2023 Capitol Hill holiday highlights include 65th annual Julfest, Holiday in the Park, Guilty Holiday Pleasures Party

While you’re recovering from the Thanksgiving holiday, brace yourself — Capitol Hill is going to be a festive place for the next few weeks. Here are a few Capitol Hill holiday highlights from the CHS Calendar. You can find more events and gatherings here — or add your own.

Sunday, December 3rd brings the 65th annual Julfest to E Pike’s First Covenant Church:

Thursday, December 7th is the date for the annual return of the Holiday in the Park celebration with hundreds of glowing luminaria, music, crafts and games, and treats in Volunteer Park:

Chabad of Capitol Hill & The Central District will also hold its Grand Menorah Lighting and Celebration in Volunteer Park on the 7th:


The Guilty Holiday Pleasures Party returns to Chophouse Row on Thursday, December 14th:

The Local Brilliance market and art exhibition takes place at 19th Ave E’s Ritual House on Saturday, December 16th:

Plus, lots more coming up soon around the Hill:

 

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On the List | Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day, Jockstraps and Glitter 2023, Optimism goodbye, Maui benefits

Here are a few weekend things to do around Capitol Hill.

  • Jockstraps and Glitter 2023: Dykes have been battling drag queens in charity kickball matches since Capitol Hill was invented. The annual fundraiser organized by Seattle Quake Rugby and The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan returns Saturday in Cal Anderson Park:
    Come join us for the fundraising event of the summer! Come watch as Quake Rugby take on the Sisterhood of Perpetual Indulgence’s Seattle chapter in a kickball game! Why should I come watch?: Jockstraps and Glitter is the most fun you can have with your clothes on…mostly because ours come off! How is money raised?: Fans pay for things like ruggers and sisters to strip down and play like that, outs, home runs, and make up “swaps” When? August 19th, 1 pm Where?: The kickball field at Cal Anderson! Drinking after?: Join us for the social and an adult beverage after! Bar TBA
  • Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day: Sunday, Cal Anderson and streets across Capitol Hill will host CHGSD 2023. Born in 2007 as a day loosely organized by CHS for people to rally together to hold yard sales across the Hill, the event has grown to focus on a community flea market in Cal Anderson Park organized by the Cal Anderson Park Alliance to help people reuse and recycle while also celebrating the neighborhood’s central park. This year’s sale includes a clothing swap hosted by the Queer and Trans Youth Project while the Capitol Hill Neighborhood Farmers Market will be taking place just down the block. You’ll find more information at capitolhillgaragesale.org.

    Gay Gilmore and Troy Hakala of Optimism (Image: Optimism Brewing)

  • Optimism Garage Sale: In June, CHS broke the news that Capito Hill brewery Optimism Brewing was closing down and making way for Ballard-born Stoup Brewing to take over the Broadway at Union microbrewery and beer hall. This weekend, you can stop by to bid farewell to Optimism — and check out their goodbye garage sale:
    Let’s drain the kegs and sell the stuff this weekend! Garage sale is Friday and Saturday with deals on glassware, merchandise, equipment and more. We are raffling off our neon signs. All proceeds from beer & gear sale benefit the Maui Strong Fund. Please come have a final toast with us!
  • Maui benefits: Many Capitol Hill area venues are raising funds for Maui including E Olive Way’s Hula Hula. Know about more? Let us know in comments.
 

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Capitol Hill Pride Weekend 2023: Trans Pride, PrideFest takes over Broadway and Cal Anderson, and a new path for Seattle Dyke March

A PrideFest scene from 2022 as Pride returned to its rightful space after years of pandemic cancellations and delays

75 F and mostly sunny. Sounds like it is time for PrideFest. The annual free Pride festival on Broadway and in Cal Anderson returns Saturday as a centerpiece to LGBTQIA+ celebrations across Capitol Hill this weekend. Also check out our news on the important changes for the annual Dyke March. The PrideFest 2023 schedule is below along with the rest of the highlights from the weekend around the Hill. Happy Pride.

2023 CAPITOL HILL PRIDE

  • FRIDAY JUNE 23RD: TRANS PRIDE SEATTLE — Trans Pride Seattle got back on its feet in 2022 — but not in time to be part of celebrations in June. This year, the celebration of transgender freedom continues its new tradition of gathering in Volunteer Park with a Friday night rally and party. Continue reading

Juneteenth 2023 around the Central District: Africatown Summer of Soul, Juneteenth Skate Party Celebration in Judkins Park, REVIVAL Pop-up Market

There is a weekend of Juneteenth celebration ahead across the Central District and Seattle Public Schools and City Hall will have Monday off. Here are a few highlights from the CD and the nearby. Check out the South Seattle Emerald for more from across the area. You can also find more on the CHS Calendar Juneteenth listings. (Note for mobile users — We’re having some technical difficulties with the calendar on smartphones and pads that we hope to resolve soon. Sorry for the inconvenience!)

