May in the Puget Sound region bursts to life with festivals, fairs, and community celebrations that capture the vibrant spirit of spring. From wine walks in charming downtowns to cultural showcases, fairy festivals, and lively pet parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted treasures, indulging in global flavors, or simply looking to make the most of a sunny weekend, this month’s events offer the perfect excuse to get outside and connect with your community. Here’s a roundup of can’t-miss happenings across the area this May.
Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
Date: April 24 – May 4, 2025
Location: Memorial Park, Wenatchee
Details: Celebrating its 106th year, this beloved community tradition offers over a week of festivities including a food fair, arts & crafts booths, a thrilling carnival, live music, and the grand parade on May 3. With family-friendly highlights like Pepsi-Cola Youth Day and hundreds of volunteers bringing it to life, this festival captures the vibrant spirit and agricultural heritage of the Wenatchee Valley.
The Shape of the Night
Date: May 1–4, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Location: Georgetown Steam Plant, Seattle
Details: Experience a surreal and immersive evening at this unique event blending theatrical performances, interactive art installations, dreamy visuals, and haunting characters. Guests will wander through an otherworldly dreamscape, blurring the lines between gallery, performance, and social gathering. Tickets range from $56 to $124.
Puyallup RV Show
Date: May 1–4, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Location: Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup
Details: Don’t miss the final major RV sale of the season, featuring a wide range of RVs including motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, and more. With over 300,000 square feet of displays, this show is packed with accessories, services, and expert advice to help you gear up for summer adventures.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
Date: May 1-31, 2025 (No Tuesdays)
Time: Duration is approximately 60–90 minutes
Location: 103 110th Ave NE, Bellevue
Details: Bubble Planet invites guests of all ages into a whimsical world filled with oversized bubbles, fantastical landscapes, and multi-sensory experiences. With themed rooms, VR technology, interactive elements, and immersive art, this magical exhibit offers a joyful journey through science and imagination.
Victorian Heritage Festival
Date: May 2–4, 2025
Location: Cotton Building, 607 Water St, Port Townsend
Details: Step back in time during Port Townsend’s Victorian Heritage Festival, featuring walking tours, historical presentations, traditional teas, a Saturday fashion show, and a lively contra dance. Multiple historic venues host this celebration of Victorian-era culture and charm.
Sequim Irrigation Festival
Date: May 2–10, 2025
Location: Sequim Civic Center, 152 W Cedar St, Sequim
Details: Washington’s oldest festival celebrates 130 years of history with a variety of events including an art walk, fun run, kids’ parade, arts and crafts fair, family-friendly activities, community breakfast, classic car show, and a grand parade. This long-running tradition honors the community’s heritage and vibrant spirit.
Northern Lights Auction
Date: May 3, 2025
Time: Reception at 5:30 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Seattle, 808 Howell St, Seattle
Details: The 39th annual Northern Lights Auction, hosted by the National Nordic Museum, invites guests to an evening of fine dining, drinks, and exciting auction items including vacation packages, luxury goods, and Nordic antiques. This festive fundraiser supports exhibitions and programming that celebrate and share Nordic culture and values.
Special Spring Tours Event: Tour & Concert with Benjamin Hunter
Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Pilchuck Campus
Details: This special spring event features a guided campus tour with live art-making demos, followed by a folk music concert by award-winning artist Benjamin Hunter. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy an afternoon of creativity and culture in a stunning natural setting.
May Day
Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 1:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Meridian Playground, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle
Details: Celebrate the arrival of summer with a joyful, free community gathering featuring live music, Maypole dances, a potluck picnic, children’s crafts, flower crown making, and drum circles. Enjoy performances by Ricky Gene and the Return of the Deadgrass, plus drumming led by featured NW Folklife artists. All ages welcome—no RSVP required.
Spring into Adventure Outdoor Festival
Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah
Details: Enjoy a day of outdoor fun with vendors, demonstrations, a 3k walk, and more! Whether you’re out with your pets, family, or gardening, this free event celebrates all the ways to enjoy nature and stay active. Hosted by Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park.
Tacoma Children’s Business Fair
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Waterfront Market at Ruston, 5101 Yacht Club Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
Details: Watch kids launch their own startups at this exciting one-day marketplace! Over 50 booths will feature young entrepreneurs showcasing their unique products and services. This event encourages kids to take charge of their creativity, develop brands, and craft marketing plans, all in a fun, no-stress environment. Join in to support the next generation of innovators!
