Are you ready for a new month? We sure are, especially because there are more events than ever, well, since the pandemic started. So if you’re ready to eat, see art, adventure, and more, keep on reading. Here are 25 socially distant things to do in Seattle this May.
In-person and planned events
2021 Peony Festival
In April we had both the daffodil and tulip festival and in May we get the peony festival. However, this festival is much shorter so be sure to check it out while you can. You’ll be able to see beautiful peony blooms and also a traditional Chinese painting presentation, a Qigong demonstration, and live guzheng music.
When: May 1st-2nd
Where: 6000 16th Ave SW
Cost: Free
Independent Bookstore Day
Every local literary nerd’s favorite day is here! Except for this year the “day” is actually 10 days. So you’ll have extra time to hit all 21 of the included bookstores but you only need to make 10 purchases from participating bookstores to snag your free tote. It’s a super fun tradition and we highly recommend that you give it a go.
When: Until May 3rd
Where: 21 participating bookstores
Cost: Make 10 purchases from participating bookstores
Black Refractions: Highlights from The Studio Museum in Harlem
This amazing show features work from 80 Black artists from the 1920s to now! You’ll be able to see works by artists like Barkley Hendricks, Lorna Simpson, Jacob Lawrence, and many more. This show is one of the best to come to Seattle this year so be sure to check it out while you can.
When: May 22nd-August 15th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle
The Seattle Art Museum is back this March and starting with a bang. This show focuses on Lawrence’s Migration Series which depicts the exodus of African American’s from the South. You can’t miss this show and we have to say it’s the most excited we’ve been to see a show at the SAM in a while.
When: Until May 23rd
Where: 1300 1st Avenue
Cost: $19.99
Drie Chapek: Churning
If you’re ready to take a look at some local art you can head to Greg Kucera Gallery to see a new show by artist Drie Chapak. Her work explores life and death as well as connection through the human experience on Earth making her works truly larger than life. Who knows, you might just come home with a new painting.
When: Until May 29th
Where: 212 3rd Ave S
Cost: Free
Dinosaur Discovery
Want to experience what it’s like to have dinosaurs walk the earth? Well, you can do just that this month at the Woodland Park Zoo. You’ll be able to see twenty life-sized dino animatronics that are sure to have you doing double-takes. And this one will definitely be fun for the whole family.
When: May 1st-31st
Where: 5500 Phinney Ave N
Cost: $5
All things virtual
Momentum 2021
This arts festival focuses on art and the natural world and is put on by the Bainbridge Island Art Museum. You can participate in engaging online events including artist talks, book talks, workshops, and more. We can guarantee that there is something for everyone and also a lot to see on the museum’s social media pages.
When: Until May 1st
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
Crosscut Festival
For those of you that are news-focused, you’ll want to take a look at this festival. The Crosscut festival features journalists, politicians, authors, creators, and more from around the nation. They’ll come together for this festival to take a hard look at the people and events that shape our lives.
When: May 3rd-8th
Where: Online
Cost: By donation, $0-$150
The Virtual Best of the Northwest Spring Market
This unique show features work from over 90 talented artists. It’s a great way to find a unique piece of art and help artists as well as the Northwest Art Alliance. We’re sure you’ll find something perfect for yourself or even as a gift for a friend. Be sure to check it out while you can.
When: Until May 10th
Where: Online
Cost: Free/Varies
Philip Morley Artist Talk
If you’re interested in design, more specifically furniture design, this talk is for you. You’ll be able to hear from master furniture maker Philip Morley as he talks about his background and furniture making. We bet you’ll learn a lot and we might just have to tune into this one ourselves.
When: May 11th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Art History Lecture Series with Rebecca Albiani
If you want to learn about art history without an expensive college degree, this is a great way to do so. Rebecca Albiani is back with several classes this may with focuses on artists like Robert Colescott and Sofonisba Anguissola. You’ll learn a lot at a very affordable price so don’t miss out.
When: May 13th & 27th
Where: Online
Cost: $9
Re/frame: Pop Up Edition
This recurring program from the Henry takes a look at the gallery’s amazing collection. And this event in particular is in collaboration with Goethe Institut and is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Joseph Beuys. You’ll be able to tune into a discussion on works in the Henry’s collection by Beuys. And also a variety of artists who were influenced by him.
