circus
Sinister acrobatics and lavish costumes by Dark Circus will get you in that extravagant Halloween mood.
Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, $15-$40
Night Parade
The oldest Asian American theater group in the Pacific Northwest is teaming up with one of the area's youngest Asian American-led theater groups to bring you an immersive theatrical experience that sounds perfect for people who want to indulge in the season’s devilry. The drama, which will unfold at a secret TBA location in Seattle, follows a demon-obsessed artist named Shunkuno Arashi, whose life story is partially based on Yayoi Kusama (Instagram it), as well as a Japanese folktale about demons parading down the street and stealing people. So, uh, keep your head on a swivel. RICH SMITH
Venue provided with RSVP, $30
This Is Halloween
It's Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas repackaged as a semi-scandalous spectacle for the masses. The audience eats chicken skewers and knocks back $10 cocktails while they watch Tim Keller as Jack "the Pumpkin King" Skellington sing and dance, cabaret-style, along with Luminous Pariah, Paris Original, Marissa Quimby, and Baby Kate, while a ghoulish orchestra pumps out the show's signature tunes. Despite the glitzy and consumerist exterior, the crew manages to smuggle a complicated cabaret about the horror of fixed identities into the unpretentious space of the Triple Door. RICH SMITH
Triple Door, Downtown, $29-$49
The Witching Hour
Occultists gather in an esoteric library and conjure the monsters of Harm, Loneliness, Failure, Filth, and Chaos in this Halloween dinner show created by Terry Podgorski and Erin Brindley. They promise scares, beautiful design, and a touch of kitsch.
Nordo’s Culinarium, Pioneer Square, $79
Zombie Cheerleaders from Hell
The Heavenly Spies are back with their annual Halloween show featuring scary hot dancers—plus "terrifying masks and pretty pasties, black cats and twerking booties, sweet transvestites and dancing cuties."
Can Can, Downtown, $35-$95
Plant A Tree At Kirkland's Arbor Day Celebration
Celebrating Arbor Day is an opportunity to recognize trees for their contribution to our community.
By News Desk, News Partner | Oct 13, 2018 6:10 pm ET
From the City of Kirkland: The City of Kirkland invites you to come plant a tree at Kirkland's annual Arbor Day celebration and forest restoration event taking place at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park on Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arbor Day event volunteers are invited to support the stewardship efforts of the Green Kirkland Partnership by planting native trees, shrubs and ground covers and removing aggressive invasive plants. EarthCorps, a partner organization, will lead the event's forest restoration activities. Tools, gloves and training will be provided. This year, the Kirkland PCC Community Market and Little Caesar's Pizza are sponsoring lunch for the volunteers.
At 12:00 p.m., Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen, Ben Thompson from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Green Kirkland Partnership Program Supervisor Jodie Galvan and Kirkland Urban Forester Deb Powers will conduct a ceremonial Arbor Day tree planting. Following the ceremonial planting, forest restoration efforts will resume until 2 p.m.
Celebrating Arbor Day is an opportunity to recognize trees for their contribution to our community: trees filter rainwater and store carbon; they feed and shelter birds and other wildlife; they shade and cool our homes and neighborhoods, thus saving energy; and they form a living green canopy, contributing to our health, well-being and quality of life.
The North Rose Hill Woodlands Park restoration site is located at 9930 124 Avenue NE in Kirkland. Sign up to volunteer online through greenkirkland.org.
For more information, please contact Deb Powers, Urban Forester for the City of Kirkland, at dpowers@kirklandwa.gov or (425) 587-3261.
Image via Shutterstock/ Vovan
Best Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes for Seattle and Eastside Families
Where to pick the perfect pumpkin, catch a hay ride, pet farm animals and find more harvest fun
Courtesy of ParentMap.com
Every year when the leaves start to turn we find ourselves wanting to make a farm pilgrimage with the kids to visit a pumpkin patch and mark the harvest. Farmers all over the region oblige our collective need by carving intricate mazes into their cornfields and offering hay rides out to the pumpkin fields.
Pumpkin patch experiences vary widely. Purists can pick their gourds at a farm that offers little more than hot cider as a side activity, while families looking for a more carnival atmosphere can visit farms and pumpkin patches tricked out like amusement parks — the offerings get a little wilder each year.
This list is big! It's organized by region. First, find 10 Snohomish County pumpkin patches, then nine Eastside and South King County-area pumpkin patches. For even more pumpkin-picking options, check out our South Sound pumpkin patch picks.
10 Snohomish County pumpkin patches
Stocker Farms.
1. Stocker Farms, Snohomish
Known for: Huge pumpkin patch, corn maze and "Stalker" Farms night maze.
Patch action: Starting in October, this Snohomish County farm is open daily. Grab a wagon and head into the fields or choose from pre-sorted pumpkins on the lawn. On weekends, head across the street to the Family Adventure Farm, featuring a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin cannon, jumping pillow, hayrides, animal barn, crafts, rubber duck races, face painting and other activities. This year's maze theme all about honoring local heroes and showcasing the impact their selfless acts have had on the community. New this year on select weekends is the Stocker Farms first ever Sunflower Jubilee; U-pick sunflowers of all varieties and fabulous flowery photo ops!
For older kids looking for a scare, there’s Stalker Farms, which has two walk-through haunt experiences and a Zombie stalker paintball ride. This is the ultimate horror attraction and only recommended for brave 12-year-olds and up.
Dates and hours: Pumpkin patch open starting Saturday, Sept. 29. The Family Adventure Farm is open Tuesday–Sunday starting Sept. 29, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Night Maze open beginning Oct. 6. Check Facebook page for updates. The Sunflower Jubilee is Oct. 6–7 and Oct. 13–14.
Location, cost and details: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish; 360-568-7391; Family Adventure Farm mid-week admission is $10.95/person; weekend admission is $14.95/person; ages 2 and under always free. Entry to just the pumpkin patch is free; pay only for pumpkins. Corn Maze is $21.95/person. The Sunflower Jubilee is $19.95/person which includes a u-pick sunflower bouquet. Save by buying tickets online.
A Minion hayride at Craven Farm. Photo credit: Craven Farm
2. Craven Farm, Snohomish
Known for: Overall fantastic farm with fun play area for the littles; big- and small-sized corn mazes.
