7 Things You May Have Missed Last Week In Seattle: May 16
From ORCA card changes to Seattle Beer Week, here's everything you'll want to catch up on!
The sun is shining in Seattle and it finally feels like spring. Amid last week’s rain, a few important changes and updates were rolled out by the ORCA transit system, the Seattle Public Library, and more. There were plenty of fun events happening as well, but no worries if you missed them—there’s plenty more to come this week. Some events, such as Seattle Beer Week, are still happening now. Read on to get all the essential information.
Here are the top seven things you may have missed last week in Seattle:
1. The ORCA system finally debuts a mobile app
The ORCA transit is getting a system refresh! You won’t need to get a new ORCA card but you will need to register your old one to a new account at myORCA.com starting today, Monday the 16th. Also starting today, you can now download the myORCA mobile app and use it to transfer funds to your card for instant use. Read more here.
2. A Seattle couple retired early to live full-time on a cruise ship
Everyone knows the cost of housing in Seattle is high, but who knew it was cheaper to live on a cruise ship? One Seattle couple retired early and sold their home to now spend $43 a day on their meals and drinks while cruising around the world. Read the story here.
3. Bicycle weekends return to Lake Washington this summer
On select weekends this summer, part of Lake Washington Boulevard will be closed to motorized vehicles from 7pm Friday to 7am Monday. You can take advantage of this time to bike, jog, or stroll along the boulevard between the Seward Park entrance and Mount Baker Park’s beach. Go here to see the dates for the 2022 bicycle weekends.
4. The Seattle Public Library has announced some updates
Starting on Monday, May 23 the Seattle Public Library will revert to its pre-pandemic borrowing rules. They have also reopened meeting rooms and wiped all current late fees, and won’t resume fines until September. You can find more details here.
5. Seattle Beer Week runs until Saturday
Seattle Beer Week kicked off last Friday and continues until this Saturday, May 21. Beer lovers can’t miss it, and there will be plenty of fun activities and food for everyone else.
Read more about Seattle Beer Week here.
6. Construction for the new Pier 58 starts this fall
The new Pier 58 next to the Great Wheel is going to bring many exciting features to the Seattle waterfront, including a playground, restrooms, and an event space. Read more here.
7. Trailhead Direct Service resumes this month
Starting on Saturday, May 28, you can take a bus on weekends from Seattle to the trailheads at Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si. Find out more information about the service here.