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City Cast Seattle

City Cast Seattle Staff

We’re getting a jump on next month by releasing our monthly guide for May a day early, and we’re discussing everything from 

 to all sorts of good food, and much more.

Whether you’re a hardcore winter bike commuter or a fairweather pleasure rider, the weather’s finally nice enough that you might ditch your fenders. Here are a few ways you can get out on two wheels this month:

Celebrate Bike Everywhere Day on May 13 by commuting to work or just riding around for fun! Be sure to check out Cascade Bike Club’s list of 

, where you can find free food and swag around town.

 on May 28 at Golden Gardens! Theme TBD (if you have thoughts, shoot us a message)

 on May 30, which hits up four Mighty O locations around town.

 or sign up to take a bike repair class this summer at 

If you’d rather leave bike maintenance to the experts, visit your local bike shop — my favorites are 

May is a big month for movies over here in Seattle. The big event is, of course, the Seattle International Film Festival! There’s over 200 films here, so I am going to highlight some with a local connection.

RADIOHEART: The Drive and Times of DJ Kevin Cole

A bio-doc about KEXP’s DJ Kevin Cole. Recommended for music fans!

Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero

A doc about Seattle’s very-own superhero Phoenix Jones.

 // Director Mia Moore, Producer Cliff Noonan, and Executive Producer Ian Schrank

Aberdeen-raised filmmaker Mia Moore makes a trans-riff on Groundhog Day.

 // Director Zach Weintraub and Subject Arsenio Salvante

Based on the trailer alone, this film from Tacoma-based Zach Weintraub looks wild. And very relatable to me as a dad who used (never was) cool.

Another doc about an eco-friendly deathcare facility here in Washington. Looks moving and powerful.

A doc looking at Seattle’s unhoused population that actually speaks to those experiencing homelessness.

It’s finally the time of year for al fresco dining. As any good Seattleite knows, all sunlight is a precious thing. With that in mind, here’s a list of some of my favorite spots to eat and drink outdoors while photosynthesizing your SAD away.

 – I’m writing this list of recommendations from this cafe/shoppy-homewares shop’s patio. It’s extremely charming and full of dappled light from the trees. They have a breakfast and lunch menu, sandos made on Sea Wolf Bakers bread and make a mean latte. I’m currently eating their delicious tuna sandwich on a brioche bun and drinking a cardamom latte. 10/10 would recommend.

 – Inside a cute little farmhouse right in the heart of old Ballard, this Italian spot is a favorite for special occasions. They have lovely heated tables on their deck!

 – One more adorable house (I’m sorry I can’t help myself). This time it’s in Madrona. Their outside seating is in a gorgeous brick-lined garden and they highlight wines from across the PNW.

 – If you haven’t been to Columbia City’s delicious, family-owned Caribbean restaurant, treat yourself to a spot at a picnic-table on their covered front patio. The fried catfish is incredible and you have to try their beloved coconut corn muffins.

 – This Beacon Hill restaurant known for its woodfired pizza, has the sweetest backyard dining space. It’s a neighborhood favorite for good reason!

 – Marination got its start as a food truck and now has three locations, but the one in West Seattle has some of the best waterfront views. Take the water taxi over and grab some aloha fries or an ube coconut rice crispy and soak up those rays.

 – Though they got rid of the sandpit (charming or gross? Maybe both?) this is a Green Lake classic for a reason. Their citrus braised pork sandwich with caramelized onions is even better when sitting on their sunny patio, even if it is basically in the middle of Aurora.

 is a week-long celebration of all things beer in our city, it runs from May 7th until May 16th with events all over town. I’ve done a lot of research into the best beers to drink when it’s sunny out, which will hopefully apply to the weather this month. Plus, I live in “brewery central” AKA Ballard and my boyfriend is a brewer, so just trust me on this okay?

Now, not all of these spots are necessarily participating in Seattle Beer Week, but you should check them out anyway. And if you’re not a drinker, that’s okay too, most of these spots offer N/A options and hop water.

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of May in Seattle

Your Guide to Seattle in May

Seattle Guides

April is National Pickleball month, National Brussels and Cabbage month, and my favorite: Emotional Overeating Awareness month! It’s also got a lot of random holidays like Hostess Twinkie Day (April 6), Dog Farting Awareness Day (April 8), and of course 4/20, which is National Cheddar Fries day.

