Columbus Day is recognized as a Federal Holiday on the second Monday in October. However, across the country there are variations on this holiday. Washington State does not recognize Columbus Day as a legal holiday for state government employees. Some cities and counties in Washington officially recognize … [Read more...] about When is Columbus Day (aka Indigenous Peoples Day)?
Holidays & Observances
Updated for 2024: Veterans Day free meals, car wash, haircuts, and other discounts
Most of the Veterans Day deal below are free meals and shopping discounts for veterans and active duty personnel. A few are also available to the general public. For meaningful events honoring veterans, see our list of Veteran’s Day Events such as parades and other commemorations. Always keep in mind that … [Read more...] about Updated for 2024: Veterans Day free meals, car wash, haircuts, and other discounts
When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on November 11, a date that goes back to World War I (WWI). What is Veteran's Day about? Known as “The Great War,” World War I (WWI), which began in July 1914, officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France on June 28, 1919. However, … [Read more...] about When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it?
When is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on the first Monday in September to recognize workers who contribute to the prosperity of our country. What is Labor Day about? The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City as proposed by the Central Labor Union. … [Read more...] about When is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?
Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Here’s our list of where to see free public fireworks show in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and other cities and communities around the Puget Sound region. At the end of the list of fireworks shows, we offer tips for photographing fireworks. And, if you are planning a private show, we offer links to fireworks … [Read more...] about Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Father’s Day ideas for gifts and things to do
We've got lots of Father's Day ideas for a meaningful celebration that won't break the bank. Use our suggestions to find the perfect Father's Day gift, dine out for brunch or dinner, or simply spend some time with him on a special outing. It's a day to acknowledge your dad and honor the contributions and sacrifices he … [Read more...] about Father’s Day ideas for gifts and things to do
Best affordable Father’s Day restaurants (dine-in, takeout, delivery)
Here are our suggestions for Father’s Day restaurants for brunch or dinner in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Ideas include dine-in, takeout, and creative ideas for at-home meals and barbecues. If you are panicked about the perfect gift for your dad, check our other Father’s Day ideas for gifts and things to do. You … [Read more...] about Best affordable Father’s Day restaurants (dine-in, takeout, delivery)
All about National Doughnut Day
We found out not only how National Doughnut Day got its start, we've delved into the history and mystery of these fried wonderments. Makes a good read while you enjoy a donut on National Doughnut Day, celebrated every first Friday in June at donut shops across the country. About National Doughnut Day The Salvation … [Read more...] about All about National Doughnut Day
Free & cheap Seattle-Tacoma Pride Events
Pride Parades everywhere honor the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, the scene of a police raid over liquor licensing at The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. While raids on gay bars were carried out with some regularity, the Stonewall incident sparked several days of protests in the surrounding neighborhood. About … [Read more...] about Free & cheap Seattle-Tacoma Pride Events
Juneteenth National Independence Day in the Seattle-Tacoma area
Juneteenth commemorates the day slavery ended in the United States. It is honored every year on June 19 with a variety of community events. Listed below is a description of some of the major annual events followed by a calendar of Juneteenth events happening in the Seattle-Metro area and across the Puget Sound … [Read more...] about Juneteenth National Independence Day in the Seattle-Tacoma area
Mother’s Day brunch and dinner ideas (dine-out, takeout, homemade)
Listed below are suggestions for brunch or dinner menus suitable for a Mother's Day celebration. Our ideas include modest restaurant dining options as well as links to lots of recipes for a do-it-yourself party. Suggested Mother's Day restaurants We focus on restaurants throughout the Puget Sound region … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day brunch and dinner ideas (dine-out, takeout, homemade)
Mother’s Day gift ideas and things to do
Mother’s Day is observed in different ways around the world. In the United States, Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation to make Mother’s Day an official holiday on the second Sunday of May. Many people decry the over-commercialization of holidays. And … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day gift ideas and things to do
Military freebies and deals for Memorial Day Weekend
