Ai Weiwei’s Biggest U.S. Show Opens at SAM
The retrospective covers 40 years of the conceptual artist’s career
This week, the Seattle Art Museum opened the largest-ever U.S. exhibition featuring the work of Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Spanning four decades of the artist’s career, Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei (March 12–Sept. 7) includes 130 works — a mix of sculpture, video, painting, wallpaper, furniture, and installation —…
Saying Goodbye to Barney
Seattle’s oldest harbor seal, the first born at the Aquarium, leaves behind nearly 40 years of memories
The aquarium and the city have lost a good friend. Barney, the Seattle Aquarium’s longtime harbor seal, has passed away at the age of 39 — roughly the equivalent of a centenarian in human years. He was the first harbor seal born at the Aquarium in 1985. He was also one of the oldest harbor…
Spring Arts in Seattle
Shake off the winter blues with a fresh crop of arts happenings around the Emerald City
Spring brings a vibrant season of arts performances, celebrating renewal and creativity. Here’s a roundup of major arts events happening across Seattle this spring. Dance One of the buzziest performances to hit the Pacific Northwest Ballet stage in years, Crystal Pite’s Emergence returns on March 14, sharing the bill with the late Jerome Robbins’ neoclassical…
Tom’s Watch Bar Opens in Uptown
Popular sports bar features stadium-sized screens
A new bar that plays “all sports, all the time” has opened next door to Climate Pledge Arena. Tom’s Watch Bar, a popular sports bar and restaurant chain, features several stadium-size, high-definition screens in a two-story, 24,000-square-foot space at 105 Lenny Wilkens Way. It’s the bar’s first location in Seattle and 14th overall. A second…
SponsoredCitydog! Club: More wiggle in the wag!
All images courtesy of Citydog! Club Citydog! offers dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming and fun! The Club is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes that want to play and hang with the gang. Citydog! Club daycare will give dogs what they need and love – socialization, play, naps, and exercise,…
Moxie on Monday: Live For Now
This moment matters more than you think
What if today was your last day on Earth? The last time you’ll see a sunset. The last time you’ll hug a loved one. The last walk on a beautiful beach. The last nap. The last dance. Would you see life differently? Would you savor every moment? Would you finally say the words you’ve been…
Simple Goodness
Plum Bistro chef and owner Makini Howell’s new cookbook makes vegan recipes easy
Plum Bistro restaurant owner and chef Makini Howell recently created some tasty vegan recipes for Stevie Wonder. Now she wants to do the same for you — sort of. Howell, who launched the popular vegan restaurant in Capitol Hill 20 years ago, just released a new plant-based cookbook, Simple Goodness: No-Fuss, Plant-Based Meals Straight From…
The Pulse: Twilight Season
A denim party and one very chill sloth
Everyone’s talking about spring. But Seattle — this is it for now. Gray and wet, with some sun speckled in. This is what you’re built for — slick streets and layered jackets. The city is at its most handsome when it’s moody. The cherry blossoms are just starting to show, soft little rebels that they…
Fixing Third Avenue, One Step At A Time
New lighting is part of a broader effort to revitalize the street
Third Avenue has long been the scourge of downtown Seattle. It’s been sketchy for at least the better part of two decades. It may not seem like much, but festive lighting has been installed along the “Spark Block,” between Stewart and Pine streets on Third Avenue. The enhancement includes striking catenary lighting and builds on…
Must List: Six Things to Do This Week
Jazz, colors, freedom
What are you up to this week? I’m going to see Emergence with my daughter, who’s a young dancer. Where should we eat dinner before the show? Today is Alien Abduction Day, and here’s how to celebrate. Waitress is at Fifth Avenue, and it sounds like a fun one. Ai Weiwei’s biggest U.S. show just…
Cascadia Art Museum Lands a Game-Changing Gift of Timeless Treasures
More than 75 rare Northwest paintings join the museum’s collection
What did the Aurora Bridge or South Lake Union look like in the 1930s? Probably not the way you picture it. Before tech campuses and traffic jams, Seattle’s waterfront and cityscapes had a different kind of energy — one captured in some of the paintings now headed to Cascadia Art Museum. Thanks to a major…
This Gym is a Hacker’s Heaven
Bellevue’s Upgrade Labs goes all in on biohacking
Debra Arend wants to live until she’s 120. Her husband, Kevin DeLashmutt, goes several steps further. His goal is 150. That’s just one reason why the couple recently became a franchisee of Upgrade Labs, a Bellevue-based wellness center whose website says is “unlike any gym you’ve ever experienced in North America.” Upgrade Labs is…
Fifth Avenue’s Waitress Delivers
The musical is uplifting, even whimsical at times
I loved the movie Waitress when it came out almost two decades ago. I also loved The Fifth Avenue Theatre’s rendition of the musical of the same name. An almost sold-out crowd last week was boisterous and raucous, with many booing the abusive husband (“Earl,” played by Dane Stokinger) and cheering the relationships between the…
