Winter is finally relaxing its icy grip and it’s time to start heading outside for some fresh air and enjoyment. The Seattle/Tacoma area is full of a variety of activities. There is something to fit everyone’s idea of fun! We have compiled a list of events:
APRIL
Daffodil Parade
April 1
Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting
The free Daffodil Parade includes daffodil-covered floats, marching bands, clowns, and pirates that travel through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting. It’s the highlight of the Daffodil Festival.
Tulip festival
April 1 – 30
Mount Vernon
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival features spectacular fields of blooming tulips and daffodils. The free Tulip Festival Street Fair is April 21 – 23.
Anime festival
April 7 – 9
Downtown Seattle
Anime is a style of Japanese film and TV animation featured at Sakura-Con, plus gaming, cosplay, cultural panels, dances, concerts, exhibits, and industry guests at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.
Spring Fair
April 13 – 23
Puyallup
Spring Fair features baby animals, pig races, fair food, rides, a garden show, and a demolition derby at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
Arts and crafts show
April 15 – 16
Sand Point, Seattle
Best of the Northwest Spring show has 100 artists displaying jewelry, clothing, paintings, glass art, and sculptures plus food trucks at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Children age 12 and younger are free. No pets.
Cowboy show
April 19 – 23
Professional Bull Riders compete to see who can last the longest atop a bucking bull. Tickets can be purchased at StubHub.
• April 19 – 20: Angel of the Winds, Everett
• April 22 – 23: Tacoma Dome
Earth Day
April 21 – 22
Celebrate Earth Day, which is April 22.
• State Parks Free Days
• Earth-a-Thon tech project
• Earth Day Run and tree planting at Magnuson Park
• Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
• Mercer Island Earth Day Fair
• Sammamish Earth Day
• South Park Earth Day EV Show
• Washington Park Arboretum volunteer day
Bollywood dance party
April 22
Seattle
Join Indians dancing to Bollywood music to celebrate spring at Wicked Karma’s Holi Glow Party where glowing party favors replace the traditional shirt-staining powdered colors at Hard Rock Cafe, 116 Pike St, Seattle for age 21+.
Yo-yo contest
April 22
Seattle Center
Watch some amazing yo-yo moves at the Pacific Northwest Regional Yo-Yo Championship on the stage of the Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St. in Seattle. In previous years, qualifying events and classes were held on the upper floor. Free to watch.
Tacoma kids’ parade
April 22
Tacoma
Billed as the largest children’s parade in the state, the Junior Daffodil Parade is four blocks long, beginning at N Proctor St. & N 28th St. in Tacoma. Free.
Bubble show
April 30 (2 p.m.)
Kirkland
Amazing Bubble Man “explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized” at Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. in Kirkland. Tickets at Goldstar.
MAY
Apple Blossom Festival
May 1 – 7
Wenatchee
Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in sunny Wenatchee has food vendors, carnival rides, a car show, arts and crafts, a run, and a grand parade in and around Memorial Park, 2 S. Chelan Ave. in Wenatchee.
Mount Rainier Day Tours
May 1 – Oct. 31
The $186 Mt. Rainier Day Tour wins rave reviews for friendly and knowledgeable guides, magnificent scenery, and a comfortable ride with stops to buy lunch, take photos, enjoy the views, and go for a leisurely hike.
Boat parade
May 6 (12 to 2:30 p.m.)
Montlake
Watch boats parade through the Montlake Cut near the University of Washington on Opening Day. Free to watch from either side of the water.
Whidbey Island festival
May 13
Coupeville
Penn Cove Water Festival in Coupeville has tribal canoe races, native arts and crafts, food, dance, music, traditional storytelling, and children’s activities on and around Coupeville Wharf, 24 Front St. NW in Coupeville. Free.
Reptile show
May 13
Monroe
See frogs, snakes, geckos, and other exotic creatures at Seattle Metro Reptile Expo, with educational tables and vendors at Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 11405 179th Ave. SE in Monroe.
Armed Forces Day
May 20
McChord AFB, Lakewood
Joint Base Lewis-McChord opens its gates to the public to celebrate Armed Forces Day, with historical reenactments, military vehicles, music, entertainers, food vendors, a beer garden, and carnival rides at Heritage Hill Airpark, McChord Air Force Base. Take exit 125 off I-5. Bring ID if age 16+. Free admission.
Wine fun run
May 21 (1 p.m.)
Woodinville
Run or Wine 5K is an urban run/walk that includes wine tasting (or beer/cider), a race photo to download, and post-race snacks beginning at Triplehorn Brewing, 19510 144th Ave. NE in Woodinville.
Les Misérables performances
May 24 – June 17
Les Misérables is the Broadway revival of the popular musical with “glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo” at The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave. in Seattle.
Tickets at StubHub.
Folklife music and dance
May 26 – 29
Lower Queen Anne
Celebrate traditional arts by attending some of the hundreds of dance and musical performances, workshops, and panels from around the world held at Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center.
Seafood festival
May 27 – 28
Brinnon
Enjoy shrimp, live music, belt-sander races, arts & crafts, and a beer garden at Fjord Fest [formerly ShrimpFest] at Yelvik General Store, 251 Hjelvicks Road in Brinnon, on Hood Canal. Free for children younger than age 12.
For a Complete Activities List, Go to https://www.events12.com/seattle/