There's a lot to celebrate this month, and tons of fun activities that we’re recommending for you, both here and on the podcast. Let's jump in!

 will feature readings from five local writers at Antipode on Sunday, April 5. We’re having NFNR’s founder Katie Ellison on the show on Friday, so tune in then to hear more about the series!

brings together science writers, playwrights, actors, directors, and designers to put together 10-minute science-themed plays over the course of five days. Shows are at Theater Off Jackson on April 24 and 25!

 is a celebration of south Seattle restaurants, with more than 50 businesses participating. Each restaurant builds a sample plate for people to try ranging from $15 to $40. It runs through April 12.

On April 18, Charlie’s Queer Books is hosting a 

 where you can get a free headshot along with a suggested donation for the 

For the lovers of gossip among us, Lindy West’s 

And finally, on April 4, I gotta recommend 

a fully blackout event where performers generate their own illumination however they see fit. It’ll be drag and burlesque mixed with shadow puppetry and silhouette projection.

The cherry blossoms are out and there's lots of Japanese cultural events going on this month. Check out the 

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

Check out some Japanese cinema! My main pick is 

Chime/The Serpent’s Path at SIFF on April 7

. Chime is a 45-minute film that will never stream, so this is your chance to see it. Northwest Film Forum is also screening Yasujiro Ozu’s 

 is an affordable way to try lots of different foods in the city. I always try to pick the weirdest thing.

 in Phinney Ridge. It's so beautiful that it's been like my desktop picture for years. So I love that mochi.

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of April in Seattle

Your Guide to Seattle in April

The first 6pm sunset is just around the corner, Girl Scouts are selling Thin Mints, and the daffodils are in bloom (but so are our allergies). It must be March! And we’re here with our monthly guide to share ideas for how we think you should spend this month in Seattle.

Love March Madness? Try Mug Madness with Saltstone Ceramics

Daylight Savings is on 3/8 = later sunsets are coming!

Women’s History Month is all month long but International Women's Day is on 3/8

Every month, there's one day where you can go to our local museums without paying admission. This month it's on 3/5

No Discover Pass needed at State Parks on 3/9 and 3/19

Light rail's next big opening (okay, not free, it costs like $3) on 3/28

Harry Styles album release party at Easy Street Records on 3/6

Oscars watch parties around town are happening on 3/15

Ori Magazine party at Common Objects on 3/12

Daffodil Day at Pike Place Market on 3/20

Cherry Blossom Bruises exhibit at Gallery 110 starting on 3/5

Women supporting women popup at U Village on 3/6

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of March in Seattle

Your Guide to Seattle in March 2026

Your Guide to Seattle in March

Sam J Leeds

Cynthia Brothers

Ask any Seattleite about how the city has changed over the last decade, or even just the last few years, and you’re likely to end up in a 

 long conversation. Seattle local Cynthia Brothers is no exception… except, well, she founded a media movement that documents and celebrates the disappearing institutions, small businesses, and cultures of Seattle. Known as 

, Cynthia has created a space that not only documents what’s vanished, but also uplifts tangible ways to support and even save beloved institutions struggling in present-day Seattle. Cynthia holds a wealth of knowledge about our city, so we had to ask her some of our favorite Seattle questions.

 – located in the Center for Active Living in West Seattle. Delicious homemade sandwiches and soups (get the beer bread!) – with all proceeds going to their senior programs. Plus, you’re likely to strike up a sweet conversation with an elder grabbing food between classes.

 – a longtime C-ID staple with some of the best won ton mein.

 – the last restaurant remaining from a very prominent local Italian American family whose gregarious patriarch Luigi DeNunzio once owned multiple restaurants, even creating a “Little Italy” in the neighborhood.

 – now the longest-running Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle and a Central District landmark – situated in a cozy house and operated by neighborhood icon Belaynesh “Bebe” Chera.

 – feels like reading in a communal, comfy living room. C&P also has longtime regulars, live music, open mics, storytelling and other events, and its supporters successfully fought to save this neighborhood hub from demolition in 2018.