When: May 20th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Seattle Art Book Fair: Makeready 2021
Book lovers this one is for you. The 2021 Seattle Art Book Fair will feature over 35 artists, designers, printers, and publishers in a virtual format. You’ll be able to check out online conversations, studio visits, and workshops all about the process of making an art book from start to finish.
When: May 14th-29th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Read with strangers
We love The Stranger’s Virtual Silent Reading Party and highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already. After all, it’s a great way to enjoy a book with others, safely and quietly. So get out your books and get ready to sit back and read with people around the world.
When: Every Wednesday at 6 pm
Where: Online
Cost: $5+
Drive-in Movies at Marymoor Park
If you want a break from your regular old streaming you should check out drive-in movies at Marymoor Park. This month you can watch films like Star Wars, Jumanji, Jurassic World, Jaws and more. Now that the weather is getting nice it’s the perfect time to get back into outdoor movie-going so be sure to check it out.
When: Throughout May
Where: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE Redmond, WA
Cost: $30 per carload
See what’s new on Netflix
Boy oh boy, does May have new Netflix additions. This month is seriously packed with both old and new films and tv shows. So if you’re ready for a month of streaming goodness, you’ll definitely want to see what’s being added this month. We can guarantee you’ll find some new faves.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Food & Drink
Order Mother’s Day takeout
Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and if you don’t have plans, we’ve got you covered. Because many local restaurants have amazing Mother’s Day menus perfect for brunch. So be sure to check them out and pre-order earlier rather than later so you don’t end up empty-handed on the big day.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Seattle Bike-n-Brews
Like beer and biking? Well, there’s an event just for you this month. Seattle Bike-n-Brews is a DIY event where you can pedal a 32-mile route and visit participating breweries along the way. Your ticket includes a beer ticket for the mid-point rest stop, Airways Brewing Company, a beer ticket for the final stop, Two Beers Brewing Company and a ticket for one Bike-n-Brews growler koozie and one empty growler from Georgetown Brewing.
When: May 1st-31st
Where: Varies
Cost: $60+
The Pantry May Classes
If you want to learn how to cook or hone some of your skills then you have to check out the amazing classes offered by The Pantry this month. You can learn how to make things like udon, chicken wings and learn about fermentation among other things. Plus they have a different class happening pretty much every day.
When: May 1st-31st
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
Check out Dough Joy
A brand new vegan donut truck is rolling into town this month. So if you like plant-based food and sweets be sure to check them out. The best way to find out about their opening is by checking out their social media. So give them a follow and get ready to try some delicious donuts this month.
When: Opening this May
Where: 5401 17th Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
Get out of the house
Visit a museum for free
If you have a Seattle Public Library card you can actually gain access to some of the city’s best museums for free! All you have to do is reserve your tickets ahead of time online and be sure to print them before you leave. Some of the museums you can visit include the Burke Museum, Nordic Heritage Museum, and Seattle Aquarium among others.
Plan a spring date
We recently made a list of some of our favorite spring date ideas and luckily for you, many of them are free! So whether you’re looking for a simple day date or a longer getaway, we have some ideas that you can definitely turn into free or cheap options.
Where: click above to see our picks.
Visit a gravity-defying hill
If you’re looking for a unique day trip then it’s time to head out to Prosser. Because it turns out that eastern Washington is home to a unique phenomenon known as Gravity Hill. The hill seems to pull cars up it to a supposedly haunted grain elevator. No matter what you believe, it’s a fun opportunity to experience something truly unique.
Where: 101204 N Crosby Rd, Prosser, WA 99350
Visit the Skagit Valley
The flower festivals are near their end but the valley is booming with activity. So if you’re looking for a scenic drive, you should definitely head north and see what the Skagit Valley has to offer. You can check out farm stands, art, retail, and much more.
Where: Click above to see our picks
That’s what we have for you to do in Seattle this May. Remember that if you haven’t already been vaccinated, you are eligible to do so! With that, get out there, have some fun and of course be safe. We’ll catch you back here in June!
