As of June 30, 2021 all industry sectors previously covered by guidance in the Washington State “Roadmap to Recovery” or “Safe Start Reopening Plan” may return to usual capacity and operations, with limited exceptions for large indoor events (any event with more than 10,000 simultaneous participants in an indoor, enclosed space.) More info: https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-upcoming-economic-reopening
However, as of July 7, 2021, we have found many art walks have not yet returned to “normal” status. Most galleries are open, some by appointment. Some art walks are happening, but without associated events that attract crowds. It can be a very pleasant, free activity in summer and fall–even if all you do is walk the neighborhood and enjoy whatever is there.
Art walks happen almost every weekend somewhere in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. During these events, nearby merchants often offer specials on food, drinks, gifts, and other fun. Scan the list below for a day and place near you–or plan a staycation to explore a new neighborhood or city through it’s vibrant art community. Before you go, be sure to visit the website for each of the art walks you plan to visit for specific information such as current highlights, as well as maps and directions.
First Thursday Art Walks
Seattle Art Walk
- Pioneer Square Artwalk every First Thursday from 6pm-8pm. The Pioneer Square Art Walk was the first Art Walk in the USA in 1981. Artwalk in Pioneer Square is enhanced by dozens of public art installations found when walking between the galleries, from the historic Native American Totem Poles in Occidental and Pioneer Square parks, to the bright red “Sentinels” (steel sculptures) on guard outside Fire Station 10 at 400 S. Washington St. Parking is free from 5 pm to 10 pm at three parking garages; with a parking voucher from participating venues. Check their website for details.
Puget Sound Art Walk
- Mount Vernon Art Walk First Thursday 5-8pm. Located about 60-65 miles north of Seattle. Find a list of participating locations on the website.
Second Thursday Art Walk
Seattle Art Walks
- Capitol Hill Artwalk every Second Thursday 5–8pm. Artists, musicians, buskers and other performance artists engage and entertain you in this vibrant, quirky, artsy neighborhood.
- West Seattle Artwalk every Second Thursday from 5PM until late. Hosted by the non-profit West Seattle Junction Association, this free art event encourages you to visit venues across greater West Seattle, including Alki Beach, Admiral District, Morgan Junction, Fauntleroy District and Delridge. Enjoy art, music, extended happy hours, and restaurant specials.
Puget Sound Art Walks
- Mill Creek summer art walks, every Second Thursday in summer, June – August.
Third Thursday Art Walk
Puget Sound Art Walks
- Edmonds Artwalk every Third Thursday from 5 – 8 PM. Galleries, merchants, neighbors and friends gather to engage in authentic community. Galleries, businesses and restaurants host the works of local and regional artists, and invite you to enjoy all types of art including fine art, music, dance, theatre, performance art, culinary art, and the written word.
- Everett Artwalk every Third Thursday from 6-9pm (some galleries close early). Come downtown to be a part of Everett’s vibrant art scene as galleries and businesses showcase local art. Come to mingle with the arts community, meet local artists, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres along the way.
- Tacoma Art Mingle every Third Thursday ALL DAY at art destinations citywide. This is less an art walk and more a citywide event. Enjoy extended hours, meet participating artists and take in the sights at museums and galleries. Bonus: The Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum offer free admission.
First Friday Art Walk
Seattle Art Walk
- Fremont Artwalk every First Friday from 6 – 9pm. Fremont’s galleries, shops and restaurants offer something new, fresh, and exciting. Artists represent an eclectic mix of styles, from oil paintings to encaustics, photography to illustration, sculpture to mixed media, and live music to performance poetry.
Puget Sound Art Walks
- Anacortes Art Walk every First Friday from 6 – 9 PM for participating venues along Commercial Ave.
- Downtown Winslow Bainbridge Island Artwalk every First Friday from 6 – 8pm. Features businesses exhibiting art and restaurants offering small plates and specials. Participating businesses are on Winslow Way, walking distance from the ferry terminal.
- Downtown Bremerton & Manette Artwalk every First Friday from 5-8pm. Get there on a one-hour ferry or 30-minute fast ferry from Seattle. Bremerton has one of the largest and most diverse official fine arts districts in the Northwest. Centered in downtown Bremerton at 4th Street & Pacific Avenue, the City’s rich Arts District includes museums, performing art stages, numerous fine arts galleries, unique shops, eateries, clubs featuring jazz and other live music. Take a short walk across the Manette Bridge to enjoy more art, shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.
- Getaway: Sequim Art Walk every First Friday from 5 – 8pm in downtown Sequim has a monthly theme, which draws you in and makes for an especially engaging evening. Located on the way to Port Angeles on the Washington Peninsula, 70 miles NW of Seattle via the Edmonds-Kingston ferry.
- Vashon Island Artwalk every First Friday from 6 – 9pm. Exhibits are held in galleries, café’s, antiques stores and restaurants. Main Street (officially mapped as Vashon Highway SW) is alive with adults and kids strolling from one venue to the next. Wine and cheese are almost as abundant as the wonderful creative works that grace walls and floor spaces at every turn, mostly the work of local artists. Get the latest Vashon Beachcomber paper, on the Wednesday before the first Friday for the latest listing.
Second Friday Art Walks
Seattle Art Walks
- Belltown Artwalk every Second Friday from 6 – 9pm. Pick up a gallery map at the Belltown Community Center, 415 Bell Street from 6-7:30pm.
- PhinneyWood Artwalk every Second Friday from 6 – 9pm, plus a 2-day event in May. Check out the latest art and special offerings each month.
Third Friday Art Walk
Seattle Art Walk
- The University District Artwalk every Third Friday from 6 – 9pm. The U District is a unique Seattle community with a solid grounding in art culture, and features new and exciting work every month.
First Saturday Art Walks
Puget Sound Art Walks
- Issaquah Summer Wine & Artwalk First Saturday, March-June, from 6 – 9pm. Art walk is free, wine tasting is $25. Historic downtown businesses transform into artists’ galleries for a lively, festive evening with a variety of artistic styles, interactive art demonstrations, live music and dance in multiple locations. This free event includes hands-on art projects and some special surprises.
- Port Townsend Art Gallery Walk First Saturday 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The waterfront district shows off the work of local artists.
Second Saturday Art Walks
Seattle Art Walks
- Ballard Artwalk every Second Saturday 6 – 9pm. An evening street festival featuring all the cultural offerings in Ballard. Ballard has a wealth of creative talent they want to share with visitors.
- Georgetown Art Attack every Second Saturday 6 – 9pm. Features live music, food, and spirits in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, centered along the Airport Way S corridor between Lucile S and Bailey S. Be sure to hop aboard the FREE Art Ride tour to visit many remote studio/gallery locations throughout the neighborhood.
- Georgetown Virtual Art Tour: From the colorful murals protecting our small businesses, to online music classes, concerts, and performances, we need art now more than ever to in our lives. The Georgetown industrial arts district is home to an amazing array of contemporary, fine, and handmade arts by local, national, and international artists whose works are available on line for viewing & sale. Purchasing art a great way to show your support for all aspects of art and the people that work hard to enrich our lives through it. Gallery website links can be found here: http://www.georgetowncarnival.com/art-attack.htm
Puget Sound Art Walk
- Poulsbo Art Walk every second Saturday 5:00 PM 8:00 PM to enjoy Art in Local Galleries in the historic town.