Patch action: Named Washington State's best pumpkin patch by "Readers Digest," this farm is justifiably very popular, especially with younger kids. The farm market area doubles as a play area with vehicles, tractors and pirate ships to climb on; there is also a snack bar open on weekends and picnic tables. Pick some pumpkins in the field, get lost in the 15-acre corn maze that's themed Alice in Pumpkinland, take a hayride through Minionville and visit the farm animals. Also check out the new Adventure Maze, complete with an obstacle course and farm-related trivia! Select Fridays in October check out the Night Owl (non-scary) Corn Maze.
Dates and hours: Open daily, Sept. 22–Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m. to dusk (6:30ish). Hayride, apple slinger, face painting, Snack Shack and Espresso Shop are open on weekends only. Night Owl Maze open from 6–9 p.m. on select nights in October. Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 13817 Short School Road, Snohomish. 360-568-2601. Admission is free; corn maze $8 (age 2 and under free); adventure maze $7; Night Owl corn maze $15; duck races $3 per duck; hayride $6; apple slinger $0.75 each; minigolf and human foosball $5. New supersaver wristbands available this year, $10–$20.
The Farm at Swan's Trail. Photo credit: Alvin Smith, via Flickr CC
3. The Farm at Swan's Trail, Snohomish
Known for: Washington State corn maze and huge play area.
Patch action: Another Snohomish farm that has it all, from its Washington State Corn Maze — a 12-acre map of the state that shows actual roads, places and towns — to wagon rides, a "cow train", a large petting zoo and a playground. And, of course, pumpkin-picking in the 45-acre pumpkin patch. The Farm also has U-pick apples, and on weekends there are plenty of mouth-watering fresh baked goods. Insider tip: The Farm at Swan's Trail has private rooms popular for birthday parties.
Dates and hours: Open from Sept. 29–Oct. 31, noon–6 weekdays and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends. (Due to field-trip scheduling call ahead for availability on weekdays). Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 7301 Rivershore Drive, Snohomish; 425-334-4124. Parking and admission is free and includes Pig Show, Duck Race & Petting Farm. The corn maze is $8 on weekdays and $10 on weekends (ages 4 and under free); play passes range from $8–$18 (adults and ages 2 and under free for the Children's Play Area).
Bob's Corn maze. Photo credit: Bob's Corn Maze and Pumpkins
4. Bob's Corn & Pumpkin Farm, Snohomish
Known for: Reservable firepits in the corn maze, kid mazes, tasty snacks.
Patch action: A free hayride takes visitors through the 30-acre pumpkin patch and amusements include corn pit, slides, farm animals, face painting and an apple cannon (not all activities available during the week). Pick a pumpkin from the large U-pick field and buy harvest-themed farm goods such as corn stalks and gourds, all GMO-free. There are two corn mazes: a 10-acre corn maze, where your group can reserve a fire pit for hours of fun (they will build and maintain the fire for you as well as transport any roasting sticks and supplies you bring), and two smaller mazes for the little ones.
Dates and hours: Maze opens Sept. 8, pumpkin patch open from Sept. 22–Oct. 31, 10 a.m. 'til dark. Day maze open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nighttime maze (non-scary) open Fridays and Saturdays in October, from 6–10 p.m. (reserve a fire pit!). Activities limited on weekdays. Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 10917 Elliott Road, Snohomish, 360-668-2506. Admission to the pumpkin patch (including hay ride, trike track and play area) is free; day maze $10, $50/family: 24 months and under free. Night maze is $15, $75/family; ages 2 and under free. Cow train is $3/ride; apple cannon is $2/shot or $10 for 10 shots. Combo package wristbands available for multiple activities $10–$20. Military and group discounts available.
5. Carleton Farm, Lake Stevens
Known for: Fun for younger kids, including a kids' corn maze and zip swing. Plus pumpkin cannon!
Patch action: This year's 4-acre maze is a puzzle of trails in which you play two games at the same time! One is Farm Scene Investigation (FSI, a Carleton favorite) where you try to find the missing Farmer Joe. The other, new this year, is a Mariners trivia game. Check the website for upcoming details! Also enjoy the maze by night (non-scary) on certain nights in October; be sure to bring your own flashlight! On weekends, enjoy a zip swing and slides in the Kids Korral, shoot the pumpkin cannon, and take hayrides or bucket train rides.
Teens and adults looking for a thrill may want to check out Carleton's Fright Farm Friday and Saturday nights. Scary attractions include Zombie Paintball, Zombie Farm and the Haunted Swamp. Purchase tickets online and choose your desired timeslot.
Dates and hours: Open daily, Sept. 29–Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., last day maze entry at 5 p.m. Extended activities on weekends. Night maze (fire pit rentals available) open Friday–Saturday nights in October, 7–9 p.m. The Haunted Swamp, Zombie Farm and Zombie Paintball are open Friday–Saturday nights in October (and also the Sunday before Halloween and Halloween day).
Location, cost and details: 830 Sunnyside Blvd. S.E., Lake Stevens, 425-334-2297. Admission and parking are free. Corn maze $8 (3 and under free); Zipline wristband $11; Kids Play wristband $12; night maze $14; Fright Farm attractions $14–$21 (combo packages available). Pumpkin cannons $2–$3. Check website for pricing updates.
6. Thomas Family Farm, Snohomish
Known for: Zombie paintball, haunted hayride (!), monster truck rides, kiddie paintball and more.
Patch action: On weekdays, you can pick a pumpkin but on weekends you can hop a free hayride or play in Kid Land, with rubber duck races, putt-putt golf and a hay maze. Other daytime activities include: monster truck rides, gem-mining, kids' paintball blast and an apple cannon. There is a 3-mile treasure hunt corn maze as well as a .3 mile corn maze for younger kids. Or explore the maze at night with flashlights (non-scary). This farm, however, may be the place to take horror-loving teens, as it is home to the Zombie Paintball Safari Hayride, and the Nightmare on 9 haunted house.
