Spring is finally here, starting off with a jam packed month full of fun like concerts, festivals, art shows, day trips and more. You certainly won’t be bored won’t be bored this month. Here are 40 of the best things to do in Seattle this April.
Music
The Freakout Weekender comes from the folks behind Freakout Festival. While it’s only two days long it’s bigger than you might think. “The multi-venue, multi-cultural Seattle music festival will feature over 40 artists from around the globe, including Antibalas, Austra, Molly Burch, Armand Hammer, Efterklang, Surfbort, Tunde Olaniran, Cobra Man, Public Memory, Mintfield, and many more.”
When: April 1st & 2nd
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: $50-$225
Indie rock gods Beach House are helping Seattleites start April with some smooth tunes and old favorites. You’ll also be able to hear from special guest Ami Dang.
When: April 3rd
Where: 911 Pine Street
Cost: $90+
Next up is Denzel Curry who is arriving in Seattle with a whole crew. You’ll be able to hear from him as well as Kenny Mason, Mike Dimes, Playthatboizay.
When: April 4th
Where: 1700 1st Avenue South
Cost: $35
Intimate rock/pop sensation girl in red aka Marie Ulven is making the trek from Oslo to Seattle. Enjoy her tunes and get the chance to hear from Holly Humberstone as well.
When: April 8th
Where: 1700 1st Avenue South
Cost: $25
Want to hear the sounds of your 2014 Tumblr playlist again? Good news, Disclosure is coming to town accompanied by opener DJ Boring. Hopefully, that’s not a foreshadowing name.
When: April 9th
Where: 800 Occidental Avenue South
Cost: $39.50+
Nothing like nu-metal for spring right folks? Well, no matter what you think about Deftones you really can’t go wrong with them. Dare we say this will be the best concert in April? You’ll also be able to catch opener Gojira.
When: April 16th
Where: 800 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $126
At one point or another, we’ve probably all had the cords to Pish stuck in our heads. Might as well get them out by seeing The Brian Jonestown Massacre live and in person. Plus their opener is Mercury Rev, double whammy.
When: April 17th
Where: 1426 1st Avenue
Cost: $25
Indie-rock legends The Magnetic Fields will be taking over the Moore Theatre with their croony tunes. This is one of those concerts you really don’t want to miss.
When: April 18th
Where: 1932 Second Ave
Cost: $39.50+
The early 2000s are calling and they want you to go to the Tech N9ne show. We know deep down you have the desire to scream the lyrics to Caribou Lou at a live concert so don’t stop yourself.
When: April 24th
Where: 1700 1st Avenue South
Cost: $30
Haven’t had the chance to check out Climate Pledge Arena yet? Reggaeton artist J Balvin will be raising the energy in CPA with his lively tunes.
When: April 26th
Where: 305 Harrison St
Cost: $36
1, 2, 3, 4 Feist is knocking at your door… everyone who was alive in the early 2000s remembers the vice hold that Feist’s poppy tunes had on the world. So why not hear them again?
When: April 30th
Where: 901 Pine St
Cost: $90+
Arts & Culture
Down The Rabbit Hole is centered around the themes of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. You’ll get to watch as your favorite tales like “The Walrus and the Carpenter” and “The Stolen Tart” are set to original music and performed by a local cast. It’s an experience designed to cater to all the senses.
When: Begins April 1st
Where: 103 South Main Street
Cost: $95-$105 per person
The Green Book Tour is a new self-guided history tour created by the soon-to-open Black & Tan Hall. It’s available both online and as an app depending on your needs. When taking the tour you’ll be transported back in time to the 1920s and 30s as you learn all about the Black-owned and Black-friendly businesses that operated along Seattle’s Jackson Street.
U District Cherry Blossom Festival
The best way to celebrate Seattle’s cherry blossoms is, of course, by visiting them. But it doesn’t hurt to enjoy a little bit of extra celebration, especially when it’s a new festival. The first annual U District Cherry Blossom Festival is happening now complete with blooms, food & drink specials, and shopping.