    • Africatown Community Land Trust Summer of Soul: Africatown will partner with King County Equity Now for a day of music and celebration with Talib Kweli and Kevin Ross in Jimi Hendrix Park on Monday.
      Juneteenth is a reminder of the resilience and strength of our communities and that, in the face of oppression and injustice, we continue to press into our collective brilliance and strength. We recognize this day, just as others that tend to receive temporary limelight in this country, as one that gives us focused opportunity to contemplate how we may continue to honor the contributions and sacrifices of our ancestors. We honor their tireless fight for freedom and are grateful for the paths they have paved that have allowed for the progress we have made today. We are thankful for these sacrifices and contributions each and every day. Continue reading

On the List | Parke Diem returns to Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill Art Walk does Pride

(Image: Parke Diem)

Capitol Hill’s month of Pride got off to a sunny start last weekend in Volunteer Park. There is plenty left to do this week to enjoy some sun, LGBTQIA+ good vibes, and fun happenings around the Hill. For more, check out the CHS Calendar.

  • WEDNESDAY JUNE 7TH: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCE — “Celebrate Prince’s birthday with this special presentation of Purple Rain featuring Q&A with DJ Kevin Cole, a former Minneapolis-based DJ who frequently DJed Prince’s private parties.” — SIFF Cinema Egyptian — Tickets and information.
  • THURSDAY JUNE 8TH: PRIDE MONTH CAPITOL HILL ART WALK — The monthly celebration of Capitol Hill art collides with the annual Capitol Hill celebration of queer love! Check out a pop-up market of LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and vendors selling gifts and goods at Chophouse Row, “wearable art, design, studio production, clever merch and more” at Six of Pikes Studio, a “group show of artists working with elements of the natural world as their muse” all the way over on 19th Ave E’s AMcE Creative Arts, the Palace of Peen at Passable, and a “SUM-MER NIGHT” DJ pop-up at Pike/Pine’s K-Fashion provider SUM. Find a map and more at capitolhillartwalk.com.
  • SATURDAY JUNE 10TH: PARKE DIEM 2023 — Drop in for “Seattle’s longest running, free and family friendly electronic music festival!” as it returns triumphantly to Capitol Hill. The 2023 lineup includes K Theory,  Zof, GLT-ISH (GLTY & GOLD-ISH), DAD BODZ (HEXI & BNGRZ), COOKIE & A J, mofflar & sl1p3s. There is also a giant roster of artists, performers, and creators, plus vendors and food. — Volunteer Park Amphitheater — Noon to 9 PM — parkediem.org.
  • SATURDAY JUNE 10TH: ON THE BLOCK — The Second Saturday “born to help artists and small businesses recover from the pandemic” 11th Ave street fair’s Pride edition will take place 1 to 7 PM with “local art, movement, music, vintage, streetwear, and more.” — ontheblockseattle.com.
  • SUNDAY JUNE 11TH: NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP — Join Caring for Capitol Hill to tidy up around Cal Anderson, 10 AM to noon.
 

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CHS Pics | Seattle Pride in the Park starts a month of LGBTQIA+ celebration on Capitol Hill

Pride 2023 on Capitol Hill got started over the weekend with a day of picnics and music in Volunteer Park kicking off the coming month of LGBTQ+ celebrations.

Just one year from the triumphant return of the neighborhood’s Pride celebrations to their rightful place in June following years of pandemic postponements, 2023 festivities began Saturday with the Seattle Pride in the Park festival, the updated version of the old Pride Picnic that now fills Volunteer Park’s amphitheater lawn with free music and dancing. The 2023 theme was Galactic Love — “all about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community as one big, beautiful, extravagant galaxy.” The weekend also brought the traditional Pride neighborhood clean-up around Cal Anderson Park.

There are plenty more Capitol Hill Pride celebrations ahead. Check out our list below and find more on the CHS Calendar.

  • FRIDAY JUNE 23RD: TRANS PRIDE SEATTLE — Trans Pride Seattle got back on its feet in 2022 — but not in time to be part of celebrations in June. This year, the celebration of transgender freedom continues its new tradition of gathering in Volunteer Park with a Friday night rally and party. Continue reading

Volunteer Park Summer Series at the Amphitheater 2023 lineup announced

The Summer Series at the Amphitheater has announced its 2023 lineup — first show is July 13th

The good folks at the Volunteer Park Trust have announced the lineup for the 2023 Summer Series at the Amphitheater, a second season of the free series of shows set up to celebrate the park’s $2.7 million amphitheater replacement that opened last July.

The full 2023 lineup is below. But, first things first, you should enjoy this Memorial Day weekend around the Hill. Here are a few ideas from the CHS Calendar. Missing something? Add your event here.

Memorial Day Weekend On the List

  • Northwest Terror Fest 2023: Neumos and Barboza are hosting this year’s “extreme” metal music festival with the black-clad terror running through Saturday night. Learn more at northwestterrorfest.com. Continue reading

On the List | Gearhouse grand opening, Lost Lake 10th birthday, Bike Everywhere Day, Malcolm X Day, I-5 detours, and the Seattle Day of Service

Here is a look at things to get out and do around Capitol Hill this weekend from the CHS Calendar… and beyond. Check out capitolhillseattle.com/calendar/ for more nearby events — or add your own. Happy weekend.

