Visit Seattle is set to partner with Hay Festival to celebrate the city’s literary heritage at Hay Festival Winter Weekend from 28 November - 1 December. Over four days, visitors flock to the ‘town of books’, where more than 70 acclaimed artists take part in over 60 events, featuring conversations, storytelling, comedy, arts and music in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye.   With the love of stories engrained in the city’s fabric, Seattle’s Native American ancestors set the groundwork for storytelling from its inception. With UNESCO City of Literature status, the city boasts a rich array of writers, independent bookstores, diverse publishers, and literary organisations, offering a connection between tale, people and place. Boasting an impressive public library system, including its architecturally renowned Central library, Seattle is the perfect exploration ground for the avid book lover.   Visit Seattle will be sponsoring the following events featuring acclaimed authors, comedians and actors from across the globe:  

• Friday 29 November: Luke Evans talks to Carol Vorderman
• Saturday 30th November: Paula Hawkins talks to Julia Gillard
• Saturday 30th November: Glyn Edwards
• Sunday 1st December: Rupert Everett talks to Natalie Hayne
• Sunday 1st December: Russell Kane

  Visit Seattle will proudly highlight its own literary talent by teaming up with the Winter Weekend Book Store to bring attendees the very best literature from the West Coast city, including reading material from its Bookmarked Series and banned books series. Guests can also have their photos taken at the Visit Seattle photobooth and find out more about the city.   Tammy Canavan, President & CEO, Visit Seattle said: “Hay on Wye, being fondly known as the ”town of books”, couldn’t be a more fitting location to highlight Seattle’s UNESCO City of Literature status to a UK audience.   “Seattle wouldn’t be the place it is without the culture, famous names and Native American ancestors who set the groundwork for storytelling. We're really excited to sponsor events featuring an array of globally renowned talented individuals. We hope the weekend will encourage culture lovers to book a trip and visit Seattle to follow in the footsteps of our literary legends themselves. ”   Hay Festival Global CEO, Julie Finch, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Visit Seattle team for the first time, connecting audiences across borders in a celebration of new ideas, joy and hope – what better way for a year-end festival to end one year and spring into the next? We’ll offer a world of different experiences at Hay Festival Winter Weekend 2024, sharing a heady dose of entertainment alongside some bold visions for the future. This will be our biggest Winter Weekend yet and none of that would be possible without the support of our artists, partners and funders. Join us!”   Look out for Visit Seattle at this year’s Hay Festival Winter Weekend from 28 November to 01 December. Visit: https://www.hayfestival.com/winter-weekend/home to book tickets now.

Visit Seattle is hoping to lure bookworms across the Pond. The destination is sponsoring one of the UK’s top literary festivals. Visit Seattle is partnering with Hay Festival to celebrate the town’s rich literary heritage at Hay Festival Winter Weekend from 28 November - 1 December. Over four days, visitors flock to the ‘town of books’, where more than 70 acclaimed artists take part in dozens of events, featuring conversations, storytelling, comedy, arts and music in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye. Seattle has its own literary and storytelling heritage. Seattle’s Native American ancestors set the groundwork for storytelling from its inception. With UNESCO City of Literature status, the city has a rich literary scene, with independent bookstores, diverse publishers, and literary organisations. Boasting an impressive public library system, including its architecturally renowned Central library, Seattle is the perfect exploration ground for the avid book lover. Visit Seattle will be sponsoring the following events featuring acclaimed authors, comedians and actors from across the globe: Friday 29 November: Luke Evans talks to Carol Vorderman Saturday 30 November: Paula Hawkins talks to Julia Gillard Saturday 30 November: Glyn Edwards Sunday 1 December: Rupert Everett talks to Natalie Hayne Sunday 1 December: Russell Kane Visit Seattle will proudly highlight its own literary talent by teaming up with the Winter Weekend Book Store to bring attendees the very best literature from the West Coast, including reading material from its Bookmarked Series and banned books series. Guests can also have their photos taken at the Visit Seattle photobooth and find out more about the city. Tammy Canavan, President & CEO, Visit Seattle said: “Hay on Wye, being fondly known as the ”town of books”, couldn’t be a more fitting location to highlight Seattle’s UNESCO City of Literature status to a UK audience. “Seattle wouldn’t be the place it is without the culture, famous names and Native American ancestors who set the groundwork for storytelling.” “We're really excited to sponsor events featuring an array of globally renowned talented individuals.” Hay Festival Global CEO, Julie Finch, added: “We are delighted to be working with the Visit Seattle team for the first time, connecting audiences across borders in a celebration of new ideas, joy and hope” https://www.hayfestival.com/winter-weekend/home

