With Washington State’s vaccination rates steadily rising, this Memorial Day weekend is looking a whole lot better than last year’s. That said, our picks for things to do through Monday stay within the bounds of CDC guidelines, from an outdoor concert in a Sodo parking lot to an outdoor comedy show at Bad Jimmy’s, and from places to get last-minute Memorial Day meals (like Smokestack Lightning BBQ) to Asian-owned restaurants to visit to close out AAPI Heritage Month (like Toyoda Sushi). For even more options, read our guides to the best online events this week, the best movies to watch this week, upcoming events going on sale this week, this season’s drive-in movies, and our complete guide to in-person things to do in Seattle.
DAY TRIPS
Hit up some drive-thrus. There’s no time like a long weekend to head out for an impromptu road trip. Don’t forget the best part of every vehicular jaunt: stopping for snacks. If Sodo is on the way to your destination (or even if it isn’t), hit up the delightfully retro Pick-Quick Drive-In for delicious burgers, chili cheese fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes in flavors like Almond Roca and mountain blackberry. Of course, Burgermaster and Dick’s Drive-In are also reliable drive-in staples. If you’re headed south, plot a stop at Tacoma’s glowing red-and-yellow beacon Frisko Freeze. The historic Gold Bar restaurant Zeke’s Drive-In and the local chain Zip’s Drive-In are other nostalgic favorites worth adding to your itinerary.