  • Gearhouse Grand Opening: Thursday night brings a free party at the new Gearhouse where you can check out the outdoor equipment library and sign up for a raffle for free prizes plus enjoy treats from the Basecamp Cafe. 800 E Thomas — Thursday, May 18th 6-9 PM
  • Lost Lake 10th anniversary celebration begins: The Capitol Hill diner’s celebration of a decade starts with a 10th birthday party Thursday with balloon animals and bear costumes. 1505 10th Ave — Thursday, May 18th 3-7 PM
  • Glo’s first weekend: It is also the first weekend of full service at the new Glo’s.
  • Bike Everywhere Day: Friday is Bike Everywhere Day with events and stations lined up to greet riders across the city. Seattle Bike Blog has the 2023 BED map here.
  • Malcolm X Day: Celebrate the life and legacy of Malcolm X on his birthday at the CD’s Northwest African American Museum. 2300 Massachusetts Street — Friday, May 19th 6-7:30 PM
  • 2023 Beer Can Derby: Beer hall The Pine Box’s annual Beer Can Derby takes place Saturday when you can “relive your Pinewood Derby-filled scouting days by tricking out an aluminum can into a mean, lean, speed racing machine.” 1600 Melrose — Saturday, May 20th, 3-7 PM
  • True Crime and Tragedy in Victorian Seattle walking tour: Visit Capitol Hill’s Lake View Cemetery for a tour with Seattle History Tours. $25. 1554 15th Ave E — Sunday, May 21st, 11 AM to 12:30 PM
  • SIFF winds down: Seattle’s big film fest wraps up on Sunday. CHS reported on the 2023 festival and big news that the Cinerama theater would be joining the SIFF family including Capitol Hill’s Egyptian Theatre. Continue reading

On the List | World Women’s Snooker tournament at Capitol Hill’s Ox Billiards, Garfield High School centennial, Midtown Square grand opening

(Image: World Women’s Snooker)

This summer weekend includes a few potential field trips for you to consider with some big events in the Central District and on First Hill. Jump on the bus or take a summer walk. But stay off the freeways. A major closure of 520 all weekend long will probably make getting around by car a major pain. For happenings closer to home, there’s a major sporting event to consider plus plenty more on the CHS Calendar.

  • 520 closure: The bridge and freeway will be closed from Friday night to early Monday morning but the bike and walk trail will remain open while crews install girders on the Montlake lid and realign the highway.
  • Snooker tournament at Ox Billiards: “For the first time ever, the U.S. will host a World Women’s Snooker tournament,” KNKX reports. Capitol Hill’s own Ox Billiards is the venue. CHS reported on the 2021 opening of the underground pool hall here. The U.S. Women’s Open tournament runs from Friday through Sunday at Ox at 1432 Broadway. Learn more at oxbilliards.com.
  • Midtown Square Grand Opening: The mixed-use development at 23rd and Union celebrates its new Central District residents and commercial tenants with a Friday night party.
  • Play! Adult Field Day: A day of fun and frolic for really big kids runs all day Saturday at Powell Barnett Park.
  • Garfield’s Centennial Celebration: You can also celebrate 100 years of Garfield High School Saturday on the 23rd Ave campus. CHS reported on the anniversary here.
  • Freeway Park Summer Festival: Also Saturday, First Hill’s Seneca Plaza is calling with live music, water games, sprinklers and sweet treats.

Check out the CHS Calendar for more events or to add your own.

CHS CALENDAR: EDITOR'S PICKS | ALL EVENTS | ADD EVENTS

 

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On the List | August Capitol Hill Art Walk, Wainestock returns, Garage Sale Day 2022

The CHS Calendar is in full Capitol Hill summer mode with so many listings, you’re going to have to double book your social plans.

  • THURSDAY brings the August edition of the Capitol Hill Art Walk — details at capitolhillartwalk.com — to venues across the neighborhood while the new Volunteer Park Amphitheater shows off its dance-friendly design with a night of free performances from Lucien Postlewaite,  Whim W’Him, The Seattle Project, and Dance Church putting the new foot-friendly stage to work.
  • SATURDAY AND SUNDAY brings the return of the Wainestock music festival to Volunteer Park. Musician Joe Waine didn’t really want to name his new Seattle music festival Wainestock, he says. He wanted to name it after his best friend, Koji. But, Waine said, “I was pressured into using this name – it’s a joke on the made-up festival Waynestock from Wayne’s World.” Wainestock returns this weekend after a two year hiatus — the name and the concept are the same: friends, great local bands, and hopefully some sun, all together in Volunteer Park.
  • SUNDAY also marks the return of Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day. You’ll find sales underway at a community space in Cal Anderson Park and also a few scattered around the nearby streets as part of the revived Cal Anderson Park Alliance event.

A scene from Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day 2018

 

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