Celebrate across western Washington this weekend with events like Mason County’s Forest Festival, a farewell to Ume the tapir and an international festival in Kent.
SEATTLE — May is coming to a close, but the season of celebration is in full swing.
Festivals are in full bloom across the region, from wildfire prevention and logging to a global festival honoring culture and community. This weekend also includes some goodbyes and graduations.
Here are five things to do in western Washington this weekend:
Legends of the Timber: May 28-31 — The annual four-day Forest Festival takes place in Mason County this weekend. Honoring “Timber Town,” the event includes a carnival, fun run, pancake breakfast, parade, logging show, fireworks and more. A full lineup and more information are available here.
Goodbye, Ume: May 29-31 — Ume, a Malayan tapir at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo, is moving to a Midwest zoo in early June. This weekend is the last chance to see the tapir, who was born at the zoo in February 2025. The move is part of a species survival plan to help ensure a healthy future for endangered Malayan tapirs.
Asian American Film Festival: May 29-31 — The 14th annual Seattle Asian American Film Festival will be held at the Wing Luke Museum and Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. This year’s theme is “Fate/Interconnectedness in the Asian diaspora.” Ticket information and a schedule are available here.
Kent International Festival: May 30 — The 18th annual festival takes place at the accesso ShoWare Center, highlighting cultures, cuisine and performances from around the world. Two stages will feature dance and demonstrations throughout the day, along with an art fair, local vendors and food trucks. More information is available here.
Black Graduation: May 30-31 — Hosted by Wa Na Wari in partnership with the Northwest African American Museum, this two-day event celebrates Black artists with an art fair and cultural gathering in Seattle’s Central District. The inaugural event focuses on themes of lineage and emergence, with speeches, art displays, live music and more. For more information and tickets, visit their website.
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