Independent Bookstore Day is a national celebration of indie bookstores that occurs on the last Saturday of April. Every year, the Emerald City puts its own spin on the event with Seattle Independent Bookstore Day, which is coming up on Saturday, April 26. The fun goes beyond just one day though. Nearly 30 local bookstores in Seattle will be participating in a 10-day passport challenge and giving away freebies and prizes this year.
Read on for all the details!
One of our favorite traditions here in Seattle is the Bookstore Day Passport Challenge, which starts this Saturday, April 26. If you’d like to participate in the challenge, there are two ways to earn a prize:
- Visit all 29 bookstores during the 10-day challenge (between April 26 and May 5) and redeem your stamped passport for a 25% one-time discount at each of those bookstores.
- Or visit five participating bookstores in 10 days (between April 26 and May 5) and redeem your stamped passport for a 25% one-time discount at one participating Seattle bookstore of your choice.
If you’d like to join a group, Seattle’s Queer Silent Book Club is organizing a bookstore crawl on Saturday, April 26 in honor of Independent Bookstore Day and the passport challenge. They’ll be visiting five participating bookstores, starting with Ada’s Technical Books in Capitol Hill and ending with Charlie’s Queer Books in Fremont. See all the info in this post.
In addition to the 10-day passport challenge, many Seattle bookstores are celebrating Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday with giveaways, raffles, and more. Here are just a few special offers:
- Arundel Books in Pioneer Square will be giving away tees and stickers with purchase, as well as a $250 gift card contest for those who sign up for their newsletter in-store.
- Ada’s Technical Books in Capitol Hill is hosting a special silent book club on Monday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m.
- Book Larder in Fremont will have treats, author signings, and a free mystery book with purchases of $50.
- Magnolia’s Bookstore will have free cookies and a gift with purchase.
- Nook and Cranny Books in U District will be celebrating their new location with merch, door prizes, and treats.
- Queen Anne Book Co. will have free snacks and refreshments as well as free ARCS while supplies last.
You can see all 29 participating bookstores and additional information on the event website. You can also follow Seattle Bookstore Day on Instagram.
Seattle Independent Bookstore Day 2025
When: Saturday, April 26
Where: Participating bookstores