^

Best Western Plus Pioneer Square HOTEL DOWNTOWN BLOG

Image by saifullah hafeel
 
It may be hard to believe it now, but spring will be here before we know it. In Seattle, we know better than anyone that rain is necessary to yield the beautiful blooms of spring, and we start preparing well in advance. The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival has everything you need, including inspiration, to help get your gardens ready for the upcoming season. The festival is the second largest garden show in the US and features informative seminars and workshops, lush display gardens and a marketplace with 350 exhibitors and vendors offering gardening tools, supplies, glassware, decor, plants, and artwork and so much more! 
 
During the festival, from February 26 to March 1, attendees will be able to participate in a packed schedule of workshops, lectures, demos, and exhibitions that all focus on innovative approaches to gardening. These events all take place at the Washington State Convention Center. At the Blooms and Bubbles Floral workshop, you can sip on a glass of champagne while creating a wonderful floral arrangement. The City Living exhibit features the best in urban gardening and offers some inspired suggestions for creating a garden in your apartment or condo. The festival will also showcase the Fleurs de Villes, an extraordinary display featuring mannequins dressed in elaborate gowns made almost entirely from floral and botanical arrangements. These are just a few of the highlights from The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival’s fabulous slate of events.  
 
Attendees will also be able to view over twenty spectacular display gardens, all constructed on the spot, right on the show floor in less than 72 hours. These displays range in size from 500 to 1,500 square feet and will provide both new and seasoned gardeners the inspiration needed to start planning out your own home garden space. These lovely garden exhibits will all be eligible for top prizes at the 2020 Show Garden Awards.
 
Those coming to the show with children in tow can be assured that the young ones are welcome to join in on the festivities as well! Junior gardeners can participate in the Kids Treasure Hunt, where they will be on a mission to seek out various objects hidden among the gardens. When they have located all the items on their list, a special prize will be awarded!
 
The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is an annual event for all those with a green thumb and those who appreciate the creativity and artistry that go into beautifying outdoor spaces. While you spend 5 fabulous days exploring the best of Seattle and the festival, you'll want to find superbly comfortable accommodations to make you feel well taken care of. Best Western Plus Pioneer Square offers this and well-appointed rooms and suites with large LCD TVs, free high-speed internet, room service and more. To ensure a premium stay experience, take advantage of a whole host of perks available to our guests such as concierge and porter services, laundry and dry cleaning services, and complimentary continental breakfast served daily. Make your reservations with us today!
Image by Jill Wellington

The holiday season is just around the corner and foodies are gearing up for what is sure to be a delicious holiday season in Seattle! This time of year is a feast for the senses with lots of food-centric festivals and events happening in the city. Here are three ways to satisfy your taste buds in Seattle over the coming months.
 

Gobble Up Seattle

The third annual Gobble Up Seattle is a can’t miss event for cooking and food enthusiasts. This event celebrates all things food, from cooking equipment to condiments. Sample food from over 100 local vendors, discover your favorite new ingredient or add some recipes to your collection. The event is free to attend and will take place on November 23 at Maguson Park Hangar 30.
 

Winter Solstice Beer Festival

Hosted by the Seattle Farmers Market Association, this beer festival offers one of the best chances this season to sample an array of local brews. Enjoy live music while sampling brews from Redhook Brewery, Reuben's Brews, Seattle Cider Company and more! The beer festival is part of the Winter Solstice Night which features lots of food trucks and shopping opportunities for those who might not be old enough to enjoy the beer festival! The Winter Solstice Night Market and Beer Festival will take place on December 20 and 21.
 

Winterfeast

Add to your standard holiday activities with a visit to a food market with plenty of festive food experiences. The year-round Freemont Sunday Street Market will be hosting Winterfeast, a fun outdoor street market featuring local food trucks serving up holiday specialties. Get ready to satisfy your holiday cravings on December 8th.
 
Nothing pairs better with a good meal than a deep and rejuvenating sleep. The cozy suites at Best Western Plus Pioneer Square offers the best accommodations in town to get some quality shut-eye. Our central location makes it a great place for exploring all the holiday events in Seattle. Check out our guest room options and book your stay with us today!

Image by Josh Sorenson


The summer season may be winding down in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s still plenty of sunshine left in store to get outside and enjoy arts and culture in Seattle.The Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival is one the highlights of the summer season for both visitors and locals in Seattle. If you are in our city over labour day weekend, this is an event that’s not to be missed! 
 