One Seattle Person (Dead or Alive) To Spend a Day With:

 – the co-founder, songwriter and frontwoman of Bam Bam. Considered the “Godmother of Grunge," Tina Bell was a Black woman who pre-dated and influenced bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam – while confronting racism and sexism in the music scene head-on. Her role and impact was largely unsung until the last few years, when Tina's bandmates, family, and local musicians like Om Johari, Eva Walker, and Shaina Shepherd helped to revive her legacy.

, while challenging myself to not look at my phone! The sheer amount of wildlife present - hawks, eagles, turtles and more – is quite awesome and frequent, if you stay present in your surroundings.

Teriyaki – a uniquely Seattle development of immigrant creativity, confluence, and entrepreneurship (often credited to Toshihiro Kasahara of 

)– feeding the masses since the ‘70s. By the 1990s, there were hundreds of teriyaki shops in Western Washington, with their respective owners’ various backgrounds adding to the local flavor. From Toshi’s to Yasuko’s (39200 15th Ave W) to 

’s - everyone has their favorite teriyaki spot, and their own specific reason why. As Seattle continues to gentrify, teriyaki restaurants and their traditionally working class customer base have been priced out over time - so go support your local surviving teriyaki joint.

Aunty Karen Akada – owner and fierce steward of 

 for about 30 years – an invaluable community gathering place with deep historical significance in the Chinatown-International District. After closing in 2020, Bush will be re-opening (and continuing its legendary karaoke) sometime this year - just a few blocks away in 

Pike Place Market. There’s so many familiar comforts, new surprises, and only-in-Seattle shops and vendors. I’ve been going my whole life and still find something unexpected and delightful each visit. Don’t miss the late-night offerings too: 

 Hyperlocal and hilarious – and over 3 decades later, it still holds up (even after the neighborhoods have changed) – capturing Seattle’s singular brand of weirdness and humor. Some personal favorites include: 

Vanishing Seattle's Cynthia Brothers answers our questions about her favorite restaurants and hidden gems, what Seattle does best, who her local hero is, and much more. 

Vanishing Seattle’s Guide To The City

Seattle According To: Vanishing Seattle’s Cynthia Brothers

Ashley Smith

This year the analog photobooth turns 100. There are only about 200 working booths remaining globally. Fortunately, the digital and analog co-exist throughout Seattle’s bars and events venues. City Cast Seattle spoke to one Seattleite who set out to take self portraits in every one of Seattle’s photobooths to get the inside scoop on where they are and which ones are worth seeking out.

Rheese Romero is a self-professed photobooth enthusiast. Their interest in photobooths started on a trip to Tokyo, which coincided with a time of personal transformation. They had recently had a major surgery and cut off their hair.

“I stumbled into a digital photobooth that was on a street in Tokyo and I was pretty captivated,” Rheese said. “It was the kind of photo strip with four frames. In the middle it says ‘take your memory.’”

When Rheese returned to Seattle they started research to create a list of every photobooth in Seattle. Armed with a list of 30 locations, they set out to take a series of self portraits in every photobooth across the city. For Rheese, it’s not just a fun side quest, it’s also a way to create a personal archive.

“As someone who is medically transitioning, it’s a fun way to document the changes that I see in myself,” they said. “That is a big part of it for me personally.”

Rheese told City Cast that bonding with people over a love of photobooths has been a source of joy this year and “if I can inspire even one person to get in a booth that would mean a lot to me.”

“Not just because it’s one of the only analog booths. The pictures just look better.” Rheese says the booth is located near the restroom and is operated by Autophoto.

“Great for a night out with friends and the photostrips have cowprint.”

“It’s dark in there so there are no light spots in the photos and it’s pretty goth.” Rheese says the photobooth is in the back near the restrooms.

Here’s the rest of Rheese’s list in no particular order:

 Rheese says the photobooth is Analog and operated by Autophoto

: Rheese says the photobooth is in the back near the restrooms

 Rheese says the photobooth is all the way in the corner near the entrance

: Rheese says the photobooth is by the cigarette vending machine and the bathrooms.

 Sam says this is in the corner near the entrance of the rink.

: Rheese says that this photobooth is sometimes broken

: Rheese says this one has two booths on the lowest level of Pike Place. “Take the stairs down at the magic shop. There’s one booth inside the store and one near the stairs.”

