With Governor Inslee’s announcement that Washington will fully reopen by June 30, things are looking up for Seattle—but whether you’re fully vaccinated or you’re waiting for your second shot, our roundup of weekend activities still keeps social distancing in mind. See our picks below, from the celebrity-packed Drive ‘n Drag at Westfield Southcenter to a live rehearsal with the Black Tones at the Henry Art Gallery, from a Whim W’him performance on Vashon to Seattle Beer Week, and from the Tilth Alliance Edible Plant Sale to places to get herbaceous cocktails for Chartreuse Day (like Roquette). For even more options, read our guides to the best online events this week, the best movies to watch this week, drive-in movies this season, and our complete guide to in-person things to do in Seattle.
HOLIDAYS
Get in the Norwegian spirit for Syytende Mai. Monday, May 17 is Norwegian Independence Day (aka Syttende Mai), which marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. Seattle usually likes to celebrate with a big parade in Ballard, but this year businesses are opting for a mix of virtual and small-capacity events instead. In addition to heading to Bergen Place to admire its mural of Noway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja, reserve tickets to the National Nordic Museum on Monday to shop museum-store specials and take photos in front of their Model T, which will be decked out in Norwegian bunting. Monday also brings Nordic treats like Pølse med Lompe (a Norwegian hot dog) and a dessert and coffee walk/drive-through to the Leif Erikson parking lot, as well as a socially distanced procession from Scandinavian Specialities to Skål Beer Hall, where you’ll find traditional live music, “flowing aquavit snaps,” Norwegian-inspired beers, featured cocktails, and raffle prizes until 10 pm. If you don’t want to wait until Monday to celebrate, the adorable Scandinavian bakery Byen Bakeri is baking up a special Norwegian version of traditional Swedish princess cake, as well as kransekage (chewy flourless almond cookies) and cute Viking cookies. Plus, the newly opened Saint Bread is selling the Norwegian treat skolleboller, sweet custard-filled buns dusted in spiced sugar and topped with raspberry jam.
