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Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle

Seattle organizers say Saturday's march could exceed last year's 90,000 attendees.

News

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to flood Seattle streets Saturday as part of a nationwide No Kings day of action spanning more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="3,000 events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="7047f0d9-04be-464d-82dd-9f0f878dade4" data-vars-headline="Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">3,000 events</a>.Why it matters: The protest is part of what organizers hope will be one of the largest single-day demonstrations in recent U.S. history — reflecting opposition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="7047f0d9-04be-464d-82dd-9f0f878dade4" data-vars-headline="Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a> and broader economic and political concerns.

Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend

New East Link service connects Seattle and Bellevue across I-90 after nearly two decades of waiting.

Light rail over Lake Washington will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="become a reality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90" data-vars-content-id="53bfc036-f358-4011-a0bd-37a617905162" data-vars-headline="Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90" target="_self">become a reality</a> on Saturday, nearly 18 years after Puget Sound voters first approved it.Why it matters: The completion of Sound Transit&#x27;s East Link extension will connect Bellevue to Seattle, creating a roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/crosslake-connection-opens-march-28" data-vars-content-id="53bfc036-f358-4011-a0bd-37a617905162" data-vars-headline="Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/crosslake-connection-opens-march-28" target="_blank">60-mile</a> network stretching from the Eastside to Lynnwood to Federal Way.

Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities

New officers in Seattle earn nearly $118K to start, boosted by recent contract raises.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part two of a three-part deep dive into Seattle&#x27;s contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here to read part one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" target="_self">Go here to read part one</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part three" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" target="_self">here for part three</a>.Seattle police earn some of the highest starting salaries for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/seattle-police-officer-hiring-surge-2025" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/seattle-police-officer-hiring-surge-2025" target="_self">officers</a> in the country, an Axios analysis finds.The big picture: Entry-level pay for Seattle police officers is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $118,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response" target="_blank">nearly $118,000</a> — far exceeding starting pay in New York City and Los Angeles, larger cities with similar or higher costs of living.

Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires

The 9.9% tax on income over $1M starts in 2028 and is expected to face a court challenge.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="097d3f7d-40d1-443a-ae66-8c858596a5c2" data-vars-headline="Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" target="_self">new tax</a> on high earners into law Monday, ending Washington&#x27;s run as one of the few states without an income tax on the books.Why it matters: The tax, which won&#x27;t be imposed for nearly two years, is likely to face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal and political" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="097d3f7d-40d1-443a-ae66-8c858596a5c2" data-vars-headline="Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" target="_self">legal and political</a> challenges, even as supporters say it will make the state&#x27;s tax code fairer.

Seattle's Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans

Up to 1 million fans are expected along Fourth Avenue as the Hawks celebrate downtown on Wednesday.

Up to 1 million people are expected to line Fourth Avenue on Wednesday as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" target="_self">Seahawks fans</a> flock to celebrate the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Super Bowl championship</a> with a parade running through the core of the city.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" target="_blank">parade</a> begins at 11am, starting near Lumen Field, traveling north up Fourth Avenue and ending near the Seattle Center.

Sober sipping atop Seattle's skyline

See Seattle from 35 floors up with alcohol‑free drinks at Smith Tower.

Things to Do

Going booze-free for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dry January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/01/08/what-s-changed-about-dry-january" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/01/08/what-s-changed-about-dry-january" target="_self">Dry January</a> doesn&#x27;t mean you have to stay grounded, especially if you&#x27;re atop one of Pioneer Square&#x27;s most iconic skyscrapers.Why it matters: What began as a modest month-long abstinence challenge has grown into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mainstream resolution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" target="_self">mainstream resolution</a> — with interest in alcohol-free lifestyles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continuing to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">continuing to climb</a>.

Seattle's white Christmas odds melt away

Seattle's Christmas will be wet — unless you head to the mountains.

There&#x27;s bad news for folks hoping for a white Seattle Christmas, but good news for those dying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get on the slopes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/23/peak-traffic-driving-snoqualmie-stevens-pass-skiing" data-vars-content-id="f98fe06e-5598-4e7d-b687-582f6144c275" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s white Christmas odds melt away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/23/peak-traffic-driving-snoqualmie-stevens-pass-skiing" target="_self">get on the slopes</a>.The big picture: White Christmases are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rare in Western Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/images/arh/WhiteHoliday/Christmas/WA_Seattle_Tacoma.png" data-vars-content-id="f98fe06e-5598-4e7d-b687-582f6144c275" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s white Christmas odds melt away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/images/arh/WhiteHoliday/Christmas/WA_Seattle_Tacoma.png" target="_blank">rare in Western Washington</a> and this year is unlikely to be an exception with next week&#x27;s forecast calling for rain.

