Georgia Aquarium
No knock on Seattle’s own, but the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is pretty cool too. Thousands of animals are on display in more than 10 million gallons of tank volume. Check out the webcams that show live activity from gators, piranhas, Beluga whale and many more.
Drive-In Movie at Marymoor, through June 24
I am old enough to remember the fun of going to a drive-in theater to watch a double feature, usually a Disney film followed by a PG romp suitable for the whole family. Even before the pandemic, Marymoor Park in Redmond has hosted a summer drive-in series and Year No. 17 will showcase classics such as Jaws, Grease, Wayne’s World and more. Learn more … and tell your friends. 9pm
Northwest Folklife Festival, May 28-31
Here’s a Seattle event that has been around for nearly as long as most residents have been alive. The 50th Northwest Folklife Festival will go virtual this year, with six program channels that will bring together local artists, creatives and marketplace. Keep the tradition going!
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, September-December
Online ticketing is well underway to see this light-projection display at a Seattle location to be announced soon. The works of this great post-impressionist artist is presented on the walls, floors and ceilings in a series of rooms, and The New York Times says being inside these works have led “some visitors to cry.” Note: There are about a half-dozen similar shows on van Gogh taking place around the world. Make sure you’re buying tickets to the right show and city (Seattle). Weekdays, 10am-8pm; weekends and holidays, 9am-9pm
Ballard Locks, daytime
It has been more than a year since the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks pedestrian bridges in Ballard were open to the public – but that has recently changed. The locks opened to pedestrians in late April and are available to view the boats coming and going between Lake Union and the Puget Sound. The fish ladder viewing area remains closed for maintenance. (Maritime traffic has been unaffected by the pandemic.) Check out the locks – a fun place to explore.
Gary Simmons: The Engine Room, through Aug. 22
American artist Gary Simmons has an exhibit on at the Henry Art Gallery on the University of Washington campus. The Engine Room is a continuation of Simmons’ decades-long exploration of racial, social and cultural politics. He uses painting, sculpture and installations to display his many works. Saturday and Sunday (only), 10am-5pm
Washington State History Museum
I was impressed with the exhibits on display in the Washington State History Museum. You could easily spend a day in this massive brick-clad building in Tacoma, but if you must pare your visit may I suggest focusing on our state’s early years, with a variety of artifacts from Native American civilizations and cultures. There is a lot to see in this the 25th anniversary of the museum. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
Marymoor Park Concert, June 16
Live music is back, baby! Marymoor Park is staging a triple-header lineup of Barenaked Ladies, Gin Blossoms, and Toad the Wet Sprocket next month. Celebrate – carefully – the beauty of music on a late-spring evening in one of King County’s best parks. 6pm
Please check with the venue to confirm times and dates of any in-person events.
In case you missed it….
In addition to my story on 3-D printed homes (above), we offer a visual look at the breathtaking transformation taking place along Seattle’s Denny Way.
I also am proud of an e-book that I wrote and produced – with the help from our marketing team at John L. Scott – on smart-home technology. You can learn more about the subject as well as download a free copy of my guide.
And, finally, I explore the complexities of getting a mortgage on a condo home. It’s a great reminder for buyers to be prepared for some potential challenges when looking at condos.
Thanks for reading!
Will