Dates and hours: Opening Saturday, Oct. 6 and open weekends in October, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nighttime hours are Thursdays and Sundays, 6–10 p.m. starting Oct. 14, and Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m.–midnight, starting Oct. 6. Also open Halloween night from 6–10 p.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish, 360-568-6945. Kid Land admission $7; ages 2 and under free, parents free; Treasure Hunt corn maze $7; kids' corn maze $3; other daytime activities $3–$8. Flashlight maze $14; Zombie paintball $22, (timed tickets available online or at ticket booth), Nightmare on 9 haunted house tickets can be purchased in a combo package for $30–$36 or as single tickets on site or online for $10–$20. Discount weekends include Grandparents weekend (Oct. 6–7) and Service weekend (Oct. 13–14). See website for details.
7. Biringer's Black Crow Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Arlington
Known for: Dog-friendliness — dogs on leash, only.
Patch action: Join Gary and Julie Biringer for their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze, featuring a pet-friendly pumpkin patch, 5-acre corn maze, free trolley rides to U-pick pumpkins, kiddie hay maze, slides, covered wagon for picnics and skeleton graveyard. Local honey, cider, apples and fresh corn (seasonal) available. “After Dark” Corn Maze is available for private groups of 50 or more and must be booked in advance.
Dates and hours: Open daily Sept. 29–Oct. 31. Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–6, p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Night maze by appointment only.
Location, cost and details: 2431 Hwy 530 N.E., Arlington, 360-435-5616. Admission free (includes covered wagon and trolley rides, pumpkin bowling and kiddie hay maze). Call for further pricing details; family passes and group rates available.
Foster's Produce and Corn Maze. Photo credit: Foster's website
8. Foster's Produce and Corn Maze, Arlington
Known for: Funny goats, large pumpkin patch.
Patch action: This fourth-generation, family-owned farm features a 10-acre Wizard of Oz–themed corn maze and huge U-pick pumpkin patch and goat walk open daily. Weekends, enjoy cow barrel train rides, pumpkin cannon blaster, pumpkin slingshot and more. Hit the target on the slingshot and receive a free ice cream cone!
Dates and hours: Corn maze and patch open daily Oct. 1–31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission to maze is at 4 p.m.) Farm Market open daily starting September 15th. Most activities Saturdays and Sundays only. Check the Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 5818 SR 530 N.E., Arlington; 360-435-6516. Corn maze $6 (ages 3 and under free); pumpkin cannon $2/shot or $10/10 shots; pumpkin slingshot $2/3 shots; cow train $4. Activity bundles available on weekends.
9. Bailey Family Farm, Snohomish
Known for: Tons of U-pick veggies, including pumpkins, and simple farm fun.
Patch action: This 100+-year-old family farm features simple farm fun. There's a great pumpkin patch plus loads of veggies to pick, including Red Jonagold apples to pick Sept. 29–30! Bailey Farm does not have a corn maze in there's a free play area with a hay climb, rope swing, trikes, toy tractors and a sandbox.
Dates and hours: The pumpkin patch is open daily beginning Sept. 29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Turn up on weekends for activities, including free hay rides and cider and kettle corn for purchase.
Location, cost and details: 12711 Springhetti Rd., Snohomish; 360-568-8826. Free entry to farm; pumpkins and other produce for purchase; snacks for purchase.
10. Fairbank Animal Farm and Pumpkin Patch, Edmonds
Known for: Barnyard experience for tots — kids might even view chicks hatching!
Patch action: Another experience geared to younger kids, this rustic farm offers rough paths and barnyard smells, and the kids can get their fill of baby animals to watch, feed and pet, including chicks, ducklings, goats, ponies, rabbits and pigs. There is also a U-pick pumpkin patch, tiny tot "maize maze," the Hidden Bear Trail to Pumpkin Land and a hay tunnel.
Dates and hours: Open weekends in October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Locations, cost and details: 15308 52nd Ave. W., Edmonds. 425-743-3694. Admission $3/person (ages 10 months and up). Parking is free. Cash only; no credit/debit cards accepted.
9 Eastside and South King County pumpkin patches
Jubilee Farm pumpkins. Credit: Elisa Murray
1. Jubilee Farm, Carnation
Known for: Affordable fun, horse-drawn hayrides out to the pumpkin fields; awesome organic pumpkins and other gourds; and a pumpkin trebuchet (catapult).
Patch action: Jubilee Biodynamic Farm grows organic produce and celebrates fall with lots of free harvest activities including its now-famous trebuchet — a giant pumpkin catapult. Take a hayride out to the U-pick pumpkin fields, buy lunch or hot cider in the concessions area, visit the farm animals and do a kids' hay maze in the barn loft.
Dates and hours: Open weekends in October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Check for updates on the Facebook page.
Location, cost and details: 229 W. Snoqualmie River Road N.E., Carnation. 425-222-4558. Admission, parking and most activities free. No pets allowed, please.
Steam train ride at Remlinger Farms. Photo credit: Remlinger Farms
2. Remlinger Farms, Carnation
Known for: An amusement park that young kids adore plus awesome hay maze fun, U-pick pumpkins and great service
Patch action: Remlinger buzzes with activity during its Fall Harvest Festival weekends in October. Take a wagon ride out to the U-pick pumpkin fields, shop in the farm market and explore the corn maze. Head to the Family Fun Park for entertainment (watch popular entertainer Cyndi Soup in the Farm Theater) and more than 25 rides from a small (but thrilling) roller coaster to a tot-size ferris wheel to pony rides, antique pedal car rides and more. Kids can also climb on tractors and an old school bus, scale a fort and do a hay maze (or just jump in the hay). There are lots of picnic spots at Remlinger, but you're supposed to buy food on the premises — there is a snack bar and full restaurant.
Dates and hours: Fall Harvest Festival runs Sept. 29–Oct. 28, on weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Find updates on the Facebook page.
Location, cost and details: 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation, 425-333-4135. Free admission to pumpkin patch. Fall Harvest Festival Park admission $22.50 (under age 1 free). Check website for details; discounts for seniors and disabled persons.
Oxbow Farm trail. Credit: Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center
3. Oxbow Farm & Conservaton Center, Carnation
Known for: Sustainably grown pumpkins, Living Playground and Kids' Farm.
Patch action: Oxbow isn't just a farm, it's a sustainable education center that stars in both farm fun and education. Pick up pumpkins, including many lovely varieties for cooking and baking, shop for organic produce, take a hayride, take a kids' tour of the farm and try the scavenger hunt. Some activities have fee, payable by "magic bean." Buy magic beans on site.
