- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- CrazyWeird National
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 🚫
Stay Away From Seattle Day encourages everyone to give the Emerald City a break from visitors every September 16. This quirky observance is a lighthearted reminder for locals to reclaim their city and for tourists to explore other destinations. Embrace the spirit by enjoying Seattle’s local gems or planning an adventure elsewhere.
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Expected Stay Away From Seattle Day Deals
While official ‘Stay Away From Seattle Day’ promotions are rare, local businesses often run deals that encourage residents to enjoy their city without the usual tourist crowds. In 2027, look for special offers from independent coffee shops like Victrola Coffee Roasters, discounts at neighborhood pubs such as The Pine Box, and exclusive menu items at restaurants like Pike Place Chowder. Retailers such as Elliott Bay Book Company might offer local-only sales, and attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) could have resident appreciation days around this time. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Stay Away From Seattle Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #StayAwayFromSeattleDay. Share photos of your favorite local, crowd-free Seattle spots or alternative destinations.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #StayAwayFromSeattleDay. Create a humorous video about escaping Seattle for the day or enjoying its quiet side.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #StayAwayFromSeattleDay. Tweet about your ideal ‘staycation’ activities or funny reasons to avoid Seattle for a day.
Stay Away From Seattle Day Hero
Seattle Locals
History of Stay Away From Seattle Day
Seattle, Washington, is widely considered one of the best cities in America for multiple reasons. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Nordstrom create a large number of job opportunities in the city. In addition to that, Seattle is also home to Starbucks, the Space Needle, the Pike Place Market, and many more tourist attractions. But that’s all that Seattle residents want them to be — TOURIST attractions. With a wildly large number of people either trying to or successfully moving to Seattle every year, the current residents are not a fan of the increasing crowd. Instead, they are more than happy to welcome tourists who come for a few days, spend their money, and go home.
While Pacific Northwesterners are considered some of the nicest people, even they need a day off from host duties. Considering this, comedian and actor Thomas Roy created Stay Away From Seattle Day. In an interview with the “Los Angeles Times”, he said, “Those people deserve at least one day a year when everybody stays the hell away. No planes in. No buses in. No nothing in.”
In fact, Roy isn’t the first person to stand up for Seattleites. Back in the early 20th century, columnist Emmett Watson promoted a fictional organization called Lesser Seattle, which fought against the rapid growth, urbanization, and population growth of the city. Over the years, Seattle has remained one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Considering the multi-centurial need for a break, it may not be the worst thing to stay away from Seattle for a day!
Stay Away From Seattle Day timeline
Arthur Denny and the Denny Party land in the area and name it ‘Seattle.’
After mass destruction from the Great Seattle Fire, Seattleites rebuild the city — higher and sturdier than before with brick instead of wood.
Seattle’s very own farmers’ market, the Pike Place Market, opens in 1907; the famous Space Needle is built for the World’s Fair in 1962; and Starbucks opens its very first store along the streets of Pike Place Market in 1971.
There is rapidly increasing urbanization and population growth and the need for a break from the never-ending crowd is identified.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Stay Away From Seattle Day
Local Seattle businesses can playfully embrace Stay Away From Seattle Day by offering ‘locals-only’ specials or encouraging residents to enjoy their establishments without the usual tourist rush. Coffee shops and bakeries might feature discounts for those with local IDs, while independent boutiques could host community-focused events. Restaurants could promote ‘staycation’ menus or offer delivery services, allowing patrons to enjoy their food from the comfort of home. The key is to foster a sense of local pride and community, making residents feel appreciated for giving their city a temporary breather.
Stay Away From Seattle Day FAQs
When is Stay Away From Seattle Day?
Stay Away From Seattle Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 16. It’s a midweek opportunity for residents to enjoy a quieter Emerald City.
Why do people celebrate Stay Away From Seattle Day?
This quirky holiday is a lighthearted way for Seattleites to express their desire for a temporary reprieve from the city’s constant influx of tourists. It’s a day to reclaim local spots and appreciate the city’s unique charm without the usual crowds.
How many tourists visit Seattle annually?
Pre-pandemic, Seattle welcomed over 40 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. This day serves as a humorous acknowledgment of that substantial tourist presence.
What makes Seattle a popular tourist destination?
Seattle is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, its vibrant arts scene, and its stunning natural surroundings, including Puget Sound and nearby mountains. The city’s unique culture and tech industry also draw many visitors.
Stay Away From Seattle Day Activities
Do what Roy said
This one is a no-brainer. The best way to observe Stay Away From Seattle Day is to just stay away from Seattle. Unless you’re a resident, of course. Then go out and enjoy your city how you see fit without the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Plan your next trip
Just because you have to stay away physically doesn’t mean you can’t be there mentally. Spend the day planning your next trip to Seattle and daydream about all the fresh produce at the Pike Place Market, a hot cup of Starbucks, and the endless ferry boat rides you can take!
Support Seattle
Whether or not you’re a resident, Seattle has and continues to provide a place to call home for innumerable people over the years. You can give back to it by supporting local businesses that have stood the test of time, donate to local organizations, or even attend local events if you’re in the area.
5 Interesting Facts About Seattle We Bet You Didn’t Know
It has Native American roots
The city was named after the Duwamish Indian chief — Chief Seattle.
It knows its music
Seattle was the first city to ever play a Beatles song on the radio.
It’s always sunny in … Seattle?
The city of Seattle sees the most purchases of sunglasses compared to any other city in America.
It’s home to “Grey’s Anatomy”
The popular show “Grey’s Anatomy,” which just got renewed for its 18th season, is filmed in Seattle.
The Space Needle defies gravity
It is believed that if you ride up the elevator in the Space Needle during a snowstorm, it looks like the snow is falling up!
Why We Love Stay Away From Seattle Day
It highlights the importance of breaks
No matter who you are or what work you do, everybody needs a day off — even a city. Breaks are not only important but also essential for well-being. You do you, Seattle!
It’s a playful holiday
Just reading the name of the holiday is enough to make one smile. Fun fact: Stay Away From Seattle Day is one of the 80 special days created by Thomas Roy and his wife, Ruth Roy.
It makes you fall more in love with Seattle
We all want what we can’t have. Being told to stay away from Seattle ironically makes one think about all the reasons to be in Seattle — and there’s too many to count! The ferryboats, the farmers’ market, the Space Needle, the museums, and so much more.
Stay Away From Seattle Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 16 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 16 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 16 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 16 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 16 | Monday |
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