It is almost 30 years since the death of Kurt Cobain but hometown Seattle remains a spiritual destination for fans of the Nirvana front man and Grunge music. To honor the 30^th anniversary (April 5, 2024) of Cobain’s passing, here are seven ways fans can play homage to the icon in 2024.   The Crocodile  In the 1990's, The Crocodile was the hot spot for every grunge band and fan in the country. Supporting aspiring artists such as Green Day, The Strokes, and Nirvana, it has hosted some of the most iconic shows in music history. Located in Belltown, it’s a must-visit for every fan. Relocated a few years ago, it is still an unmatched independent music venue.  Nirvana last performed at the club on 4 October 1992 as a "secret opening act".   Central Saloon  Central Saloon is said to be the "birthplace of grunge" with the likes of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden performing at the venue in the 1980s. In the same decade, popular grunge label Sub Pop Records was born. Central Saloon was the performance venue for many of Sub Pop's bands. On April 16th 1988, Nirvana played their first home show at the venue. The label would go on to release the band's debut album.   Viretta Park As he has no grave, a popular spot for fans to pay their respects is in Seattle's Viretta Park, which borders the house where Kurt once resided with Courtney Love. The park has become a memorial for Cobain with two benches marked with messages from fans.   Screwdriver Bar Nicknamed "Rock N Roll Utopia", Screwdriver Bar was once a rehearsal space for Nirvana between the release of Bleach and Nevermind. After deciding to not renew their lease, the space sat empty until a group of friends decided to turn it into a bar where customers could drink and enjoy music. The dimly lit basement serves beer & cocktails, with a rock 'n' roll jukebox and pinball machines.   Linda's Tavern Linda's Tavern was one of Cobain's old haunts and would be regularly visited by the grunge star. Also known as the "grunge Cheers", this laid-back bar was the last place he was seen in public before his death. Today, fans head to the cowboy themed tavern and sit in the booth where Cobain was last seen.   The Edgewater Hotel The Edgewater Hotel has had numerous rock 'n' roll royalty come through its doors, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Nirvana were no strangers to the historic hotel, with one of Kurt Cobain's final interviews being held on a guest room balcony in August 1993.  Guests can stay in one of the rock star themed suites. The Pearl Jam Suite is a popular request featuring grunge décor, a guitar, amplifier and record player.   Museum of Pop Culture  As the birthplace of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix to name a few, Seattle's music heritage is world-renowned and extensive. The eclectic music scene is no better appreciated than at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). Designed by Frank Gehry, there are permanent exhibitions on the aforementioned musicians, a guitar gallery displaying instruments by artists such as Slash and Dave Grohl, and a sound lab where visitors can make their own music. Fans can play tribute at 'Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses' - a permanent exhibit offering an intimate look at the band's past, with more than 200 rare artefacts, photographs, and oral histories. For more:  https://visitseattle.org/ 

