May in Seattle brings festivals, outdoor events, live performances, and neighborhood gatherings as the city moves into late spring. From waterfront traditions to film screenings and community celebrations, the calendar fills out across the region.
Here’s your curated guide to everything happening around Seattle this May:
SEATTLE EROTIC ART FESTIVAL
When & Where: May 1–3, Seattle Center
More Info: https://www.seaf.art/
What to Expect: A large-scale exhibition of contemporary erotic art with performances, installations, and artist showcases.
OPENING DAY ON LAKE WASHINGTON
When & Where: Saturday, May 2, Montlake Cut
More Info: https://www.seattleyachtclub.org/web/pages/opening-day-2026
What to Expect: A long-standing Seattle tradition featuring a boat parade, crew races, and waterfront celebrations.
MARINERS VALUE GAMES
When & Where: May 4–6 and May 18–20, T-Mobile Park
More Info: https://www.mlb.com/mariners/tickets/specials/value-games
What to Expect: Select home games with reduced ticket pricing and weekday matchups.
CINCO DE MAYO
When & Where: May 5, Citywide
What to Expect: Cultural celebrations, food specials, and events across Seattle neighborhoods.
GRAPE ESCAPE
When & Where: Wednesday, May 6, Pickering Barn, Issaquah
More Info: https://issaquahrotary.org/index.php?storyid=%20320355
What to Expect: A wine tasting event featuring regional wineries and small bites.
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
When & Where: May 7–17, SIFF Cinemas and venues across Seattle
More Info: https://www.siff.net/festival
What to Expect: Film screenings, premieres, and events featuring international and independent cinema.
SEATTLE BEER WEEK
When & Where: May 7–16, Various locations
More Info: https://www.seattlebeerweek.com/
What to Expect: Brewery events, tastings, and collaborations throughout the city.
SPACE CHASE DRONE ART SHOW
When & Where: May 8–9, Marymoor Park
More Info: https://feverup.com/m/578688
What to Expect: A coordinated drone light show set to music in an outdoor setting.
SEATTLE CABARET FESTIVAL
When & Where: May 8–June 6, Various venues
More Info: https://seattlecabaretfestival.com/
What to Expect: A month-long series of cabaret performances featuring local and touring artists.
TEEN NIGHT OUT AT SAM
When & Where: Saturday, May 9, Seattle Art Museum
More Info: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/events/teen-night-out-2025-childhood-whimsy-may-9
What to Expect: A youth-focused museum event with art activities, music, and interactive exhibits.
MOTHER’S DAY
When & Where: Sunday, May 10, Citywide
What to Expect: Brunches, gatherings, and events across Seattle.
TIM’S TAVERN CRAFTY NIGHT
When & Where: May 11 and May 25, Tim’s Tavern
More Info: https://www.timslivemusic.com/tims-tavern-events#/events
What to Expect: A casual craft night with supplies, music, and a relaxed social setting.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS VS SAN JOSE
When & Where: Wednesday, May 13, Lumen Field
More Info: https://www.soundersfc.com/schedule/matches
What to Expect: A home match with a strong local crowd and MLS regular season play.
UW MFA DANCE CONCERT
When & Where: May 14–17, Meany Hall
More Info: https://dance.washington.edu/events/2026-05-14/mfa-dance-concert-2026
What to Expect: A performance featuring original choreography from graduate dance students.
ALL MY RELATIONS POWWOW
When & Where: May 16–17, Skagit Valley College
More Info: https://www.skagit.edu/powwow/
What to Expect: Traditional dancing, drumming, and community gathering celebrating Native culture.
U DISTRICT STREET FAIR
When & Where: May 16–17, University District
More Info: https://udistrictseattle.com/streetfair
What to Expect: Vendor booths, live performances, and food stands across several city blocks.
CLASSIC WORKBOAT & MARITIME SHOW
When & Where: May 16–17, NW Seaport Maritime Heritage Center
More Info: https://www.nwseaport.org/classic-workboat-show.html
What to Expect: Historic vessels, demonstrations, and maritime exhibits.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: ADVENTURE FOR CHANGE
When & Where: May 17–19, Benaroya Hall
More Info: https://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroyahall/concerts-tickets/nat-geo
What to Expect: Presentations featuring explorers and photographers sharing field experiences.
TACO TUESDAY AT GORDO STEAK
When & Where: Tuesdays in May, Gordo Steak
More Info: https://www.gordosteak.com/
What to Expect: A weekly reason to try tacos and explore a new restaurant.
SEATTLE STORM VS CONNECTICUT SUN
When & Where: Wednesday, May 20, Climate Pledge Arena
More Info: https://www.wnba.com/game/1022600034
What to Expect: A regular season WNBA matchup with a strong home crowd.
SEATTLE ART WALKS
When & Where: Dates vary in May, Uptown, Hillman City, and White Center
More Info: https://www.seattleartwalks.com/
What to Expect: Local galleries and businesses host exhibitions and open studios.
BOOKLOVER’S BURLESQUE
When & Where: Friday, May 22, The Triple Door
More Info: https://tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=2232
What to Expect: A performance combining literature themes with burlesque and stage production.
CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR
When & Where: Saturday, May 23, Citizens Academy, Renton
More Info: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/44729
What to Expect: Youth entrepreneurs present products and small businesses in a community setting.
NW FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
When & Where: May 22–25, Seattle Center
More Info: https://nwfolklife.org/festival/home.html
What to Expect: A large cultural festival featuring music, dance, crafts, and food.
MEMORIAL DAY
When & Where: Monday, May 25, Citywide
What to Expect: Observances, ceremonies, and community gatherings.
NEW GIRL TRIVIA NIGHT
When & Where: Tuesday, May 26, The Clock-Out Lounge
More Info: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/raised-by-tv-events-presents-clock-out-lounge-tickets/14786983
What to Expect: A themed trivia night focused on the television series.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE RENDEZVOUS
When & Where: Dates vary in May, The Rendezvous
More Info: https://rendezvous.squarespace.com/events
What to Expect: Open karaoke sessions with rotating participants.
LUTHER VANDROSS EXHIBIT
When & Where: All May, Northwest African American Museum
More Info: https://www.naamnw.org/luther-vandross-exhibit
What to Expect: An exhibit exploring the artist’s music, influence, and legacy.
HONK! FEST WEST
When & Where: May 29–31, Georgetown, Columbia City, and Pratt Park
More Info: https://honkfestwest.org/festival/
What to Expect: Street band performances and outdoor shows across multiple neighborhoods.
BITE OF GREECE
When & Where: May 29–31, Church of the Assumption
More Info: https://biteofgreeceseattle.com/
What to Expect: Greek food, music, and cultural programming in a community setting.