Santa Lane moves indoors at downtown Seattle Nordstrom

Santa's not visible along the sidewalk this year — but the fourth-floor setup is still festive.

Visitors to downtown Seattle may have noticed something missing from this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/04/seattle-holiday-markets-shop-local-2025-gift-guide" data-vars-content-id="f0cd3b10-ffbe-4d24-a2b6-8c2427d3b5a3" data-vars-headline="Santa Lane moves indoors at downtown Seattle Nordstrom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/04/seattle-holiday-markets-shop-local-2025-gift-guide" target="_self">holiday</a> displays: the sidewalk North Pole setup at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nordstrom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nordstrom.com/store-details/united-states/wa/seattle/nordstrom-downtown-seattle?srsltid=AfmBOoq3t55mP9ASl_SDHoJGUKsSTk2UY7sH3sM6tsEIaN3A4ISsBKkv" data-vars-content-id="f0cd3b10-ffbe-4d24-a2b6-8c2427d3b5a3" data-vars-headline="Santa Lane moves indoors at downtown Seattle Nordstrom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nordstrom.com/store-details/united-states/wa/seattle/nordstrom-downtown-seattle?srsltid=AfmBOoq3t55mP9ASl_SDHoJGUKsSTk2UY7sH3sM6tsEIaN3A4ISsBKkv" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a>, where Santa has held court for years at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street, is no more.<ul><li>Instead, those looking to visit Santa are invited to the store&#x27;s fourth floor, where Saint Nick is stationed next to the Nordstrom Grill and a toy display.</li></ul>

10+ Seattle holiday markets where you can shop local

Support small businesses at these Seattle markets — plus a few nearby favorites.

<figure><img alt="Table display with folded sweaters, green and gray hats, small decorated green Christmas trees, boxes of Shriver&#x27;s Salt Water Taffy, and various packaged items on a white cloth." height="3840" id="a143e2eb-8058-40b5-82c4-73d48907059f" src="https://images.axios.com/mK6Fk3aX9YYpGVxOCT6v_g_Pf20=/2025/12/04/1764874194372.jpeg" width="5760"/><figcaption>Past goods for sale at the Holiday Bazaar in Pioneer Square. Photo: Courtesy of the Alliance for Pioneer Square</figcaption></figure>If you&#x27;re searching for unique, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locally made gifts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/19/christmas-shopping-local-gift-ideas" data-vars-content-id="2d0cde5b-34f2-4173-ad3c-4b0666b65ea1" data-vars-headline="10+ Seattle holiday markets where you can shop local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/19/christmas-shopping-local-gift-ideas" target="_self">locally made gifts</a> this holiday season, look no further than one of Seattle&#x27;s many artisan markets.Why it matters: Hitting up a craft market with dozens of vendors makes it easy to support area artists and small businesses.

Puget Sound's top tacos al pastor revealed

One man's taco trek took two months and a whole lot of pineapple.

Food and Drink

Eastside resident Jabil Kairuz set out this summer to find the best <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tacos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/02/mexican-food-growth-seattle" data-vars-content-id="f2777a4d-b2f7-42e4-bbdf-9516d041f5b6" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound&#x27;s top tacos al pastor revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/02/mexican-food-growth-seattle" target="_self">tacos</a> al pastor in Puget Sound, eating 121 tacos, spending $521 and logging 720 miles in an effort to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crown the region&#x27;s champs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1mvta18/i_tried_way_too_many_tacos_al_pastor_ranked_them/" data-vars-content-id="f2777a4d-b2f7-42e4-bbdf-9516d041f5b6" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound&#x27;s top tacos al pastor revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1mvta18/i_tried_way_too_many_tacos_al_pastor_ranked_them/" target="_blank">crown the region&#x27;s champs</a> on Reddit.Why it matters: Kairuz&#x27;s Western Washington taco odyssey is part of a growing wave of passionate amateurs who are reshaping the way <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="people discover food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/20/tiktok-trends-dirty-soda-cucumber-salad" data-vars-content-id="f2777a4d-b2f7-42e4-bbdf-9516d041f5b6" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound&#x27;s top tacos al pastor revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/20/tiktok-trends-dirty-soda-cucumber-salad" target="_self">people discover food</a> — one map, spreadsheet and social media post at a time.