Dates and hours: Farm and pumpkin patch open Oct. 4–28, Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oxtober Pumpkin Festival weekends Oct. 7–29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 10819 Carnation-Duvall Road N.E., Carnation. Use the west entrance and follow these directions as Google will mislead you. 425-788-1134. Admission free; select activities have fee. Licensed service animals only.
Baxter Barn
4. Baxter Barn, Fall City
Known for: Miniature donkeys and other farm animals.
Patch action: You have to make an appointment to visit Baxter Barn, a local farm focused on sustainable farming practices, but it's well worth it. Kids will love seeing the horses, mini-donkeys, chickens, pheasants and quail. In October, beyond picking pumpkins, you can take a tractor ride, buy certified salmon-safe eggs and take a learning tour of the farm. Call to make an appointment.
Dates and hours: Tours are generally available between the hours of 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday throughout October. Call to make a reservation 425-765-7883. See website for more details. Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 31929 S.E. 44th St., Fall City. 425-765-7883. Tours by appointment. $8/person, including visits with the animals (petting the miniature donkeys is a special treat). Minimum $24. Tractor rides are extra. Note: onsite parking limited to three cars.
5. Fall City Farms, Fall City
Known for: Cider press and glassworks display.
Patch action: Bring your kids to watch cider being pressed and doughnuts sizzling. Meet the cows and donkeys, enjoy a wagon ride, pick a pumpkin from the patch, then check out the autumn-themed glassworks display by Made in Washington.
Dates and hours: Fall City Farm is open Sept. 29–Oct. 28, Fridays 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Location, cost and details: 3636 Neal Road, Fall City. 425-246-5249. Free entry, with produce and other fall food for sale.
6. Fox Hollow Farm, Issaquah
Known for: Petting farm, tractor rides and pony rides.
Patch action: This well-groomed farm in Issaquah is a guaranteed hit, especially with younger kids. Its popular Fall Festival includes a pumpkin patch, ATVs and race track, corn bin, pony rides, hay maze, inflatables, a haunted forest trail and bonfires with s'mores and concessions including the recently added Espresso Cafe. Come in costume for trick-or-treating. New this year is a good ol' hayride and pumpkin bowling! Starting the end of September, you can also bring your kids to watch the salmon running up the creek.
Dates and hours: Open Wednesday–Sunday, Sept. 28–Oct. 27 (closed Oct. 4). Weekdays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sunday, Oct. 7 early closure at 1 p.m.). Purchase advance tickets online as they tend to sell out. Special Halloween Carnival on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Check website calendar and Facebook page for updates.
Locations, cost and details: 12031 Issaquah-Hobart Road S.E., Issaquah. 253-459-9095. Weekend admission $50 for a car with up to seven people. Weekday admission — Wednesday–Friday — is $10 per person (under age 1 free). Admission includes all activities except the new hayride which is an additional $4.
Kelsey Creek Farm
7. Kelsey Creek Farm, Bellevue
Known for: Fab and free fall festival; farm animals to see all year-round.
Attractions: This city farm hosts the very popular Kelsey Creek Farm Fair on Saturday, Oct. 6. Kids can check out the goats, chickens, and rabbits and take a tractor ride through the farm, bounce in the inflatables or choose a pre-picked pumpkin from a hillside to decorate. If you miss the festival, Kelsey Creek offers scheduled tours (for ages 2 and up) year-round with pumpkin patch tours and firsthand experiences with farm chores and crafts.
Dates and hours: The Kelsey Creek Farm Fair is Saturday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Check for updates on the Facebook page. The surrounding park and playground are open year-round, dawn to dusk. Farm animals can be seen in the pastures every day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location, cost and details: Admission is free, and costs for food and activities vary. Cash only. 410 130 Pl. S.E., Bellevue. On festival day, free shuttle service is available from Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114 Ave. S.E. and Bannerwood Sports Park, 1630 132nd Ave. S.E. 425-452-7688. Dogs not allowed in barnyard area.
8. Carpinito Brothers, Kent
Known for: Roasted corn, kettle corn and huge array of pumpkins.
Patch action: Carpinito Brothers offer U-pick pumpkins, two giant corn mazes and yummy harvest snacks like roasted corn on the cob. With a new design every year, this year's intricately designed maze features a dinosaur theme! Visit the Farm Fun Yard across the street to visit the farm animals, take a tractor-drawn hay ride, race rubber ducks, explore the hay maze, feed the goats on the goat walk and "swim" in the corn pen.
Dates and hours: Open daily Sept. 28–Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Check Facebook for updates.
Location, cost and details: Patch and corn maze: 27508 W. Valley Hwy N., Kent. Farm Fun Yard: 6720 S 277th St., Kent. 253-854-5692. Call for pricing details. No pets, please!
Darigold-themed corn maze
9. Thomasson Family Farm, Enumclaw
Known for: Huge corn maze, corn box for kids and tractor train rides.
Patch action: Another reader favorite in South King County, this working dairy farm runs a 216,000-square-foot corn maze during pumpkin season, plus old-fashioned farm attractions such as apple-lobbing slingshot competitions, tractor train rides, hay rides, hay maze, duck races, petting farm, a corn box (filled with nine tons of corn) for the kids and more. A returning favorite: Solve the mystery in the Pacific Northwest-themed maze or try laser tag.
Dates and hours: Open daily, Oct. 1–31, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Check Facebook page for updates.)
Location, cost and details: 38223 236th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw; 360-802-0503. Multiple packages ranging from $3–$12 on weekdays and $5–$20 on weekends depending on activities chosen. Free parking. See website for details. No pets allowed.
Pumpkin picking tips:
Bring hand sanitizer, as many places have only portable toilets.
Dress appropriately: boots for muddy farm trails and layers for typical Seattle drizzles.
Mud-proof the trunk for muddy pumpkins and boots. Bring spare shoes for the ride home.
Have cash on hand for activities and food.
Leave the stroller behind... and the dog. Typically you'll have a bumpy landscape to traverse, and most places are not dog-friendly.
