It’s May and that means it’s time to get out there and see what’s happening around the city. Seattle has plenty to do this month between live music, performances, food & drink events, and more. Without further ado, here are 30 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this May.
Music
Polachek is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer known for her genre-bending approach to music. With her angelic voice and innovative production techniques, she creates ethereal and emotive pop that defies easy categorization. It’s a must-see concert in our books.
When: May 4th & 5th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $71+
Death Grips is a boundary-pushing experimental hip-hop trio consisting of MC Ride, Zach Hill, and Andy Morin. They’re known for combining aggressive rap vocals, electronic production, and punk-inspired instrumentation to create an intense and visceral sonic experience. In order to have that sonic experience you’ll need to pay resale prices.
When: May 6th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $159+
Molchat Doma is a Belarusian post-punk band that has gained a global following partially thanks to TikTok and also due to the band’s moody and atmospheric sound. With a distinctive mix of driving basslines, icy synths, and brooding vocals, Molchat Doma creates music that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing while also feeling unmistakably modern.
When: May 12th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $46+
Bonnie “Prince” Billy aka Will Oldham has a career spanning over two decades. He’s established himself as a master of alt-country, folk, and Americana music. His music often deals with themes of love, loss, and spirituality, delivered with a distinctive voice and an intimate, stripped-down sound.
When: May 13th
Where: 1303 NE 45th St
Cost: $35+
Numan is an English singer, songwriter, and pioneer of electronic music. His unique blend of synthpop and new wave, characterized by haunting melodies, futuristic soundscapes, and his signature icy vocals, has made him an icon of the genre. With a career spanning over four decades, Numan has influenced countless artists and left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
When: May 15th
Where: 1932 2nd Ave
Cost: $36.50+
Hecker is a Canadian electronic musician and composer known for his experimental and atmospheric soundscapes. He creates music that is both meditative and disorienting, exploring the limits of perception and pushing the boundaries of electronic music. His music has been described as otherworldly and transcendent, making him a leading figure in the ambient and experimental music scene.
When: May 18th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $50+
Yves Tumor is known for their genre-defying approach to music. Their sound draws on a diverse range of influences, including noise rock, R&B, and ambient music, resulting in music that is both challenging and deeply emotional. This is another must-see concert in our books.
When: May 20th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $64+
Arts & Culture
Check out an immersive art exhibit
Looking for some inspiration? There are several immersive art exhibits in Seattle right now that give you the chance to see art in a totally new way! From bright, eye-catching paintings to distorted digital mirrors, wave, and sound installations, we have you covered.
The 18th annual Seattle Trans Film Festival takes place this May. It’s produced by Three Dollar Bill Cinema, and is “dedicated to showcasing films by, for, and about trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people.” It is one of three transgender film festivals in the US and one of only a few in the world!
When: May 4th-7th
Where: Online & In person
Cost: $13+
At Camlann’s festival, you’ll be able to see crafters demonstrate garland weaving, textiles, blacksmithing, basket making, leatherworking, and pottery. It’s a rare opportunity to witness these ancient crafts in action, and you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the skill and dedication of these craftsmen.
When: May 6th & 7th, 2023
Where: 10320 Kelly Rd NE, Carnation, WA
Cost: $10
A digital map allows you to pick and choose where you stop on the Capitol Hill Art Walk. Stop by small galleries, local businesses, and more on this monthly art walk.
When: Second Thursday of every month
Where: Capitol Hill
Cost: Free
Free Public Tours of Washington Park Arboretum
The Arboretum is one of Seattle’s best spots for getting outdoors, especially in the summer. While you can walk it by yourself at any time, you can also enjoy free tours on the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 am-1 pm.
When: First Thursday of every month
Where: 2300 Arboretum Drive E
Cost: Free
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 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
The festival takes place over several weeks, during which audiences have the chance to attend film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops. Special events are also a highlight of the festival, such as the opening and closing night galas, which bring together filmmakers, actors, and audiences for a night of celebration and fun.
When: May 11th-21st
Where: Online & In person
Cost: Varies by pass
Every other Saturday you can enjoy a 45-minute sound bath meditation at the Thompson Seattle led by Eric Isaac of Studio Evolve. Your class includes a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, and eye mask for your comfort. Loose-fitting, comfortable attire is encouraged. You may also bring your own mat, blanket, or pillow if preferred.
When: Until May 20th
Where: 110 Stewart St
Cost: $50 per person
Marsden Hartley: An American Nature
One of Seattle’s best museums just so happens to be free! Head to the Frye to see works from American modernist artist Marsden Hartley. His works responded to the “Depression-era cultural and commercial desire for all things homegrown”
When: Until May 21st
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
Food & Drink
Three Sacks Full Dinner Pop-Up
This local pop-up restaurant features a menu largely based on vegetables and grains. Every two weeks you can try an original menu with organic produce grown on the pop-up’s farm in the Snoqualmie Valley. Other ingredients not grown on the farm are always sourced from farms across Washington and Oregon.
When: Every two weeks
Where: Varies by pick-up date
Cost: Varies by dish
As we face colder temperatures, it’s time to head indoors and start your weekends off right with a tasty brunch. From classic offerings to experimental fusion dishes, these spots are worth a try. We’ve compiled a list of the best brunch spots to check out in Seattle this winter.
Grab a drink at a beautiful lobby bar
If you’re looking for a new place to grab drinks in Seattle this weekend, heading to a local hotel is a great choice. Many of our city’s hotels have beautiful bars that also happen to be available to the public. Here are 5 of the swankiest hotel bars you can grab a drink at in Seattle.
A 10-day celebration of beer featuring over 200 events, including tastings, pairings, and brewery tours. This year the festival has teamed up with Stoup Brewing for the official 2023 beer. Overall this year’s event has 18 sponsors featuring breweries like Georgetown Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing, Pike Brewing, and more.
When: May 19th-26th
Where: Various locations in Seattle
Cost: Varies
Lark has launched an alumni dinner series featuring past chefs creating intimate and truly unique dinners. The series leads up to and will end with the main event on December 12th, 2023. This May you can enjoy a dinner from Lauren Thompson, Chef de Cuisine Café Juanita (2004 – 2007, 2010 – 2012) and Anny Hunt (2004 – 2008).
When: May 25th
Where: 952 E Seneca St
Cost: $120 per person
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.
Comfort food is an easy choice when you’re hungry and looking for something to eat. It just so happens that Seattle has a ton of options scattered around the city with most of them being pretty affordable. From sweet to savory, we have some spots for you.
Outdoors & Adventure
Now that warmer temperatures, longer days, and more sun are on the way, why not treat yourself to some outdoor time? There’s plenty of hiking to be done in the PNW and lots of spring hikes well worth doing. Of course, we compiled a list of our favorites for you.
Try one of Washington’s best hikes
If you’ve ever wondered what the best hikes in Washington are, we have your answer. We took a look at AllTrails rankings and have compiled 10 of the state’s most popular hikes for you to enjoy.
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.
Misc
The Fremont Market is truly a classic Seattle shopping experience and it happens year-round, rain or shine. It’s a great place to find antiques, vintage clothing, and much more.
When: Every Sunday
Where: Evanston Ave N & 34th St
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 other Wednesday
Where: Online
Cost: $5-$20
Mindfulness Meditation at the Frye
Need to take some time to get back in touch with yourself? You’re in luck because The Frye has a free, mindfulness meditation that you can attend on the first Wednesday of the month. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Seattle for sure.
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
See? Look at all the things to do in Seattle! Have a great April.
