activities in seattle - Seattle Oasis Vacations

Bumbershoot in Seattle 2019

August 21, 2019 by amyb

Written By Daniel Pacheco

Bumbershoot in Seattle is a traditional “summer’s over” party, with most area schools starting the Tuesday or Wednesday after Labor Day. It is a music festival, but it has always been much more than that, and it is definitely a people-watching spectacle. I love the ability to get in and make your way through different acts. It gives you an opportunity to be exposed to different music genres.

Seattle Local Tips: This festival is BIG. There is a lot to see and do, and it helps to go in with a plan. Review the line-up before going in, and get a loose idea of where you want to be and when.

The number one complaint year in, year out, is parking. Either finding it, or if you found it, the price (ouch) you have to pay for the privilege. Luckily, if you are a Seattle Oasis guest, 75% of our properties are within walking distance, and all are a quick Lyft away. With the housekeeping out of the way, let’s get to the fun.

First Off, Don’t Miss the Chance to be Spontaneous.

Yes, I realize I just told you to go in with a plan. And do. But allow for time to linger over acts that tickle your ear. Headliners this year are, among others, Tyler the Creator, Lizzo, HER, The Lumineers, Rezz, and Taking Back Sunday. These spaces will fill up quickly. But as you are making your way around, keep an open mind for local rapper Sol, amazing vocalist Gallant, or comedian Neal Brennan. There are over ninety music musical acts and 19 comedic acts so don’t get tunnel vision.

Don’t Be Afraid to Bring the Kiddos to Bumbershoot in Seattle:

Youngershoot is the younger side of Bumbershoot in Seattle, sponsored by the Children’s Museum. There are special exhibits and interactive opportunities for the under 10 set. It consists of an smaller area segregated from the rest of the Seattle Center campus, with music, art and acts tailored to little ones. In addition, Bumbershoot in Seattle is tagging which acts, in the general line-up, which are kid friendly.

Seattle Local Tip: If going with little ones, the crowds are smaller earlier in the day. Strollers are permitted, but discouraged, just FYI.

Spend the Day:

Bumbershoot in Seattle is more than just music. There is comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre and visual arts. You can also practice yoga, see a Laser Dome show, and check out the Sub Pop pop up. Food is good enough to write home about. Offerings from Matt’s In The Market (a personal fave), BokBok Fried Chicken, Gracia, Little Uncle, Wood Shop BBQ and more will keep blood sugar levels steady. In addition, the Armory locations are also open during the festival, so beer, wine and vegan options are available.

One Last Pro Tip:

The weather is generally quite nice. Like, sunny and hot nice. So don’t forget to pack your bag with sunscreen, water, and a hat. And if you’re planning on staying for the evening bands (which I highly recommend), you’ll want a sweater or hoodie. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Check out the best Seattle attractions! Contact us today!

Seattle July Events

June 25, 2019 by amyb

Growing up in Seattle, you kind of just know that summer starts after the 4^th of July – don’t ask me why, that’s just the way it is. That’s generally when the weather is really nice and the sun shines all the time. Which is why most outdoor Seattle July events. School is out and people flock to the few beaches we have, picnics in the many parks are a daily occurrence, and evening BBQs and music events are what people live for.

First things first, 4^th of July! The biggest party that happens is the Seafair Summer Fourth! The party is on both ends of Lake Union, Gas Works Park on the North and South Lake Union Park, not surprisingly, on the South. You can get tickets to both on their website. Gates open at noon for both, and they offer live music, food, and a beer garden to keep you entertained until the real show starts around 10pm. If you can’t make it to the event, or maybe if crowds aren’t your thing, you can watch it live on channel 7.

Seafair is Seattle’s 10-week festival season that has been happening since 1950. There are tons of sanctioned Seafair events, including the 4^th of July at Lake Union, the Milk Carton Derby (July 13), Torchlight, Fleet Week (July 29 – Aug 2), and so much more! One of the more unique Seattle July events is the Pirate Landing at Alki Beach. Summer wouldn’t be summer without Pirates! July 6^th Alki Beach is transformed – it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Check out the Seafair website for information on all the Seattle July events going on.

