Welcome to our weekend events guide, where we share what’s up around Seattle. If we’re missing something fun, email us at [email protected]. Watch Seattle Refined’s Abby Luschei talk about weekend events Thursdays on ‘ARC Seattle’ with Tyrah Majors and Steve McCarron, airing every weekday from 7 to 10 a.m. on Seattle’s CW Network!
Thursday, May 15, through May 25
Seattle International Film Festival. It’s SIFF week! The 51st Seattle International Film Festival is journeying to the “Reel World” this year. It’ll take place at venues throughout the city for 11 days of curated screenings (May 15-25), followed by a week of select virtual screenings. Here is what to expect: 245 films representing 74 countries/regions, including 83 features, 122 short films, 35 documentaries and even two secret screenings.
In-person: May 15-25; virtual: May 26-June 1Single tickets, ticket packs, special event tickets all available for purchase onlineVarious locations throughout Seattle
MORE: Seattle Refined’s 10 must-see films at SIFF 2025
Saturday, May 17
Gays Eating Garlic Bread in the Park. IT’S BACK! You may remember when a poster for an event called “Gays Eating Garlic Bread in the Park” went viral last year, leading to a big, joyous, wholesome gathering of the LGBTQ+ community and friends sharing garlic bread and good conversation. Gays Eating Garlic Bread in the Park is back for round two this Saturday — make sure to BYOGB (bring your own garlic bread).
4 to 9 p.m. Free to attend, BYOGB (bring your own garlic bread); RSVP onlineMeridian Playground (Wallingford)
Kendrick Lamar and SZA. This magical duo is coming to Seattle on their “Grand National Tour,” taking over Lumen Field for a night of rap, R&B and hip-hop. Remember their epic Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance? It’ll be like that, but hours long!
7 p.m. Tickets start at $242; purchase onlineLumen Field
Rainier Dragon Boat Festival. This annual festival celebrates important elements of Chinese tradition: dragons, spirits, loyalty, honor and food. “This annual regatta is one of the premier competitive dragon boat events in the Pacific Northwest,” the website explains. Racers descended on Thea’s Park on the Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma to compete on the 300-meter race course.
8 a.m. opening ceremony, 9 a.m. races start, 3:30 p.m. medal ceremony Free to attend Thea’s Park in Tacoma
Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18
U District Street Fair. Back for the 54th year, the U District Street Fair will take over 15 blocks of “The Ave,” filled with vendors, food (more than 50 food trucks and booths), entertainment, beer gardens and more.
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Free to attend University Way, “The Ave”
FESTIVALS AND MORE:Your Ultimate PNW Events Guide for May
CONCERTS: SZA, Kendrick Lamar, J Balvin and more PNW concerts this May
