Explore the offerings of western Washington this weekend, from a bookstore adventure and tulip tours to tantalizing bites during Seattle Restaurant Week.
SEATTLE — Spring is in full bloom in western Washington and the sun is shining this weekend.
Whether you’re photosynthesizing amid this weekend’s warm temperatures, looking for your next favorite book or trying out a new restaurant, there’s plenty to fill your calendar.
Here are five things to do this weekend:
Seattle Independent Bookstore Day: April 25 — This local one-day celebration of a national event takes place on Saturday. Readers are encouraged to visit and support their favorite local indie bookstore. You can also take part in the Indie Bookstore Day Passport Challenge (from April 25-May 4) by visiting as many of the 33 participating bookstores in western Washington as possible within the 10 days. For details, prize information and a list of bookstores, visit seattlebookstoreday.com.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: You still have time to see the colors of Skagit Valley’s tulip fields. The Tulip Festival website deems this your “last chance!” to see this year’s flowers. You can visit one tulip garden or multiple, though each has its own entry ticket requirements. To book tickets, see more information and find additional events in the area, visit tulipfestival.org.
Seattle Restaurant Week: April 19-May 2 — Seattle foodies, get your forks ready. You can explore dozens of restaurants in the Seattle area offering specially curated menus for prices between $20 to $65. Participating locations include cafes, food trucks and more. For a full list of locations, to see menus and make your reservations, visit srweek.org.
Bonus event: Seattle Cocktail Week: April 19-26 — The biggest cocktail celebration in the Pacific Northwest continues this weekend. Dozens of local bars are offering specialty cocktails, pop-ups and innovative food pairings to celebrate the craft of a well-made drink. The main event, Carnival of Cocktails, takes place Saturday at Pacific Place. The event includes tasting experiences, themed bars, demonstrations, local vendors and more. For more information, visit seattlecocktailweek.com.
The Tacoma Flea: April 25-26 — An array of curated vintage finds awaits this weekend’s Tacoma Flea market, held at the Waterfront Market at Ruston. The monthly flea market is garnering attention across western Washington for its selection of clothing, designer items, housewares and participating local vendors. For more information, visit @thetacomaflea on Instagram.
Holland Happening and International Festival: April 24-26 — Oak Harbor’s annual celebration of the Dutch settlers who helped found the town and its many cultures now takes place this weekend. A parade takes place Saturday morning along with a street festival, live music, a community Klompen race and more. For details, visit oakharborchamber.com/holland-happening.
Road closures to know
Southbound Highway 99 and Westbound lanes of the West Seattle Bridge will be closed Saturday morning from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. as the Emerald City Ride takes place. Expect additional delays in the area due to the event.
Southbound I-405 in Renton will shut down between SR 169 and SR 167 beginning as early as 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 24, and remain closed through 4 a.m. Monday, April 27.
The eastbound lanes of SR 18 are closed between Deep Creek and the I-90 interchange. The closure is part of ongoing improvements to the I-90/SR 18 interchange.
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