2025 Seattle North Spartan Event Weekend
Date: May 3 – 4, 2025
Location: Meadow Wood Equestrian Center, 18601 Sky Meadows Ln, Snohomish, WA
Details: Challenge yourself at the 2025 Seattle North Spartan Event, held at the picturesque Meadow Wood Equestrian Center. This 900-acre venue, once an Arabian breeding farm, offers forested trails alongside the Snohomish River. The event features fast, flat terrain, ideal for first-timers and seasoned athletes looking to set personal records. Tackle epic obstacles and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Tacoma City Marathon
Date: Saturday, May 3 – Sunday, May 4, 2025
Location: Dune Peninsula Park, Tacoma, WA
Details: Join the 2025 Tacoma City Marathon weekend with various race options including the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the 5K and 10K events followed by the Ghost of Tacoma Marathon or Half Marathon. On Sunday, the marathon and half marathon feature a scenic, USATF-Certified, and Boston Qualifying course that crosses the iconic Narrows Bridge, winds through Point Defiance Park, and ends at Dune Peninsula Park, offering stunning views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. The marathon route continues with a flat, fast waterfront stretch along the Thea Foss Waterway.
Kodomo no Hi 2025 | Children’s Day Festival
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW), 1414 S. Weller St., Seattle, WA 98144
Details: Celebrate Children’s Day at the JCCCW with a fun, free family-friendly event. Discover the world of yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore, with a presentation by expert Zack Davisson. Enjoy crafts, live martial arts and taiko drumming demonstrations, a tea ceremony, and local food vendors. This event is perfect for all ages and offers a unique look at Japanese culture through interactive activities and performances.
Wag Love Life – An Amazing Gathering for Our Best Furriends!
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA (near the Velodrome and Climbing Wall)
Details: Join the community to raise funds for dog cancer research and clinical trials. This event will feature educational opportunities on cancer immunotherapy and other promising treatments. It’s a fun day for dog lovers and their pups, with opportunities to create or join teams and set goals for raising awareness and support. Kids under 19 can join for free.
Nature in Central Washington: Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe
Date: May 9 – 11, 2025
Location: Yakima River Canyon, Central Washington
Details: The 26th annual Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe event celebrates Central Washington’s rare shrub-steppe habitat. Experience the beauty of the Yakima River Canyon through expert-led field trips, including birding, wildflowers, geology, and river ecology. The weekend features live reptile encounters, lamprey releases, hands-on science activities, and educational booths. Enjoy a catered keynote dinner on wolf recovery, and participate in Mother’s Day activities on Sunday.
Traditional Maifest Celebration
Date: May 9-11, 2025
Location: Front Street Park, 820 Front St., Leavenworth, WA
Details: Celebrate Bavarian traditions at Maifest, a long-running festival since 1971, featuring Maipole dancing, European folk music, and Tyrolean dancers. Enjoy the Annual Festzug, a grand march with locals in Bavarian attire, and a 5K/10K/half marathon on Sunday. The weekend offers plenty of entertainment, including yodeling and live performances, all set in the charming town of Leavenworth.
Beacon Arts Street Fair
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave. S, Seattle, WA
Details: Celebrate culture, creativity, and community at the Beacon Arts Street Fair. Enjoy live music, an art market, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. This monthly event brings together local artists and the community in a vibrant plaza setting, perfect for a day out in Seattle.
Dino Fest 2025
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm (Member early entry 10:00 am – 10:30 am)
Location: Burke Museum, 4303 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA
Details: Explore the world of paleontology at the Burke Museum’s annual Dino Fest! Enjoy fossil digs, ancient animal identification, crafts, and more. Learn about the latest discoveries from Burke and UW paleontologists, and see real fossils like a T. rex skull. Kids and families can participate in hands-on activities, including fossil digs and making clay casts. Free for Burke members and included with museum admission.
Bellevue Demonstration Garden Annual Spring Plant Sale
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Bellevue Demonstration Garden, 15500 SE 16th St, Bellevue, WA
Details: Get ready for the Bellevue Demonstration Garden’s Annual Spring Plant Sale! This community event will feature a variety of warm-season veggie starts, including tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, eggplants, and peppers, as well as colorful ornamentals, annuals, perennials, herbs, and container plants. A garden flea market, burlap sacks, and a Master Gardener Plant Clinic will also be available. All plants are grown by Extension Master Gardeners. Proceeds support the Master Gardener Foundation of King County.