When: March 25th-April 10th
Where: University District
Cost: Free/Varies
This festival is actually the world’s largest Comedy/Varieté festival. It enters around 3-15 minute acts performed by artists accompanied by a live show band. To make things even more interesting, you never know what you’ll see on stage. Generally you can expect aerialists, jugglers, magicians, comedians and more.
When: Until April 10th
Where: 4301 Leary Way NW
Cost: $14 – $28
Boren Banner Series: Sadie Wechsler
This piece is outside, it’s free to visit and you can do so at pretty much any time of day. Plus Wechsler’s new piece explores the history of Seattle’s own First Hill. The artist consulted the Burke Museum and members of the Duwamish Tribe in order to create a photograph that represents the ecological history of the area.
When: Until April 17th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
BAM Biennial 2022: Architecture & Urban Design
Explore BAM’s juried exhibition which focuses on the work of established and emerging Northwest artists, craftspeople, and designers, with an emphasis on new work. This year’s biennial focuses on specific fields and areas of studies within the realm of art, craft, and design.
When: Until April 24th
Where: 510 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA
Cost: $15
Each first Saturday Kremwerk puts on SIN, a fetish, EBM, and industrial night. You can expect fetish performances, drinks, and dancing. Additionally, you can see features by Seattle Shibari and professional photography by Jason Renek. If you’re looking for something new, this might just be worth checking out.
When: First Saturday of each month
Where: 1809 Minor Ave #10
Cost: $15
Each week on Tuesday you can attend a drag happy hour at Chop Suey. You’ll be able to watch drag icon Jane Don’t and three of Seattle’s other premiere drag beauties do their thing. It’s sure to be the most fun you’ve had at a happy hour in a while.
When: Tuesdays
Where: 1325 E Madison St
Cost: Varies
Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
If you’ve ever wanted to see behind-the-scenes images of your favorite hip-hop artists, this exhibit is for you. MoPOP’s newest exhibit, Contact High allows visitors to see over 170 images of hip hop’s most influential artists like Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Queen Latifah, Tupac, and more. See four decades of photography, from the late 70s to today, documenting a revolution across different aspects of life.
When: Tuesday-Thursday 10 am–5 pm
Where: 325 Fifth Ave N
Cost: $30 – $32.50
Silent Reading Party: In-Person
The beloved Silent Reading Party is back in person if you’d like to have the experience of reading amongst strangers inside of the beautiful Hotel Sorrento. Keep in mind there is a $20 food and drink minimum on top of your ticket price.
When: First Wednesday of each month
Where: 900 Madison St
Cost: $8-$40
Cat towers are a necessary accessory for cat owners but they aren’t exactly the best looking. This unique group show focuses on Frank Crow’s invention of the cat tower. Yes, the works are inspired by the thing your cat dulls its nails on.
When: Until May 1st
Where: Museum of Museums, 900 Boylston Ave
Cost: $20
Now that the new year has come and gone, folks are looking towards the next big holiday, Valentine’s Day. Can Can’s newest show is a rose-colored soirée to remember, an original Parisian-inspired production. Like their other shows, you’ll also be able to sip on lavish libations and nosh on delectable delicacies while watching the performers work their magic.
When: Until May 1st
Where: 94 Pike St
Cost: $49+
Lauren Halsey’s show is the Seattle Art Museums’ next upcoming exhibition. Her work “spans sculpture, installation, and architecture, including site-specific projects, particularly in the South Central neighborhood of Los Angeles.” Further, “her work maintains a sense of civic urgency and free-flowing imagination, reflecting the lives of the people and places around her and addressing the crucial issues confronting people of color, queer populations, and the working class.”