Kirkland Residents Invited to Participate in Citywide Costume Swap
The community had a great time at the Costume swap last October. Photo courtesy of the City of Kirkland.
Reduce waste by reusing or repurposing Halloween costumes.
By Stephanie Quiroz | Tuesday, September 25, 2018 | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
The city of Kirkland is hosting its second annual Halloween Costume Swap. The community is welcome to donate and trade costumes.
“Kirkland’s Halloween Costume Swap is a fantastic way to reduce waste by reusing or repurposing costumes,” Kellie Stickney, Kirkland’s communications program manager, said.
Stickney said this event encourages the community to reduce what they must buy and reuse items instead of buying new. Around 150 costumes were collected last year. Stickney said they anticipate a much larger response this year.
Instead of buying new Halloween costumes, the community is welcome to stop by the Kirkland City Hall (Peter Kirk Room) and donate costumes, masks and accessories from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week, through Sept. 28. Infant through adult costumes in good condition are accepted. Individuals are welcome to donate more than one costume and they don’t have to donate in order to swap costumes.
The costume swap will continue from 9-11:30 a.m. Sept. 29.
The North Kirkland Community Center is accepting donations as well.
For more information on the Costume Swap, visit, kirklandwa.gov/recycle.
The children had a great time swapping new costumes. Photo courtesy of the City of Kirkland.
Kirkland’s Dawson Searches for 39 Different Commute Methods
Paddleboarding is one way Bruce Dawson has commuted to work this month. Photo courtesy of Bruce Dawson
A Kirkland man is challenging himself to commute using a different method for each day of the month.
By Kailan Manandic | Monday, September 17, 2018 8:30am | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Whether it’s a bike, bus or balloon, Kirkland resident Bruce Dawson is searching for alternative ways to commute to work as part of his 2018 Commute Challenge.
Dawson hasn’t gone as far as to use a balloon to commute, but he’s made his 1.25-mile commute to Google’s Kirkland campus via stilts, water skis, a unicycle, a paddleboard and 23 other methods, all in an effort to make his commute more interesting and less car-centric.
“North Americans spend a lot of time in their cars, always taking their cars to work and driving alone,” Dawson said. “Part of this is also just demonstrating that there are other ways to get to work, and some of them are not practical of course, but I’m taking a carpool to work tomorrow…ultimately it makes you healthier and happier. Every day I do this, I feel so happy when I get into work.”
THE IDEA
Dawson first completed the month-long challenge in April 2017. He often used about six different commute methods to get to work because he lives near his workplace: walking, running, cycling, unicycling, inline skating and taking a bus.
The diversity of his typical commute methods planted an idea in Dawson’s head and he would make jokes to a colleague about using a different method for each day of a month. That was in March 2017.
“I [joked] a couple of times and at one point the co-worker just kind of got annoyed and said, ‘Put up or shut up…You should actually go do it,’” Dawson said.
So Dawson set out to complete the challenge. And he succeeded. He used 20 different methods to get to work for each weekday of the month. Out of them all, Dawson concluded that swimming in 46 degree water was the least practical.
“Zero stars, would not swim again,” Dawson wrote in a blog post. “Swimming was the only commute method that was simultaneously unpleasant, inefficient, and potentially dangerous – it’s the trifecta.”
The 2018 Commute Challenge was moved to September because of the cold weather during his first challenge. Despite this, he maintains that water skiing was the most fun he had commuting to work during last year’s challenge.
“That was just such a great way to start the day,” Dawson said, “Water skiing was amazing.”
Dawson added that he was surprised at how well the challenge went the first time. He had been saving his bike and a bus ride as reserve methods if any of the other ones fell through, but he didn’t need to use it.
ANOTHER CHALLENGE
Dawson quickly decided to do the challenge again after the success of the first challenge and the first thing he changed was the time of year. He began this month with a paddleboard commute and is still going strong more than halfway through the challenge.
“I had some fun experiences with people,” Dawson said. “The first day of this one, I had a total stranger help me carry my paddleboard up the hill to Google. That’s kind of cool that you can still get help from random people these days.”
Dawson also added an extra rule that he couldn’t use methods from the 2017 challenge and he said he’s uncertain if he’ll succeed this time.
“Neighbors, friends and coworkers have been very helpful,” Dawson said. “I keep hoping some random person will reach out to me and say, ‘Hey I’d love to lend you my roller skis or give you a ride on a jet ski sometime this month.’ That hasn’t happened yet, but I’m still open to those options.”
Dawson is reaching out to his community for help and different commute ideas. Specifically, he’s looking for roller skis, roller skates, a giant pogo stick, drift skates or a jet ski ride that locals would be willing to lend him.
Additionally, Dawson is open to any ideas that are a balanced between practical, whimsical, fun and “not-too-deadly.”
COMMUTES CAN BE FUN
Dawson has been documenting his commute challenge in an effort to encourage his fellow community members to consider using alternate commute methods. His progress for the 2018 challenge can be tracked online at tinyurl.com/commutechallenge2018 or twitter.com/hashtag/commutechallenge?src=hash.
Additionally, locals can email him with ideas at commutechallengekirkland@gmail.com.
“Life is too short to spend it stuck in traffic, or looking for parking,” Dawson wrote in a blog post. “While not everybody has the diversity of commute options that I have, I think that there are some people who commute alone in a car because they haven’t fully considered the costs (financial, societal, environmental) or because they haven’t considered the health and joy benefits of trying other options.”
While taking the bus or a carpool to work may take longer than a solo drive, Dawson points out that those methods may be a better use of time.
“If you can read a book or talk to a friend while commuting then that’s progress,” he wrote. “I use my bike and other non-car methods to commute partly because it’s better for the world (fewer greenhouse gases, one less car on the road, one less parking spot used) but mostly because it makes me happier.”
Bruce Dawson has had his bike ready as a backup method if he runs out of commuting ideas this month. Photo courtesy of Bruce Dawson
Kirkland Reopens the City’s Oldest Fire Station
The Kirkland City Council, Fire Chief and city staff cut the ribbon for the newly renovated Fire Station 25. Samantha Kelly, Kirkland Volunteer Photographer
Kirkland’s Fire Station 25 opened 44 years ago and hadn’t been remodeled until October 2017.
