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Inside Seattle's dark serial killer exhibit

The immersive Pacific Place exhibit explores notorious killers, their victims and the people who caught them.

Culture

Seattle&#x27;s &quot;Mind of a Serial Killer&quot; exhibit blends museum, immersive attraction and true-crime spectacle to fuel our morbid curiosity.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traveling exhibit" data-vars-click-url="https://mindofaserialkillerexpo.com/seattle/" data-vars-content-id="264b530b-ef26-4e0f-b4ae-77af07b4bdff" data-vars-headline="Inside Seattle&#x27;s dark serial killer exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mindofaserialkillerexpo.com/seattle/" target="_blank">traveling exhibit</a> at Pacific Place explores notorious serial killers — including several with Pacific Northwest ties — their victims and the investigators who tried to understand and catch them.

All Seattle students to get free school meals this fall

Seattle approved $3.6 million to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students this fall.

News

Seattle will provide free meals to all Seattle Public Schools students starting this fall, using $3.6 million the City Council approved this week.Why it matters: The vote caps a weeks-long discussion between Mayor Katie Wilson and City Council members over how soon to offer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="universal school meals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/12/universal-school-lunches-may-improve-attendance-and-reduce-obesity" data-vars-content-id="896767b0-cda3-4d8c-8575-2dc9e1c43596" data-vars-headline="All Seattle students to get free school meals this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/12/universal-school-lunches-may-improve-attendance-and-reduce-obesity" target="_self">universal school meals</a>.

School cellphone bans show mixed results in new study

Restrictions sharply cut phone use, but researchers found virtually no effect on student test scores.

Education

Schools in Seattle and across the U.S. are cracking down on student <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cellphone use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/no-screen-school-technology-parents-ai" data-vars-content-id="36cb7506-55d5-4ce3-8a2e-e5f65d04066f" data-vars-headline="School cellphone bans show mixed results in new study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/no-screen-school-technology-parents-ai" target="_self">cellphone use</a>, but a recent study finds the restrictions bring mixed results.The big picture: Schools that require students to lock away their phones during class have seen phone use decline substantially, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w35132/w35132.pdf" data-vars-content-id="36cb7506-55d5-4ce3-8a2e-e5f65d04066f" data-vars-headline="School cellphone bans show mixed results in new study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w35132/w35132.pdf" target="_blank">study</a> shared by the National Bureau of Economic Research in April.<ul><li>Student well-being also appears to improve the longer the rules remain in place.</li></ul>

Recess makes a comeback in Washington and across the U.S.

After decades of declines, more states are requiring schools to protect time for children's play.

After decades of diminished recess time, a dozen states — including Washington — now require it by law.Why it matters: Yes, recess is literally <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="child&#x27;s play" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/playroom-custom-cost" data-vars-content-id="b058736d-9be8-464e-9008-a4a2970bbd6a" data-vars-headline="Recess makes a comeback in Washington and across the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/playroom-custom-cost" target="_self">child&#x27;s play</a>. But researchers, pediatricians and parents say it&#x27;s crucial for young students&#x27; physical and mental health.

Minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park mixes art and views

Local artists created the whimsical Olympic Sculpture Park course, complete with Elliott Bay views.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Sunny urban park with a large stacked-rock sculpture and minigolf station at left, and a tall red arched sculpture right. A child in purple plays mini-golf on green turf, with modern buildings, trees, and a blue sky." height="4284" id="421b1390-b7d9-4df2-971b-b3a784b42ece" src="https://images.axios.com/k4buw3AzVTGJfwqcUqIO6ttkb5Y=/2026/08/20/1787193851993.jpeg" width="5712"/><figcaption>Art, views and minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>It’s hard not to love Seattle when strolling through the Olympic Sculpture Park, surrounded by art and views of Elliott Bay. Now, you can add <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="minigolf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/events/mini-golf-at-olympic-sculpture-park-jun-17-26?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23872437095&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAolTx1PRWphKuXkRbHS3cOqPnJMyf&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtClUIugzJrY-9V3LloszpN9lr6JTelIk1JSnS0J8B9iYp8Ir3GPbWjhoCUV4QAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="17ca63f6-880e-47e6-918e-d4aba56fd182" data-vars-headline="Minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park mixes art and views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/events/mini-golf-at-olympic-sculpture-park-jun-17-26?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23872437095&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAolTx1PRWphKuXkRbHS3cOqPnJMyf&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtClUIugzJrY-9V3LloszpN9lr6JTelIk1JSnS0J8B9iYp8Ir3GPbWjhoCUV4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">minigolf</a> to the experience.Why it matters: Playing on an artist-designed course at one of the city’s coolest outdoor spaces is peak Seattle summer — and you’ve still got a few weeks to give it a try.