Retailers and restaurants offer many discounts and freebies over the Memorial Day weekend. So, we’ve gathered them together in a list below. Most of these deals are only for military personnel or veterans, but some are available to anyone. Still others aren’t specifically for Memorial Day and many are available … [Read more...] about Military freebies and deals for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend events
Memorial Day is a National holiday observed annually on the last Monday in May. The holiday honors men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. To observe Memorial Day, many military cemeteries and war memorials hold commemorative events to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for … [Read more...] about Memorial Day Weekend events
Islam and the holy month of Ramadan
Islam is the world’s second largest religion with nearly 2 billion followers worldwide. (Christianity is the largest, around 2.4 billion.) There are an estimated 7 million Muslims (followers of Islam) in America. Islamic places of worship, known as mosques, exist in all 50 states. Muslim 101 A man from Mecca named … [Read more...] about Islam and the holy month of Ramadan
Easter Brunch or Dinner: dine-in, delivery, or takeout
Here are our suggestions for restaurants offering a special Easter brunch or dinner menu, and some that are a nice departure from classic holiday fare. Whether you are able to celebrate with family and friends or a more solo/duo experience, we've got you covered with options for dine-in and to go meals. Seattle … [Read more...] about Easter Brunch or Dinner: dine-in, delivery, or takeout
Easter egg hunts in the Puget Sound region
The following list of community egg hunts throughout the Puget Sound region are open to the public. Most are free, a few have nominal fees. We focus on free secular community Easter egg hunts. Most are hosted by cities and businesses throughout the Puget Sound region. Tips for enjoying Egg Hunts Some require … [Read more...] about Easter egg hunts in the Puget Sound region
Where to get Easter bunny photos
Here's our list of Easter bunny photo opportunities in shopping malls and other locations throughout the Puget Sound region. We'll continue to update this information leading up to Easter Sunday. 2024 Easter Bunny Photos (Listed by starting date) March 6-30, 2024. Pet friendly dates: March 11, 18, 25. VIP Photos … [Read more...] about Where to get Easter bunny photos
Where to buy pie on National Pi Day (3/14) in the Puget Sound region
Pi Day is celebrated worldwide on March 14, which is a perfect excuse (if you need one) to eat pie. Any kind of pie will do: fruit pie, cream pie, quiche, pizza, calzone, hand pies, piroshki, or any other kind of pie. What is Pi? Pi is the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (π) used in mathematics to define the … [Read more...] about Where to buy pie on National Pi Day (3/14) in the Puget Sound region
Recommended restaurants and bars for St. Patrick’s Day
Here are our suggestions for restaurants and pubs in the Seattle area who offer Irish-inspired menus and drinks, appropriate for celebrating St. Patrick's Day (March 17). (Listed restaurants roughly north to south throughout the Puget Sound region.) Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill & Irish Pub 4 Puget Sound … [Read more...] about Recommended restaurants and bars for St. Patrick’s Day
Our guide to St. Patrick’s Day free and cheap events
St. Patrick's Day happens every March 17. Parades are usually held on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day (unless the holiday falls on Saturday, of course). Find a summary of the festivities around the Puget Sound region below, followed by a calendar list of St. Patrick's Day events for the current … [Read more...] about Our guide to St. Patrick’s Day free and cheap events
Free and cheap Passover resources and ideas
Passover or Pesach is the first of the three major festivals in the Jewish calendar. Passover occurs in spring and is followed seven weeks later by Shavu'ot. Sukkot occurs in autumn. About Passover Passover commemorates the biblical story of Exodus. As the story goes, Moses pleaded with the Egyptian Pharaoh to … [Read more...] about Free and cheap Passover resources and ideas
President’s Day: history and things to do
George Washington’s birthday is the official federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Many of us know it as President's Day, Presidents Day, or Presidents' Day. All are correct. Well, all of them are wrong. The official Federal name for the holiday is Washington's Birthday, which is actually … [Read more...] about President’s Day: history and things to do
Valentine’s Day 2024: Gifts, Dinner, and Things to do
Valentine's Day is celebrated every February 14 in the U.S. (and many other countries). Gifts are often exchanged between loved ones. Couples often share a romantic dinner at home or at a special restaurant. Some families like to celebrate together, adults and children. About Valentine's Day The history of the … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day 2024: Gifts, Dinner, and Things to do
Easter traditions, services, crafts, and more
These mostly free Easter events suggest some Christian worship services, Easter crafts to do at home, plus options for other Easter revelry including egg hunts, East bunny photo ops, and celebratory Easter brunch or dinner. But first, we'll dive into the traditions and history around this spring celebration. Easter … [Read more...] about Easter traditions, services, crafts, and more