By Kailan Manandic | Friday, September 14, 2018 8:30am | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Kirkland reopened the city’s oldest fire station on Sunday after an 11-month renovation project that improved firefighters’ workplace health and modernized the building.
ADVERTISING
Fire Station 25 first opened 44 years ago on 76th Place Northeast and had never been remodeled before the recent renovations began in October 2017. The city retrofitted the station for seismic activity and modernized the station by replacing all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
“We consider fire stations to be critical infrastructure,” said Dave Van Valkenburg, deputy fire chief of the Kirkland Fire Department. “So the fact that it’s been reinforced with earthquake bracing and extra things to help it survive a natural disaster [is] important to us because we all know we want our fire stations to operate when things go bad.”
Station 25 firefighters, who receive an average two calls per day, according to the city, served the Finn Hill neighborhood from Fire Station 24 during the renovations. Kirkland firefighters aim for a four-minute response time and the 1.7-mile relocation did not interfere with target times, according to fire chief Joe Sanford. At worst, the move added about 30 seconds, he said.
Station 25 firefighters are breathing easy in their cleaner living spaces, which was previously a problem as engine exhaust and dirty gear would permeate the station. The firefighters’ living space is now separated from a designated bunker gear storage area and the engine bay exhaust systems.
“Sixty-five percent of firefighters are experiencing some form of cancer these days, we’re more than double the rate of the average citizen, so things like that are important to us because they adds to the longevity to our firefighters,” Valkenburg said. “Bunker gear is potentially dirty and contaminated with carcinogens or blood-born pathogens.”
The city also added some creature comforts such as improved sleeping quarters and improved the flow of the building to minimize the time it takes for firefighters to gear-up and head out.
“The bedrooms all have individual HVAC controls, we all know how that goes, right? One person likes the bedroom hot, one person likes the bedroom cold,” Valkenburg said.
Additionally, Valkenburg said they improved the station’s generator so that it can support the station more reliably in an emergency.
“The Kirkland Fire Department has provided service from Station 25 in the Finn Hill neighborhood for many years. These renovations make our community and our firefighters safer and ensure that we can continue providing services from Station 25 for decades to come,” said council member Penny Sweet, chair of the Public Safety Committee, in a press release.
The project’s construction costs exceeded $3 million, according to the city, and was paid for by a Fire District 41 bond. Fire District 41 was Finn Hill’s former fire district prior to Kirkland’s annexation of the neighborhood.
The overall project costs were under budget, the city said, and the remaining funds will be used to replace Fire Station 24 in a future project. This project will sell the current station 24 property to help fund a new station 24 located in Juanita.
The city is currently in the planning process for the station 24 project.
The station 25 reopening event brought in about 100 locals, according to Valkenburg. Kirkland City Council members attended the event, including Jon Pascal who spoke about the renovations along with Sanford.
Many locals were interested in the new fire station and had the chance to talk about the different new features with the department staff who attended.
“For the most part,” Valkenburg said, “it was really positive feedback on the layout of the station, the improvements, how it was better for the health and safety of the firefighter and how it allowed them to serve the community better.”
The renovations also included a new art piece on the station that was created by local artist Perri Howard of Velocity Made Good, who also attended the event.
“The theme, ‘Hope in the Dark,’ refers to the steadfast presence of our first responders, ready to roll out at a moment’s notice,” Howard said in a press release.
The Kirkland Arts Commission recommended Howard to the city council.
“The crew who work out of station 25 have been outstanding,” Valkenburg said. “During the remodel, they relocated to a smaller facility that didn’t have as many amenities, had a few logistical issues and a few challenges. They took it all in stride, they made the best of the situation and they never let any of those obstacles impact service and coming back to station 25 … they’ve been really appreciative of the support the citizens have given us.”
Kirkland’s Fire Station 25 in the Finn Hill Neighborhood is the city’s oldest fire station and was recently renovated for the first time in 43 years. Samantha Kelly, Kirkland Volunteer Photographer
Kirkland Fire Department Responds to Early Morning Fire in Rose Hill
Crews from Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville and Eastside Fire and Rescue also responded to the fire at Rose Hill Village.
Kirkland firefighters and Puget Sound Energy staff examine the aftermath of a four-hour fire that destroyed the Rose Hill Village. Kailan Manandic/staff photo
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 11:12am | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Kirkland firefighters responded to multiple reports of a fire in the Rose Hill Village at 3 a.m., Sept. 12.
Upon arrival, firefighters reported heavy fire coming from the east side of the building, located in the 12600 block of Northeast 85th Street, and coming from the roof, according to a city of Kirkland press release. The magnitude of the fire caused a request for additional resources to the scene.
Firefighters initially attacked the fire from inside the building, but withdrew to the exterior due to fire in the attic space, the release states.
The fire caused Northeast 85th Street between 126th Avenue Northeast and 132nd Avenue Northeast to be closed Wednesday morning. Two Kirkland firefighters experienced minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The fire was extinguished hours later, at about 7 a.m.
“I want to thank all the units that assisted us this morning including Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville and Eastside Fire and Rescue,” Kirkland Fire Chief Joe Sanford said in the release. “All the firefighters on the scene acted with the utmost professionalism in handling this situation.”
Though the fire has been extinguished, it is anticipated that crews will remain on the scene for most of the day to complete the investigation and continue putting out any hot spots.
Kirkland firefighters and Puget Sound Energy staff examine the aftermath of a four-hour fire that destroyed the Rose Hill Village. Kailan Manandic/staff photo
Kirkland firefighters and Puget Sound Energy staff examine the aftermath of a four-hour fire that destroyed the Rose Hill Village. Kailan Manandic/staff photo
Meet Mrs. FrogLegs
She’s sugar, spice, and all business
By Lisa Patterson | September 7, 2018
Photos by Jeff Hobson
In 2008, Laura Vida’s kitchen almost always had a light dusting of flour, sugar, and candy sprinkles. It’s the year the stay-at-home mom of three’s cooking classes in her Seattle home evolved into an actual business, and FrogLegs Culinary Academy was hatched.
“(It was) thrilling, scary, exciting … it’s hard to describe how I felt at that time as turning what started as a way for me to work from home and being around my kids was now becoming a full-born business — in my home,” Vida said. “Props to my husband for his patience.”