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Every culture vulture needs to add Seattle to their 2024 bucket list. Famed for its music, food, cultural calendar and authentic arts scene, check out these not to be missed Seattle festivals.   Taste Washington (14-24 March) Taste Washington, one of the biggest food and wine festivals in the Pacific Northwest is back. From 14-24 March, the event will feature over 250 wineries alongside the state's best restaurants. This year, the festival presents Pacific Standard - a highly anticipated dinner series - bringing wine lovers and makers together to enjoy a meal prepared by premier chefs. Also worth checking out is The New Vintage, a walk around tasting experience featuring modern cuisine, cocktails, spirits and of course, wine. It's an excuse to dress up and take a spin around the dance floor. Expect talks, tasting and much more.   Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival (12-14 April) In partnership with Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Committee, Seattle Center Festál presents Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. Deepening the understanding of Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage, the festival educates through hundreds of performances, martial arts, exhibits and demonstrations. There will also be hands-on children's activities, culinary treats, and more.   Northwest Folklife Festival 2024 (24-27 May) Northwest Folklife is a large open-air music and arts festival at Seattle Center. There will be buskers, concerts and impromptu jam sessions, which showcase the music culture of the city that has birthed some of the greatest musicians. Team music with food from different cultures, whilst learning from a line-up of workshops and lectures.   Indigenous People Festival (8 June) Providing a space for Native people to celebrate their unique culture through dance, song and arts, the Indigenous People Festival is presented at Seattle Center Festál, a series of 24 free festivals taking place throughout the year, in partnership with Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB). Take part in engaging activities and share indigenous experiences.   PrideFest (29-30 June) Located in both Capitol Hill and at the Seattle Center, PrideFest welcomes an array of citywide celebrations. Travellers can expect colourful festivities with bright decor, outfits, excellent music, dancing, performances and special guests.   Capitol Hill Block Party (19-21 July) Celebrating the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, 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. This year's headliners are still to be confirmed.   Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival (31 August - 1st September) Bumbershoot was named after an umbrella to describe the wide variety of arts and performances that the festival encompasses. Returning in 2024, attendees can expect an abundance of comedy, film, dance, theatre, literature and visual arts. The lineup is heavy on music and has previously featured icons such as Bob Dylan and Mary J Blige. Part of the primary focus of the lineup is regional Pacific Northwest talent. Bumbershoot will be held over the Labor Day weekend.   Refract (17-18 October) Bringing together the art community, Refract will return to Seattle in 2024. The event showcases the medium of glass art in the Pacific Northwest, with around 60 local artists showcasing their talent. Glass art enthusiasts and novices can enjoy artist parties, exclusive open studio tours, special gallery exhibitions, and glass blowing demonstrations at multiple locations.   Cloudbreak (tbc November) A true celebration of the city's vibrant music venues, Cloudbreak  returns in late 2024.  The festival is a joint venture between Visit Seattle and King County, inviting travellers and locals to immerse themselves in Seattle's much-loved live music scene. As part of the music-driven festival, hotel guests at 70 participating Downtown Seattle hotels will gain free access to over 60 concerts across the city. Guests can show their hotel key card along with a special Cloudbreak card on arrival at participating music venues. To plan a trip to Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org  

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This September iconic movie "Sleepless in Seattle" celebrates its 30 years since its release. It is an apt time to rediscover the city or explore Seattle for the first time. With a constant backdrop of the city, the movie is one of the most loved rom-coms in recent years, starring the dynamic duo Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Travellers can follow in the footsteps of the characters in these sought-after Seattle spots.   Dive into Dinner at Serious Pie Formerly known as Dahlia Lounge, Tom Douglas' Serious Pie is a hearty pizzeria with a bread baker's soul. Serving salads, sandwiches and pizzas with fresh crusts, they're known for being 'light with enough bite'. Each pizza is made in a stone-encased apple wood-burning oven. Here, Sam Baldwin was photographed by a private investigator hired by Annie Reed, whilst enjoying a date with another woman.   Breakfast at Bacco Cafe & Bistro A mixture of Pacific Northwest cuisine with modern fare, Bacco Cafe & Bistro serves breakfast and lunch with local produce and organic eggs. Just steps away from Bacco is 'Inn at the Market' which can be seen receiving a small cameo in the movie. This is where Baldwin and Jay (Rob Reiner) walk underneath the hotel's sign on their way to Pike Place Market.   Discover Pike Place Market One of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the US, Pike Place Market offers everything from local specialty foods and beverages to artisan crafts and shopping stalls. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered 'the soul' of the city spanning nine acres in downtown Seattle. With more than 10 million visitors annually, Pike Place Market is Seattle's most popular tourist destination. Pike Place Market is where Baldwin, his date and Jay are grocery shopping for their dinner. They purchase groceries from Manzo Brothers Produce.   Lunch at Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar was first opened by three Greek brothers in 1909. Some say the venue has some of the best views in the city. The sign on the door is the original one which hung there over a half a century ago. Fans of the film can recreate the famous scene where Sam and Jay have steamed clams and brews for lunch whilst discussing the mysteries of dating, including the famous 'tiramisu' conversation. They can even sit at the same spot - look out for the "Tom Hanks Sat Here" plaque marking the stool where the character sat in the movie.   Explore Alki Beach From Seattle, hop on the water taxi to Alki Beach and experience unmatched views of where the city and water meet. A long beach strip that runs four km long, Alki Beach is a popular spot amongst walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, and cyclists enjoying the sun. Alki Beach is where Annie watches Sam and his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) from a distance before they dart off in their motorboat. Today, Duke's Chowder House is on that very same spot.   Canderé Cruise to the famous houseboat The most popular request of all, explore Seattle's waterways in search of the famed houseboat where Sam and Jonah live. Travellers can head out in style with Canderé Cruising to discover the houseboat made famous in Sleepless in Seattle. Travellers can also venture out to Fremont Bridge where Sam and Jonah take their motorboat followed closely by Annie.   Enjoy a cosy stay at Hotel Sorrento Hotel Sorrento is the shining star of Sleepless in Seattle. A hotel destined for romance, this is where Annie can be seen conversing with Becky (Rosie O'Donnell) about love. For those looking to stay in the same suite - opt for room 608. Each of the 76 rooms and suites features the building's original 1909 details including carved wood mouldings, vintage furnishings and one-of-a-kind artwork. To plan a trip to Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org. 

