PNW Acquainted

Lewis Creek Park Guided Hike
2026-05-02 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lewis Creek Visitor Center, Lewis Creek Visitor Center, Bellevue, WA
A 1.5-mile guided hike at Lewis Creek Park led by Bellevue Park Ranger Curtis Kukal, exploring past land use patterns and current restoration projects. The moderately easy hike is for adults 18+ with free parking at the visitor center. Presented by the Issaquah Alps Trails Club; registration required.
Dates: May 2, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.issaquahalps.org/hikesandevents/2026/05/2/lewis-creek-park-hike

Spartan Race Seattle North Event Weekend (Spring)
2026-05-02 09:00 - 2026-05-03 17:00 | Meadow Wood Equestrian Center, 18016 177th Ave SE, Monroe, WA
An obstacle course race weekend featuring Sprint 5K (20 obstacles), Super 10K (25 obstacles), and Kids Race (1–3km) on narrow dirt trails through evergreen forests beside the Snohomish River. The flat-and-fast course makes it ideal for first-timers and PR-seekers. The 900-acre Meadow Wood Equestrian venue sits between Snohomish and Monroe.
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
Cost: Sprint $149; Super $169; Kids Race included
More Info: https://www.spartan.com/en/races/seattle-spring

Kirkland Half Marathon and 5K, Presented by REI Co-op
2026-05-03 09:00 - 17:00 | Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland, WA
A scenic half marathon and 5K race starting and finishing at Juanita Beach Park, running a combination of road and crushed gravel on the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail with views of Lake Washington. The event benefits Girls on the Run Puget Sound and includes a Kid’s Race. Organized by Orca Running and presented by REI Co-op.
Dates: May 3, 2026
Cost: Half Marathon $95–$105; 5K $50–$55; Kids Race included
More Info: https://www.orcarunning.com/kirklandhalf/

Cascade Symphony Orchestra — 'From Mozart to Bernstein' (Season Finale)
2026-05-04 09:00 - 17:00 | Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds, WA
Cascade Symphony’s 2025–26 season finale features three centuries of music including overtures by Dvořák (‘Vanda’) and Bernstein (‘West Side Story’), Respighi’s ‘Roman Festivals,’ and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for four winds. Soloists include Northwestern Winds, a quartet of musicians who collectively performed with the Chicago, Seattle, Milwaukee, and Oregon Symphonies.
Dates: May 4, 2026
Cost: Tickets from ~$39+
More Info: https://cascadesymphony.org

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) — 52nd Annual
2026-05-07 09:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | SIFF Cinemas, Paramount Theatre, and venues throughout the city, Seattle, WA
The 52nd annual Seattle International Film Festival features films from over 80 countries and represents one of the largest and most respected film festivals in North America. Opening Night on May 7 at the Paramount Theatre features Boots Riley’s ‘I Love Boosters,’ followed by an afterparty at Cannonball Arts. Passes and ticket packs are on sale now; full lineup announced April 15.
Dates: May 7–17, 2026
Cost: Festival Pass from $275 (members); individual tickets vary; Opening Night tickets available
More Info: https://www.siff.net/festival

Bainbridge Island Trillium Trail Run
2026-05-09 09:00 - 17:00 | Battle Point Park, 11299 Arrow Point Dr. NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
Bainbridge Island’s beloved spring running event featuring 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run courses through a scenic wooded route from Battle Point Park, along the Forest to Sky Trail, and looping among the towering firs of the Grand Forest. All proceeds benefit trail development for four new signature trails around Bainbridge Island. The event is organized by the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation.
Dates: May 9, 2026
Cost: 10K early-bird $35, standard $45; 5K early-bird $30, standard $40; Kids Fun Run free
More Info: https://biparksfoundation.org/event/trillium-2026/

New Tech Seattle Monthly Meetup
2026-05-12 09:00 - 2026-11-10 17:00 | The Collective, 400 Dexter Ave N, Ste 100, Seattle, WA
New Tech Seattle is the Northwest’s largest ongoing monthly tech community event with 60,000+ members, held the second Tuesday of every month. Founders and innovators share 8-minute tech presentations followed by Q&A, community shoutouts, and neighborhood block party–style networking with hosted food and beverages. The crowd spans developers, startup founders, recruiters, executives, investors, and community leaders.
Dates: Second Tuesday of every month (e.g., May 12, June 9, July 14, 2026)
Cost: Ticket required via Luma (prices vary; typically $10–$25)
More Info: https://www.newtechnorthwest.com

