One of the things that makes Seattle such an appealing place to live and study is the variety of neighborhoods and community events. Although Seattle has grown significantly in the recent past, there are still many distinct neighborhoods with their own personality. From the student-filled University District to the culturally-rich International District and artsy Capitol Hill, Seattle has a neighborhood for everyone. Seattle also has a range of museums spread across the city. You can visit the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP Museum) to see some original Star Wars lightsabers, learn more about natural phenomena and cool inventions at the Pacific Science Center, see fossils at the Burke Museum and view modern art at the Seattle Art Museum all in the same day. With programs such as First Thursdays, when museum admission is free for all visitors, these cultural institutions are accessible to all.
In January alone, there are a great deal of interesting events in Seattle. Seattle is known for its commitment to the environment and has a variety of events to match this reputation. These include National State Park Free Days, which take place on January 15-16 this month to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. With the abundance of National Parks in Washington state, Seattleites have many options to use their holiday to explore a new region within this beautiful state. For those who would rather stay local, Seattle has great parks, bike trails, and waterfront areas all over the city to be explored and enjoyed by the public at any time.
Another area of interest to many Seattleites is social justice, and therefore there are a variety of justice-oriented events that take place on MLK Day. Some of these events are rallies and marches, while others are workshops, career fairs, lectures or even dance parties. This range of events accommodates all different levels of participation, and allows anyone who wants to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. to do so in any way they feel comfortable.
Another holiday celebrated by many Seattleites is the Lunar (Chinese) New Year in late January. On Sunday, January 29th the Chinatown-International District will host a day of festivities that includes dancing, costume contests, and plenty of tasty food. The International District is a lively part of Seattle with history that is deeply engrained in Seattle’s growth as a city, and this event is a chance to connect with the vibrancy of this neighborhood. Another January event with a cultural focus that is deeply rooted in Seattle is the Nordic Lights Film Festival at Ballard’s Nordic Heritage Museum. This film festival focuses on contemporary films from Nordic countries that many Seattleites trace their roots back to.
For those who want to experience more local culture, the Pacific Northwest is known for producing great local food and beverages. In Washington state alone, there are over 300 breweries, more than 100 of which are in King County alone. Clearly, beer is a big deal in Seattle. At the end of January, the Washington Beer Commission is holding its 8th Annual Belgian Fest at Seattle Center, featuring over 100 Belgian-style beers brewed by Washington-state breweries. Events such as this one serve to showcase Washington’s natural bounty and allow event-goers to appreciate the craft and imagination shown in the variety in what can be produced locally.
While our students may not be going to all of these events, Museology students find inspiration for their work in many different places. Here in Seattle, there is a little something for everyone, which means there are various ways for students to take a break from their schoolwork, explore, and be inspired.
–Sydney Dratel, Class of 2018