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Stay Away From Seattle Day

It's Stay Away From Seattle Day - but with its beautiful scenery and bustling culture, can you resist the Emerald City's charm?

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On September 16, we celebrate Stay Away From Seattle Day – a day dedicated to avoiding the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. This unofficial holiday was created by frustrated locals who wanted a break from the constant influx of tourists and traffic in their beloved city. But don't worry, it's all in good fun! Seattle is still a wonderful place to visit and explore, but on this day, we encourage you to discover some hidden gems outside of the city and give the locals a break. Who knows, you might even find your new favorite spot! So let's take a step back from Seattle and appreciate all that it has to offer from afar.

TIMELINE

Stay Away From Seattle Day Timeline

Seattle's Founding

Seattle was officially established in 1851 by a group of settlers led by Arthur A. Denny.

Great Seattle Fire

The Great Seattle Fire destroyed the downtown area, but the city rebuilt itself, attracting more newcomers.

World's Fair Attraction

The 1962 World's Fair brought worldwide attention to Seattle, causing a significant increase in tourism.

Tech Boom Begins

Seattle's population boomed as tech companies like Microsoft and later Amazon attracted people from across the globe, increasing overall traffic and congestion.

Population Surge

Continued growth in various industries led to Seattle becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States in the 2000s.

Stay Away From Seattle Day

Locals, partially in jest, initiated the Stay Away From Seattle Day to humorously highlight the congestion issues resulting from rapid growth and tourist arrivals.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Stay Away From Seattle Day

Plan a trip to a different city

Instead of going to Seattle, use Stay Away From Seattle Day as an opportunity to plan a trip to a different city. Explore a new place and try new things.

HAVE

Have a "Seattle-free" day

On Stay Away From Seattle Day, challenge yourself to have a "Seattle-free" day. This means no coffee, no grunge music, and no mentions of Seattle in conversation. See how long you can go without breaking the rule.

EXPLORE

Explore your own city

Instead of staying away from Seattle, stay close to home and explore your own city. Visit local attractions, try new restaurants, and attend events that you've never been to before.

HOST

Host a Seattle-themed party

If you can't physically stay away from Seattle, bring Seattle to you by hosting a Seattle-themed party. Serve coffee, play grunge music, and decorate with images of the city.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself about another city

Take the opportunity to learn more about a different city on Stay Away From Seattle Day. Read books or watch documentaries about a city that interests you and expand your knowledge beyond Seattle.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Stay Away From Seattle Day

Quality time with loved ones

Whether you choose to spend the day alone or with friends and family, Stay Away From Seattle Day is a great opportunity for quality bonding time. Use this day to disconnect from technology and truly connect with your loved ones - whether it's over a picnic in the park or a day trip to a nearby town.

A break from the hustle and bustle

Stay Away From Seattle Day encourages people to take a break from the fast-paced city life and enjoy some peace and quiet. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, relax, and recharge your batteries away from the chaos of Seattle.

Explore new places

Instead of staying in Seattle, use this day as an opportunity to visit new places nearby. There are so many small towns and hidden gems just outside of the city that you may not have had time to explore before. Take advantage of this day to venture out and discover something new!

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