Edmonds Spring Fest
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Frances Anderson Center, Edmonds, WA
Details: Join the Urban Craft Uprising for the annual Edmonds Spring Fest, a popular event featuring over 100 local vendors, food trucks, and plenty of springtime fun. It’s the perfect place to find a special gift for Mother’s Day, host gifts, or treat yourself to something unique. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, support small businesses, and celebrate the arrival of spring with family and friends!
5th Annual Wonderland Tea
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Lake Wilderness Arboretum, WA
Details: Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts for the whimsical Wonderland Tea in celebration of Mother’s Day. Wander through the enchanting gardens of Lake Wilderness Arboretum while enjoying fun activities like making mini bouquets, crafting hats, playing croquet, and more. Guests will also enjoy delicious tea, snacks, and lemonade at private tables, all while interacting with beloved characters in this magical, topsy-turvy world.
Seattle Metro Reptile Expo
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Gary D. Weikel Event Center, 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272
Details: The Seattle Metro Reptile Expo, hosted by Northwest Reptile Expos, is the longest-running reptile trade event in the Pacific Northwest, dedicated to promoting captive-bred reptiles. This family-friendly event features a wide selection of reptile breeders, product vendors, and reptile rescues. Attendees can explore educational displays, participate in free raffles, and win exciting giveaways. Join enthusiasts from all over the region to learn more about reptiles and see the finest animals from top breeders.
17th Annual Flower Festival at Pike Place Market
Date: May 10 – 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Pike Place Market, 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA
Details: Celebrate the beauty and diversity of flowers in the Pacific Northwest at the 17th Annual Flower Festival, held over Mother’s Day weekend. The Market will be filled with 30+ local flower farms from King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties, offering vibrant bouquets of tulips, daffodils, irises, peonies, and more. Visitors can also explore the Craft Market with 80+ handmade vendors, retail shops, and dining spots, making it a perfect opportunity to find special gifts for Mom and loved ones while enjoying the colorful atmosphere.
Seattle Art Book Fair
Date: May 10–11, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave, Seattle, WA
Details: The Seattle Art Book Fair is a free annual festival celebrating independent publishing, book design, and artist books. Hosted by a nonprofit organization, the fair features local, national, and international artists, designers, and organizations with exhibitors, talks, workshops, and art installations. The event highlights Seattle’s role in the arts, with a focus on fostering community among book lovers and makers. The fair will take place at Washington Hall, and a launch party is scheduled for May 9 from 6–9 pm (details to be announced).
Puget Sound Bonsai Association (PSBA) Spring Show
Date: May 10–11, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S 336th St. in Federal Way
Details: The PSBA Spring Show showcases a stunning array of bonsai, including azalea, wisteria, and other blooming varieties, with a special exhibition of mame (tiny bonsai). Attendees can enjoy live bonsai-making demonstrations, docent-led tours, and shopping opportunities for bonsai-related items and gifts. A children’s art station offers creative activities, including free coloring sheets and bonsai learning experiences. Free parking is available across from the museum, with accessible options at the entrance.
Earth After Dark | National Geographic Live
Date: May 11–13, 2025
Time: May 11 (2PM) & May 12 – 13 (7:30 PM)
Location: S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium – Benaroya Hall
Details: Join National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi, a renowned photographer and cinematographer, as he takes you on a journey through the wonders of the night sky. From capturing the Milky Way to documenting the animals that emerge after dark, Tafreshi will share his visual stories of wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos. Known for his work with The World At Night program, Tafreshi blends art and science, connecting audiences with the natural world. This event is part of the National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series.
Fisherman’s Village Music Festival
Date: May 15–17, 2025
Time: Check event schedule for specific times
Location: Everett, WA
Details: Celebrate music, arts, and culture at Everett’s 12th annual Fisherman’s Village Music Festival. This independent festival brings together great bands, original art, and delicious food for a weekend of music discovery and community fun. Whether you’re spending the evening or the whole weekend, this event offers an unforgettable experience in Snohomish County’s vibrant city.