FrogLegs Culinary Academy is an engaging and hands-on cooking school and special event space for kids and adults. It offers edible education and entertainment with a wide range of cooking classes and seasonal workshops, birthday parties, summer and school break camps, as well as corporate team building, group events, and catering.
Edible cookie dough
In 2016, Vida’s home-based Seattle business hopped over Lake Washington, and she opened FrogLegs in Kirkland. And this summer, it jumped back over to Seattle to open an additional location at University Village, where there are drop-in cake-and cupcake-decorating classes, as well as an expanded schedule of adult cooking classes and team-building events.
“In addition to an expanded selection of food-inspired retail goods and colorful party supplies, the Mrs. FrogLegs Treat Mercantile is a prominent new feature,” Vida said. “We are the first in the area to offer edible cookie dough — no eggs and heat-treated flour make it safe to eat.”
You can get fun flavors of cookie dough goodness at both the Seattle and Kirkland locations. And if you are looking for a sweet gift, they also sell adorable items like giant plush cupcake pillows with smiley faces and a cherry on top, and fresh-baked cookies.
When Vida finds a moment to reflect about how her stay-at-home hobby morphed into a successful business, it continues to energize her. She was raised in Michigan, where she could be found catching frogs (which inspired the name) and spent time with both sets of grandparents, where she cooked alongside them every chance she got. When she got older, friends would ask her how to cook and bake, and later she would get hired to cater events. She had the talent, but wasn’t sure how that would translate into a business.
“When I first started, it was this idea that hadn’t really been done before, so I found the open road exciting,” she said. “It was a blending of all the things I loved: food, gatherings, children, holidays, and celebrations all rolled into one. It was probably about year three that I really felt this could turn into something bigger!”
Her retail marketing, branding experience, passion, and professionalism propelled the company, and she has advice for others who have an idea they are considering growing.
“If you have an entrepreneurial spirit inside, I absolutely think you should pay attention to that. However, that being said, many startup businesses are not successful because the emotion takes over, walls are painted, and décor imagined all before the business plan, budgeting, and real practicality of it all is accounted for,” she said. “Starting a business is a risk. Calculate your risk, surround yourself with people who will give you honest opinions, do your research, know your customers and what they want, and see the demand. Take the emotion out of it, capitalize on your strengths, understand and accept your limitations. Acknowledge that you are now HR, accounting, store manager, dishwasher, customer service, and quality control, and embrace it.
“When this is all accounted for, roll up those sleeves, and start referring to yourself as #girlboss!”
FrogLegs Culinary Academy
froglegskca.com
Readers' Choice: Best Restaurants in Seattle
Our annual readers’ poll received a record number of responses this year. See all the winners here
BY: CHELSEA LIN AND DARIA KROUPODEROVA | FROM THE PRINT EDITION | SEPTEMBER 2018
Image Credit: Alex Crook
PHO SURE: Pho Bac Sup Shop’s signature dish is this short rib pho, paired with a glass of natural red wine
This article appears in print as the cover story of the September 2018 issue. Read more from the Best of the Best Restaurants feature story here. Click here to subscribe.
Best New Restaurant
Pho Bac Sup Shop
Chinatown–International District; thephobac.com
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Ma‘ono Fried Chicken & Whiskey
West Seattle; maonoseattle.com
Best Pop-up Restaurant
Surrell
Pop-up; surrellseattle.com
Best Eastside Restaurant
Cafe Juanita
Kirkland; cafejuanita.com
Best Cheap-eats Place
Mr. Gyros
Multiple locations; mrgyroseattle.com
Best Gluten-free Dining Options
Cafe Flora
Madison Park; cafeflora.com
Best Vegetarian Dining Options
Cafe Flora
Madison Park; cafeflora.com
Best Juice/Smoothie Bar
Pressed Juicery
Multiple locations; pressedjuicery.com
Best Brunch
Portage Bay Cafe
Multiple locations; portagebaycafe.com
Best Independent Coffee Shop
Caffe Vita
Multiple locations; caffevita.com
Best View
Ray’s Boathouse
Ballard; rays.com
Best Place for Outdoor Dining
Westward
Lake Union; westwardseattle.com
Best Place to Dine Alone
Oddfellows
Capitol Hill; oddfellowscafe.com
Best Restaurant for Kids
Tutta Bella
Multiple locations; tuttabella.com
Best Late-night Dining
13 Coins
Multiple locations; 13coins.com
Best Diner
Hattie’s Hat
Ballard; hatties-hat.com
Best Splurge Restaurant
Canlis
Queen Anne; canlis.com
Best Tasting Menu
The Herbfarm
Woodinville; theherbfarm.com
Best Sandwich
HoneyHole Sandwiches
Capitol Hill; thehoneyhole.com
Best Salads
Evergreens
Multiple locations; evergreens.com
Best Takeout
Biscuit Bitch
Multiple locations; biscuitbitch.com
Best Burgers
Dick’s Drive-In
Multiple locations; ddir.com
Best Barbecue
Jack’s BBQ
Georgetown; jacksbbq.com
Best Pizza
Serious Pie
Downtown and South Lake Union; seriouspieseattle.com
Best Oyster Bar
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Ballard; thewalrusbar.com
Best Seafood
RockCreek Seafood and Spirits
Fremont; rockcreekseattle.com
Best Sushi
Shiro’s Sushi
Belltown; shiros.com
Best Poke/Hawaiian
45th Stop N Shop & Poke Bar
Wallingford; Facebook, “45th Stop N Shop & Poke Bar”
Best Steak
Metropolitan Grill
Downtown; themetropolitangrill.com
Best Korean Food
Revel
South Lake Union; relayrestaurantgroup.com/restaurants/revel
Best Chinese Food
Din Tai Fung
Multiple locations; dintaifungusa.com
Best Ramen
Kizuki Ramen
Multiple locations; kizuki.com
Best Pho
Pho Bac
Multiple locations; thephobac.com
Best Thai Food
Thai Tom
University District; Facebook, “Thai Tom”
Best Indian Food
Nirmal’s
Pioneer Square; nirmalseattle.com
Best Middle Eastern Food
Mamnoon
Capitol Hill; mamnoonrestaurant.com