If you’re planning a visit to the Ballard Locks, located about 5-ish miles north from the city, you can hear some wonderful live music from local musicians and groups. The Concerts at the Locks are an annual tradition and run through September 2^nd. Visit their website to get the lineup. Don’t forget, if you purchase a CityPass you can get tickets to many of our local attractions at a discount, and the Locks are one of them!

ZooTunes at the Woodland Park Zoo are another annual tradition here. If you’ve got an open day, plan a trip to the Zoo and stay for the concert at the end of the day. Tickets sell out pretty fast, so I suggest getting yours now. Not to brag, but our Zoo is one of the best in the country! And don’t take my word for it, everyone says so. Visit their website to see all the offerings, schedule a premium tour or get tickets for the evening concerts. They even have live cams so you can see tigers, bears, and bats in real time. And we have a new baby giraffe, named Hasani (which means handsome in Swahili) who will hopefully be making his debut soon. He and mama have been spending quality bonding time together in private since he was born on May 2^nd. But trust me, his first few days in the public areas will be an event you won’t want to miss.

Summer is a great time for sports too, the Mariners and Sounders are still keeping Seattle Playoff hopes alive, and you won’t want to miss seeing a game at T-Mobile Park or CenturyLink Field. Our sports venues offer some really great food and drink options or stick to tradition and buy your old man a hot dog and beer! If you like soccer, the FIFA World Cup is being shown at many bars and most of them offer drink and food specials while you watch. The Stranger has a great list of local sports and recreation events, check out their website and see what there is to do.

There are so many festivals in July! Literally every weekend boasts at least three or four fairs, runs, tastings…everything from the Seattle International BeerFest at the Seattle Center Fisher park and pavilion to the Capitol Hill Block Party (over 100 bands will be playing!) to local neighborhood festivals like the West Seattle Grand Parade (featuring the 2^nd year of the Pawrade, for our furry friends) and the Alki Point Art and Music Fair. Our friends at Events12.com have the best list of all the great things to do in and around the city, check it out!

The biggest of all July festivals by far is the annual Bite of Seattle July 19 – 21 at the Seattle Center. Voted “Best Food Festival” for the last several years, the Bite is the original and first Seattle July event dedicated to all thing yummy. For the last 37 years, the Bite has taken over the Seattle Center and filled it with local restaurants, pop-up vendors, beer and cider tastings, live music outdoor beer gardens, live cooking demos and cook-off battles. Friday night is the free Bite Movie Night and the best part – it’s free to attend! This year they’re once again offering The Alley Six Course ‘Multi-Bite’ event that benefits Food Lifeline and the Family Fun Zone. You can get tickets for the Alley and Beer & Cider Tastings here.

July ends with the best parade of the year – Torchlight! Since 1950 Seattlites have been gathering to watch marching bands, floats, dancers, and so much more in the heart of the city. The parade begins at 7:30 PM at the Seattle Center and heads down 4^th Avenue to Westlake Park. There isn’t an admission fee for the parade, though if you want to ensure a good seat, reserved seating at the Grandstand is available. But for a true Seattle experience, plan on getting up early and staking out a seat along the parade route. There are food trucks and local eateries offering specials along the entire route. (And yes, the city provides Honey Buckets along the way too.) Bring a comfy camp chair, don’t forget your sunscreen and water, and spend the day people watching. For all the info you’ll need or to purchase tickets for the grandstand visit their website. The parade will also be broadcast on channel 7.

Days spent adventuring in the city should end in a luxury unit that offers a great living room to rest your feet in and a comfy bed to stretch those tired muscles on. Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals offers units that have not only have indoor pools, but roof-top decks for watching the sun set and unwinding with a glass of wine. Give us a call and our friendly and knowledgeable staff can find the perfect vacation rental for your visit!

