With a $400,000 investment in street art, multiple award-winning restaurants, and a crown for being the ‘safest’ city in the world for solo travellers, 2023 is the summer to visit Seattle and bask in its vibrant culture.
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Immerse in 80s nostalgia at Stranger Things: The Experience
Landing in Seattle this May, Stranger Things: The Experience is set to take the city by storm. A Netflix and Fever partnership, the immersive experience throws fans headfirst into their favourite show. Exploring the Upside Down whilst trying to save the city of Hawkins, participants will be submerged in 80s nostalgia and taken on an adventure to Hawkins National Lab with a whole new storyline created for the experience. Step into the neon world of Mix-Tape and continue the revival with delicious themed food and drinks, fun photo ops, Stranger Things merchandise and interactive performers.
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Explore Seattle’s nordic musical connections at Jónsi FLÓÐ (Flood)
Known for its individualism in the music space, Seattle’s connection with the coastal city of Reykjavik, its sister city since 1986, is explored at the Jónsi FLÓÐ (Flood) exhibition. Taking place at The National Nordic Museum and presented by Jónsi (Jón Þór Birgisson), lead singer of the world-famous Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, the exhibit changes environmental conditions within the gallery and will engage visitors’ senses of hearing, sight and smell to transport them to the ocean. Created specifically for the centre, the artwork is the focus of Jónsi’s first museum exhibition in the US.
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Discover Oscar-winning production secrets at MoPOP’S newest exhibit
The newest exhibition at Museum of Pop Culture, “Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA” is a crossover between the popular museum and Oregon-based studio, LAIKA, which redefined stop-motion animation with the instant classic Coraline. Now boasting five Oscar-nominated films and counting, the studio’s engaging exhibition grants visitors unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to its groundbreaking production techniques, along with immersive set displays, character interactives and sneak peeks of upcoming work.
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Be fabulous and free at PrideFest (24 – 25 June)
Located in both Capitol Hill and at the Seattle Center, PrideFest welcomes an array of citywide celebrations and exciting events. With the central focus being the celebration of love in the LGBTQIA+ community, this year’s theme and events calendar is yet to be announced. However, travellers can expect colourful festivities with bright decor, outlandish outfits, and an array of music, dancing, performances and special guests.
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Make iconic memories at Capitol Hill Block Party (21-23 July)
Celebrating the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in Seattle, Capitol Hill Block Party has 100 local and national acts performing at bars, outdoor stages and restaurants in the area. Known for creating the world’s most influential musicians, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Seattle is the city for music fanatics and Capitol Hill is where the newest and best in the industry can be found.
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Enjoy Seattle’s first-ever Afrobeats festival BLASTFEST (29 July)
Set to make its first debut on 29 July, BLASTFEST is the highly anticipated Afrobeats music festival coming to Seattle this summer. Taking place at the Seattle Center, which is home to the iconic Space Needle, the first of its kind festival will feature exciting performances from some of the biggest names in the Afrobeats scene. Bobby Akinboro (DJ Blast) heads up the celebration after six years of hosting events throughout the city.
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Seattle International Dance Festival returns (10-18 June)
For the first time since 2019, Seattle International Dance Festival will showcase a full international programme featuring debuts from over 100 artists and 20 different dance groups. The diverse dance celebrations will see performances from groups hailing from the US, India, France, and Germany, with a special South Korea Fest taking place during the second weekend of the festival. Themes are both amusing and impactful with topics ranging from packing boxes and parenthood.
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Hit The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass
Opening earlier this year, The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass is the only place in the world to see over 25 of Dale Chihuly’s personal collections, whilst enjoying one of the creative cocktails and tasty bites on offer. A one-of-a-kind atmosphere, The Bar captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest through locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus, with a selection of regional beer, wine and spirits to taste. The centrepiece at The Bar is an illuminated installation of 36 signature Chihuly Drawings, creating a uniquely art-centric culinary experience.
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Sips and selfies at Dark Room
As the name suggests, Dark Room in Seattle’s trendy Greenwood area is a new craft cocktail bar serving Korean small plates, with a loose photography theme. Accompanied by suitably moody lighting, the menu has been carefully curated by bartenders Matthew Gomez, Matt Hassler, and chef Amy Beaumier, with serves including the lambrusco-based “Pisco & Paparazzi” cocktail that comes with your very own mugshot on a polaroid. Wash it down with a Pork & Shrimp Sandwich or Korean Meatballs for the ultimate indulgence.
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Gorge on pizza by Celebrity Chef Shota Nakajima
Three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and television personality Shota Nakajima opens Kōbo, an interesting pizza concept which combines Detroit-style pies with Japanese street-food ingredients. Making every bite distinct, the mochiko flour offers a chewy texture and sweeter flavour than your typical dough, as well as a secret blend of cheeses. Drawing inspiration from the cuisine of Osake and beyond, the eatery is located in Capitol Hill.
For more information and to plan a trip to Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org.