  Nicknamed the Emerald City because of the evergreen landscape which surrounds it, travellers can have the best of both worlds in Seattle. Spend a long weekend exploring the city before swapping the skyline for a mountain, forest or epic Pacific Ocean landscape. Whatever the interest of travellers, Seattle’s borders have them covered.   Island Hopping    San Juan Island   Across the water from Seattle are the San Juan Islands, an archipelago of 172 different islands, one of the biggest of which is the San Juan Island. Accessible via a ferry from downtown Seattle, San Juan Island offers a picturesque harbour, sweeping fields with livestock and beautiful vineyards where visitors can sample a variety of different wines. With historic lighthouses and sweeping fields of lavender, the Island is an ideal spot for those looking to relax, unwind and enjoy slow travel.   Bainbridge Island   Entirely surrounded by salt water and famed for its outstanding natural beauty, rustic character and close proximity to the city, Bainbridge Island is a popular destination for day trippers. Travellers can wander around the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, visit one of the six wineries, or try watersports such as kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Bainbridge Island also has a fantastic gastronomy offering, with everything from farm-to-fork restaurants to local coffee roasters.   Forest Finds   Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest   Just an hour outside of Seattle, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is an incredible landscape where visitors are fully immersed in nature. Located on the west side of the Cascades between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park, the historical site boasts breathtaking greenery, magical mountain meadows and views that reflect a painting. The year-round recreational opportunities are endless but summer is a particularly good time to visit, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, river rafting and bird watching. There are also a number of campgrounds for adventurous travellers looking to sleep beneath the stars.   Hoh Rain Forest: Olympic National Park   Located within the Olympic National Park peninsula opposite Seattle, Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the US. Tucked away from highways and commercial flight paths, Hoh Rain Forest is the quietest spot in all of North America, meeting the criteria of having a noise-free interval of at least 15 minutes. The beautiful rainforest is home to towering trees adorned with moss and ferns, and multiple trails which explore its green landscape, making it a great place to switch off.   National Parks    Mount Rainier National Park   For a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, a day trip to Mt. Rainier National Park offers some of the best opportunities for adventure, exploration and learning, all just a two-hour drive from the city. Set sights on the stunning mountain teamed with gorgeous valleys, waterfalls and subalpine meadows. At 14,410ft, Mt. Rainier has more than 130 trails to explore on foot, ranging from easy to challenging, but all with scenic views.   North Cascades National Park   A 2.5-hour drive from the city centre, North Cascades National Park is home to more than a third of the glaciers in the lower 48 US states. With towering summits and broad lakes, the park boasts accessible waterfall hikes, alpine meadows and a range of furry wildlife. On the west side sits Ross Lake and Diablo Lake, with waters of turquoise blue and beautiful views whilst east is home to the green wilderness of Okanogan National Forest. Winding through the park are trails to trek which journey through ageing forests and magical meadows. Here, visitors can spot the chirping wildlife, including chipmunks, marmots and pikas.