How to Celebrate Alien Abduction Day Like a True Washingtonian
If aliens are coming for us, we might as well be prepared
The beauty of Alien Abduction Day (AAD) is that nobody really knows where it came from, much like the aliens themselves. One day, it just appeared. And if any state should fully embrace it, it’s Washington — because according to actual data, we are the second most UFO-obsessed state in the country. The almost-reigning champs…
SponsoredA Tropical Reef in the Pacific Northwest
The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion is now open
Dreading the return of “the Big Dark”? Great news: The Seattle Aquarium has you covered with the opening of its Ocean Pavilion expansion. It’s dedicated to the tropical reef ecosystems of the Coral Triangle, an area in the western Pacific so rich in marine biodiversity that it’s been called “the Amazon of the ocean.” This…
SponsoredUPrep Prioritizes Student Wellness
Comprehensive mental health support programs focus on well-being
At UPrep, a 6–12 private school in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood, student wellness is central to its academic program. Each of its 705 students benefit from a robust student support program. Students have easy access to mental health support. Each grade is paired with a counselor who supports them throughout their UPrep years, fostering lasting relationships….
SponsoredGables Queen Anne
Images courtesy of Gables Queen Anne Awaiting you in the heart of Queen Anne is the inspired lifestyle of Gables Queen Anne with unparalleled views and most importantly, a community created for you. Imagine yourself living in this upscale space with all the conveniences you need within walking distance. Our community provides well-designed high-end finishes…
The Pros and Cons of March Madness
Lost productivity costs the economy billions. That's right. Billions.
I haven’t filled out my March Madness bracket yet. When I do, I’ll be sure to do it after work. A report from betting site Action Network estimates that March Madness costs the U.S. economy a staggering $20.89 billion in lost productivity. Fully 40% of fans say they’ve called in sick to watch games in…
Back Page: Missile Misstep
Bainbridge Island residents fight missile base
Bainbridge Island residents most definitely did not want a missile base built in their community. Back in March 1969, Seattle magazine chronicled their fight, even praising them for raising awareness of national and international issues that “far transcend their private missile feud.” “If the Army goes ahead with its present plans to build a long-range…
Why All The Negativity About Downtown Seattle?
The numbers show that downtown is coming back
My buddy in Kirkland rarely ventures into Seattle. Ask him about downtown Seattle and he gets downright snarky. “It’s a cesspool,” he says. “Why would anyone want to go down there?” I hear comments like this all the time. And I don’t get it. Sure, downtown Seattle — like many other downtowns on the West…
Thinking About Moving to Ireland? You’re Not Alone.
Washington leads the nation in searches for a path to Ireland
Two years ago, my family took a trip to Ireland. We hiked through lush green hills, rode shaggy horses in open fields, wandered through small towns, and, of course, ended most nights in a pub with a pint of Guinness and live music. Lately, my thinking has taken a turn. Post-election madness, the looming recession,…
SponsoredThe Home For The Sleepers Of Seattle For 53 Years
For more than 50 years, our goal has been to improve the lives of our customers by responsibly promoting durable, quality, earth-friendly products for the home. We source, sell, and act with integrity, striving always to provide unmatched service. Designed For Sustainability Bedrooms & More focuses on two-sided flippable mattresses, providing both investment value and…
SponsoredGet Cozy in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Enjoy the bounty of a unique and beautiful destination this fall
During the fall months, Oregon’s Tualatin Valley becomes a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility. Nestled among rolling hills and lush vineyards, the valley takes on a special charm during “Cozy Season.” Cozy Season in Tualatin Valley is about embracing the art of slow living. It’s a time to disconnect from the fast pace of modern…
Simple Goodness
Plum Bistro chef and owner Makini Howell’s new cookbook makes vegan recipes easy
Plum Bistro restaurant owner and chef Makini Howell recently created some tasty vegan recipes for Stevie Wonder. Now she wants to do the same for you — sort of. Howell, who launched the popular vegan restaurant in Capitol Hill 20 years ago, just released a new plant-based cookbook, Simple Goodness: No-Fuss, Plant-Based Meals Straight From…
Tom’s Watch Bar Opens in Uptown
Popular sports bar features stadium-sized screens
A new bar that plays “all sports, all the time” has opened next door to Climate Pledge Arena. Tom’s Watch Bar, a popular sports bar and restaurant chain, features several stadium-size, high-definition screens in a two-story, 24,000-square-foot space at 105 Lenny Wilkens Way. It’s the bar’s first location in Seattle and 14th overall. A second…
