May is looking like a jam-packed month full of fun like concerts, festivals, art shows, day trips, and more. You certainly won’t be bored with all the options you have this month. Here are 36 of the best things to do in Seattle this May.
Music
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: May 1st
Where: 901 Pine St
Cost: $90+
Do You Realize?? The opportunity you have here to see one of America’s fave psychedelic rock bands? Yes, this is a show you should definitely go see.
When: May 4th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $50
If you’re looking to listen to some bops in May you can’t go wrong with Slayyyter. The up-and-coming pop star will be taking over Neumos for a night of dance-worthy tunes.
When: May 11th
Where: 925 East Pike Street
Cost: $21.25
The Icelandic post-rock band is gracing Seattle with their presence this May. Due to their popularity most available tickets are resale so expect to pay a little extra if you’re planning on going.
When: May 13th & 14th
Where: 911 Pine St
Cost: $110+
Homeshake is here to shake things up… a bad joke but the artist aka Peter Sagar is going to give Seattle a night of tunes to remember. You’ll also be able to hear from Salami Rose Joe Louis.
When: May 17th
Where: 2505 1st Ave
Cost: $25
Alternative/Indie rock star Kurt Vile is heading to Tacoma to give Washingtonians a rocking evening. Jam out to your old faves and some newer songs as well.
When: May 18th
Where: 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA
Cost: $78+
No Scrubs, Waterfalls, Creep… how could you not go see some of the most iconic songs of the 90s performed live.
When: May 17th
Where: 2402 Auburn Way S
Cost: $75
One of England’s most iconic rock bands is coming all the way to Seattle. Grove out to all of your favorites and enjoy the opportunity to see a part of music history.
When: May 19th
Where: 911 Pine St
Cost: $45+
A sway-worthy night is what you’ll get from Jenny Hval. The Norwegian singer-songwriter is heading to Seattle for her new album Classic Objects.
When: May 20th
Where: 925 East Pike Street
Cost: $20
If you’ve been on TikTok in the past year then you’ve definitely heard Molchat Doma. The Belarusian darkwave/post-punk band has blown up in the past few years and is probably worth attending.
When: May 23rd
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $148+
Arts & Culture
Ready to sing to your heart’s content in front of a bunch of strangers or your friends? It might just be time to head to karaoke at Cafe Racer. You’ll find a professional sound system, lights, a real stage, and an impressive library of music.
When: Every Monday
Where: 1510 11th Ave
Cost: Free
A Festival for May at Camlann Village
Watch garland weaving, textiles, blacksmithing, basket making, leatherworking, and pottery. You’ll also be able to view longbow archery demonstrations, village dancing, and even tune into the harmonious medieval music of Mynstrels. And yes, you’ll also be able to celebrate Mayday with a great pole, decked with flowers, streamers, and greens complete with a traditional maypole ceremony.
When: May 1st
Where: 10320 Kelly Road NE, Carnation, WA
Cost: $10 admission
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+
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.
In need of a weird movie to watch? Instead of seeing something new, watch something a tad bit older. David Lynch’s Inland Empire is taking over The Beacon for multiple showings throughout May. It’s the perfect amount of freaky and funky.
When: May 4th, 8th, 9th & 12th
Where: 4405 Rainier Ave S
Cost: $12.50
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
This year’s festival is back in person! It’s all about celebrating “people’s natural propensity for change.” And while this year’s festival focuses on change you’ll still have old mainstays like live performances, vendors, food, and more.
When: May 27th & 28th
Where: Seattle Center
Cost: Free/varies
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
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?
Local natural wine shop and bar La Dive actually offers a monthly wine subscription! When you sign up you can choose between three different subscription options. The first option is two bottles a month for $42, then four bottles a month for $84, or six bottles a month for $120.
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.
At Home
A new month means tons of new additions. May’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 May 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
Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
The festival has all sorts of events for attendees to enjoy. Check out events like a food fair featuring eats from Kaleenka Piroshky, Keep it in the Valley Funnel Cakes, Ali’i Hawaiin Shave Ice, and more. There’s also a massive carnival (America’s 7th largest), live performances and even eating contests. That’s not all though, there’s seriously an event for everyone and you need to view the calendar for yourself.
When: Until May 8th
Where: Wenatchee, Washington
Cost: Free/varies
Baby Animals and Blooms Days at Maris Farms
This event is all about embracing the potential of spring. You’ll find a local farmer’s market, vendors, adult, and baby animal cuteness, as well as fields of beautiful blooms. It’s an event that’s great for folks of all ages with something for everyone to see, enjoy and experience.
When: Weekends until May 8th
Where: 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy, Buckley, WA
Cost: 2 & under FREE , child (3-12 years) $16, general admission $18 online, $25 onsite
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.
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 pilot’s 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
Snapshot Brewing offers an all-day happy hour for casual tabletop gamers! You can either borrow theirs or bring your own; fill up our punch card and win cool stuff. And get sweet deals like $9 house growler fills every Sunday.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 8005 Greenwood Ave N
Cost: Free/varies
Pop up plant sales at Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Throughout spring, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden will host featured vendor weekends in partnership with local nurseries. In April you’ll be able to shop from Puget Sound Daylily Club on May 1st, Courting Frogs on May 14th & 15th, and Botanica on May 28th & 29th.
When: Until May 29th
Where: 2525 S 336th St. Federal Way, WA
With that, have a great May and we’ll see you back here in June!