Old Bellevue Wine Walk
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: General Admission: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm | VIP Admission: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Main Street, Old Bellevue, WA 98004
Details: Join friends and neighbors for a wine-tasting adventure in Old Bellevue! Explore pop-up tastings hosted by local merchants, meet winemakers, sip wine, shop, and enjoy the charming, lively atmosphere of downtown Bellevue.
Blue Poppy Day 2025
Date: May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 2525 S 336th St, Federal Way, WA
Details: Celebrate the enchanting beauty of the Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis, at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. Enjoy a walk through a meadow filled with these stunning flowers or take a leisurely stroll along the accessible path. The RSBG nursery will also offer a selection of plants for sale, including blue poppies.
Spring Fairy Festival
Date: May 17, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Crescent Moon Gifts, 6901 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA
Details: Celebrate the magic of spring at the Spring Fairy Festival, a fantasy-themed shopping event supporting local artists, crafters, and small businesses. Enjoy themed characters, stilt walkers, interactive workshops, balloon twisters, and magicians. Dress up to join the fun in this enchanting event at Crescent Moon Gifts!
Seattle Mineral Market
Date: May 17–18, 2025
Time: Saturday (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) & Sunday (11:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Location: Hangar 30 Building, Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Details: Explore over 60 dealers showcasing minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, and mineral art at the Seattle Mineral Market. Enjoy door prizes, free rocks for kids, and free parking. Admission is $5 in advance, $7 at the door, with free entry for children 14 and under.
Lacey Spring Fun Fair
Date: May 17, 2025& May 18, 2025
Time: May 17, 2025 (10:00 am to 6:00 pm) & May 18, 2025 (11:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Location: Saint Martin’s University, Olympia, WA
Details: Enjoy a weekend of fun at the Lacey Spring Fun Fair, featuring over 75 vendors, including commercial, artisan, and food options. Highlights include rides, games, live entertainment, Kids’ World, and more. Plenty of free activities to enjoy with family and friends!
Bite of Greece Seattle 2025
Date: May 30, 2025 – June 1, 2025
Time: Friday: Noon – 9:00 pm, Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday: Noon – 6:00 pm
Location: Seattle, WA
Details: The Bite of Greece is a 3-day festival celebrating Greek culture with traditional street-style meals, handmade pastries, crafts, and imported deli items available in the marketplace. Experience delicious food and unique items while immersing yourself in the Greek community!
Paws & Pride Dog Walk
Date: May 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Bellevue Downtown Park, Bellevue, WA
Details:
Kick off Pride Month at Eastside’s largest LGBTQIA+ event with the Paws & Pride Dog Walk! Enjoy a vibrant walk through Bellevue Downtown Park, followed by a celebration featuring music, entertainment, community booths, and a beer & mimosa garden. Celebrate Pride, connect with the community, and support Eastside Pride PNW!
Kent International Festival
Date: May 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: accesso ShoWare Center, 625 West James Street, Kent, WA 98032
Details: Join the 16th annual Kent International Festival, a celebration of cultural diversity in Kent. Experience vibrant performances, food, art, and entertainment from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Kent community!
Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
Date: May 31 – June 1, 2025
Location: Armory Food & Event Hall, Seattle Center
Details: Part of the Seattle Center Festál series, the Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival celebrates Filipino culture, arts, and history through food, exhibits, performing arts, fashion shows, martial arts, and more. The festival is free and open to the public, hosted in partnership with the Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington (FCHSW). Since its inception in 1987, this festival has been a vibrant showcase of Filipino heritage and a proud expression of the community’s culture.
Puget Sound Bird Fest 2025
Date: May 31 & June 1, 2025
Location: 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WADetails: Celebrate the 21st annual Puget Sound Bird Fest with a weekend full of speakers, field activities, exhibits, and more! Co-hosted by the City of Edmonds, the festival offers a chance to engage with birdwatching through guided bird walks and other exciting events. Registration for field activities is available, and the festival promises an enriching experience for bird enthusiasts of all levels.
From whimsical fairy gatherings to cultural celebrations and springtime strolls with a glass of wine in hand, May brings a refreshing mix of fun and connection across the Puget Sound. Whether you’re exploring a new neighborhood, supporting local makers, or dancing to live music in the sunshine, these events are a beautiful reminder of what makes this region so vibrant. Mark your calendars, invite a friend or two, and make some memories this May!
