Seattle

blue

A guide to fun things to do in Seattle this weekend.

Axios Seattle Weekender

Weekender

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Seattle.

Axios Seattle Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Seattle Alerts

Alert

Axios Seattle Partners

Axios Seattle

Standard

Seattle Members

Membership

Two Washington towns are among America's best fall escapes

Leavenworth and Poulsbo landed in the top five for their scenery, culture and autumn charm.

Things to Do

Can&#x27;t swing a European vacation this fall? Two Washington towns apparently offer the next best thing.The big picture: Leavenworth and Poulsbo ranked third and fifth, respectively, among the best small U.S. destinations for a European-style fall getaway, according to a new analysis from house- and pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters.

Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs

The federal move affects eight tech employers with offices or employment activity across Puget Sound.

Business

The Trump administration&#x27;s crackdown on foreign workers landed squarely in Seattle&#x27;s backyard Thursday, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Microsoft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/07/microsoft-looks-to-reboot-the-ai-pc-with-nvidia" data-vars-content-id="b7ba730f-9f48-47cd-a550-bf68d1e344ec" data-vars-headline="Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/07/microsoft-looks-to-reboot-the-ai-pc-with-nvidia" target="_self">Microsoft</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Adobe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/19/adobe-acrobat-generative-ai-pdf" data-vars-content-id="b7ba730f-9f48-47cd-a550-bf68d1e344ec" data-vars-headline="Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/19/adobe-acrobat-generative-ai-pdf" target="_self">Adobe</a> and six other firms targeted for suspension from a federal green card program.The big picture: Vice President JD Vance and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the new restrictions Thursday.

New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state

At least 200,000 more Washington residents could lose Medicaid by 2027 as new work rules take effect.

News

About 11,000 Washington residents lost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/09/washington-medicaid-cuts-healthcare-losses" data-vars-content-id="fc9876cb-58ea-4cba-aa96-eb9bf3bf8693" data-vars-headline="New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/09/washington-medicaid-cuts-healthcare-losses" target="_self">Medicaid coverage</a> this month because of changes Congress approved last year, with many more expected to lose health insurance in the coming months.The big picture: State officials predict at least 200,000 more Washington residents will be kicked off Medicaid by the end of 2027 because of H.R. 1, which President Trump dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big, beautiful bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/04/trump-signs-big-beautiful-bill-tax-spending-budget" data-vars-content-id="fc9876cb-58ea-4cba-aa96-eb9bf3bf8693" data-vars-headline="New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/04/trump-signs-big-beautiful-bill-tax-spending-budget" target="_self">big, beautiful bill</a>.&quot;

Seattle home prices fall, but housing costs stay stubborn

Home prices are falling around Seattle as high mortgage rates and rising rents squeeze housing budgets.

Real Estate

Seattle-area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freddiemac.com/research/indices/house-price-index" data-vars-content-id="db969871-1449-40ba-8f2a-f0ae841ca9e1" data-vars-headline="Seattle home prices fall, but housing costs stay stubborn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/research/indices/house-price-index" target="_blank">home prices</a> were down in August from a year earlier, while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asking rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/data/" data-vars-content-id="db969871-1449-40ba-8f2a-f0ae841ca9e1" data-vars-headline="Seattle home prices fall, but housing costs stay stubborn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/data/" target="_blank">asking rents</a> rose over the same period, new housing data show.Why it matters: Local buyers are gaining some negotiating power as prices soften and more sellers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cut asking prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-are-home-prices-falling-cities-housing-market-mortgage-rates-2026-10" data-vars-content-id="db969871-1449-40ba-8f2a-f0ae841ca9e1" data-vars-headline="Seattle home prices fall, but housing costs stay stubborn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-are-home-prices-falling-cities-housing-market-mortgage-rates-2026-10" target="_blank">cut asking prices</a> — but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates above 7%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/mortgage-rates-housing-sales" data-vars-content-id="db969871-1449-40ba-8f2a-f0ae841ca9e1" data-vars-headline="Seattle home prices fall, but housing costs stay stubborn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/mortgage-rates-housing-sales" target="_self">mortgage rates above 7%</a> are eating into that advantage.

How Seattle's streetcar became known as the SLUT

The SLUT nickname became a sensation before Seattle's South Lake Union streetcar even opened.

For one brief, glorious moment, Seattle thought it was about to get the funniest public transit line name in America.<ul><li>And we remain grateful that the acronym used for the South Lake Union trolley was memorialized on a tee 20 years ago.</li></ul>

Neighborly — or not? Seattle readers tell us why

Readers say strong neighborhood bonds don't happen by accident — someone has to make the first move.

Culture

We asked readers how well they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="know their neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-seattle-a2908f52-74ad-48fb-978e-ddb9ec9b6a36.html" data-vars-content-id="aaa7ae11-8441-42c7-9a20-0fafe259c0d1" data-vars-headline="Neighborly — or not? Seattle readers tell us why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-seattle-a2908f52-74ad-48fb-978e-ddb9ec9b6a36.html" target="_self">know their neighbors</a>. Turns out some of you barely know the people next door, while others count them among your closest friends.Why it matters: With Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="socializing less" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="aaa7ae11-8441-42c7-9a20-0fafe259c0d1" data-vars-headline="Neighborly — or not? Seattle readers tell us why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">socializing less</a>, strong neighborhood ties reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging.