Seattle PrideFest 2019

June 12, 2019 by amyb

June is Pride Month! In almost all big cities, and a lot of smaller ones as well, there are celebrations going on. The bigger events are towards the end of the month, though smaller neighborhoods have already started the festivities. Seattle, being a rather progressive city, has been throwing Pride events (officially) since 1974 when the first Pride Week was held from June 24^th to the 30^th. In 2007, PrideFest (a non-profit 501c3) took over and has been throwing the biggest and best events ever since!

The two ‘official’ Pride events are PrideFest Capitol Hill and PrideFest Seattle Center. Capitol Hill is where Pride began all those years ago, and it stands to reason that it is where the kick-off party is. It’s the biggest festival on the Hill all year, and gets started around noon on Saturday, June 29^th. 5 blocks are closed to traffic and are filled with food, vendors, 5 stages of music and entertainment – and some of the best people watching you’ll find. The event is free and goes (officially) until 9pm. And if that’s a little before you want to call it a day, almost every bar in the area has some sort of after party happening!

PrideFest Seattle Center is Sunday, June 30^th from noon to 8pm. This is the 50^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York, the event which really started the movement for equal rights for all. The event is free and is tons of fun!

There are a lot of ‘unofficial’ Pride events around the city as well, here is one of the more notable ones you won’t want to miss – TransPride! This event takes place on Friday, June 28^th from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM at Cal Anderson Park following the UW Q’s Trans Pride Parade at Seattle Central Community College. The parade is A LOT of fun and is a great way to meet people from around the state and celebrate our Trans friends and family. This is the yearly kick-off to Pride Weekend and isn’t just for Trans People. Everyone is welcome to join! There will be live music, food and merch booths with just about anything your little heart might desire. TransPride Pro Tip: If you are not Trans, remember not to stare. If this is your first time at an event like this, it may be a new experience seeing Trans people. And as interested as you may be about, well, everything, remember that staring can make people feel weird. And this weekend is all about including everyone and NOT making anyone feel weird. That being said, another point of this celebration is to educate people about the Trans movement and Trans people. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, most everyone will be happy to have an open and honest conversation with you. If you aren’t sure how to address someone (he/him, she/her, they/them) introduce yourself first, and politely ask how they would like to be addressed. Again, as this is about education and the inclusion of everyone, most people won’t be offended by this question.

Let’s talk about Shopping! Each event has it’s own shopping area with vendors offering everything from local art to cool clothing and everything in between. Yes, it is 2019, but a lot of vendors are CASH ONLY so make sure you have some. Many will take debit/credit cards, but at outdoor festivals and parades cash is still king. Don’t forget to stop by the ATM on your way.

A note about parking: there isn’t much. Each event has some public parking lots available, more at Seattle Center an anywhere else, but public transportation or ride sharing are going to be your best bet for a stress-free Pride weekend!

Last, but not least, don’t forget your water and sunscreen! The weather is usually nice, and can even be hot so please be prepared. Since you’ll have your bag or backpack with you for all the amazing treasures you find, it’s a good idea to throw in some lip balm, pain reliever (it can get LOUD) and snacks.

Here are some great resources for Pride Events: https://www.seattlepridefest.org/, https://www.thestranger.com/events/40446605/trans-pride-seattle-2019, https://www.queerpridefestival.com/.

Zoo Tunes 2019

June 4, 2019 by amyb

Lions, tigers, bears…..concerts on the lawn? Woodland Park Zoo. You get to hang out at the Zoo with the animals, and then see some really cool bands live in the grass. It’s done festival style, so you can bring your blanket or short beach-style chair and sit in the zoo’s North Park and relax. You can bring food and drinks in plastic or aluminum containers, just no alcohol or glass. They do have a beer garden for the grown-ups and lots of food choices for the whole family. While entrance to the zoo isn’t part of your ticket cost, it’s well worth paying to see the zoo before the show.

The zoo’s big news right now is the baby giraffe who was born on May 2^nd. His name is Hasani, which means handsome in Swahili, and was born with an abnormality in his rear legs, which is common in horses and shows up in giraffes from time to time). The talented zoo staff have consulted with other veterinarians all over the states and have come up with special shoes for him so he can walk normally. We’re all excited to see him, though for now he and mama are in the nursery taking time to bond.