Seattle Art Museum — 'Monochrome: Calder and Tara Donovan'
2026-05-13 09:00 - 2027-01-17 17:00 | Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Avenue, Seattle, WA
A major SAM exhibition exploring the concept of monochrome through the work of two celebrated artists — Alexander Calder and Tara Donovan — in a dialogue that spans generations and materials. One of SAM’s anchor exhibitions for the summer and fall 2026 season.
Dates: May 13, 2026–January 17, 2027
Cost: SAM general admission: ~$29.99 adults; members free
More Info: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/exhibitions

Mind.Body.Hum Spring Yoga & Meditation Retreat
2026-05-14 09:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center, Rainbow Lodge, 40 acres at the base of Mount Si, North Bend, WA, North Bend, WA
A 4-day all-inclusive yoga and meditation retreat led by Seattle’s Mind.Body.Hum studio teachers. Offerings include Hatha/Yin/Restorative Yoga, guided meditation, pranayama, walking meditation, Conscious Connected Breathwork, restorative sound bath, and community connection. All meals and lodging included; sold out but waitlist available.
Dates: May 14–17, 2026
Cost: $1,275–$1,375 per person (all-inclusive: meals, lodging, and teaching)
More Info: https://www.mindbodyhum.com/retreats/spring-2026-yoga-meditation-retreat

Breathwork Northwest Holotropic Breathwork Weekend (May)
2026-05-15 09:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Shadow Lake Guest House, Shadow Lake, South Renton, WA, Renton, WA
Three consecutive days of official Stan Grof Holotropic Breathwork™ workshops at Shadow Lake, Renton. Each full-day workshop (9am–9pm) uses rhythmic breathing and music to facilitate deep self-exploration. Limited to 16 participants; option to stay overnight at the lake house.
Dates: May 15–17, 2026
Cost: $195 early registration / $210 regular; 50% discount for mental health graduate students and military veterans
More Info: https://breathworknorthwest.org/our-workshops/upcoming-events/

The Immersion Into Reiki Retreat (Marie Manuchehri)
2026-05-15 09:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Hyatt House Redmond, Hyatt House Redmond, Redmond, WA (near St. Edward State Park), Redmond, WA
A 2.5-day deep-dive Reiki retreat led by energy healer and medium Marie Manuchehri, RN. Participants receive all three Reiki attunements (Levels 1, 2, and 3 including Master Attunement), practice hands-on healing, learn chakra and auric field knowledge, explore Qi Gong, and receive live intuitive readings. Lunch and beverages included.
Dates: May 15–17, 2026
Cost: $2,000 (includes program, study guide, meals; lodging separate)
More Info: https://energyintuitive.com/product/spring-2026-workshop-the-immersion-into-reiki-retreat/

Spirit of Africa Festival
2026-05-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Part of the Seattle Center Festál series of 25 free cultural festivals, Spirit of Africa celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of the African continent through live music, dance, cultural demonstrations, food vendors, and artisan markets at Seattle Center.
Dates: May 16, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.seattlecenter.com/connect/news/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule

Frye Art Museum — Tom Lloyd Exhibition
2026-05-16 09:00 - 2026-09-20 17:00 | Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA
A significant exhibition organized by New York’s Studio Museum in Harlem featuring works by Tom Lloyd (1929–96), an overlooked innovator in using electric light as an artistic medium. Brings this nationally important but underrecognized artist to Seattle audiences.
Dates: May 16–September 20, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://fryemuseum.org/exhibitions

Bellevue Farmers Market (2026 Season)
2026-05-21 09:00 - 2026-10-01 17:00 | Bellevue Downtown area, 1530 Bellevue Way NE area, Bellevue, WA
A food-first community farmers market running every Thursday from May through October, featuring Washington-grown produce, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, flowers, plants, and artisan foods—all locally sourced and made by the vendors. The 2026 season runs May 21–October 1, with hours 3:00–7:30 PM (May–August) and 3:00–7:00 PM (September–October 1), plus two additional fall markets including November 21.
Dates: May 21 – October 1, 2026 (Thursdays)
Cost: Free admission
More Info: https://bellevuefarmersmarket.org

