11 Ways to Spend a Rainy Seattle Memorial Day Weekend

It may be the official launch of summer, but here in Seattle the 2010 Memorial Day weekend is off to a very soggy start.  If you’re heading to Northwest Folklife this weekend, dress warmly and bring your umbrella or other rain gear.

What are some other rainy weekend entertainment options?  Here are a few indoor options to consider:

1. Catch a movie.  Whether your tastes run to Sex and the City 2, action adventure, or maybe something bigger than life at IMAX, there’s plenty to choose from.
2. Look at some art.  The Henry Gallery on the UW campus (map) has some great exhibits.
3. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum at the Seattle Center (map).  You’ll find lots of great exhibits for all ages of kids.
4. Attend the Compline Choir service at Saint Mark’s Cathedral (map), a combination of music and prayer.  The service is open to the public.
5. Plan an indoor picnic.  Head to the Pike Place market (map) for some meat, cheese, bread, and wine.  Make a little feast at home, in your hotel room, or even in your car.
6. Curl up with a good book.  Perhaps a mystery from Seattle Mystery Books (map) will captivate you for the weekend, making your forget that it’s raining.
7. Watch the thoroughbreds run at Emerald Downs (map).  Get there early for a seat undercover, or make a reservation for the Reserved Grandstand, Clubhouse and box seats, at an additional charge.  Dress warmly, grandstand seating is still outdoors, but at least you’ll be undercover.
8. Pretend that you’re in Italy munching on some authentic Neapolitan Pizza at Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria (map). This will keep be hanging on till I’m actually in Italy next month.
9. Indulge your musical senses with a visit to EMP (map).  There are lots of interactive exhibits and displays to keep music lovers busy for hours.
10. Do a little shopping for those summer clothes, because it will eventually get here.  Outlet shopping can provide some great buys.
11. Try something new, and save money too.  Lots of discounts and ideas can be found in the Seattle TourSaver book.

An indoor picnic and a movie are on my list of things to do this Memorial Day weekend.  How about you?

Photo credit:  personal collection