Want more? Here’s everything we recommend this month: Music, Visual Art, Literature, Performance, Film, Food, and This & That.
Seattle Storm 2026 Home Opener
May 8
The Seattle SuperSonics left Seattle for Oklahoma City in 2008, and longtime Seattleites are still pissed about it. Rightfully so, if you ask me—it was a dirty, sneaky deal! But real basketball fans know Seattle is still a basketball city. The WNBA founded the Seattle Storm in 2000, and the team has qualified for the playoffs 19 times in its 25 seasons. They’ve won four WNBA championships, the most recent being in 2020. When Storm star Sue Bird retired in 2023, they retired her number (10) and hung her jersey in the rafters of Climate Pledge. And now, these players are finally getting paid their worth. In March, the WNBA and the league’s Players Association avoided a 2026 season strike by agreeing to an impressive new contract. Not only did they increase each team’s salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, but the average player’s salary will now be around $600,000, compared to last year’s $120,000. (Climate Pledge Arena, 7 pm, all ages) MEGAN SELING
Eurovision Finale Viewing Parties
May 16
I’m still undecided on whether or not I’ll watch the Eurovision song contest this year. I hate that they’ve continued to allow Israel to perform despite the country’s continued attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, and several participants are boycotting this year because of it, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland. To Eurovision or not to Eurovision is a personal choice. Because we also deserve joy! But also, war crimes. If you do decide to partake, I recommend doing so in a room full of fellow fanatics. There are a few different watch parties around town. If you’re rooting for the Swedes, head to the Swedish Club. Their party starts at 11 a.m., and the following day is Syttende Mai, so you know people will be ready to rage. The Admiral Pub is opening early at 11 a.m., too, and they’ll be showing the broadcast on two projectors and all their TVs. My personal recommendation is Lariat Bar in White Center, where they’re not just watching Eurovision, they’re also handing out awards for best dressed. So throw on your puffy neon green vinyl sleeves and allow yourself to have a little fun. MEGAN SELING
Behind the Seams: Roaring ’20s
May 16
There are few things I love more than antique clothing, specifically opulent dresses from the 1920s, which are tediously crafted with beaded embellishments and delicate gauzy fabric. Sadly, it’s becoming more and more rare to come in contact with these pieces at thrift and antique shops, but luckily for us, the MOHAI is letting patrons see the cream of the crop of vintage dresses from their archives. Treat yourself to a close-up view of the pieces with curator of collections Clara Berg, who will answer your burning questions like “How the hell do you wash this?” (Museum of History & Industry, 11 am) AUDREY VANN
Salmon Bay FC 2026 Home Opener
May 22
You already know about the Seattle Reign (or at least their now-retired star player, Megan Rapinoe), but that’s not the only soccer happening in Seattle. Salmon Bay FC is one of 27 brand-new teams playing in USL W, a burgeoning preprofessional women’s soccer league now featuring 93 clubs spanning the continental US. Partially owned by Rough & Tumble’s Jen Barnes, as well as Seattle Reign players Lu Barnes, Jess Fishlock, and Olivia Van Der Jagt, Salmon Bay is the sibling team to Ballard FC, the men’s club that’s enjoyed a die-hard following since its kickoff in 2022. Both teams are buoyed by fierce neighborhood-level pride, top-tier talent, and silly rituals. The spirits are high and flowing: There’s a tequila zone. You can order a hot dog with lingonberry jam on it. How Svensk. Witness the next generation of hometown stars in wholesome environs before they enter the Lumen Field limelight in a few years. (Interbay Stadium, 7 pm, all ages) ADAM WILLEMS
Ballard Locks Paddle to Un Bien
May 23
Nothing says summer is around the corner like a big-ass group kayak paddle. Join NW Kayaking for their seventh annual Seattle Ballard Locks Paddle to Un Bien. The group—pod? Flotilla? What’s a group of kayaks even called?—will meet on Lake Union, paddle through the Ballard Locks, and then stop at Shilshole Pocket Beach for a bite of Caribbean cuisine at Un Bien. Last year, 71 kayaks showed up. I bet they’ll blow that number out of the water this year. (1117 NE Boat St, 10 am) NATHALIE GRAHAM
More
Eco-Blockbusters: Environmentalism in Cinema Through March 31, 2027, times vary
Seattle World’s Vintage Fair May 9, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 10 am–7 pm
World Collage Day Meetup May 9, Push/Pull, 1–4 pm
BonsaiFEST! May 9–10, Pacific Bonsai Museum, 10 am–4 pm
18th Annual Flower Festival May 9–10, Pike Place Market, 11 am–4 pm
Is My Partner My Partner???? May 14, Cal Anderson Park, 6:30 pm
2026 Seattle Mom Prom May 16, Fremont Abbey Arts Center, 8 pm–midnight
The Seattle Super Saunter May 16, various locations, 8 am
Blue Poppy Day May 16, Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 10 am–4 pm
University District Street Fair May 16–17, University District
Seattle Seawolves vs. Anthem RC May 17, Starfire Stadium, 1 pm
Make Your Own Cursed Lafufu May 17, Push/Pull, 3 pm
Northwest Folklife May 22–25, Seattle Center, times vary
Spring Fling Market May 30, Beguiled Books, 1–5 pm
Seattle Seawolves vs. New England Free Jacks May 31, Starfire Stadium, 5 pm