From farmers markets to a vibrant food truck scene and fine dining, Seattle is a city that has every conceivable taste covered. Creating a lasting imprint on diners, local restaurants pride themselves on having a sense of community deep rooted in Pacific Northwest heritage. The city's close connections to the coastline place seafood at the forefront of its cuisine. Menus are heavily influenced by local farmers and producers from across the state. Take a culinary journey and sample these top five foodie experiences.   Spoilt for choice at Pike Place Market  One of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the US, Pike Place Market in Seattle offers everything from locally sourced specialty foods and delicious beverages to artisan crafts. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered 'the soul' of the city spanning nine acres in the center of downtown. Families can sample the culinary delights of Pike Place Market with an Eat Seattle food tour or grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, founded in 1971.   Eat like Tom Hanks at Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar Offering the freshest seafood in the city, The Athenian is noted for its appearance in the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, follow Tom Hanks with steamed clams for lunch. Nestled in the famous Pike Place Market, the eatery was first opened in 1909 by three Greek brothers. Once a bakery and a luncheonette, it was one of the first restaurants in Seattle to be issued a licence for beer in 1933. The sign over the front door is the original one, hung there almost a century ago. The view from the restaurant is also one of the best in the city.   Fine dining at Canlis Any discerning foodie visiting Seattle will attempt to get a reservation at Canlis. Combining sumptuous dishes with a sweeping view of the city, the restaurant overlooks Gas Works Park and the Cascade Mountains. The kitchen offers a multi-course dining experience where guests choose three of the courses and the rest are a surprise. Built in 1950, the establishment remains family-owned. It has multiple James Beard awards under its belt.   Willmott's Ghost in the Amazon Spheres The Spheres are an iconic centrepiece created for Amazon employees in downtown Seattle. An original concept, Willmott's Ghost became the second space in the building open to the public, heralded by Pacific Northwest chef Renee Erickson. Gaining inspiration from previous travels to Italy, the menu focuses on the flavours of Rome, and is filled with delicious antipasti favourites and stone baked pizza.   Enjoy the fruits of your labour at The Herbfarm  With over 900 wineries across Washington state, the destination is the second largest producer of premium wine in the country. Seattle has numerous urban wineries within the city, while Woodinville Wine Country has 130 plus wineries on offer. The experiences don't stop at wine. Visit The Herbfarm for 24 Hours at the Farm. Start the morning with a farm tour by assisting the day's harvest. Enjoy brunch and watch the kitchen come to life in preparation of the freshly picked produce. Before dinner, stroll through the gardens, have an afternoon nap or take in the relaxing Sammamish River. Later enjoy the cooked harvest in a romantic, candlelight. Then kick back with an overnight stay in The Willows Lodge. For more information visit: visitseattle.org

 

Get spoilt for choice at Pike Place Market 

    One of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the United States, Pike Place Market in Seattle offers everything from locally sourced specialty foods and delicious beverages to artisan crafts and shopping stalls. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered ‘the soul’ of the city spanning nine historic acres in the centre of downtown Seattle. Families can sample the culinary delights of Pike Place Market with an Eat Seattle food tour or grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, founded in 1971.  

Eat like Tom Hanks at Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar

    Offering the freshest seafood in the city, The Athenian is most known for its appearance in the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, what better time to sit where Tom Hanks once enjoyed steamed clams for lunch with Rob Reiner whilst discussing the mysteries of dating. Nestled in the famous Pike Place Market, the eatery was first opened in 1909 by three Greek brothers. Once a bakery and a luncheonette, it was one of the first restaurants in Seattle to be issued a liquor licence for beer in 1933. The sign over the front door is the original one, hung there almost a century ago. The view from the restaurant is also one of the best in the city.  

Dine lavishly at Canlis

    Any discerning foodie visiting Seattle will attempt to get a reservation at Canlis. Teaming once-in-a-lifetime dishes with a sweeping view of the city, the restaurant overlooks Gas Works Park and the Cascade Mountains creating the perfect atmosphere for a fine dinner, without being stuffy. The kitchen offers a multi-course dining experience where guests choose three of the courses and the rest are a surprise. Built in 1950, the establishment remains family-owned and, with multiple James Beard awards under its belt, is considered one of the best in the US.  

