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
Holidays & Observances
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, DIY)
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, DIY)
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
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
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 with modestly … [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
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
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
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
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 year. Wishing you … [Read more...] about Our guide to St. Patrick’s Day free and cheap events
Recommended restaurants, bars, and Irish Pubs 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) or any time! Featured St. Patrick's Day events in Seattle & Tacoma Kells Irish Restaurant & Bar | Seattle (21+ only) in Pike Place Market's … [Read more...] about Recommended restaurants, bars, and Irish Pubs for St. Patrick’s Day
Lunar New Year in the Puget Sound region
We've updated this content for Lunar New Year 2025, which begins on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. It is the Year of the Snake. Snake years include 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025. The next Snake year is 2037. The Seattle-Tacoma metro area is home to a diverse community of Asian cultures who celebrate … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year in the Puget Sound region
Valentine’s Day 2025: Dinner & Gift Ideas plus 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. The history of the holiday is complex … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day 2025: Dinner & Gift Ideas plus Things to do
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. We use the same spelling as the Washington State DOR holiday schedule. The official Federal … [Read more...] about President’s Day: history and things to do
Black history month around Puget Sound
February is Black History Month, making it the perfect time to highlight African American culture and the black experience in Seattle. It is also the perfect occasion to learn more about the civil rights movement in Seattle. Civil rights movement in Seattle Seattle’s unique civil rights history challenges the way … [Read more...] about Black history month around Puget Sound
All about Groundhog Day
The tradition of Groundhog Day dates to the 1800s when German immigrants in America continued their tradition of a weather-predicting hedgehog on Candlemas Day (February 2). Since there were no hedgehogs in North America, the similarly inclined burrowing groundhog (aka woodchuck) was drafted into service. The reason … [Read more...] about All about Groundhog Day
Here’s why, how, and where you can celebrate Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras translates from French as "Fat Tuesday". The holiday has roots in the Christian liturgical calendar. The Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on January 6, the day when the Magi or Wise Men from the East followed a bright star to the Christ child in Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, … [Read more...] about Here’s why, how, and where you can celebrate Mardi Gras
New Year’s Eve fireworks and other celebrations in the Puget Sound region
Today, many people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve every December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1. New Year's Eve traditions include fireworks shows, parties, drinking champagne, counting down to midnight, and kissing someone at midnight. The New York City "ball drop" in Times Square typically hosts … [Read more...] about New Year’s Eve fireworks and other celebrations in the Puget Sound region
Birthday of Martin Luther King federal holiday
The Birthday of Martin Luther King is a U.S. federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of January. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated in his honor. Born January 15, 1929, King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 at the age of 39. Many people see … [Read more...] about Birthday of Martin Luther King federal holiday
New Years celebrations and traditions
Today, many people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve every December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1. The date January 1 comes from traditions in the Roman empire. The solar calendar first month (January) honored Janus, the god of beginnings. As the saying goes, every day is essentially the start of a new … [Read more...] about New Years celebrations and traditions
What is the meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is both a religious holiday as well as a secular and federal holiday celebrated every December 25. Secular traditions include decorated Christmas trees, colorful light displays, Santa Claus (aka St. Nicolas or St. Nick), gift exchanges, family gatherings, sumptuous feasts and cookies, Christmas movies, Winter … [Read more...] about What is the meaning of Christmas?
Federal holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
United States laws currently establish eleven public holidays for Federal employees. Since most Federal employees work a Monday through Friday schedule, when a holiday falls on the weekend, the holiday usually is observed on Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday) or Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday). List of … [Read more...] about Federal holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
List of Holidays (by month) for 2025
Besides Federal government and Washington State employee holidays there are many other holidays, observances, and special events that occur throughout the year. Popular holidays are often recognized in communities by celebrations such as festivals, parades, shopping discounts, and other revelry. In the lists below, we … [Read more...] about List of Holidays (by month) for 2025
Chanukah “festival of lights” commemorates a miracle
Chanukah, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. Because it occurs close to Christmas, many non-Jews think of this holiday as the "Jewish Christmas". However, as you must know, the holiday has nothing to do with Jesus or Santa. In fact, … [Read more...] about Chanukah “festival of lights” commemorates a miracle