Stargazers get a rare August lineup

From shooting stars to an eclipsed full Moon, these are August's top celestial sights.

August is one of the year&#x27;s best months for skywatching. From shooting stars to a nearly eclipsed full Moon, here&#x27;s what&#x27;s worth watching in the weeks ahead.Why it matters: Recent smoky skies are a reminder not to take clear nights for granted.

Coffee TAB to fill long-vacant 23rd and Jackson space

The nonprofit plans to open by September in the long-vacant former Starbucks space at 23rd and Jackson.

A new coffee shop is coming to Seattle&#x27;s Central District, filling a former Starbucks space that has sat empty for four years. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coffee TAB" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coffeetab.org/" data-vars-content-id="ae82a09f-781c-4d06-8555-c33ebcc1e603" data-vars-headline="Coffee TAB to fill long-vacant 23rd and Jackson space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coffeetab.org/" target="_blank">Coffee TAB</a> is set to open soon at the corner of 23rd Avenue South and South Jackson Street, long a hub of Seattle&#x27;s historically Black neighborhood.

Why WA's only full-size IMAX screen isn't showing "The Odyssey"

The former Boeing IMAX Theater no longer shows Hollywood movies, sending fans out of state for the experience.

The only theater in Washington capable of showing the full 1.43:1 IMAX format of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Odyssey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/only-25-us-theaters-odyssey-imax-70mm" data-vars-content-id="b0e23d19-3da9-4169-8c73-1dfdafb70df5" data-vars-headline="Why WA&#x27;s only full-size IMAX screen isn&#x27;t showing &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/only-25-us-theaters-odyssey-imax-70mm" target="_self">The Odyssey</a>&quot; no longer screens Hollywood feature films, sending fans out of state for that experience.Why it matters: After the Boeing IMAX Theater was sold earlier this year, it shifted to showing short documentaries, leaving Washington without a theater showing Hollywood movies on a full-height IMAX screen.

Where to see "The Odyssey" in Seattle in 70mm

The larger format is available at 2 theaters in Seattle, though it's not the 70mm IMAX the director prefers.

Seattle has two theaters showing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" data-vars-content-id="da8e50d8-f502-4ce9-8514-cf6a17dfc578" data-vars-headline="Where to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot; in Seattle in 70mm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" target="_self">Christopher Nolan</a>&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot; in a large, 70mm format.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SIFF Cinema Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.siff.net/cinema/in-theaters/the-odyssey" data-vars-content-id="da8e50d8-f502-4ce9-8514-cf6a17dfc578" data-vars-headline="Where to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot; in Seattle in 70mm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.siff.net/cinema/in-theaters/the-odyssey" target="_blank">SIFF Cinema Downtown</a> is screening the adaptation of Homer&#x27;s epic in 70mm, as is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AMC Pacific Place 11" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/seattle-tacoma/amc-pacific-place-11/showtimes" data-vars-content-id="da8e50d8-f502-4ce9-8514-cf6a17dfc578" data-vars-headline="Where to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot; in Seattle in 70mm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/seattle-tacoma/amc-pacific-place-11/showtimes" target="_blank">AMC Pacific Place 11</a>.</li></ul>

Seattle's revamped north waterfront trail is worth the walk

Skip the crowds and explore the quieter north end of Seattle's waterfront, with a new café and places to linger.