Memorial Day Weekend Karma Yoga Silent Retreat (Hridaya Northwest)
2026-05-22 09:00 - 2026-05-25 17:00 | Private lakeside home on Mayfield Lake, Mayfield Lake, Cinebar, WA (near Chehalis), Cinebar, WA
A 4-day silent Karma Yoga retreat exploring the practice of conscious action in daily life. Teachings draw from multiple spiritual traditions and include meditation, Hridaya Hatha Yoga, contemplative practice, and community service. Up to 10 guests at an intimate lakeside home with panoramic Mayfield Lake views.
Dates: May 22–25, 2026
Cost: From $995 (quad) to $1,195 (single king room); $300 deposit required
More Info: https://www.hridayanorthwest.com/may-2026-karma-yoga-retreat

Northwest Folklife Festival
2026-05-22 09:00 - 2026-05-25 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
The 55th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival is one of the largest folk and world music festivals in North America, drawing over 250,000 participants at Seattle Center each Memorial Day weekend. The event features hundreds of live performances spanning folk, traditional, world, and roots music across multiple stages, plus dance, visual art, crafts, and cultural food vendors. Free to attend with donations welcomed.
Dates: May 22–25, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Cost: Free (donations welcomed)
More Info: https://www.seattlecenter.com/connect/news/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule

Northwest Folklife Festival — 55th Annual
2026-05-22 09:00 - 2026-05-25 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
A beloved, community-powered celebration of arts, culture, and heritage from across the Pacific Northwest, held annually since 1972. Draws over 250,000 attendees across 25+ stages featuring music, dance, crafts, and food from hundreds of artists and cultural groups. The festival has been powered by donations for over 50 years.
Dates: May 22–25, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Cost: Free (donation-based; suggested donation requested)
More Info: https://nwfolklife.org

Women Who Lead Summit (PSBJ)
2026-05-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Seattle Convention Center | Summit, 900 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The 4th Annual Women Who Lead Summit presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal is an afternoon (1–6 PM) of dynamic conversations, expert insights, and meaningful networking opportunities for women in business and leadership. The event features panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking designed to connect women leaders across industries throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Dates: May 28, 2026
Cost: Ticket required (prices TBA)
More Info: https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/event/172267/2026/women-who-lead-summit

Fierce Compassion Women's Retreat (Mindfulness Northwest)
2026-05-29 09:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 | Sacred Waters Retreat Center, Sacred Waters Center for Restoration and Retreat, Union, WA (Hood Canal), Union, WA
A women’s weekend silent mindfulness retreat at the Sacred Waters Retreat Center on the Hood Canal. Led by Karen Schwisow and Carolyn McCarthy, this retreat focuses on fierce self-compassion practices, sitting and walking meditation, gentle yoga, and the body scan. Meals, lodging, and structured silent practice included.
Dates: May 29–31, 2026
Cost: $325–$605 (sliding scale; payment plans and scholarships available)
More Info: https://mindfulnessnorthwest.com/programs/retreats/

Brandi Carlile: Echoes Through the Canyon
2026-05-29 09:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 | The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Brandi Carlile returns to the legendary Gorge Amphitheatre for her annual Echoes Through the Canyon festival, featuring special guests Bonnie Raitt and Sara Bareilles across multiple nights. Set against the backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge, this multi-day outdoor concert event is one of the most celebrated in the Pacific Northwest.
Dates: May 29–31, 2026
Cost: Tickets from ~$105
More Info: https://www.brandicarlile.com/tour/

Pacific Northwest Ballet — All Lang
2026-05-29 09:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA
Celebrating PNB Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang with three of her most acclaimed works: ‘Her Door to the Sky,’ ‘Ghost Variations,’ and ‘ZigZag,’ inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s Patio Door series. The program highlights Lang’s versatility, virtuosity, and varied choreographic inspiration, with custom scores by Philip Glass.
Dates: May 29–June 7, 2026
Cost: Tickets from approximately $30–$150+
More Info: https://www.pnb.org/season/

Flying Wheels Summer Century
2026-05-30 09:00 - 17:00 | Marymoor Park (start/finish), Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, 6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA
A beloved century bike ride presented by Cascade Bicycle Club that weaves through the Snoqualmie Valley, home to organic farms, rolling ridges, and scenic rural landscapes. Routes of 50, 70, and 100 miles are available, all starting and finishing at Marymoor Park. The event is capped at 3,000 riders and serves as a popular STP training ride.
Dates: May 30, 2026
Cost: Base registration $95–$115; Youth $30
More Info: https://cascade.org/rides-events/flying-wheels-summer-century-2026

