Seattle is truly a one-of-a-kind city, and anyone who lives there knows that Spring is, arguably, its best season. It’s that wonderful time of year when temperatures are crawling back up above freezing and the flowers are in full bloom. This winter may have lingered a little longer than we wanted, but these spring events in Seattle are just the remedy for putting some sunshine back into your life. What better way is there to spend a warm, spring day than outdoors at a street market or music festival? So get outside, head to one of these events, and enjoy spring in Seattle; it’s finally here!

Seattle International Film Festival

May 17 – June 10, 2018

From its humble beginnings in 1976 to becoming the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the country, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in the world. It features more than 400 films from across 80 countries and hosts over 140,000 attendees annually. Catch opening night on May 17th and attend talks with filmmakers, learn through film education programs, and see some fresh, new movies at this annual event. Be sure to grab your passes beforehand! Closing night is June 10th, so you have plenty of time to enjoy all the unique events this festival offers.

Sasquatch! Music Festival

May 25 – 27, 2018

Think the Lollapalooza of the Pacific Northwest. Sasquatch! Music Festival draws crowds from all over the Western U.S., and with good reason. This year’s lineup includes powerhouses like Bon Iver, The National, and Ray Lamontange, plus promising newcomers like Petit Biscuit and Tash Sultana. The festival takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, with a different lineup each day, at The Gorge Amphitheater, a 2.5-hour drive outside of Seattle. Choose between single day admission tickets or a full 3-day weekend pass. Ready to spend the whole weekend at Sasquatch? Grab your tent and pay for a camping spot so you don’t miss a single show. The Gorge offers a variety of food and beverage options, including alcohol, so outside food and drink are not allowed.

Whale Watching

Best viewing between May – September

The Puget Sound is a fantastic place for whale watching, and spring just so happens to be one of the best times to do it. Go on a whale watching cruise aboard the Puget Sound Express, a family-owned and operated business that guarantees an enjoyable trip. Choose between a half-day or full-day tour and, depending on which one you pick, you’ll get a chance to see Orca Killer Whales and Grey Whales. Learn from an on-board naturalist about the wildlife and natural beauty in this peaceful area of the Pacific Northwest. Weather can vary, so bring a few layers in case it gets chilly. And don’t forget to bring your binoculars! You’ll want to get an up-close look at these incredible mammals.

Fremont Sunday Market

Year-round, Sundays from 10am – 4pm

This year-round market is a family-operated and places emphasis on local vendors and artisans. It started back in 1990 and continues to draw crowds every Sunday from 10am-4pm. Around 200 vendors set up shop on Sunday mornings, selling everything from vintage antiques, handmade crafts, specialty foods, and a wide assortment of home goods. Looking for an old-fashioned map to hang in your apartment? Handmade jewelry to spice up your wardrobe? You can find it all at the Fremont Sunday Market. It’s located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, just north of Queen Anne, and, best of all, dogs are welcome.

Northwest Folklife Festival

May 25 – 28, 2018

A four-day celebration of culture and the arts, the Northwest Folklife Festival is now in its 47th year. It boasts more than 500 performers, dancers, and artists who celebrate the local community. Admission is free, but a donation is encouraged in order to help fund this event for years to come. The focus of the 2018 festival is on the celebration of Mexican American and Chicano communities in the Pacific Northwest. Immerse yourself in the food, arts, stories, traditions, and culture of the Mexican American and Chicano communities, and participate in hands-on activities and workshops. In addition, the festival celebrates a range of other folklife through Cajun dancing performances, poetry readings, storytelling representing an important part of Indigenous Peoples’ lives, and Polka dancing. This unique festival really has it all.

Get ready for these exciting spring events in Seattle. If you’re looking for a new apartment or thinking of moving to the Emerald City, be sure to check out these Seattle apartments for rent.

Featured image courtesy of: Wikimedia

The post Spring Events in Seattle to Cure Your Winter Blues appeared first on The Zumper Blog.