Since 1971, the Bumbershoot has brought music, art, and comedy to downtown Seattle with this unique urban festival. The event features three full days of live music concerts from August 30thto September 1stat the Seattle Centre.  This year’s headliners include Tyler the Creator, The Lumineers, and Rezz. In addition to the live concerts, festival-goers will also be treated to daily live comedy shows from acclaimed performers such as Ramy Youssef, Neal Brennan, and musical-comedy duo Punch up the Jam. 
 
Festival foodies need not worry as Bumbershoot will be providing delicious food from a plethora of local favourites. The B-Eats program will feature dishes from Filipino restaurant Musang, Southpaw Pizza and The Wood Shop BBQ. 
 
Outside of the live performances, there is no shortage of things to do at the Bubmershoot Music and Arts Festival. Get your day off to a good start with a session at Yogashoot, yoga classes offered right on the festival ground. You can dance the night away at the Silent Disco at the Chihuly Garden and Glass and experience a different kind of live-music experience with an interactive concert at the Laser Dome. 
 
Bumbershoot is sure to be a feast for the senses! Check out the festival website for more information on tickets and festival events.
 
Best Western Plus Pioneer Square is located just a 12-minute drive from the Seattle Centre where the Bumbershoot festival will be taking place. We offer boutique-style accommodation in the heart of one of Seattle’s most historic neighbourhoods. Check out our room options and book your stay with us today. 
There are so many great film festivals in Seattle this summer
 
LA and New York are overrated - any film buff knows that Seattle is the place to be for everything from hip indie films to environmental documentaries. This May and June, there are plenty of film festivals for you to check out and broaden your horizons. In addition to enjoying a night (or day) at the movies, you can also meet cool people and hopefully learn something new.
 

Rooted in Rights film festival | May 7

 
The Rooted in Rights film festival is a one day event taking place on Tuesday, May 7th, which focuses on issues affecting the disabled community in Seattle. The festival is presented by a team of disabled producers, editors, and organizers with Disability Rights Washington whose aim is to change public perception of what it’s like to have a disability and campaign for concrete changes in the community. The event takes place at the Forum at Town Hall and tickets are just $5. And for our guests who require accessible rooms for their stay, we are happy to offer wheelchair-accessible rooms with enhanced accessibility features.
 

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) | May 16 - June 9

 
Undoubtedly the big dog when it comes to film events in Seattle, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) returns for its 45th year this May. This festival is a great way to explore the city, as screenings and events take place in different venues throughout multiple neighbourhoods. While the full schedule will only be released on May 1, festival organizers have promised “award winners from Sundance, Toronto, and Berlin Film Festivals, new works from Oscar®-winning filmmakers, and the return of some of SIFF's favorite directors.” Tickets go on sale to SIFF members on May 1 and to the general public on May 2, so be sure to stay tuned on the festival’s website to see the full schedule and snag your tickets. If seeing tons of great films at SIFF isn’t enough for you, rest assured that every room at Best Western Plus Pioneer Square includes a 32 inch or larger flatscreen LCD television, so you can keep the movies going all day and night long.
 

Wild & Scenic Film Festival | June 18

 
The Washington Water Trust hosts its 6th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival this June 18th. This one day event is stacked with award-winning films about “nature, community activism, exploration, conservation, climate change, wildlife, agriculture, and Native American and Indigenous cultures.” If that’s not enough to pique your interest (although we’re sure it is) there will also be a happy hour featuring local food and beverages plus a raffle contest. The purpose of the event is to utilize the medium of film to celebrate and underscore the importance of nature, with proceeds going toward protecting Washington state’s critical salmon bearing streams. As far as doing our part for the environment and conservation, Best Western Plus Pioneer Square is proud to be an eco-friendly hotel with a 3 Green Key eco-rating and part of the Clean the World program.

There’s a million and one things to do in Seattle. Some people like to simply check out the attractions; others like to wander the streets, and soak up the atmosphere. Others like to enjoy all the benefits of being in a large, cosmopolitan city, and attend the world-class events that can often be found in Seattle. If you’re visiting from mid-February through to early March, you’ll find plenty of such events to keep you occupied and having fun. We take a look at three of the best upcoming events below.

flower bloomSource: Pixabay

The best of the musicals

There’s nobody that has had a bigger impact on musicals over the past several decades than Andrew Lloyd Webber. Until February 24, you’ll be able to enjoy performances of his most famous and best-loved songs by attending the ‘The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber’ show, which will be taking place at Tacoma Musical Playhouse.

