Seattle summer doesn’t arrive all at once — it trickles in, a little ore light here, a slightly warmer evening there. We’re not all the way in, but we’re close enough to start making plans.

1. Panda Fest

I don’t usually trust anything with a mascot, but I’ll make an exception for the giant inflatable panda presiding over a weekend of dumplings and bubble tea. Panda Fest has already made its way through New York and Boston, and now it’s Seattle’s turn. Seventy Asian food vendors, live performances, market stalls, and the kind of snacks you end up dreaming about later. Tickets start at $11 and come with a panda-themed gift. June 6-8 | Seattle Center

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Photo courtesy of Panda Fest

2. Hike the bluffs

Whether you celebrate Father’s Day or not, a walk along the bluffs at Ebey’s Landing is always a good idea. This easy 3.6-mile loop has wide-open views of Puget Sound and an edge-of-the-cliff thrill — just enough to make it exciting without being risky. It’s a solid pick for any clear Sunday. And if you time it right, you can wrap up with lobster rolls and beer at Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar in Langley, my favorite spot for seafood, before heading home. June 15 |Whidbey Island. 

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Photo by Trish Drury / Danita Delimont / Adobe

3. Juneteenth at NAAM

NAAM knows how to celebrate Juneteenth. This year’s “Juneteenth: A Movement for Joy” is exactly that — a joyful, community-rooted day filled with music, roller skating, food trucks, and a Black artist market. But it’s also a powerful reminder that Black joy is resistance. Expect new exhibitions, voter registration booths, and free books for kids, all reinforcing the idea that Black liberation isn’t just history — it’s here now. June 19 | Northwest African American Museum

Arts and crafts for kids will be part of NAAM’s Juneteenth celebration, along with many other activities.

Photo courtesy of Northwest African American Museum (NAAM)

4. Sunday public sail on Lake Union

Every last Sunday from April through October, the Center for Wooden Boats offers free rides on everything from sailboats and motorboats to schooners, steamboats, electric boats, and even a yawl. It’s first come, first served, so get there early. Bring sunscreen or a windbreaker. Bring snacks and a hat. Bring the part of yourself that remembers how fun it is to wait in line for something magical. Last Sundays | Center for Wooden Boats

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Photo courtesy of Center for Wooden Boats

5. La Loba

Chef Oscar Amador Edo — a James Beard Award nominee known for his inventive tapas in Las Vegas — brings the flavors of Spain to the Pacific Northwest with grilled meats, Spanish charcuterie, and local seafood. The cocktail and wine menus are built for lingering, which you’ll want to do once the smoked salmon montadito with truffled Beecher’s cheese hits the table. 2125 Terry Ave. | South Lake Union

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Photo courtesy of La Loba