Fave Five: Spring Surprises and Rainy-Day Delights

The weather’s unpredictable, but here are five ways to stay entertained — rain or shine.

By Sarah Stackhouse March 12, 2025

Courtesy of Ai Weiwei Studio

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Seattle magazine.

March and April in Seattle bring drizzle, moody skies, and just enough sunshine to temp you outside. Spring officially starts March 20, and we’re all desperately looking for signs of warmer weather, often in vain. Whether you’re indoors or out, there’s plenty to keep you busy while the city shakes off winter.

1 – Art as activism

Ai Weiwei’s provocative art takes over all three Seattle Art Museum locations — a first in SAM’s 90-year history and the largest U.S. exhibition of his work to date. Featuring more than 130 pieces spanning four decades, this massive show explores power, history, and free expression across a variety of mediums. Known for using humor to challenge authority, Weiwei reimagines Monet’s Water Lilies in LEGO, which will be on display at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, while Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads debuts at Olympic Sculpture Park in May. Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei runs March 12-Sept. 7.

2 – Lights, camera, action

Rainy days pair perfectly with a darkened theater. The Seattle Jewish Film Festival (March 22-April 6) brings stories of Jewish life and culture to the big screen. The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (April 3-6) showcases emerging filmmakers under 24. The Social Justice Film Festival (April 9-13) takes on activism and equity, while the Seattle Black Film Festival (April 24-27) amplifies voices and stories from Black filmmakers. Settle in and let the movies do the talking.

3 – Bloom season

The University of Washington campus shines when the century-old cherry trees bloom. The Quad transforms into a fleeting sea of pink and white, with petals scattering like confetti. The U District Cherry Blossom Festival adds themed treats, drinks, and events to the mix. The blooms peak in late March — don’t miss it.

Cherry blossom trees, an art form in nature, showcase their numerous pink and white flowers against a clear blue sky, especially stunning in March and April in Seattle.

Irenee / Adobe

4 – Game night, upgraded

Capitol Hill’s Garage Billiards & Bowl makes waiting out the rain easy. Twenty bowling lanes, 25 pool tables, and karaoke nights keep the energy up, while multiple bars and a firepit make it just as easy to kick back. Bowl a frame, grab a drink, and let the weather do what it will.

A vibrant bowling alley showcases six colorful balls on a rack, set against the backdrop of neon lights and artistic lane graphics. This scene could be straight out of a film festival held in March and April in Seattle, where art meets everyday fun.

Courtesy of Garage Billiards & Bowl

5 – Moisture festival

Vaudeville gets delightfully weird at the Seattle Moisture Festival. For four weeks, Broadway Performance Hall at Seattle Central College hosts a rotating mix of aerialists, magicians, clowns, jugglers, drill teams, musicians, and more — from the bizarre to the wonderful. With acts running under 10 minutes, it’s a fast-paced show where anything can — and does — happen. March 20-April 13.