Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) Screenings
May 12–June 7 / SEATTLE – Various daily showtimes across multiple venues including SIFF Cinema Uptown and Egyptian Theatre. Tickets typically $15–$25 per film. One of the largest film festivals in North America, SIFF showcases global cinema, indie films, documentaries, and premieres. Visitors can pair screenings with Pike Place Market, waterfront walks, and Seattle’s theater district dining.
For more information, visit https://www.siff.net/
Tulip Festival Late Bloom & Garden Tours
May 12–18 / MOUNT VERNON (SKAGIT VALLEY) – 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. selected fields open daily. Admission approx. $10–$15 parking passes. While peak bloom is earlier, late-season tulip fields and daffodil gardens remain open in parts of Skagit Valley. Visitors can enjoy scenic rural drives, farm stands, and mountain views of the North Cascades.
For more information, visit https://tulipfestival.org/
Seattle Mariners Home Stand & Fireworks Nights
May 12–17 / SEATTLE – 6:40 p.m. game times at T-Mobile Park. Tickets range from $20–$150. MLB baseball games feature themed nights, city skyline views, and post-game fireworks. Visitors can explore Seattle waterfront, Pioneer Square, and nearby restaurants for a full urban getaway experience.
For more information, visit https://www.mlb.com/mariners
Leavenworth Maifest
May 15–17, 2026 / LEAVENWORTH – Kicking off Bavarian-style spring celebrations, Maifest features traditional music, dancing, and festive foods in this alpine-themed village. Visitors can enjoy a lively atmosphere with cultural performances and outdoor activities set against mountain scenery. It’s a distinctive and festive way to experience Washington’s European-inspired charm. For more information, visit https://leavenworth.org
Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade
May 16 / SPOKANE – 7:30 p.m. parade start downtown. Free admission. This iconic regional festival celebrates military heritage, community pride, and spring blooms with parades, live music, and family activities. Visitors can explore Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls, and downtown dining during festival weekend.
For more information, visit https://www.lilacfestival.org/
Tacoma Arts Month Spring Market Weekend
May 16–18 / TACOMA – 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. downtown and Museum District. Free admission. This creative city event features gallery walks, public art tours, live performances, and artisan markets. Visitors can explore the Museum of Glass, waterfront, and Tacoma Dome district attractions.
For more information, visit https://www.tacomaartsmonth.com/
Washington State Spring Wine Festival (Woodinville Region Events)
May 17 / WOODINVILLE – 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Ticketed tasting event approx. $45–$75. This wine country celebration features tasting rooms, vineyard tours, live music, and gourmet food pairings in Washington’s premier wine region. Visitors can explore more than 100 wineries within walking distance.
For more information, visit https://www.woodinvillewinecountry.com/
Leavenworth Maifest Bavarian Spring Festival
May 23–25 / LEAVENWORTH – 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Free admission. This Bavarian-themed mountain town celebrates spring with alpine music, dancing, food stalls, and traditional cultural performances. Visitors can enjoy riverfront trails, mountain scenery, and European-style architecture throughout town.
For more information, visit https://www.leavenworth.org/
Tacoma Waterfront Farmers Market Opening Weekend
May 23 / TACOMA – 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Free admission. This seasonal market highlights fresh produce, artisan foods, flowers, and live music along the waterfront. Visitors can pair the experience with the nearby Museum of Glass and Point Defiance Park.
For more information, visit https://www.pcfmarkets.com/
Seattle Folklife Festival Preview Events
May 23–25 / SEATTLE CENTER – 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Free admission. One of the nation’s largest cultural festivals features global music, dance, crafts, and food from dozens of cultures. Visitors can explore the Space Needle, MoPOP, and Seattle Center attractions.
For more information, visit https://nwfolklife.org/
Yakima Valley Wine & Hop Country Weekend Events
May 30–June 1 / YAKIMA VALLEY – 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. winery and farm events. Ticketed tastings vary. This agricultural tourism region blends wine tasting, hop farm tours, and orchard experiences in Washington’s sunshine-rich interior valley. Visitors can enjoy scenic vineyard drives and farm-to-table dining.
For more information, visit https://www.visityakima.com/
Olympic Peninsula Lavender & Coastal Garden Preview
May 30–June 1 / SEQUIM – 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Free–ticketed garden tours. Early lavender fields begin seasonal bloom with coastal gardens, farm stands, and Olympic Mountain views. Visitors can explore nearby Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, and scenic coastal highways.
For more information, visit https://www.visitsunnysequim.com/
Seattle Dragon Fest Asian Cultural Celebration
June 6–7 / SEATTLE (INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT) – 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Free admission. This vibrant cultural festival features food stalls, martial arts demonstrations, dragon dances, and live performances celebrating Asian Pacific heritage. Visitors can explore historic Chinatown-International District restaurants and markets.
For more information, visit https://www.seattlechinatownid.com/
Spokane Hoopfest Street Basketball Tournament
June 6–7 / SPOKANE – 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Free spectator admission. The world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament transforms downtown Spokane into hundreds of courts with competitive play, food vendors, and entertainment. Visitors can explore Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls between games.
For more information, visit https://www.spokanehoopfest.net/
Walla Walla Wine Walk Weekend
June 6–7 / WALLA WALLA – 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Ticketed tasting passes approx. $50+. This celebrated wine region hosts tasting events, vineyard tours, and culinary pairings in one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier wine destinations. Visitors can explore historic downtown shops and rolling vineyard landscapes.
For more information, visit https://www.wallawallawine.com/
Seattle Pride in the Park Preview Festival Events
June 12 / SEATTLE – 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Volunteer Park. Free admission. This early Pride celebration includes live music, food vendors, community programming, and family-friendly activities in one of Seattle’s most scenic park settings. Visitors can extend the experience with Capitol Hill nightlife and city attractions.
For more information, visit https://seattlepride.org/
Mount Rainier National Park Early Summer Hiking Season Kickoff
June 12 / ENUMCLAW & ASHFORD GATEWAYS – Sunrise to sunset park access. Entry approx. $30 per vehicle. Early summer snowmelt opens trails, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and panoramic alpine views in one of America’s most iconic national parks. Visitors can explore Paradise and Sunrise visitor areas for unforgettable mountain scenery.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Extended Weekend Getaways