Seattle opens residential areas to small cafes, corner markets

New zoning rules aim to boost walkability and support local shops across Seattle neighborhoods.

Seattle now allows small cafes and markets throughout residential neighborhoods, ending decades-old zoning rules that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largely banned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/10/neighborhood-cafe-law-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="692b0cd2-15f9-49ba-bd6c-109786ba15c5" data-vars-headline="Seattle opens residential areas to small cafes, corner markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/10/neighborhood-cafe-law-washington-state" target="_self">largely banned</a> new businesses in those areas.Why it matters: The goal is to create walkable neighborhoods where people can buy groceries, grab a bite to eat or run errands on foot — a strategy that also helps support small local retailers, Seattle City Council president Joy Hollingsworth told Axios.

No opening date yet for Seattle waterfront playground

Officials say a summer debut is still planned, but materials delays have held things up.

Neighborhoods

<figure><img alt="A jellyfish climbing structure on the waterfront on Pier 58, with some construction barriers still up." height="1816" id="6cc71c18-b03c-4047-a845-d2499ad36d6c" src="https://images.axios.com/WwF7m2v_1Jk4XHe-YR1WsNZI9_4=/2025/06/04/1749066179527.jpg" width="2420"/><figcaption>Pier 58 will include a playground with a climbing structure shaped like a jellyfish. Photo: Courtesy of City of Seattle</figcaption></figure>A key feature of Seattle&#x27;s revamped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown waterfront" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/10/02/new-gateway-walk-waterfront-2024" data-vars-content-id="0482eace-38b3-4df0-8d2f-4b757b51f7d0" data-vars-headline="No opening date yet for Seattle waterfront playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/10/02/new-gateway-walk-waterfront-2024" target="_self">downtown waterfront</a> — the rebuilt Pier 58, which includes a new playground — still doesn&#x27;t have a firm opening date, city officials tell Axios.Why it matters: The main playground features, such as a giant climbable jellyfish, have been in place for months.

Help Seattle win our contest for best public art

Both of Seattle's entries have made it to the Elite Eight.

We knew you could do it, Seattle.The latest: Both Seattle art pieces we submitted in our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Local public art contest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/03/11/march-madness-best-public-art-mountain-west" data-vars-content-id="f366fff0-e721-47e2-b87a-ed2478cca2fc" data-vars-headline="Help Seattle win our contest for best public art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/03/11/march-madness-best-public-art-mountain-west" target="_self">Axios Local public art contest</a> made it through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first round" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-seattle-2dab8460-feac-11ef-86fc-dfeedb43743c.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_seattle&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="f366fff0-e721-47e2-b87a-ed2478cca2fc" data-vars-headline="Help Seattle win our contest for best public art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-seattle-2dab8460-feac-11ef-86fc-dfeedb43743c.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_seattle&amp;stream=top" target="_self">first round</a> of voting, advancing to the Elite Eight.

The proper etiquette for Seattle's "free piles"

Axios Seattle surveyed readers and found 66% think free piles can be sustainable.

Many Seattleites are fans of placing unwanted items in &quot;free piles&quot; for others to take — but even those who embrace this form of recycling think it can quickly devolve into a source of litter.Why it matters: Free piles — which can include furniture, household items or boxes filled with things like clothes and books — commonly pop up on Seattle street corners. But sometimes the unwanted junk stays for days, which can become a nuisance.

No-mow lawns are thriving in Seattle

No-mow and low-mow yards require less maintenance than lawns, while also benefiting birds and bees.

Some Seattle gardeners are moving away from grass and instead aiming to landscape or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;rewild&quot; their yards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/12/spring-tips-seattle-gardeners" data-vars-content-id="71575a0f-1c6f-47b9-81a5-fce2b0edfc42" data-vars-headline="No-mow lawns are thriving in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/12/spring-tips-seattle-gardeners" target="_self">&quot;rewild&quot; their yards</a> by planting wildflowers, clovers and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cover crops" data-vars-click-url="https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2079/2015/06/Cover-Crops-for-Home-Gardens-West-of-the-Cascades-WSU.pdf" data-vars-content-id="71575a0f-1c6f-47b9-81a5-fce2b0edfc42" data-vars-headline="No-mow lawns are thriving in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2079/2015/06/Cover-Crops-for-Home-Gardens-West-of-the-Cascades-WSU.pdf" target="_blank">cover crops</a>, such as vetch, local experts say.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No-mow (or low-mow) lawns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/05/05/no-mow-may-comes-with-caveats" data-vars-content-id="71575a0f-1c6f-47b9-81a5-fce2b0edfc42" data-vars-headline="No-mow lawns are thriving in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/05/05/no-mow-may-comes-with-caveats" target="_self">No-mow (or low-mow) lawns</a> have been popular in the Pacific Northwest for decades but demand continues to grow as people seek yard solutions that require less maintenance while also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="benefiting birds and bees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/07/05/help-the-pollinators-in-your-backyard-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="71575a0f-1c6f-47b9-81a5-fce2b0edfc42" data-vars-headline="No-mow lawns are thriving in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/07/05/help-the-pollinators-in-your-backyard-north-carolina" target="_self">benefiting birds and bees</a>, said Kristin Jackson, co-owner of Urban Earth Nursery in Fremont.

A bracket that visualizes the best public art in Axios' Mountain West cities as voted on by readers.