: Rheese says the photobooth is to the left of the stage by the bar

: Rheese says the photobooth is closest to the Cherry Pit entrance in the corner near the patio

: Rheese says the photobooth is at the back near the restrooms. It is cash only, but there is an ATM onsite.

: Rheese says the photobooth is in the lobby of the theater

A list of all the photobooths in the Seattle area from locals that know best.

Where to Find Every Photobooth in Seattle 

A Guide to Seattle’s Photobooths from a Local Enthusiast 

Jane C. Hu

Picture this: it’s just after 5pm, and you’re bombing past a sea of red taillights as you cruise in the bike lane. Bike commuting is not only fun and good for the legs, but also often quicker than driving at rush hour. But it’s also not for the faint of heart, or the underdressed — the dark and the rain add an extra element of excitement to commuting. Here are some of our tips to get prepared for rainy season bike commuting.

Often, the best bike routes are not ones you’d know from car or bus travel, and Google Maps has led me astray too many times for me to trust it. Seattle’s Department of Transportation has a great bus map; you can also use apps like Strava or Ride with GPS to see “heat maps” of where cyclists typically ride.

 If you’re feeling rusty, do some practice rides on protected bike paths like the Burke Gilman before hopping on the road. 

 offers adult classes on basic cycling techniques and urban cycling if you want to feel more confident in your bike skills.

Always, always, always protect that noggin by wearing a helmet. For visibility, make sure you have both a front light, and a rear reflector. (It’s the law!) Even better, upgrade that reflector to a rear light. Consider springing for some fenders for your tires, which will keep rain and road grime from splashing onto your back. If you aren’t sure what works with your bike, your local bike shop can help! You don’t necessarily need something fancy; for awhile I rode around with fenders zip-tied to my frame because it didn’t have the right attachments. Cheap ones are almost always available at Recycled Cycles.

A solid raincoat and rain pants are a must. For cold days, try waterproof gloves — just make sure you can still operate the brakes and shifters with bulky fingers. Choose footwear that is at least water-resistant, and to be extra safe, it never hurts to bring an extra pair of socks with you in a waterproof bag. (I’ve found roll-top bags are great for keeping out unwanted moisture.)

The wet can quickly strip your bike chain of lube, creating additional wear and tear on your drivetrain, so make sure you clean and lube your chain from time to time! (Not into bike maintenance? It’s easy to learn from YouTube, or your local bike shop would be happy to help.) Always check your brakes before hopping on the bike for a ride, and make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure — it’ll make your ride much more pleasant. (If you’re not sure what the right pressure is, most tires have that info written on the sidewall.)

Sometimes, no matter how much you’ve prepared, there’s no way to stay dry in a downpour, or a car will be a jerk to you for no reason. I try to savor the moments that feel good: a nod from a fellow cyclist, the breeze in my hair, hitting a string of green lights. Enjoy yourself, and ride safe!

Tips for how to commute on your bike in the fall and winter when it’s raining in Seattle.

How to Bike Commute in the Seattle Rain

How to Bike Commute in the Rain

There’s a lot to celebrate in February: Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, the Seahawks going to the Super Bowl, and so much more. We tried to narrow down our recommendations for this month by dividing them into three categories: holidays, museums, and cozy time. Let us know what we missed!

Businesses To Support and Ways To Celebrate

Everyone on the team contributed their favorite Black-owned businesses as well as the events we are looking forward to this month:

, an ice cream bon-bon shop in the Central District 

 loved. The owners are as sweet as the treats they make!

 an events, arts, meals and organizing space in the Central District run out of a fifth-generation, Black-owned home.They host all kinds of free art exhibits, film screenings, performances and workshops. They’re also an extremely meaningful third space in a neighborhood that’s been heavily impacted by gentrification.

I’m a sucker for chicken fingers and crinkle cut fries, so I'm gonna say 

. But since that one is pretty well-known, I also wanted to shout out Traveling While Black on 

. That's one of my favorite accounts to follow. They share Black-owned businesses around Washington, they do road trip guides with Black-approved vacation spots, and I think they even offer tours now, which is super cool.

