Are you looking forward to summer? Here’s our roundup of Seattle’s events, activities, entertainment, and more.
Click below or scroll down to navigate through different things to look forward to this summer.
Eating and drinking | Travel | Films and television | Music | Books | Theater and Art | Local events
to eat and drink
It is summer! Here are 11 special picnic menus from Seattle’s top chefs to take with you to the park or lake
Sure, restaurants are opening again. But Seattle’s long hours of daylight in summer are best enjoyed outside, in the open air, with good food and friends. Check out these recommended picnic and park pairings from some of Seattle’s best restaurants. Read more here.
The 10 best outdoor dining terraces in Seattle for summer alfresco dining
Now is the time with less rain, warmer air, longer days, and late and beautiful sunsets – when the terraces and decks of restaurants in the Seattle area are at their best. Here the food critics Bethany Jean Clement and Tan Vinh tell about their top 10 favorites. Read more here.
travel
Take a vacation this summer with these 12 road trips from Seattle
State COVID-19 restrictions are expected to expire by June 30, and Washingtoners need a vacation. If you’re not ready to fly or just want to explore the Pacific Northwest, consider these 12 road trips from Seattle. Read more here.
Rick Steves tells us what to expect when Europe reopens to tourists this summer
As the world emerges from the pandemic, Europe opens up again to travelers. If you want to take a trip there this summer, hold on: listen first to what European travel expert and Edmonds resident Rick Steves has to say. Read more here.
Roll around Washington: 5 bike rides around the state this summer
Hoping to escape the house this summer without walking around the country? Are you trying to explore our beautiful state while the Pacific Northwest is sunny and dry? Regardless of your level of experience, this round-up of Washington State bike tours will help you find a route to suit your speed. Read more here.
Tourists have returned to Washington State – but some areas are recovering faster than others
As tourism levels rise after the pandemic, industry analysts say Washington’s rural destinations west of the Cascades are thriving, but Seattle hasn’t been as lucky – and hotel occupancy is still lower than it has been in a long time. Read more here.
Movies and television
Are the summer blockbusters really back? What will the cinema be like this season with COVID-19 hanging around?
Not quite after the pandemic, but not quite 2020 either: The upcoming summer cinema season offers the usual blockbusters, but many of them can also be seen without leaving the house. Read more here.
12 new films our reviewer is looking forward to the most this summer
From a terrifyingly quiet horror film to a lively (and long-awaited) musical, here are 12 films art critic Moira Macdonald is looking forward to this summer. Read more here.
Where to see drive-in movies during a day trip from Seattle
Summer is still many weeks away, but local drive-ins are already open and more are sure to come as the weather warms up. You can find it here. Read more here.
music
Washington’s summer 2021 concert season is not dead. It’s just late
A number of marquee festivals and venues had already canceled their summer plans when Governor Jay Inslee announced a reopening date for June 30th. Even so, Washington will still have part of its summer concert season – even if it starts later than usual. Read more here.
Books
Looking for a great summer read? Here are 8 Pageturner to start
Here are eight compelling reads recommended by art critic Moira Macdonald. Read more here.
Booksellers in the Seattle area are suggesting titles to fill out your 2021 Summer Bookings Card
Summer Book Bingo from Seattle Arts & Lectures and the Seattle Public Library is back! To help you fill out your bingo card, we asked local booksellers for the most important titles of the season, which you can conveniently mark on your bingo board as “Recommended by a local bookseller”. Read more here.
Theater and art
Your guide to outdoor theater and shows in the Seattle area for the summer of 2021
After a year without personal theater and performances, artist groups from the Seattle area are taking advantage of the warmer weather and planning outdoor plays and performances. Read more here.
Local events
Summer guide 2021
Are you planning your summer? Use this interactive guide to find things to do around Seattle in Summer 2021. Read more here.