Free Seattle Neighborhood Art Walks

If you think art is boring, you haven’t discovered Seattle’s rich art scene.   With many venues displaying art, galleries and museums, along with fun ways to enjoy them, restaurants, bars, shops, and more, art has woven its way into the tapestry of our city.

Neighborhoods around Seattle have created community Art Walks, a chance for people to enjoy the art scene of the community, mingle with residents and visitors, learn about art, and have a lot of fun.  Galleries, museums, and other neighborhood businesses stay open a little later than usual one night of the month, and feature special events, food, drink, and occasionally entertainment as well.  Think of it as an old-fashioned block party centered around an artistic theme.

Still not sure if art is your cup of tea?  Why not check out one of these free Art Walks staged around Seattle each month:

The first Wednesday of the month:  Wallingford (map).  With more than 25 venues participating in the Wallingford Art Walk, you’ll find everything from artist studios to coffee shops to live Music at the Wallingford Center Plaza (map).  Runs May to October.

The first Thursday of the month:  Pioneer Square, Occidental Park, Seattle Art Museum.  The Pioneer Square Art Walk (map) has more than 50 participating venues, and if you’ve ever wandered around the area, you know just how great some of the venues are.  Vendors also set up displays and booths in Occidental Park (map) for First Thursday Art in the Park.  The Seattle Art Museum (map), just a short walk away from Pioneer Square, offers free admission on the first Thursday of the month as well.  Runs year round.

The first Friday of the month:  Fremont.  This quirky neighborhood (map), home to the Statue of Lenin (map) and the Fremont Troll (map), continues its eclectic art persona with plenty of galleries, shops, and restaurants.  The Fremont Art Walk goes on rain or shine.

The second Thursday of the month:  Capitol Hill, West Seattle.  Now called the Blitz Capitol Hills Art Walk!, this event features over 50 venues in the Pike/Pine corridor (map).  This thriving neighborhood has always been a major force in the creative fields.  Over in West Seattle (map), more than 60 venues participate in the West Seattle Art Walk, making it the largest ongoing community art event in the city.

The second Saturday of the month:  Ballard (map).  Start at the south end of Ballard Avenue, meander your way up to Market Street, and then continue from there.  You’ll find plenty to do and see at the Ballard Art Walk.

Make a plan to get out to these neighborhoods and enjoy the local creative community.  It’s a heck of a good evening of fun and camaraderie.

Photo credit: SXC