Best Vietnamese Food
Ba Bar
Multiple locations; babarseattle.com
Best French Food
Le Pichet
Downtown; lepichetseattle.com
Best Italian Food
Spinasse
Capitol Hill; spinasse.com
Best Mexican Food
La Carta de Oaxaca
Ballard; lacartadeoaxaca.com
Best Food Truck
El Camión
Multiple locations; elcamionseattle.com
Best Ice Cream/Gelato Shop
Molly Moon’s
Multiple locations; mollymoon.com
Baked Goods: A twice-baked almond croissant from Bakery Nouveau is an essential Seattle treat. Photo by Alex Crook
Best Bakery
Bakery Nouveau
Multiple locations; bakerynouveau.com
Best Doughnut Shop
Top Pot
Multiple locations; toppotdoughnuts.com
Best Dessert
Hot Cakes
Ballard and Capitol Hill; getyourhotcakes.com
Best Cupcakes
Cupcake Royale
Multiple locations; cupcakeroyale.com
Best Cookies
Hello Robin
Capitol Hill; hellorobincookies.com
Best Cocktail Bar
Canon
Capitol Hill; canonseattle.com
Best Happy Hour
Toulouse Petit
Lower Queen Anne; toulousepetit.com
Best Neighborhood Pub
Chuck’s Hop Shop
Central District and Greenwood; chuckshopshop.com
Best Dive Bar
Linda’s Tavern
Capitol Hill; lindastavern.com
Best Sports Bar
Rhein Haus
Capitol Hill; rheinhausseattle.com
Best Local Brewery/Tasting Room
Fremont Brewing Company
Fremont; fremontbrewing.com
Best Local Winery/Tasting Room
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Woodinville; ste-michelle.com
Best Local Distillery/Tasting Room
Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Woodinville; woodinvillewhiskeyco.com
Must List: Bumbershoot, Summer Rewind Film Festival, Bremerton Blackberry Festival
Your weekly guide to Seattle's hottest events.
BY: DARIA KROUPODEROVA | Posted August 30, 2018 | Courtesy of SeattleMag.com
Image Credit: David Conger
MUST LOVE MUSIC
Bumbershoot
(8/31–9/2) Bumbershoot is supposed to be a festival, but it’s always had a slightly melancholy end-of-summer vibe—and it doesn’t help that it’s named after an umbrella, callously reminding us that eight months of rain are around the corner. Bold-face names in this year’s lineup include Lil Wayne and Fleet Foxes; other offerings include dance, comedy, theater, visual arts and yoga on the lawn. Times and prices vary. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.684.7200; bumbershoot.com
MUST DO THE PUYALLUP
Washington State Fair
(8/31–9/23) Have you ever witnessed daring horseback acrobatics or rode on an old-fashioned roller coaster? No? Then it’s time to hop in your car and get to Puyallup for the Washington State Fair. Ogle prize-winning produce, taste a fair scone or buttery elephant ear, take in a rodeo and listen to Macklemore (9/21) at the state’s biggest fair. Times and prices vary. Closed Tuesdays and September 5. Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup, 110 Ninth Ave. SW; 253.845.1771; thefair.com
MUST GAME
PAX West
(8/31–9/3) This weekend, Seattle’s downtown hub will taken over by the crème de la crème of the gaming industry. The annual Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) showcases the best and on the rise video, arcade and tabletop games during this jam packed four-day festival. Check out panels on the latest games, meet gaming legends and test out the newest games for yourself. PAX sells out every year, so if you’re even remotely interested in checking it out, buy a day pass ASAP. Times and prices vary. Washington State Convention Center, downtown, 705 Pike St.; west.paxsite.com
MUST WATCH FILMS
Summer Rewind Film Festival
(8/31–9/6) Soak up the last bits of summer by seeing the season’s blockbuster hits. Cinerama will be showing the best summer movies starting this weekend. Watch (or rewatch) Ocean’s 8, Deadpool 2, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, A Quiet Place and more. Just don’t forget the chocolate popcorn. Times vary. $15. Cinerama, downtown, 2100 Fourth Ave.; 206.448.6680; cinerama.com
MUST EAT BLACKBERRIES
Bremerton Blackberry Festival
(9/1–9/3) Stuff yourself silly with one of Pacific Northwest’s most iconic berries at this family friendly festival. Now in it’s 29th year, the festival celebrates blackberries by preparing them every which way. Want blackberry ice cream? They got that. Or how about blackberry sausage? Yep, they got that too. Wash the treats down with some blackberry wine or soda. Don’t worry, if you feel overloaded on blackberries, they will have vendors selling non-blackberry food and drink, too. Times vary. Free. Bremerton Boardwalk Waterfront, Bremerton, 100 Washington Beach Ave.; blackberryfestival.org
Summerfest Brings Weekend of Music and Art to Kirkland
Diverse lineup of bands, new KidZone entertain festival goers of all ages.
By Katie Metzger | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
The main stage at Kirkland Summerfest featured many bands, including The Dusty 45s and Creme Tangerine. Photo via Facebook
KEXP presented Kirkland Summerfest on Aug. 10-12, featuring music, art and entertainment for all ages.
Summerfest is a three day festival, where attendees can discover a diverse lineup of acclaimed local musicians performing on the waterfront main stage, according to its website, kirklandsummerfest.com.
New this year was a KidZone and Create Zone at Heritage Park, featuring train rides, an obstacle course, a rock wall, bouncy houses, Touch-A-Truck, interactive arts, robotics and tasty treats.
Kirkland Summerfest is a benefit for the Kirkland Downtown Association.
Star Wars characters meet local families in the KidZone at Heritage Park during Kirkland Summerfest. Katie Metzger/staff photo
The 11-acre KidZone entertains children and adults with inflatables, activities and more. Photo via Facebook
Families learn to draw at Summerfest, Kirkland’s annual music and arts festival. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Kids get to Touch-a-Truck at Kirkland Summerfest. Photo via Facebook
Families play with bubbles in the KidZone at Kirkland Summerfest on Aug. 11. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Kirkland Summerfest featured a variety of food vendors. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Hair Nation, the regions’s ultimate 80’s hair rock band, performed at Kirkland Summerfest. Photo via Facebook