When: Until July 17th
Where: 1300 First Ave
Cost: $19.99+
Recent Acquisitions: Jeffry Mitchell
The Frye is showcasing work from local “gay folk artist” Jeffry Mitchell. This show highlights his work with lotus bulbs and is sure to be one of the better shows that you see this year. Think bright bright, happy and fun pieces.
When: Until July 24th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
Food & Drink
Enjoy one last brew at Hale’s Ales
One of Seattle’s OG independently owned breweries is closing early next month. If you’re looking to have a brew with some friends you might as well get out there and show them some love. Cheers to the weekend right?
Where: 4301 Leary Way NW
Hours: Monday-Friday 3 pm-9 pm and Saturdays 12 pm-9 pm, Closing April 9th
Ready for patio season? We’re right behind ya and that’s why we made a list of some of our favorite waterfront patios around the city. Because what’s better than a patio on the water?
This bi-annual prix fixe dining promotion gives you a unique chance to support the greater Seattle area’s culinary community. You’ll be able to choose from either a lunch or dinner menu from tons of great local restaurants. Be sure to check which restaurants are participating this year.
When: April 3rd-16th
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: $20-$65
Catch a view on a rooftop patio
If you’re looking to eat out this month, why not take in some beautiful Seattle spring views? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants with rooftop patios perfect for taking in the sights of the city. Whether you’re looking for eats, drinks or both, these spots have you covered.
This is a unique opportunity to try both new scotch and craft beer. So if you’re a fan of either or both it’s a great way to branch out and find a new favorite. Plus it’s a fundraiser for the Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y.E.T.I) so you can feel good about having those extra drinks.
When: April 15th & 16th
Where: 155 N 35th St
Cost: $30+
At Home
A new month means tons of new additions. April’s Netflix additions are a mix of new originals and some old favorites. While it may not be as big as January’s additions it’s still well worth checking out. You can also see what’s leaving Netflix in April as well.
For those of you that love the Silent Reading Party but are more comfortable at home, you can still enjoy the virtual version. You’ll also get to hear piano tunes from pianist Paul Matthew Moore as you read amongst strangers over zoom.
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Online
Cost: $5-$20
Misc
If you’re looking to get your spring garden started you might as well check out some of the amazing plant sales happening around the city this month. Whether you want indoor or outdoor plants, seeds or tools, these sales have you covered. As always we’ve created a list detailing when and where to go.
Take a road trip to a themed hotel
Have you been wanting to drive down the West Coast? Why not make your trip a little more lively by staying at a themed hotel? From romantic suites to pirate-themed bedrooms, we’ve found several hotels worth checking out.
As the La Conner Daffodil Festival wraps up, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is beginning. See all of your favorite blooms at your preferred festival farm and of course, grab some blooms to take home. Best of all, you have all month to check it out.
When: Throughout April
Where: Skagit Valley
You can see all sorts of cute fuzzy baby animals, livestock, livestock shows, and more at The Spring Fair. Additionally, you’ll be able to see shows like DockDogs, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, and Motorsport Mayhem. Whatever you’re hoping to watch, it’s almost a guarantee the fair has it.
When: April 14th-16th, 21st-24th
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $13-$15
The Lyrids are known for being solidly reliable, producing at least 10-15 meteors an hour. That being said, sometimes they like to show off meaning that if you get lucky you might catch a burst with closer to 100 meteors, no guarantees though. Worth a look right?
When: April 15th-29th
Cherry blossoms have started to bloom all around the city, and we rounded up our absolute favorite spots to go see them. If you’re already blossomed out, why not take the time to learn about the bloom’s history?
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Walking tours are cool and all but why not experience Seattle from a birds eye view? Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a pilots license, instead you can choose from one of several plane tours offered in and around the Seattle area. Of course
Get some work done in a new space
Next, a trio of some “regular”, but still fun, options around the city. If working from home is getting a little old, then maybe check out our roundup of some of the best cafes in the city to get some work done.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
With that, have a great April and we’ll see you back here in May!