Day of Mindfulness – Seattle Insight Meditation Society
2026-05-30 09:00 - 17:00 | Seattle Insight Meditation Society (hybrid: in person + online), 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, Seattle, WA
A full-day hybrid sitting and walking meditation event led by Guiding Teacher Tim Geil in the vipassana (insight meditation) tradition. The daylong retreat runs 9am–4:30pm and is open to all meditators; no prior experience required. Offered both in-person and via Zoom.
Dates: May 30, 2026
Cost: Donation-based (suggested donation amount provided at registration)
More Info: https://seattleinsight.org/event/day-of-mindfulness-may-2026/

Seafair Summer Kickoff
2026-06-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Lake Union (Gas Works Park & Lake Union Park), Seattle, WA
Presented by Bank of America, the Seafair Summer Kickoff launches Seattle’s Seafair season with celebrations at both shores of Lake Union. Gas Works Park (north shore) features a kids’ zone, traditional games, a music stage, bicycle storage, two beer gardens, and food vendors; Lake Union Park (south shore) has kids’ basketball, traditional games, DJ music, a beer garden, and food.
Dates: June 1, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.seafair.org

MeWe Metaphysics & Wellness Fair – Bellevue
2026-06-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton, 3225 158th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98008, Bellevue, WA
A 2-day metaphysics and wellness fair featuring 70+ booths and 35+ talks covering crystals, intuitive readings, energy healing, astrology, sound healing, shamanism, and more. Includes an Intuitive Q&A Panel each morning with practitioners offering free readings for the audience.
Dates: Multiple 2026 dates (based on 2025 pattern: ~May, August, December); check mewefairs.com for 2026 dates
Cost: $5/weekend at the door (children 13 and under free; last hour each day free)
More Info: https://www.mewefairs.com/washington

MeWe Metaphysics & Wellness Fair – Olympia/Lacey
2026-06-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503, Lacey, WA
A 2.5-day metaphysics and wellness fair at the Thurston County Fairgrounds featuring 70+ booths and 35+ talks. Programming covers crystals, intuitive readings, Reiki, sound healing, astrology, and more. Friday evening preview session plus full Saturday and Sunday program.
Dates: Multiple 2026 dates (based on 2025 pattern: ~May, November); check mewefairs.com for 2026 dates
Cost: $5/weekend at the door (children 13 and under free; last hour each day free)
More Info: https://www.mewefairs.com/washington

Puget Sound Bird Fest
2026-06-06 09:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | Edmonds waterfront / Brackett’s Landing, Edmonds waterfront, Edmonds, WA
The 22nd annual Puget Sound Bird Fest is a celebration of birds and nature designed to increase awareness of species in the Puget Sound region. Events include guided field trips, expert-led programs, and a special 3-hour birdwatching cruise departing from the Edmonds Marina to view seabirds at Smith Island or Protection Island. The cruise is offered by Puget Sound Express on June 7.
Dates: June 6–7, 2026
Cost: Most events free; birdwatching cruise $105 ($85 ages 2–10)
More Info: https://www.pugetsoundbirdfest.com

Point Defiance Flower and Garden Festival
2026-06-06 09:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | Point Defiance Park, Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA
An annual outdoor showcase of Pacific Northwest gardening held in Tacoma’s stunning Point Defiance Park, featuring hands-on programming, horticultural demonstrations, guided garden tours, food vendors, and wine tasting. Tickets for garden tours, workshops, and wine tasting are sold separately through the Parks Tacoma website.
Dates: June 6–7, 2026
Cost: General admission free; tickets for garden tours and workshops priced separately
More Info: https://www.parkstacoma.gov/fgf-2026/

Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
2026-06-06 09:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Pagdiriwang (meaning ‘celebration’ in Filipino) is a free two-day festival honoring Filipino and Filipino American culture at Seattle Center, featuring traditional music, folk dances, culinary vendors, cultural arts, and community programming as part of the Seattle Center Festál series.
Dates: June 6–7, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.seattlecenter.com/connect/news/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule

Washington Brewers Festival
2026-06-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion & South Fountain Lawn, Seattle, WA
Washington’s best summer craft beer festival brings together breweries from across the state for a single-day celebration of Washington craft beer, 4–8 PM. New in 2026, the event also features a selection of wines, ciders, and spirits alongside the state’s top craft beers. Early bird tickets go on sale April 8.
Dates: June 13, 2026
Cost: Ticket required (prices TBA; early bird available April 8)
More Info: https://www.washingtonbrewersguild.org/wabrewersfest/