Puget Sound Off: Why Seattle has a tiny Statue of Liberty at Alki

Seattle's replica has survived vandalism and storms —and served as a 9/11 tribute site.

Seattle&#x27;s Alki Beach is home to more than firepits, sand, and killer water views — it also hosts a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty.<ul><li>Today&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Puget Sound Off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/18/lake-washington-water-levels-dams-boats" data-vars-content-id="6728c551-37d6-43a1-b46f-ebbc86a60453" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound Off: Why Seattle has a tiny Statue of Liberty at Alki" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/18/lake-washington-water-levels-dams-boats" target="_self">Puget Sound Off</a> column explores how Seattle&#x27;s petite copy of the famous New York monument came to be.</li></ul>

Last-minute adventures near Seattle

Washington's rivers, trails, and festivals make Labor Day escapes a breeze.

While we&#x27;ve already filled you in on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doing summer right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/27/seattle-summer-activities-final-days-hikes-beaches-ferries-patios" data-vars-content-id="736111a1-79a1-4882-9fd3-8c25bb330dd8" data-vars-headline="Last-minute adventures near Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/27/seattle-summer-activities-final-days-hikes-beaches-ferries-patios" target="_self">doing summer right</a> in Seattle, here are some options from AAA Washington for escaping the Emerald City. Why it matters: Washington&#x27;s mix of mountains, rivers, fairs and festivals makes it easy to have an adventure without the hassle of TSA lines.

How to enjoy the final stretch of Seattle summer

These hikes, patios, ferry rides and beach spots can help you savor Seattle's warm days.

Summer&#x27;s winding down in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/10/tourist-in-your-own-town-seattle" data-vars-content-id="d2ee9398-6535-471a-a6ff-b082c3efa092" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy the final stretch of Seattle summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/10/tourist-in-your-own-town-seattle" target="_self">Seattle</a> — but a few golden days remain.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s glorious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/05/seattle-outdoor-live-music-2025" data-vars-content-id="d2ee9398-6535-471a-a6ff-b082c3efa092" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy the final stretch of Seattle summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/05/seattle-outdoor-live-music-2025" target="_self">summers</a> help offset gray, wet winters — so it&#x27;s worth savoring the last stretch.Here are a few of the things on our to-do list before fall hits, from paddling adventures to shady hikes.

Checking out the new Pier 58 on Seattle's waterfront

The newly reopened waterfront plaza has space to play, relax and take in the views.

<figure><img alt="People sitting at orange and wood tables near a large Ferris wheel by the waterfront and a building with neon signs under a partly cloudy blue sky." height="4284" id="02f09869-0ca9-4854-8261-858824f5589f" src="https://images.axios.com/rKPiermNnuRPbhOiN61IQPv4czs=/2025/08/08/1754691044183.jpeg" width="5712"/><figcaption>The renovated Pier 58 reopened July 25. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>The revamped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pier 58" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/24/pier-58-seattle-playground-waterfront-park-open" data-vars-content-id="37be0e12-922d-40e0-a6a5-383f89a180b3" data-vars-headline="Checking out the new Pier 58 on Seattle&#x27;s waterfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/24/pier-58-seattle-playground-waterfront-park-open" target="_self">Pier 58</a> on the Seattle waterfront opened late last month, adding more space to hang out along Elliott Bay — and I finally got to check it out this week.The latest: The updated plaza features a modern fountain, lots of public seating, an area for lawn games, and a playground with a jellyfish-shaped climbing structure that&#x27;s hard to miss.

A map of Seattle showing the parade route for the Seahawks on February 11, 2026. After a 10am trophy celebration at Lumen Field, the parade will begin on 4th Ave. and Washington St. at 11am, ending at 4th Ave. and Cedar St.

Things to Do 🗓

Seattle's Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans

Sober sipping atop Seattle's skyline

Waterfront Park draws millions in debut season

Seattle-area polar bear plunges: dive into 2026

Seattle's Christmas Market: Best enjoyed after dark