Seattle Culture
Ai Weiwei’s Biggest U.S. Show Opens at SAM
The retrospective covers 40 years of the conceptual artist’s career
This week, the Seattle Art Museum opened the largest-ever U.S. exhibition featuring the work of Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Spanning four decades of the artist’s career, Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei (March 12–Sept. 7) includes 130 works — a mix of sculpture, video, painting, wallpaper, furniture, and installation —…
Saying Goodbye to Barney
Seattle’s oldest harbor seal, the first born at the Aquarium, leaves behind nearly 40 years of memories
The aquarium and the city have lost a good friend. Barney, the Seattle Aquarium’s longtime harbor seal, has passed away at the age of 39 — roughly the equivalent of a centenarian in human years. He was the first harbor seal born at the Aquarium in 1985. He was also one of the oldest harbor…
Spring Arts in Seattle
Shake off the winter blues with a fresh crop of arts happenings around the Emerald City
Spring brings a vibrant season of arts performances, celebrating renewal and creativity. Here’s a roundup of major arts events happening across Seattle this spring. Dance One of the buzziest performances to hit the Pacific Northwest Ballet stage in years, Crystal Pite’s Emergence returns on March 14, sharing the bill with the late Jerome Robbins’ neoclassical…
The Pros and Cons of March Madness
Lost productivity costs the economy billions. That's right. Billions.
I haven’t filled out my March Madness bracket yet. When I do, I’ll be sure to do it after work. A report from betting site Action Network estimates that March Madness costs the U.S. economy a staggering $20.89 billion in lost productivity. Fully 40% of fans say they’ve called in sick to watch games in…
Thinking About Moving to Ireland? You’re Not Alone.
Washington leads the nation in searches for a path to Ireland
Two years ago, my family took a trip to Ireland. We hiked through lush green hills, rode shaggy horses in open fields, wandered through small towns, and, of course, ended most nights in a pub with a pint of Guinness and live music. Lately, my thinking has taken a turn. Post-election madness, the looming recession,…
Back Page: Missile Misstep
Bainbridge Island residents fight missile base
Bainbridge Island residents most definitely did not want a missile base built in their community. Back in March 1969, Seattle magazine chronicled their fight, even praising them for raising awareness of national and international issues that “far transcend their private missile feud.” “If the Army goes ahead with its present plans to build a long-range…
The Pulse: March Madness
A new dart bar and a strawberry pistachio chocolate tart we all need to try
The sun is out, and Seattle is packed with things to do, eat, and see. A new dart bar is opening, and I’m planning a visit. Darts, drinks, and maybe a little friendly competition? Count me in. Here’s what’s going on around town… Have you seen our Emerald City Comic Con photos? The energy is…
Why All The Negativity About Downtown Seattle?
The numbers show that downtown is coming back
My buddy in Kirkland rarely ventures into Seattle. Ask him about downtown Seattle and he gets downright snarky. “It’s a cesspool,” he says. “Why would anyone want to go down there?” I hear comments like this all the time. And I don’t get it. Sure, downtown Seattle — like many other downtowns on the West…
Must List: Six Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Mar 13 - Mar 19
Magic, music, and a bit of luck
Hey, how’s your week going? Our latest issue is out, and we’re talking about second homes. Our publisher reflects on how a change of scenery can rejuvenate life, and our editor is looking back on a year that was anything but predictable. Teslas are officially the most popular car in Seattle, but not everyone is…
Editor’s Note: A Very Interesting Year In More Ways Than One
1975 saw the birth of two Seattle institutions amid trying times
Fred Hutch Cancer Center turns 50 this year. So does Microsoft. Each has shaped Seattle in distinct yet complementary ways, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of innovation and impact. The birth of those two Seattle institutions notwithstanding, 1975 is a year one many longtime Seattleites probably prefer to forget. It was a turbulent 12…
Gratuities Have Reached a Tipping Point
Washington residents are among the least generous in the country
How much do you tip? How much should you tip? Maybe you don’t tip at all? The average tip in Washington state is 17.51% of the check, about 1.3% below the national average. Only California residents tip less, 17.4%. TradingPedia surveyed more than 2,000 adults exploring tipping behaviors across the United States in late February,…
Fave Five: Spring Surprises and Rainy-Day Delights
The weather’s unpredictable, but here are five ways to stay entertained — rain or shine.
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…
The Tesla Backlash
My neighbors own Teslas. I try not to judge.
I have two neighbors who own Teslas. One is self-conscious about it. The other is not. One is anti-Trump, anti-Musk. The other is apathetic. Neither are concerned about violence, even in the wake of escalating “takedown” nationwide protests against Elon Musk, and Sunday night’s Seattle fire, which destroyed four Tesla Cybertrucks in a lot near…
Join The Must List
Sign up and get Seattle's best events delivered to your inbox every week.