While waiting to meet little Hasani, there are lots of other great exhibits to check out. Woodland Park Zoo’s 92 acres are divided into bioclimatic zones, featuring different natural habitats ranging from humid tropical rain forests and coastal deserts to temperate rain forests like those of the Pacific Northwest. If you went to elementary or junior high in Seattle, you went to the zoo in May or June every year. I personally love our zoo, it’s been remodeled several times to make the areas more natural and have gone to great lengths to make both the animals living there and the visitors happy.

Another neat thing about Zoo Tunes is that the proceeds from the concerts go to help fund animal care, conservation projects and educational programs here and abroad through their foundation. Their motto is See Music Save Animals – and it’s perfect.

2019 Summer Concert Line-Up:

June 8 – Indigo Girls (Sold out, but you can sign up for returned tickets)

June 23 – Lucinda Williams with Cass McCombs

June 30 – Greensky Bluegrass

July 21 – Cody Johnson and Whitey Morgan with Jacob Bryant

August 4 – John Prine with Amanda Shires (Sold out, but you can sign up for returned tickets)

August 7 – B-52s with OMD and Berlin (Sold out, but you can sign up for returned tickets)

August 11 – Feist with Rhye

August 15 – Taj Mahal + Marc Cohn with the Blind Boys of Alabama

August 25 – The Wood Brothers with Colter Wall

August 28 – Lost 80’s Live! A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, The Vapors, The Motels, Boys Don’t Cry, The Escape Club, Real Life, Farrington and Mann (ALS Interpreted for the Deaf)

Pro Tip: buy a CityPass! With a Seattle CityPASS you can save up to 47% and skip lines at Seattle’s 5 top attractions, including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Pacific Science Center or Chihuly Garden & Glass, and EMP Museum or Woodland Park Zoo. You can buy it online or at the zoo gates.

June Events in Seattle!

May 21, 2019 by amyb

It’s almost summer!! The weather is getting consistently nicer, the flowers are blooming, and the trees are making the hardscapes of the city softer. June brings us Father’s Day, the tail-end of SIFF, the Rock-n-roll Marathon and raps up with Pride!

Let’s start with Dad. Indoors, outdoors, music, sports, food, drink….no matter what he is interested in, there are tons of options for celebrating his special day. Why not schedule a trip on the water that includes food and drinks? Argosy Cruises and Let’s Go Sailing offer day and evening trips around both Lake Washington and Elliott Bay.

If sports are his thing, the Mariners and Sounders are still keeping Seattle Playoff hopes alive, and you won’t want to miss seeing a game at T-Mobile Park or CenturyLink Field. Our sports venues offer some really great food and drink options or stick to tradition and buy your old man a hot dog and beer!

SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) runs through June 9^th. Known as America’s largest film festival, there are tons of premiers, talks by directors, and chances to meet the actors. And the next week brings us Best of SIFF at Uptown Cinemas, watch the films that were award winners and audience favorites.

There are more festivals in June than you can shake a stick at – literally every weekend boasts at least three or four fairs, runs, tastings…everything from the Bacon Eggs and Kegs Boozy Brunch at CenturyLink Field to the Greenwood Car Show. Our friends at Events12.com have the best list of all the great things to do in and around the city, check it out!

And let’s not forget the biggest part of June festivals: Solstice and Pride! While there are many small, local neighborhood events, by far the biggest are the Freemont Solstice Parade on the 22^nd, the Freemont Fair on the 22^nd and 23^rd, PrideFest Capitol Hill on the 29^th, and the Seattle Pride Parade and PrideFest on the 30^th. All three give you a chance to eat, drink, shop, and bring out your inner diva – you know you want to pull that feather boa out and dance the night away!

Since you’ll spend your days doing a lot of walking (we suggest a good pair of walking shoes!) why not stay in a luxury unit that offers a warm pool to stretch those tired muscles in? Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals offers units that have not only indoor pools, but roof-top decks for relaxing on after a long day of adventuring. Give us a call and our friendly and knowledgeable staff can find the perfect vacation rental for your visit!

