Seattle Culture

The Indie Darling

The Indie Darling

Known for its gritty, industrial past, Georgetown now boasts an eclectic mix of locally-owned cafés, restaurants, and shops

“When I first arrived in Seattle, I was working in a welding shop in Georgetown, and I also lived on Airport Way,” says Tim Ptak, who opened the popular diner Smarty Pants in 2003. “There was nowhere to eat except for grabbing fried chicken at the Shell gas station, and I wanted to open a place where people could get a good lunch and grab something to drink after work.”

Illustration by Martin Haake

Seattle Podcast: Tom Mara and Beth Barrett Are SIFF’s Dynamic Duo

Seattle Podcast: Tom Mara and Beth Barrett Are SIFF’s Dynamic Duo

Tom Mara planned to retire when he left Seattle nonprofit radio station KEXP after two stints totaling 34 years. That didn’t last long. In August 2022, Mara accepted the CEO job at the Seattle International Film Festival. Here, he and longtime Artistic Director Beth Barrett discuss how SIFF became one of the largest film festivals in the world, and what’s in store as the festival celebrates 50 years. This year’s festival runs from May 9-19 at SIFF’s four venues across the city, including the venerable SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly known as The Cinerama).

Must List: March 21-27

Must List: March 21-27

Ignite Seattle, Zakir Khan, and the Purple Crayon

Catch some wildly entertaining rapid-fire talks, watch a classic children’s book come to life, or celebrate all things French. See comedian Zakir Khan, or lose yourself in Torres’ mesmerizing rock.

Spring Into Seattle's Art Scene

Spring Into Seattle’s Art Scene

A season of premieres, performances, and pioneering art

This spring, Seattle’s arts scene is your playground. Choose from a mix of music, dance, theater, and visual arts.

Must List: March 14-20

Must List: March 14-20

Mar 14 - Mar 20

Laughs, bites, and blossoms

Catch The Fantasticks, a fun take on young love and overbearing parents. Enjoy local seafood and wine at Taste Washington, or laugh with Trevor Noah. Celebrate blooming cherries, and don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Beauty and Diversity in Art

Beauty and Diversity in Art

Seattle's art scene is embracing more voices and viewpoints than ever

Seattle has become something of a hot spot for diversity in the arts…

Party on, Seattle!

Party on, Seattle!

The city doesn’t have to fight for its right to party

Who likes to party? I do, and apparently, so do you, because Seattle is ranked among the top party cities in America.

Publisher's Note: A Sense of Place

Publisher’s Note: A Sense of Place

What makes Seattle distinctive and unique?

Growing up in Edmonds during the 1970s, many beautiful attributes of the Pacific Northwest became inseparable from my notion of what “Seattle’’ really was. I vividly remember the smell of the beach, the sound of ferry boats, and an indelible sense of community from the city’s small-town feel…

Must List: March 7-13

Must List: March 7-13

Mar 07 - Mar 13

Arlo Parks, Cat Power, and a gripping new play

Don’t miss out on the poetic music of Arlo Parks, the Emerald City Irish Film Festival, the compelling narratives at Short Stories Live, Cat Power’s tribute to Bob Dylan, and a play that’s sure to move you.

Girlfriend Getaways: Explore Self-Care Throughout March

Girlfriend Getaways: Explore Self-Care Throughout March

Where to unwind during Women Making History Month

On International Women’s Day March 8, or Women Making History Month throughout March in Washington state, I encourage you to get outside and explore. Create, rest, indulge in self-care, or whatever your soul may be craving a little more of at the moment.

Most Influential, Sports: Kalen Deboer

Most Influential, Sports: Kalen Deboer

Former University of Washington football coach

He started out small, leading Sioux Falls to three NAIA championships in his five years as head coach. He then worked his way up the NCAA food chain with stops at Southern Illinois and Western Michigan…

Photo by Scott Eklund / Redbox Pictures

She's the Boss

She’s the Boss

Nina Christofilis created her business-oriented podcast, Ladyboss, in high school

Nina Christofilis launched her Ladyboss podcast while still in high school. Ladyboss is focused on interviewing women in business about their path to success, with the goal of empowering younger women.

Photo by Katie M. Simmons

Most Influential, Arts: Shin Yu Pai

Most Influential, Arts: Shin Yu Pai

Poet, author, podcaster

Pai is an award-winning author, podcaster, and the city of Seattle’s 2023-24 Civic Poet. She has spent more than two decades in the literary field, penning 13 books…

Photo by Sung Park

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