Discover Willmott's Ghost in the Amazon Spheres

    The Spheres are an iconic centrepiece created for Amazon employees in downtown Seattle. An original concept, Willmott’s Ghost became the second space in the building open to the public, heralded by Pacific Northwest chef Renee Erickson. Gaining inspiration from previous travels to Italy, the menu focuses on the flavours of Rome, and is filled with delicious antipasti favourites and stone baked pizza. The interior boasts relaxing pastel colours and stylish seating.  

Enjoy the fruits of your labour at The Herbfarm 

    With over 900 wineries across Washington state, the destination is the second largest producer of premium wine in the country. Seattle has numerous urban wineries within the city, while Woodinville Wine Country, just a stone's throw away, has 130 plus wineries on offer. And the experiences don’t stop at wine. Visit The Herbfarm and immerse in its daily routine by experiencing 24 Hours at the Farm. Start the morning with a farm tour by assisting the day’s harvest. Enjoy brunch served by the talented chefs and watch the kitchen come to life in preparation of the freshly picked produce. Before dinner, stroll through the gardens, have an afternoon nap or take in the relaxing Sammamish River. Later enjoy the cooked harvest in a romantic, candlelight setting before retiring in the comfort of The Willows Lodge.

 

Seattle is home to a thriving and active LGBTQ community. From 24-25 June, the city will celebrate  its 49th annual Pride with a “Galactic Love.” theme. Discover how Seattleites and visitors alike can sashay their way through Pride weekend. 

  PrideFest   Taking place in Capitol Hill and Seattle Center on 24 and 25 June, PrideFest is celebrated across three stages, two beverage gardens, through local businesses, as well as family and youth programming. The much anticipated events are a citywide celebration of everything love has to offer. And visitors can expect colourful festivities with bright decor, outfits, excellent music, dancing, performances and special guests. Headliners for PrideFest this year include Little Miss Hot Mess, Angel Bonilla, Jayla Rose, and Thorgy Thor.   Seattle Pride Parade   Join the dazzling display of LGBTQIA+ performers on Saturday 25 in Downtown Seattle from 11am-3pm. Starting at Fourth Avenue and ending at PrideFest at Seattle Center, this ishe largest parade in the state and the celebration brings more than 300, 000 people together to celebrate equality and advocate for an even more colourful future.   “Rainbow on the Eastside” Pride Month Art Show   With 19 diverse artists showing off their talents, the third annual “Rainbow on the Eastside” exhibition for Eastside LGBTQIA+ artists will be on view at the Centro Cultural Mexicano (CCM) in Redmond until the 30th June.   Pride Weekend at Rhein Haus   Local beer garden Rhein Haus is hosting a full weekend of activities with drag bingo, brunch and musical performances. Beginning on 24th June, festivities kick off with a Bingo and Brunch, headlined by Willow Pill from RuPaul’s Drag Race. You can also expect appearances from Drag Race’s Nicky Doll and Ada Vox, Madison Rose, Queen Andrew, Londyn Bradshaw, Rowan Ruthless, and Dion Dior Black.   Runway Pride Drag Brunch   On the 25th June, Runway Pride Drag Brunch is the perfect way to kick off the Pride parade. Grab the glitter, the drinks and the colourful getup, before heading to popular Mexican hotspot downtown, the Taqueria Cantina.. The Red carpet Pride Celebration will take place on the plaza of Landmark Harbor Steps with the amazing Ladie Chablis hosting, talented local Drag Queens performing and special guests from everyone’s favourite drag show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. Special guest Rock M Sakura will be performing.   Explore Capitol Hill   An LGBTQ+ haven all year round, Capitol Hill is Seattle’s gayborhood. Home to artists, hipsters, musicians and students from all walks of life,  those looking to experience the LGBTQ+ scene of Seattle, with its pride-painted roads, is the place to be. The district has an array of LGBT run businesses, such as Broadcast Coffee, Proto101 and Bang hair salon in addition to gay bars  Unicorn and the The Cuff Complex.   W Seattle - Stand for Love Package   Allowing guests to celebrate in style, W Seattle is offering a Stand for Love Package, for one and all. With high-floor accommodations, two tasty cocktails in the Living Room Bar, and an exclusive Pride Pack which includes a disposable camera, Pride flag, handheld fan, sunscreen, water and liquid IV. Travellers should use the code YX1 up until 30th June to redeem the offer.