For the nature lovers

Spring isn’t so far away, and if you needed any inspiration to look forward to all the lush and beautiful flowers that will soon be in bloom, then make sure you’re getting down to The Northwest Flower & Garden Show, which is now in its twentieth year. It’ll be taking place at the Washington State Convention Center from February 20 through to the 24th.

Superhero fun

Love everything about the Marvel universe? Then don’t miss the ‘Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes’ exhibition, which is taking place at MoPOP Museum of Pop Culture through to March 3. There’ll be drawings, props, costumes and more from Marvel’s eighty year history.

Looking for the best hotel in Seattle to stay in during your time in the city? Then look no further than the Best Western Plus Pioneer Square. During your stay you’ll receive comfortable, well-appointed accommodations, complimentary passes to Seattle Fitness, a continental breakfast, and much more.

Haunted House for HalloweenPhoto by Cocoparisienne.

You will find one of a kind experiences, souvenirs and events in Seattle this upcoming month. 

Halloween at PacSci

Discover the science behind Halloween at the Pacific Science Center throughout the month of October. Uncover what’s behind illusions, meet a tarantula and build your own monster. On October 30, dress in your favourite costume and bring the family to Trick-or-Treat at PacSci! There will be special activities just for the day and stage shows. Whatever you’re hoping to be for Halloween, make sure being at the Pacific Science Centre is one of them. Explore the full list of Halloween events and buy tickets online

The Witching Hour

From Oct. 24 to Nov. 18, immerse yourself in this unique culinary event, The Witching Hour, at Cafe Nordo. The event will transform Pioneer Square brick-box dinner theatre into the “forgotten wing of a natural history museum where a gathering of self-styled occultists, reading from an ancient text, unleash the five nocturnal fears.” Enjoy a “four-curse” meal and frothy cocktails during this one of a kind interactive dining experience. The menu includes dishes like “The Cure for Loneliness” and “The Goat King and the Fairy Ring.” It’s unlike any dinner you have ever experienced. Check out the full menu for The Witching Hour and purchase tickets in advance. 

Urban Craft Uprising

Love DIY? You won’t want to miss Urban Craft Uprising, Seattle’s largest indie craft show! On now until December 2 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, feast your eyes on unique and handmade crafts from over 150 vendors. Find something quintessentially Seattle to bring back with you as a souvenir! Whether you’re looking at jewelry, clothing, children’s toys, houseware - and the list doesn’t end there - there’s bound to be something original that catches your eye. Check out the website for the Urban Craft Uprising for more information


If you’re looking for an experience within an experience, consider staying at Best Western Pioneer Square, located in downtown Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district. Top attractions are all within walking distance and the hotel is surrounding by unique shopping, antiques, galleries and endless of culinary options. 


However, you’re going to want to explore these upcoming events. The Witching Hour and Halloween only come once a year, so don’t miss your chance to explore Seattle during the fall! Book your stay in advance so you can start planning your trip. 

Source: Vincenzo Acinapura  

Summer is the gift that just keeps on giving! If you’re planning a trip during the second half of August, then you’ll have plenty of fun events to look forward to. Coming up we have the return of a national icon to the stage, a chance to see one of rock’s most famous and influential bands, and everyone’s favourite summer excursion: a trip to the fair! Check out all the details below, and begin planning your trip to the Emerald City!

Ellen

You all know Ellen DeGeneres from her hugely popular television show. Now, you’ll have the chance to see up close and in the flesh as she embarks on her first comedy tour in fifteen years. Her tour will only include three cities, one of which is beautiful Seattle! She’ll be performing at Benaroya Hall on August 22 and 23. Not to be missed!

Classic alternative rock

Smashing Pumpkins are a band who need no introduction. A pioneering nineties band, they’ve left their mark on music history and then soon. They’ll be bringing their unique sound to Key Arena on August 24 for a tour that’ll include founding members Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and James Iha. One for the music lovers.

 

A day at the fair

And finally, who doesn’t love a trip to the fair? It gets no bigger or better than the Washington State Fair! Taking place August 31 through to September 23, it’ll feature world-class rides, performers, food, and oh so much more. Especially recommended if you’re travelling with the kids in tow!