How To Enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day in the Emerald City
Irish pubs plan a special day of events
Did you know that the bucolic green often associated with Ireland and the patron saint historically was not affiliated with that color? The Order of St. Patrick is associated with the color blue. And Saint Patrick was not Irish. He was born in Wales. “Also, Saint Patrick is not the only patron saint of Ireland,” says Paula Stokes, a native of Ireland now living in…
Trendy Darts Bar Set To Open in South Lake Union
Flight Club seeks to recreate a classic, 19th-century British pub with a modern twist
A trendy and lively darts bar that combines a classic pub atmosphere with a modern, upscale twist will open early next year in Seattle’ South Lake Union neighborhood. Flight Club Seattle will feature 11 private and semi-private darts playing areas knowns as “oches.” The bar offers various games and challenges to suit all skill levels,…
The Pulse: Twilight Season
A denim party and one very chill sloth
Everyone’s talking about spring. But Seattle — this is it for now. Gray and wet, with some sun speckled in. This is what you’re built for — slick streets and layered jackets. The city is at its most handsome when it’s moody. The cherry blossoms are just starting to show, soft little rebels that they…
Fixing Third Avenue, One Step At A Time
New lighting is part of a broader effort to revitalize the street
Third Avenue has long been the scourge of downtown Seattle. It’s been sketchy for at least the better part of two decades. It may not seem like much, but festive lighting has been installed along the “Spark Block,” between Stewart and Pine streets on Third Avenue. The enhancement includes striking catenary lighting and builds on…
Must List: Six Things to Do This Week
Jazz, colors, freedom
What are you up to this week? I’m going to see Emergence with my daughter, who’s a young dancer. Where should we eat dinner before the show? Today is Alien Abduction Day, and here’s how to celebrate. Waitress is at Fifth Avenue, and it sounds like a fun one. Ai Weiwei’s biggest U.S. show just…
Cascadia Art Museum Lands a Game-Changing Gift of Timeless Treasures
More than 75 rare Northwest paintings join the museum’s collection
What did the Aurora Bridge or South Lake Union look like in the 1930s? Probably not the way you picture it. Before tech campuses and traffic jams, Seattle’s waterfront and cityscapes had a different kind of energy — one captured in some of the paintings now headed to Cascadia Art Museum. Thanks to a major…
Popular Stories
What Did the Eras Tour Mean for Seattle?
Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows brought millions to the city
The Eras Tour is over. Taylor Swift’s 21-month world tour came to a close last Sunday after six nights in Vancouver, B.C. Along the way, it added a staggering $4.3 billion to the U.S. GDP — a number on par with the Super Bowl and the Olympics. But Seattle had its own economic moment when…
Pieces of a Ferry: The Story of the Kalakala
Remembering 'the workhorse of Puget Sound'
People often ask how I manage to find so many historical treasures, and quite honestly, it’s often just a matter of dumb luck. Case in point: Several months back I decided to stop at a random garage sale while out running errands. Nothing initially grabbed my eye, but on the way out I noticed an…
Is Downtown Seattle Again Becoming The Place To Be?
The numbers just keep getting better
More workers and visitors are increasingly going to downtown Seattle. While the growth is incremental, the numbers are cause for optimism. The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) reports that nearly 2.3 million unique visitors came downtown in November. That’s 90% of the visitors prior to the same month five years ago (shortly before the pandemic). It’s…
The Joys and Challenges of Living out of a Converted Bus
Don’t talk to Heather Shutter about small spaces. Sure, she lives in a converted, 400-square-foot school bus — a skoolie — with her husband, Ben, three children (ages 14, 12, and 10), several dogs, and a Gecko lizard. She’s a full-time attorney who works in a tiny, cramped compartment in the back. Her kids are…
Walla Walla: More Than Wine
Visitors come to sip and shop, but they return for the city’s sense of community
There seem to be two camps regarding Walla Walla: Those who love it, and those who haven’t been there. To be sure, the city boasts an enterprising spirit in this creative college town of artists, makers, brewers, and bakers. For a small town of 34,000 people living on farmland, there’s quite a lot going on. …
Sea the City
Escape winter with a float on a hot tub boat
Here’s a hot (or at least comfortably warm) attraction for Seattle’s cold winter months: a soak in 104-degree water on Lake Union in the city’s original hot tub boat. Hot Tub Boats is the brainchild of Adam Karpenske, who — after moving back to Seattle after working on super yachts in the Caribbean for more…
A Weekend in Park City with the Best Snow I’ve Ever Skied
Known for its luxury resorts and powder days, this tiny Utah town is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and après-lovers alike.
