Sunny weather in Seattle sets the stage for Opening Day of boating season, Mariners games and AANHPI Heritage Month celebrations.
SEATTLE — May has arrived, and with it comes seasonal blooms and boats back on the water.
Sunny days are in the forecast, which is a good sign for Seattle’s Opening Day of boating season and a series of Mariners games on the schedule.
Here are five things to do this weekend in the Seattle area:
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration: Saturday, May 2 — May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Washington state. This festival is part of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round celebration of cultures. Saturday’s event at the Seattle Center includes dozens of performances, food vendors, local artists and more. Free, open to the public, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, visit seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/aanhpi-heritage-month-celebration.
Windemere Cup 2026: Saturday, May 2 — The University of Washington and Windermere Real Estate are hosting the 40th annual Windermere Cup rowing races on the Opening Day of boating season. More than 800 rowers will hit Lake Washington’s Montlake Cut in hopes of winning the namesake trophy. Crew races begin at 10:15 a.m. Free, open to the public.
Opening Day of boating season: Saturday, May 2 — The Windermere Cup is part of the boating season kickoff celebration in Seattle. At noon, the Seattle Yacht Club begins its Opening Day Boat Parade with the blast of a canon and raising the Montlake Bridge. For details, visit seattleyachtclub.org/opening-day-2026.
Seattle Black Film Festival: Through May 3 — This year marks the 23rd annual festival, with the theme of “the Sound of Us,” honoring the soundscapes of Black communities. Weekend events include workshops, film screenings, hosted conversations and more at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Tickets available; Sunday is free to the public. For details, visit sbff26.eventive.org.
Mariners at home: May 1-6 — The Mariners have back-to-back series at T-Mobile Park throughout the weekend. First up, the Kansas City Royals visit Seattle Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then, the Atlanta Braves play the M’s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Themed nights you won’t want to miss include College Night on May 1 and Stars Wars Night on May 4.
One last chance
Seattle Restaurant Week: Through May 2 — You still have one more weekend to visit restaurants in the Seattle area offering specially curated menus for prices between $20 to $65. For a full list of locations, to see menus and make your reservations, visit srweek.org.
Weekend forecast
Expect mostly sunny days ahead with temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s. As warmer weather approaches, anyone venturing near or into the water around western Washington should be cautious. Puget Sound waters remain very cold, despite the warm days.
“Cold Water Shock” usually happens when a person falls into cold water unexpectedly. It is a frequent cause of drowning accidents in the spring in Washington. Click here for more information.
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