There’s only one place to stay during your trip to the city: the best hotel in Seattle! At the Best Western Plus Pioneer Square, you’ll receive well-appointed accommodations, and find amenities such as free high speed internet, a complimentary continental breakfast, a large television in every room.



One of Seattle’s most popular tourist destination (and Instagram hot spot) is Pike Place Market. Here you can indulge in some great eats, do some shopping, visit marketplaces and much more.

The Experiences Are Endless!

Pike Place incorporates many fun activities into one spot! What started off in 1907 as a place for local farmers to sell their produce on a larger scale has now become a staple in Seattle. Now farmers all over Washington bring their fresh vegetables, fruit, and meat to be sold at Pike Place. Of course, other venues are available as well including a craft market for different art and trinkets which make perfect souvenirs!

Yummy Food and A Great Time

Within the nine-acre district that is Pike Place tones of cafes, fine and casual dining, and bistro options can be found. These are some of Seattle’s top rated restaurants including the Alibi Room, Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar, Bacco Cafe, and Cafe Champagne - to name a few. Pike Place Market is free for anyone to enjoy and more information on restaurants, markets, and food can be found on the Pike Place website.
 
Best Western Pioneer Square is lucky to be located in the heart of Seattle which makes us a short 5 minute drive from Pike Place Market! Our hotel has some of the most luxurious and affordable hotel rooms available in Seattle. Book in one of our Deluxe City View King Rooms for the ultimate experience while you visit our beautiful city! If needed, one of our friendly staff members can assist you with transportation or anything else you may need during your visit to our beautiful city! 

 
This oh-so fun rendition of Abba classics tells a story of a young girl on a search for her real father. Mamma Mia has been portrayed by many talented actresses (including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried) since its debut in 1999. This popular play travels between theatres worldwide and now our own 5th Avenue theatre association has brought it to life on the Seattle stage!
 

Experience Mamma Mia! In Its True Form

Many of you may recognize the Mamma Mia name thanks to its film rendition, which earned itself two Golden Globes nominations. However, watching the story on a screen is much different than experiencing it live. A big thanks is owed to the shows director, Bill Berry, and Choreographer, Bob Richard, whom dedicated their time and talent to make this musical as accurate as possible. The production of Mamma Mia by 5th Avenue is one you sure don’t want to miss!
 

Reviews Are In and You Won’t Want To Miss “The Party”

Critics cannot stop raving about 5th Avenue’s production of Mamma Mia! In the words of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “my advice is join the party”. Many wonderful and talented people have dedicated many hours into ensuring you won’t be disappointed in what CBS-TV called “a wildly entertaining good time”. 
 

Tickets, Location & More

Mamma Mia will play at 5th Avenue Theatre Association from Feb 2 – Feb 25, 2018. Lucky for us at Best Western Plus Pioneer Square, we’re a short 10 minute drive from the theatre. Our friendly staff would be more than happy assisting you with transportation needs or answer any questions you may have. Ticket prices depend on seating available and run between $46-$176.
 
If you’re visiting Downtown, Seattle don’t hesitate to stay in our comfortable, luxurious Hotel. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed! 

 
Cirque-tacular has been working on something special these past months and their vision has finally been realized with Snowkus-Pocus. This theater installment is hosted by the Pantages Theater in downtown Seattle, Washington. Become dazzled by Cirque-tacular’s one-of-a-kind roster of ballerina's, acrobats, and other talented performers.
 

What to Expect

According to Cirque-tacular’s website, Snowkus-Pocus focuses on “young Brianna as she is stuck inside due to an approaching blizzard. Her dampened spirit turns to joy as her imagination takes her to an enchanted winter wonderland where she encounters the North Wind, Jack Frost, the Snow Queen, and Metamorphina, who is ever changing like the seasons”. Talented performers and dedicated production staff are all to thanks for bringing this production to life.
 

Don’t Miss This One Of A Kind Experience

This is a unique opportunity to experience the hard work of ballerina’s, cirque performers, acrobats, and other dancers all combined into one. These performers are dedicated to giving the best performance possible in order to wow and dazzle their audience with a show never seen before.
 

Location, Tickets & More!

This play is only in production in Seattle on November 24th, 2017 so don’t wait long and miss out! Snowkus-Pocus is hosted by Pantages Theater which is a 40 minute drive from us at Best Western Plus Pioneer Square. We assure you this is well worth the effort and our friendly staff would have no problem assisting you with your travel accommodations. Tickets range from $19-$49 and can be purchased here.