Congratulations, Seattle! We made it through April showers. It’s finally time for May flowers, and with the promise of warmer spring weather comes plenty of fun things to do in Seattle. Prepare to make room in your calendar this month for outdoor brunch, rooftop happy hours, flower festivals, flea markets, live shows, and more. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or an adventure-seeker, there’s a Seattle event on our list for everyone.
Here are over 40 fantastic things to do this May in Seattle:
1. Take advantage of free museum days in Seattle
Every month, most of Seattle’s museums offer a free admission day to all. Most of them take place on the first Thursday of the month, which will be May 2nd this month. Read more about free museum days in Seattle.
2. Get a discount at Museum of Pop Culture for May the Fourth
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is having a special Stars Wars event on May 4, also known as Star Wars Day. They’re having a special screening of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Sing Along Dance Along—Star Wars Style, Selfie Station/Photo Op with Star Wars Props, and so much more!
📅 Date: May 4, 2024, 10:00am–5:00pm
🌐 Website:MoPOP
3. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Seattle
Cinco de Mayo takes place on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Seattle has plenty of Cinco de Mayo celebrations lined up this May, so don’t miss out! Here are some of our top picks below:
- CINCO DE MAYO PARTY!
- 📅 Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 📍Location: Ounces Taproom
- Fogón’s 2nd Annual Cinco Block Party
- 📅 Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 📍Location: 600 E Pine St
- Cinco de Mayo Party: The Cumbieros with Luis Cano
- 📅 Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 4:00 PM📍Location: 9655 16th Ave SW, White Center
- Cinco de Mayo with Los Buhos
- 📅 Date: Sunday, May 5, 6:45–8:45 pm📍Location: Satay Bar, 8317 Greenwood N
4. Attend one of Seattle’s Candlelight Concerts
Seattle’s stunning Candlelight Concerts make for a romantic date night. Here are the Candlelight Concerts happening in Seattle throughout May 2024:
5. Send your teen to a party at Seattle Art Museum
Most of the events on this list are for adults, so here’s something fun for the teens in your life! Seattle Art Museum is hosting Teen Night Out on Friday May 3, 2024. This free event is for ages 13-19 and is planned by teens, for teens. This year’s theme is Junkyard Disco. And it focuses on “conscious repurposing, sustainability, and the creative opportunities found in everyday objects.” Get more info here on the Seattle Art Museum website.
6. Eat, drink, and dance at Party on the Cut
On Friday May 3, 2024 Windermere Cup weekend will be kicked off by the 6th annual Party on the Cut. There will be food trucks, drink tents, live music, and rowing sprints from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the northeast corner of Montlake Cut. This event is for ages 21 and up only and tickets are $30.
7. Watch the Opening Day 2024 boat parade and crew races
Every May, Seattle’s boating season is officially opened with activities such as a boat parade and crew races. Head to the Montlake Cut on Saturday May 4, 2024 to watch the crew races and the boat parade. See more info and the full events schedule on the Seattle Yacht Club website.
8. Dance to live music at Belltown Bloom
Music festival season has finally arrived in Seattle! Belltown Bloom has an amazing lineup of musical artists performing in Belltown on May 4 and 5. Read more about Belltown Bloom.
9. Go to opening day of SLU Saturday Market
Downtown Seattle’s largest weekend market returns on Saturday, May 4, 2024 for its summer season. Read more about the South Lake Union Saturday Market before you go.
10. Shop for treasure at the Georgetown Flea Market
Although the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is open every weekend, the Georgetown Flea occurs only once a month on the first Saturday. Don’t miss out on over 75 vendors at this outdoor flea market on Saturday, May 4 from 10-4!
11. Make a reservation for Mother’s Day brunch
Be sure to make a reservation now so you can celebrate Mom this month! See our picks for Mother’s Day Brunch in Seattle on Sunday, May 12!
12. See a new show at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is home to several theaters and performance venues which is performing an exciting new show this May:
- Seattle Children’s Theatre is performing the kid-friendly, A Tale of Peter Rabbit through May 19
13. See a live performance at the Seattle Cabaret Festival
Treat yourself to some incredible live performances at the annual Seattle Cabaret Festival this May. Opening night is on May 4 at 7:30 pm at the Triple Door, and the festival runs through June 1. Get tickets and more info on the Seattle Cabaret Festival website.
14. Enjoy a day of biking at the Emerald City Ride
If you love long bike rides and helping others, then this 20-mile ride fundraiser is for you. It takes place on – They’ll head “southbound SR-99 and the West Seattle Bridge for an early morning spin around Alki and a jaunt south to Fauntleroy.” You can register and get more info on the Cascade Bicycle Club’s website here.
15. Go to the 50th annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
The world-famous Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) will have in-person screenings across the city from May 9-19, 2024. Tickets are available now. Get yours plus additional info on the SIFF website.
16. Attend a free African festival
Seattle Center presents Spirit of Africa on Saturday, May 11 from 12pm-8pm at the Armory Food & Event Hall. This free festival will have music, food, a marketplace, dance workshops, and more.
17. Find a treasure at West Seattle Garage Sale Day
On Saturday, May 11 from 9 am-3 pm, West Seattle puts on a neighborhood-wide garage sale. You can see a map and more details on the West Seattle Garage Sale website.
18. Shop at the 16th annual Pike Place Market Flower Festival
The annual Pike Place Market Flower Festival is back on Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th from 11am – 4pm. You can shop for Mother’s Day flowers and enjoy live music by buskers.
19. Attend the Peony Festival at the Seattle Chinese Garden
If you live in West Seattle, you may prefer to go to the Peony Festival on Mother’s Day weekend. The Seattle Chinese Garden in West Seattle will be hosting this free festival on May 11th & 12th from 11am-4pm. There will be kids’ craft activities as well as some performances and demonstrations.