The new north end of Seattle&#x27;s waterfront brings together some of the best aspects of the city: mountain views, beach access, sea air — and now, a cool place to sit and have coffee.Why it matters: The upgraded route through Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks extends the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="waterfront improvements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/05/seattle-s-waterfront-reborn-grand-opening-tomorrow" data-vars-content-id="f2bca38b-87d4-4fc3-af9e-36dcdd5e767e" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s revamped north waterfront trail is worth the walk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/05/seattle-s-waterfront-reborn-grand-opening-tomorrow" target="_self">waterfront improvements</a> farther north, offering a quieter alternative to the busier <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waterfront Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" data-vars-content-id="f2bca38b-87d4-4fc3-af9e-36dcdd5e767e" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s revamped north waterfront trail is worth the walk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" target="_self">Waterfront Park</a> near the aquarium.

How to book a tour of a Seattle fire station with your kids

Kids can climb aboard a fire engine, meet firefighters and learn safety tips with advance registration.

<figure><img alt="Modern building with tall glass panels and red-framed doors, brick wall, and a metal cat sculpture perched atop the wall with yellow eyes; leafless trees and cloudy sky behind." height="3024" id="18b8a667-67a1-49b3-9d77-7c47399a23c8" src="https://images.axios.com/CFuut5EiJwpCzvucRz9ttYlm6dM=/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/eVE7j9dsxpPOkOWE_AF_V9VDOYg=/0x0:4032x3024/1920x1440/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/RM_TMVS8hUZ-asQFfHiiI9e0trc=/0x0:4032x3024/1600x1200/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/AZzpww11d1KjtPvEdfZARtprk8U=/0x0:4032x3024/1366x1024/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/BZjUdgxXwZUgB5sNHbX0z0ISo_w=/0x0:4032x3024/1024x768/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/Um6yBxsgHZsg4pdphQPp4GZZDQM=/0x0:4032x3024/768x576/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/tP3jrVFrfDWj4tWJ4gvBFAwqZMc=/0x0:4032x3024/640x480/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/pQaQa1HrdR25DRORPffflKVkMzE=/0x0:4032x3024/320x240/2026/07/14/1784064098031.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>The fire station on Linden Avenue North in Seattle. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>Kids don&#x27;t need to settle for gazing longingly at Seattle fire stations from the sidewalk. With a little planning, you can get them inside for a tour.How it works: You can submit an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online form" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattle.gov/fire/safety-and-community/station-tours-firefighter-visits-and-community-events" data-vars-content-id="2860fbfb-977f-4351-9329-12cf1df3b177" data-vars-headline="How to book a tour of a Seattle fire station with your kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattle.gov/fire/safety-and-community/station-tours-firefighter-visits-and-community-events" target="_blank">online form</a> requesting a fire station tour for up to 25 people.

Pocket guide to Seattle's big Pride weekend

Seattle marks more than 50 years of Pride with parades, festivals, naked yoga and more.

Seattle&#x27;s big Pride weekend is here, with free festivals, a blockbuster parade and plenty of ways to celebrate across the city.Why it matters: Seattle is marking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than 50 years" data-vars-click-url="https://seattlepride.org/timeline" data-vars-content-id="c49465f0-98b2-4ad5-adbb-1541eea60fa7" data-vars-headline="Pocket guide to Seattle&#x27;s big Pride weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seattlepride.org/timeline" target="_blank">more than 50 years</a> of Pride with one of the country&#x27;s longest-running celebrations — and a weekend expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.

Seattle's famous naked bike parade rides again

The Fremont Solstice Parade brings nude cyclists, giant puppets and quirky Seattle art.

Seattle is about to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/18/seattle-naked-cyclists-fremont-history" data-vars-content-id="1282eb56-bdf9-44ef-88ed-13be983ce13c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s famous naked bike parade rides again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/18/seattle-naked-cyclists-fremont-history" target="_self">bare</a> itself to the world.The big picture: World Cup visitors (and us locals) looking for a hilariously authentic experience this weekend can count a slew of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="naked cyclists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/21/naked-bike-parade-turns-33" data-vars-content-id="1282eb56-bdf9-44ef-88ed-13be983ce13c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s famous naked bike parade rides again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/21/naked-bike-parade-turns-33" target="_self">naked cyclists</a> pedaling through Fremont as one uniquely Seattle option.

Things to Do 🗓

Minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park mixes art and views

Inside Seattle's dark serial killer exhibit

Stargazers get a rare August lineup

Coffee TAB to fill long-vacant 23rd and Jackson space

Blue Angels return to Seattle skies for Seafair Weekend