What to do around Seattle this week: Seattle Home & Garden Show and more

What’s Happening Feb. 24-March 2

Born out of Great Depression-era “back to work” events, the Seattle Home & Garden Show started in 1939. But when asked how it’s changed over time, spokesperson Belinda Young said what stands out to her is its ability to adapt to each year’s new trends with a uniquely Northwest perspective. 

Each fall and spring (this season, Feb. 25-March 5 at the Lumen Field Event Center), the show hosts hundreds of exhibits related to building, remodeling, decorating, landscaping and more, allowing attendees to shop as well as browse for inspiration.

One of the trends represented this year is options for affordable and multigenerational housing, inspired partially by Seattle’s high cost of living.

“Tiny homes are big” at this spring’s show, Young said; there will be a new tiny home village displaying structures like backyard cottages and accessory dwelling units. 

The event will also share trends and ideas for expanding existing living spaces, recreational housing and moving in additional family members.

“It’s allowing people to bring in aging parents or kids that can’t quite afford to get a place on their own,” Young said. “Just overall, making housing more affordable.” 

Another 2023 theme: outdoor games. “Game rooms have been a hot trend for a while in the Northwest, but they’re now starting to go outdoors,” Young said. One exhibit will feature game equipment like outdoor shuffleboards and even a 17-by-30-foot, human-sized pool table in which people get inside and kick the balls into different pockets. 

If you’d rather play inside, gaming nonprofit LANFest will host a gaming competition and bring computer and virtual reality games any show visitors can try out, whether or not you want to compete.

Other highlights of the 2023 home show include free appraisals of art, family heirlooms and other antiques by TV personality and “Ph.D. antiques appraiser” Lori Verderame, and daily “Meet the Experts” seminars on home design. 

The show runs Feb. 25-March 5 at Lumen Field Event Center (1000 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle). Times vary, starting at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Buy tickets online; $15 for adults with senior, junior and military discounts. Show visitors can register to return for a second day for free. Learn more at seattlehomeshow.com.

What else is happening

Here are some other events happening Feb. 24-March 2 in the Puget Sound area. If you would like to submit an event for consideration, please email your event details to weekend@seattletimes.com.

Simply Soulful Cafe Grand Reopening — Feb. 24

Simply Soulful is simultaneously celebrating the ribbon-cutting of its new Central District location and Black History Month. The event includes unique Black History Month menu options, prizes and cake-cutting. It runs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with guest speakers at 11:30 a.m. and a spoken word performance at 12:30 p.m. 2321 S. Jackson St., Seattle; 206-402-6618, info@simplysoulfulcafe.com

Kijiji Night — Feb. 24

Kijiji means “village” in Swahili, reflecting how this Black History Month event has united thousands of attendees across and beyond the African diaspora over time. It will feature performances by local musicians and a panel of community leaders discussing the history of Black collaboration. 5-9:30 p.m. Reserve a spot online; donation based. 104 17th Ave. S., Seattle; onevibeafrica.org

Green River Glass Show & Sale — Feb. 25

Calling glass connoisseurs and the glass-curious! Shop or browse glassware, jewelry, pottery, china and collectibles from more than 30 dealers, learn from glass experts, and enjoy displays by special-interest glass clubs like the Fenton Finders of Puget Sound and Northwest Heisey Collectors Club. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $3 admission. 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent; 206-817-8871, susanalbradley@outlook.com

Meeker Street Nerd Party — Feb. 25

Release your inner nerd at this streetwide event in Kent. Numerous small businesses between Second and Fourth avenues on Meeker Street will host local makers, artists and authors specializing in science fiction, fantasy and horror, with comics, video games, movies, collectibles and more to browse and buy. 4-8 p.m. Free. downtownkentwa.com

A Proud Heritage – Finding Your African American Roots — Feb. 25

Learn more about your roots, either in person or from your laptop, at this hybrid genealogy workshop designed for individuals with Black ancestry. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. RSVP online; free. 1102 S. Pearl St., Tacoma; tacomaaafhe.com/home

Women’s History Month Civic Cocktail — March 1

Start off Women’s History Month right: Enjoy an appetizer and a drink while listening to community leaders discuss women’s housing and homelessness and women’s history in Washington. You’ll also be able to submit your questions in person or through a chat on the livestream to the panel, which includes Mary’s Place Executive Director Marty Hartman and “Trailblazing Black Women of Washington State” author Marilyn Morgan. The event runs 6-8 p.m. with the formal program beginning at 6:30 p.m. 400 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; ywcaworks.org

Cirque du Soleil — March 2-5

Cirque du Soleil is coming to Climate Pledge Arena and bringing “Corteo,” a show full of fun, comedy and spontaneity, set in a mysterious realm between heaven and earth. Showtimes vary. Buy tickets online; prices start at $74.50. 334 First Ave. N., Seattle; cirquedusoleil.com/corteo#about-the-show

Future File

Buds & Blooms Guided Nature Walk — March 4

Welcome spring with naturalist Ed Dominguez, who will help you identify and discover the leaves, flower buds and other flora that are starting to come alive for the season in Seward Park. 1-3:30 p.m. Register online; free. 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; sewardpark.audubon.org

White Pass Winter Carnival — March 4-5

Feel free to bring the whole family to this carnival, which includes a snow castle open for tubing, music, face painting, a kids obstacle course race, fireworks and a torchlight parade on March 4. If you want to get some night skiing in, purchase tickets (included with a day ticket or season pass) starting March 4 at 2 p.m. The snow castle is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 4 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 5. Access to the festival is free, but you must buy lift tickets to ski. 48935 U.S. Highway 12, Naches; skiwhitepass.com/events/winter-carnival

Nelda Swiggett in Megabopolis — March 5

Enjoy music from Seattle jazz group Megabopolis, led by OA2 recording artist and award-winning composer Nelda Swiggett. The concert is part of the Seattle Jazz Vespers series, which combines jazz music and secular inspiration messages at Seattle First Baptist on the first Sunday of every month. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m. Free. 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle; seattlefirstbaptist.org/seattle-jazz-vespers/