Last month, I found myself standing at the top of Prospector — a black-diamond run at the Park City Mountain Resort In Utah. I’d just sailed down the first part of Parley’s Park, a straightforward blue, and it was absolutely dumping snow. A fairly new skier for someone who grew up in Seattle (it was…
Costa Rican Coastline Bliss
Santa Teresa is a surfer yoga paradise on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula
Tucked away on the remote western edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has evolved from a laid-back surf town into a full-on boho chic destination for Left Coasters, Ticos, and Euros craving the perfect blend of surf, yoga, and superfood smoothies, all set to the chill house vibe of Café del Mar. With its…
Valentine’s Day: How Suite It Is
Check out these eight romantic getaways
Valentine’s Day: Dinner, flowers, romance. Done? This year consider a new tradition: the perfect annual excuse to pamper, luxuriate, and staycate. Here are eight local options for cozying up with Valentines, Galentines, and Palentines of every persuasion. W Bellevue Bellevue makes for a delightfully nearby staycation — just pop across the bridge and press…
Moxie on Monday: Live For Now
This moment matters more than you think
What if today was your last day on Earth? The last time you’ll see a sunset. The last time you’ll hug a loved one. The last walk on a beautiful beach. The last nap. The last dance. Would you see life differently? Would you savor every moment? Would you finally say the words you’ve been…
Moxie on Monday: Be the Rainbow
Storms pass, revealing colors that are yours to claim
Bad weather appears when you least expect it — suddenly, brilliantly — like a promise from the universe that light always follows the dark. Living on the Puget Sound, I’ve seen more rainbows — and double rainbows — than any other time in my life. Maybe it’s the endless misty showers, or maybe it’s something…
Moxie on Monday: The Power of 100 Hours
How to master almost anything — no expertise required
Have you heard of the 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his bestselling book, Outliers? The premise is that it takes thousands of hours of dedicated practice to become a true expert. And while that’s great for aspiring concert pianists or Olympic athletes, most of us aren’t striving to be world-class. We just want…
Grudge Detox: Purging Toxic Thoughts
Refocusing on the future rather than holding onto the past
I spent 20 years waiting for some sort of an apology from my stepfather. I was not entirely patient about this. For most of that time I was pretty furious, actually. And while I certainly wouldn’t characterize this as good or healthy, I don’t think it was entirely unjustified, either. My mom discovered he had…
Spencer Frazer: Second Act Artist Changing the World
Spencer Frazer is exemplary of multiple talents and multiple acts. Hear his journey of working on top secret government projects, to being a maker of combat knives, to finally emerging as one of the top painters in our region. Learn how he uses his art to change the world.
Peter Tomozawa: World Cup Baller Elevates Seattle, ep. 2
Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the Seattle World Cup organizing committee, chats about how Seattle snagged the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He discusses the hustle of local leaders, the importance of community support, and how the event will benefit the entire region.
Peter Tomozawa: World Cup Baller Elevates Seattle, ep. 1
Peter Tomozawa is the CEO of the Seattle World Cup Organizing Committee, responsible for readying our city for the biggest show in the world. He was also the prior president of the Seattle Sounders, and has had one of the most fascinating business careers spanning the globe. Join us as he tells us why Seattle should take center stage.
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SponsoredGables Queen Anne
Images courtesy of Gables Queen Anne Awaiting you in the heart of Queen Anne is the inspired lifestyle of Gables Queen Anne with unparalleled views and most importantly, a community created for you. Imagine yourself living in this upscale space with all the conveniences you need within walking distance. Our community provides well-designed high-end finishes…
SponsoredThe Home For The Sleepers Of Seattle For 53 Years
For more than 50 years, our goal has been to improve the lives of our customers by responsibly promoting durable, quality, earth-friendly products for the home. We source, sell, and act with integrity, striving always to provide unmatched service. Designed For Sustainability Bedrooms & More focuses on two-sided flippable mattresses, providing both investment value and…
SponsoredCitydog! Club: More wiggle in the wag!
All images courtesy of Citydog! Club Citydog! offers dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming and fun! The Club is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes that want to play and hang with the gang. Citydog! Club daycare will give dogs what they need and love – socialization, play, naps, and exercise,…
SponsoredA Tropical Reef in the Pacific Northwest
The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion is now open
Dreading the return of “the Big Dark”? Great news: The Seattle Aquarium has you covered with the opening of its Ocean Pavilion expansion. It’s dedicated to the tropical reef ecosystems of the Coral Triangle, an area in the western Pacific so rich in marine biodiversity that it’s been called “the Amazon of the ocean.” This…