I love wandering around mostly organized bookstores with huge stacks of books, and 

BLMF Literary Saloon in Pike Place Market

 is no exception. I was recently there with my family and we picked up a few things. The owner J.B. is great, really helpful, and it’s just a nice spot to duck into to get away from the tourists at Pike Place.

2026 is the year of the horse and there are a lot of Lunar New Years celebrations happening in February. Here are some of our favorites:

 is happening at Hangar 30 at Magnuson with 50+ BIPOC and AAPI-owned businesses, food vendors, and more.

 on 2/9 and the Phinney Neighborhood Association is holding a 

And then of course there’s Valentine’s/Galentine’s/Palentine’s Day for you and your val, gal, or pal:

- There’s an anti-Valentine’s day emo dance party on 2/6 called 

 And I’m applying to pitch my friend at the 

 Two art shows are happening in Belltown on 2/13! 

 at Common Objects including 50 trans artists from across Seattle plus a 10 foot saint mosaic by the artist who brought you Hot Rat Summer. Then there’s 

Brief Displays of Tenderness Opening Reception

 at Slip Gallery featuring 30 trans artists and artists retain 100% of the profits made from art sales.

 One of my favorite small, local businesses is Maddy’s Bakeshop who you’ve probably seen at the Ballard Farmer’s Market or a recent craft fair, now has her own spot in LQA! 

Did You Know That February Is Museum Month?

Our tourism bureau has declared February to be 

 which means if you stay at participating hotels, you get half off your museum entry. That’s not nothin’, that entry can be expensive! But if you’re a local like us, maybe do a staycation?

Some museums are always free, like the Frye. And the first Thursday of the month is 2/5 which means admission to all participating museums is free that day. You can also get free admission through your Seattle Public Library card if you plan ahead. Here’s what we recommend:

Tidelands is having their opening reception on 2/7 for their creation stories gallery show. What better way to ground yourself in the oldest stories of the PNW we have?

I love The Burke! And I need to check out the Pinball museum.

There’s always cool exhibits at SAM. I think my goal this month is to finally go see the Nordic Museum in Ballard with the big troll out front.

As the dad of the group, I’m going to ride for the Woodland Park Zoo, which I think is a great place to let your children run ahead of you and see animals and get some energy out. I haven't been to MoPop yet, and I’m interested in seeing the science fiction and guitar gallery (big dad vibes on both of those).

Cozy Season Means Finding Fun Things To Do Inside

Looking forward to seeing the SIFF-rejected “Shredder Orpheus” at

 on 2/19 at Long Brothers Fine and Rare Books. “Skateboarder named Orpheus and friends go to Hell to stop television signals that are brainwashing America.”

. One of the most original and controversial thinkers of the twentieth century, Italian artist and intellectual Pier Paolo Pasolini embodied a multitude of often seemingly contradictory ideologies and identities—and he expressed them all in his provocative, lyrical, and indelible films.

 I will be watching the Seahawks win the Super Bowl from my couch on 2/8, that’s for sure. And as I’ve mentioned before, I love a good indoor crafting meetup. Other than that, I kinda don’t want to be inside… 2/16 is National Park Day (meaning free entry!) and it’s been way too long since I’ve been on a hike or gone camping.

More Seattle Events!

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of February in Seattle

Your Guide to Seattle in February 2026

Your Guide to February in Seattle

the urge to just lay in bed all night and weekend surviving the dark and the cold. But, look, the shortest day is past us, and we NEED to get out there and live our lives. So, the team has some recs for how to not only survive, but 

in the cold, wet dark of Seattle in January. We’ve got a mending night, (Pacific North) western films, junk journaling, repair clubs, (in the monster truck voice) MONSTER JAM!, udon noodles, jazz bars, and a lot more.

Learn a New Skill and Meet Your Neighbors

. She says, “It’s a monthly event where you bring whatever it is you need to mend and there are some folks on hand to help you figure out how to go about your journey. And then you get to hang out and mend.”

. They say, “It feels like a great way to meet neighbors and to finally get my kitchen lamp fixed.” There are repair cafes all over Seattle and the greater Sound, so 

! Ashley is going to drop in on a monthly 

What to do, where to eat, where to shop, and more ways to spend the month of January in Seattle.

Seattle Guides

Your Guide to Seattle in May

Your Guide to Seattle in April

Your Guide to Seattle in March

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