Seattle-area pickleball players (and anyone curious about trying the sport) will have an opportunity to celebrate National Pickleball Day with free indoor court access this weekend.
On Saturday, August 8, Picklr will host its nationwide Courtside Bash 2026, opening all of its clubs to the public from noon to 6 p.m. The free drop-in event is designed for players of all skill levels, and no membership is required.
Seattle’s Picklr location opened earlier this year in Fremont at 124 N. 35th St., transforming the former Theo Chocolate Factory into a 27,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility with 10 courts. The company also operates Washington locations in Federal Way and Tacoma.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors can join open-play games using paddle-up rotations, a system that allows players to place their paddle in line and join the next available court. Beginners can take part in introductory Pickleball 101 sessions led by coaches, while more experienced players can compete on challenge courts or play alongside Picklr staff and coaches. The event will also include music and refreshments.
National Pickleball Day commemorates the origins of the sport, which was first played near Seattle on Bainbridge Island, Washington, on August 8, 1965. Since then, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the United States and has expanded to millions of players around the world.
Admission to Courtside Bash is free, and participants can drop in at any time during the event. First-time visitors and non-members must complete a liability waiver before playing. You don’t even need to bring your own paddles; Picklr will provide loaner paddles to those who need them, making the event accessible to newcomers interested in giving the sport a try.
The event offers an opportunity for both longtime players and first-timers to mark the holiday celebrating a sport that began just across Puget Sound and has since grown into an international pastime.
Get more information about this Saturday’s Courtside Bash on the Picklr website.
