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Watch lively performances this weekend and celebrate Irish culture at this weekend's Irish Festival. Photo: courtesy Seattle Center
We’re just one week away from the official start of spring, and signs of the season are popping up everywhere (layers of snow and hail on my lawn Tuesday morning notwithstanding). An especially adorable spring tradition: admiring baby animals on a farm. We’ve rounded up the best local farms and petting zoos to visit, including a new one with baby Highland cows — race you there!
If you’re not quite ready to let go of winter fun, there’s a brand-new indoor skiing and snowboarding facility in town. It’s just one of 13 things you can do with older kids this weekend.
And of course, my top 10 weekend events are ready to amplify the spring fun, from cherry-flavored treats to a family-friendly symphony and waterfront story time.
1. U District Cherry Blossom Food Walk and Specials
Date: Friday–Sunday, March 13–15
Cost: Items for purchase
Location: U District Station, 4300 Brooklyn Ave. N.E., Seattle
Buds have appeared on the cherry blossom trees, and the U District is celebrating with this blossom-themed festival. Take your taste buds on a spring tour with sweet treats like cherry blossom tapioca pudding, savory bites of pepper burgers and fried chicken, and specialty drinks with floral notes. You can also expect deals on artwork, clothing, activities and even hotel stays — there are 90 participating businesses!
2. ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’ by Off Book Productions
Date: Friday–Sunday, March 13–15
Cost: $15
Location: Rainier Arts Center, 3515 S. Alaska St., Seattle
“James and the Giant Peach” was one of my favorite stories growing up, and I am so excited to see this quirky adaptation come to life onstage. Watch as a young James sails across the ocean inside an oversized peach, and meet the insect friends who help him on his journey. It’s a whimsical way to introduce the kids to the world of Roald Dahl (and if you’re like me, take a trip down memory lane).
3. Wooden Boat Storytime
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: Free
Location: The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St., Seattle
It’s the first Wooden Boat Storytime of the season! This charming spot on South Lake Union kicks off its spring season with a program you won’t want to miss. Listen as Sue Kimpton tells a story that encourages imagination and celebrates childhood. Then spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront, visiting MOHAI or even renting a rowboat.
4. KU Mardi-Rock: A Shamrock & Street Party
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: Free
Location: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland
Whether or not you’re up for the Kirkland Shamrock Run, this post-run celebration promises fun for the whole family. There will be a live DJ spinning upbeat tunes, retailer pop-ups and special promotions. The kids will love all the interactive activities, from face painting and balloon twisting to crafts and a photo booth.
5. Greater Seattle Toy Show
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: $7–$15; ages 11 and younger are free
Location: Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent
My daughter doesn’t necessarily need any new toys, but it’s hard to resist the nostalgic selection of Tonka trucks, Hot Wheels, action figures and more at this special toy show. Stroll down memory lane and shop to your heart’s content with more than 200 tables of treasures. Bonus: Early bird admission comes with a free toy Volkswagen car.
6. Pi Day Community Math Festival
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: Free
Location: SUMM at Kent Station, 437 Ramsay Way, Suite 102, Kent
Get ready to geek at the Seattle Universal Math Museum, hosting its grand opening just in time for Pi Day. Celebrate all things pi-related with experiments, puzzles and more hands-on math experiences in this interactive space. There will even be sweet treats available for purchase and an exciting raffle with prizes up for grabs. (Younger me would be thrilled to hear that math can be fun!)
7. Shorelake Arts Lantern Festival
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Location: Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Shoreline
Make a paper lantern and welcome the Year of the Horse at this vibrant Lunar New Year celebration. There will be a lion dance, kung fu demonstrations, music and more activities. Grab lunch from one of the food trucks on-site and enjoy the festivities.
8. Family Concert: Take a Hike! (With Beethoven)
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: Free
Location: Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma
Explore nature through classical music this weekend with an orchestra performance of Beethoven’s “Pastoral Symphony” in the stunning Rialto Theater. The music will take you through bubbling brooks, birdsong and even a passing storm. It’s a fun (and free!) way to introduce kids to the symphony.
9. Irish Festival
Date: Saturday–Sunday, March 14–15
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
The Seattle Center Festál series never disappoints, and this weekend’s Irish Festival is a fantastic celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Watch Irish dancing, take a tin whistle class, indulge in traditional food and shop for unique crafts. Plus, there are more ways to celebrate Irish culture this weekend, from the Laying of the Green Stripe to the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
10. Springfest at the Sammamish Library
Date: Sunday, March 15
Cost: Free
Location: Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave. N.E., Sammamish
Teen volunteers are leading this drop-in event, where kids can make crafts and join a spring-themed scavenger hunt. Put your artistic skills to use with a collaborative group mural that will be displayed in the library. And, of course, while you’re there, check out a book or two (or three!) to take home for story time.
11. Bonus: Pagliacci Pizza Pi Day Deal
Date: Saturday, March 14
Cost: Order one 11-inch pizza, get another 11-inch pizza for $3.14
Location: Multiple locations
A special holiday calls for a bonus event. In celebration of Pi Day, you can order one 11-inch pizza from one of my favorite pizza spots and get a second pizza for $3.14. And thankfully, Pagliacci did the math: That’s 190 square inches of pizza. Perfect for fueling the weekend!
More weekend activities:
- Grab tickets to a spring performance or exhibition that will wow the whole family.
- Drive up north to see 500 acres of charming yellow flowers in bloom during the La Conner Daffodil Festival.
- Check a few more items off your March bucket list without spending a dime.
Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
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Editor’s note: Each week ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, updates The Weekender with her favorite weekend activities around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. It was originally published years ago and was most recently updated on March 11, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