20. Check out ABBA Under The Stars at The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion
Get ready to channel your inner “Dancing Queen” on May 29th! Taking place at The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion, this ABBA tribute concert will pay homage to some of the pop supergroup’s most iconic hits. Featuring talented musicianship, a full bar, light bites, and stunning skyline views, ABBA Under The Stars is bound to be a blast. Snag tickets here.
21. Find a treasure at SODO Flea Market
The SODO Flea Market takes place once a month on the second Saturday at Epic Antique. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on May 11 you can shop for vintage and handmade goods. There are also food and coffee trucks at this outdoor market.
22. Eat delicious food at the UW Night Market
The UW Night Market is “an annual celebration of Taiwan’s rich culture through delicious food, activities, and entertainment!” Head to the Red Square and the Quad at University of Washington on May 11 for this student-run event that has free admission.
23. Celebrate Norwegian Day in Ballard
On May 17, you can head to Ballard to partake in the annual 17th of May celebration. This free event will have a parade, music, kids activities, and more.
24. Join the West Seattle Wine Walk
If you love wine, you’ll want to join the West Seattle Wine Walk on May 17 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. You can enjoy tastings from 25 different wineries, shop for bottles of wine, and take home some swag such as a free tote bag. Get your ticket before the event sells out.
25. Sip on brews at Seattle Beer Week
If beer is more your thing, then don’t miss Seattle Beer Week this May 17-25. This 15th annual celebration of local beer is made up of various events and venues across the city.
26. Browse the PhinneyWood Garage Sale Day
In case the West Seattle garage sale day wasn’t enough for you, there is another one this month in PhinneyWood on May 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Get a mobile map and more info on the Phinney Center website.
27. Attend a free Seattle honeybee festival
The West Seattle Bee Festival is a free and family-friendly event on May 18. It starts with a run at 9:30 a.m. after which there is a vendor fair and kid-friendly activities, ending around 4:00 p.m. Get more details on the West Seattle Bee Garden website.
28. Have a blast at the U District Street Fair
The annual U District Street Fair is back May 18-19, 2024 for its 53nd year. This free two-day fair at University Way will have arts and craft vendors, live music, kids’ zones, a beer garden, and over 40 food trucks and booths. You can take the link light rail directly to the fair.
29. Enjoy outdoor concerts at a winery
The Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery near Seattle is kicking off their annual summer concerts series on May 25. You can see the 2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concerts lineup here.
30. Attend the Annual Northwest Folklife Festival
The annual Northwest Folklife Festival takes place this year May 24-25, 2024 at Seattle Center. This by-donation festival will have music, food, dancing, and more. See more info on the NW Folklife website.
31. Run with your dog for donuts
On May 25, you can take your furry friend on a 5k run at the Dogs and Doughnuts Dash. Afterwards there will be donuts for humans and delicious “dog donuts” from Seattle Barkery at Brooks Trailhead store. You can reserve your spot for free on the event page.
32. Go to a Mariners game
On May 29 you can take your furry friend to Bark at the Park.
33. Cheer at a Sounders match
There are several Sounders matches taking place in Lumen Field this May. See the full schedule and buy tickets on the Sounders website.
34. Support the Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm will be playing several home games at Climate Pledge Arena this May. See the schedule and get tickets on the Storm website.
35. Enjoy live music and $2 books at Freeway Park
From noon to 2:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in May, you can buy books for just $2-$3 in Freeway Park. At that same time, there will be live music provided by buskers. See more on the Freeway Park events page.
36. Shop and eat at Seattle’s weekend markets
Every weekend, there are several markets for you to enjoy throughout Seattle. Read our guide to Seattle’s weekend markets that gets updated every week, as well as our guide to shopping at Seattle farmers markets.
37. Share your writing with other Seattleites
Want to connect with other writers? There is a free open mic at Hugo House. The next virtual event is on May 7th from 7-9 pm.
If reading your work in front of a crowd doesn’t appeal to you, another option is the Drop-In Writing Circles that take place every month. They’re free, and you don’t have to register ahead of time.
38. Dine al fresco
These 20 Seattle restaurants with a view will let you enjoy the fresh outdoors while dining. We also have a roundup of the best outdoor brunch spots in Seattle.
39. Warm up in these steamy spas and saunas
In case the April chill lingers in May, you can check out our guide to all of Seattle’s best spas, saunas, and hot tubs that you can relax in.
40. Go for a scenic spring hike
Seattleites are absolutely spoiled for scenic parks and trails. Now that the weather is getting nicer, you’ll want to get out there and take advantage of the surrounding beauty. If you’re not sure where to go, you can peruse our list of some of our favorite Washington state parks that are driving distance from Seattle. Or check out our roundup of the best waterfall hikes near Seattle. Make sure to take advantage of all the free entry days in Washinton State and National Parks as well.
41. Bike the Burke-Gilman trail
Take advantage of spring weather this May by biking the Burke-Gilman Trail. It’s a great way to explore Seattle.
42. Get drinks on a rooftop bar
It’s finally rooftop season in Seattle! See our roundup of the best rooftop bars in Seattle.
43. Stroll through scenic Seattle parks
This May, all of Seattle’s parks will be full of people picnicking among the scent of blooming flowers. Check out our guide to the most stunning city parks in Seattle.
44. Embark on a weekend getaway
Seattleites are lucky that they live near so many scenic islands that are just a ferry ride away. We just wrote a handy guide for visiting Vashon Island this spring. You can also check out our guide to epic destinations near Seattle that make for easy day or weekend trips.
45. Go whale-watching
May is the start of whale-watching season in the PNW! See our comprehensive guide to spotting whales and orcas in Seattle.