Seattle is home to a thriving and active LGBTQ community. From 24-25 June, the city will celebrate its 49th annual Pride with a "Galactic Love" theme. Discover how Seattleites and visitors alike can sashay their way through Pride weekend. PrideFest Taking place in Capitol Hill and Seattle Center on 24 and 25 June, PrideFest is celebrated across three stages, two beverage gardens, through local businesses, as well as family and youth programming. The events are a citywide celebration of being proud and loud. Expect colorful festivities with bright decor, outfits, music, dancing, performances and special guests. Headliners for PrideFest this year include Little Miss Hot Mess, Angel Bonilla, Jayla Rose, and Thorgy Thor. Seattle Pride Parade Join the dazzling display of LGBTQIA+ performers on Saturday 25 in Downtown Seattle from 11am-3pm. Starting at Fourth Avenue and ending at PrideFest at Seattle Center, this is the largest parade in the state and the celebration brings more than 300, 000 people together to celebrate equality.   ‘Rainbow on the Eastside’ Pride Month Art Show With 19 diverse artists showing off their talents, the third annual ‘Rainbow on the Eastside’ exhibition for Eastside LGBTQIA+ artists will be on view at the Centro Cultural Mexicano (CCM) in Redmond until the 30 June. Pride Weekend at Rhein Haus Local beer garden Rhein Haus is hosting a full weekend of activities with drag bingo, brunch and musical performances. Beginning on 24 June, festivities kick off with a Bingo and Brunch, headlined by Willow Pill from RuPaul's Drag Race. You can also expect appearances from Drag Race's Nicky Doll and Ada Vox, Madison Rose, Queen Andrew, Londyn Bradshaw, Rowan Ruthless, and Dion Dior Black. Runway Pride Drag Brunch On the 25 June, Runway Pride Drag Brunch is the perfect way to kick off the Pride parade. Grab the glitter, the drinks and colorful getup and head to popular Mexican hotspot downtown, the Taqueria Cantina. The red carpet pride celebration will take place on the plaza of Landmark Harbor Steps with the amazing Ladie Chablis hosting, talented local drag queens performing and special guests from everyone's favorite drag show, RuPaul's Drag Race. Special guest Rock M Sakura will be performing. Explore Capitol Hill An LGBTQ+ haven all year round, Capitol Hill is Seattle's gayborhood. It is home to artists, hipsters, musicians and students from all walks of life. For those looking to experience the LGBTQ+ scene of Seattle, with its pride-painted roads, this is the place to be. The district has an array of LGBT run businesses, such as Broadcast Coffee, Proto101 and Bang Hair Salon in addition to gay bars Unicorn and the The Cuff Complex. W Seattle - Stand for Love Package Allowing guests to celebrate in style, W Seattle is offering a Stand for Love Package. It offers high-floor accommodations, two cocktails in the Living Room Bar, and an exclusive Pride Pack. This includes a disposable camera, Pride flag, handheld fan, sunscreen, water and liquid IV. Use the code YX1 up until 30 June to redeem the offer. For more information visit: visitseattle.org

Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Sleepless, Starbucks, Frasier, Amazon or Flying Fish. Everybody has their image of Seattle, but most are gained from afar. With the major development of cruises along the Northwest passage and beyond to Alaska that situation is changing rapidly. Coupled with an increasing frequency of direct links from Europe and in a flight time that is less than Florida the whole region is experiencing a rapid upturn in popularity. What is so attractive? A long list of attractions, superb food, friendly people and for me a feeling of being so remote from home of frontiersmanship.  If you are booked on a cruise and decide not to make the most of the vibe so evident throughout the city, then you will be so much the poorer. So, what can one do? Well, the first thing one must realise is that Seattle has some fabulous neighbourhoods so don’t just stick to the downtown area. A quick cab ride out to West Seattle bought me to the infamous Easy Street Records which not only has an unbelievable collection of vinyl records for sale, about 45,000, but it also has a very nice cafe as part of the shop. Each set breakfast has a name and I opted for a Dolly Parton stack which consists of two large pancakes, two eggs and two strips of bacon. I was tempted by the Johnny Cash but an 8oz Sirloin seems excessive at 9am. What a place! The whole atmosphere was relaxed, food was great and of course the background music eclectic excellence. Once breakfast was finished, I had a stroll around the hood and the Easy Street culture was evident everywhere. Small independent, quirky retailers, no massive global or even national brands and its uniqueness made it that much more attractive and interesting. Another Uber took me back to the big city and I was off to the famous Pike Place Market to explore the stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Here you can see Flying fish as the fishmongers throw the produce around. They throw with some gusto, some distance and with a high degree of skill. My thought was where do they train for this?  Make sure you sit down and have a coffee, Seattle is famous for it, and take in the atmosphere of the place. There is a high degree of tourist city about it although lots of locals are present and the commerce taking place is genuine. Seattle is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The city is nestled between the Puget Sound, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, and the Cascade Range, which includes majestic mountains like Mount Rainier. The combination of mountains, water bodies, and lush greenery is something you would want to make the most of. First up is Space Needle, an iconic Seattle landmark with an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the city. It’s close to everything including Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit where one can see beautiful glass art installations by artist Dale Chihuly. The Needle, which was built for the 1962 World’s Fair along with the monorail that speeds above your head in the city, definitely has an early Star Trek quality about it. The 1962 World Fair theme was ‘The Age of Space’ so it is hardly surprising. Slightly more up to date is the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel on the waterfront where one can take a ride for stunning views of the city skyline and the waters. The most modern view is, believe it or not, at the Sky View Observatory.  Higher than the others it offers interactive help, a bar, food and the most sweeping views of the city and Washington state. If you’re at the Space Needle go downstairs to the Museum of Pop Culture (Mo POP), a unique museum that explores music, sci-fi, and popular culture through interactive exhibits. Visit the Seattle Art Museum, which has an extensive collection of contemporary and traditional art from around the world. Take a stroll through the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, which has a vibrant art scene and interesting architecture. Finally, if you do nothing else in Seattle ensure you visit the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). Here you can learn of the history of Seattle and the surrounding areas, the role Native Americans had, the effect of the Klondike Gold rush, the great fire, and the developments of new industries such as Boeing and Microsoft. Exhibits include the rise of pop culture from Hendrix to Nirvana, Starbucks’ first ever poster and the fact that Carnation Milk comes for just a few miles away.

Head to Seattle this summer and bask in its vibrant culture. With a $400,000 investment in street art, award-winning restaurants, and noted as the 'safest' city in the world for solo travellers, make tracks for a cultural hub that never disappoints.   1980s 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 favorite show.  Exploring the Upside Down whilst trying to save the city of Hawkins, participants will be submerged in 80s nostalgia. Visit Hawkins National Lab with a whole new storyline created just for the experience. Step into the neon world of Mix-Tape and continue the revival with themed cuisine, fun photo ops, Stranger Things merchandise and interactive performers.   Seattle's Nordic musical connections at Jónsi FLÓÐ (Flood) Known for its individualism in music, 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 Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, the exhibit changes environmental conditions within the gallery. It engages 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.   Oscar-winning production secrets at MoPOP 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 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.   PrideFest (24 - 25 June) Located in both Capitol Hill and at the Seattle Center, PrideFest welcomes an array of citywide celebrations and 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 colorful festivities with bright decor, outlandish outfits, and an array of music, dancing and special guests.   Capitol Hill Block Party (21-23 July) 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 can be found.   Seattle's first-ever Afrobeats festival BLASTFEST (29 July) Set to make its 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, a first of its kind festival will feature 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.   Seattle International Dance Festival returns (10-18 June) For the first time since 2019, Seattle International Dance Festival will showcase a full international program featuring debuts from over 100 artists and 20 different dance groups. The diverse dance celebrations will see performances from the US, India, France, and Germany, with a special South Korea Fest taking place during the second weekend of the festival.   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 creative cocktails and tasty bites. 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. The centrepiece at The Bar is an illuminated installation of 36 signature Chihuly Drawings.   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. It includes 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.   Pizza by Celebrity Chef Shota Nakajima Three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and YV 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, visit www.visitseattle.org.