2019 Event Calendar_June

Where to Get Your Fit on in Seattle

April 3, 2019 by amyb

Where to Get Your Fit on in Seattle

Written By: Candi Cane Canncel
Photo Credit: Academy Athletics

If you’re on a fitness kick and are traveling, there’s no need to let your vacation derail your healthy goals. Here’s a list of where to get your fit groove going while visiting Seattle. Though a lot of vacation rental buildings and hotels do have gyms, it adds to the holiday adventure to try a new workout while away from home.

Belltown

If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout that’s truly fun in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, then Academy Athletics is a great bet. They offer a free intro class to all; whether locals or those visiting. Their the one-week trial at $29.99 is an inexpensive option to stay fit while on vacation. For longer stays, their 3-week trial and 6-week challenge program are great ways to see fast results and to ward off gaining any extra holiday pounds. In addition to energetic HITT workouts, they offer nutritional guidance and meal plan ideas. 2700 Elliott Avenue, Suite 102.

One of the chicest boxes around, CrossFit Belltown is a must-stop for any CF enthusiast who’s visiting Seattle. The brick building, modern chandeliers and warm décor is stylish, while the coaches and members are welcoming to new comers. Guests can drop in at $25.00 per class or purchase a punch card at $80. As with most CF studios, prior CrossFit experience is recommended. 3025 1^st Avenue.

Belltown Dance Studio offers drop-in classes like Zumba and Bolly X. Classes are $17.00 each or you can purchase a punch card if you have a longer stay in the area and want to dance off the Seattle cuisine you’ll hopefully be sampling during your vacation. 2217 3^rd Avenue, Suite 102.

Halfway Between Belltown and Pike Place is Urban Yoga Spa. They offer the Traveler’s Pass for the visiting yogi or any guest that would like to Zen out on yoga while on vacation. For $49.00 you get a week of unlimited yoga, use of their mats and towels so no need to take up valuable suitcase space. If you’re traveling with a group, they can create a customize package to accommodate your needs. There’s also a spa and a coffee shop on site for a post-workout massage or latte. 1900 4^th Avenue.

Pike Place Market

Riot Athletics, is a short walk from Pike Place Market and offers a variety of high-intensity workouts like CrossFit, Circuit and Cycling. Single Classes start at $24.00. They also have punch cards if you plan to visit multiple times during your stay. For your convenience, sweat and shower towels are offered complimentary as are shoes for the Cycle classes. 1223 Western Avenue.

Capitol Hill and Convention Center

8 Limbs Yoga: offers drop-in classes in Hatha and Vinyasa as well as a variety of special classes including a gentle yoga class and a devotion-oriented flow class. Drop In rates are $22.00 a class. 500 East Pike Street.

Pure Barre offers classes that tone and tighten like ballet without the years of dance training needed. Single classes are $25.00. 1222 East Pine Street, Suite B.

If true dancing is more your jam, Century Ballroom offers a plethora of styles to suit every taste and level. From Salsa and Bachata to Swing and Tango, most weekend evening classes feature a social dance after the class. Visit their Events page which details their extensive offerings and pricing. 915 East Pine Street on the second floor.

Seattle’s Summer Free Fitness Classes

If you’re lucky enough to visit Seattle in the summertime, there are two venues close to Belltown that offer free group classes that are open to the public. The Seattle Center and the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park both offer Zumba and Yoga in picturesque outdoor settings. Check out their websites for dates and times. As these are community events, be prepared to bring your own mats and towels. And be sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as these are super popular and tend to fill up fast.

Working Out in Seattle

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the middle of all the hot gyms, our luxurious vacation rentals are close to all the places described above! And to keep your fitness goals on track, all of our units are fully stocked and ready to make a healthy meal. From pots and pans, to spices, to serving dishes, we’ve got you covered! Let the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals help you book a cozy property with a peaceful view and comfy furniture to help you unwind after that workout. Contact us to start planning your next trip!