Everett may be the unofficial “coolest” place to visit in the Puget Sound area. Each neighborhood in Everett has its own special charm and appeal, with a variety of things to do for kids, families, or independent adventurers. Events and activities ranging from sporting events, outdoor leisure options, college outreach classes, incredible dining spots, and museums await. With a population of over 110,000 people, our town has a unique flavor blended from diverse populations, port city vibes with shipping, air travel and rail travel centers, our own Navy Base, great beaches and parks, and an energetic art scene.
Many festivals and street fairs provide entertainment, one of a kind shopping experiences and food options which support our local businesses and artists. While Everett used to be viewed as the more rough-edged city than Seattle, current events and trends are proving that Everett is now a more travel and tourist friendly city than ever before. We live in Everett and want to share some of our favorite places to enjoy the many great things offered by our city!
Everett Based Parks & Beaches
Now that you are fueled for a great day, what to do? If it’s a sunny day, it’s a great day to be outside. Nothing better than a day at the beach at either Thornton A. Sullivan Park on Silver Lake (if you like freshwater or to play disc golf), or Howarth Park (if you like saltwater beaches, hiking trails and an off-leash dog park). Sweeping views of Possession Sound can be found at Legion Park, Grand Avenue Park, or Harborview Park. If you are itching to play some nice greens, Legion Memorial Golf Couse in North Everett offers Sound and mountain views. Walter E. Hall Golf Course, in South Everett showcases a beautiful forest course and full-service golf shop.
Need to work off a few more of those big breakfast calories? Jetty Island, located a short kayak trip, paddle board float, or foot ferry ride from Port of Everett, is a premiere kiteboarding destination. If you prefer your water adventures while on a keel, there are many day charters for fishing, whale watching or just sight-seeing from the Everett Marina. Dry land more your cup of tea? There is a beautiful walking trail all along the marina and bay, up the hill over the new pedestrian bridge, to link up with Grand Avenue Park. Four wheels more your speed? Everett Skate Parks located at both Wiggums Hollow Park or Walter E. Hall Park provide excellent opportunity to practice and show your skills.
Festival Fun
Did someone say festival season? Everett is home to many great events. Beginning in May, Sorticulture kicks off Everett’s local outdoor events with a 3-day garden and art festival focusing on plants, flowers, locally made art and outdoor products for your garden dreams. The Everett Farmers Market runs every Sunday til the end of October, is your place to check out locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, wines and ciders, sweets, pickles, flowers, crafts, and more! Dog friendly and filled with local music, the Farmers Market is a great way to meet your neighbors.
Paine Field hosts its annual Aviation Day, in appreciation of past and present aeronautical awesomeness, which features an air show, demos, and even free flights for kids! It wouldn’t be Memorial Day weekend without Cruzin’ to Colby, our biggest car show weekend, with all kinds of entries from customs to classics, car clubs, competitions, music and eats, and of course – the Car Cruise!
Our next secret festival is the Artist’s Garage Sale, typically in early June, right in front of the Schack Art Center. If you love a great bargain, want to increase your art collection, and support local artists, this event is for you. Get there early for the best finds. Fourth of July means parade, a picnic all day celebration with music in Boxcar Park, and a fireworks display. Fresh Paint! is a local outdoor art weekend in August, where you can watch artists craft their creations along the boardwalks of Everett Marina, and take home some beautiful pieces.
The Schack Art Gallery also supports the “Float Find” through the month of August, with local businesses hiding beautiful glass float balls, created in the Schack’s hot shop, all over the city. SausageFest in late September is undoubtedly the most fun way to support children’s education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Hosted over 3 days, you will find two music stages, carnival rides, raffle, kids games, vendor booths, beer and wine gardens, local crafts and a traditional Bavarian dinner.
Everett Museums
Summer, winter, spring or fall, Everett is home to many different museums to suit all sorts of different tastes. The biggest footprint is the Boeing tour and Future of Flight Museum, located on the north end of Paine Field, which includes a tour of the operations at the Boeing factory, and great history experience. Located at the South end of Paine Field, don’t miss the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, which showcases an amazing collection of military vehicles, aircraft, tanks, and more, ranging from WWI era to Gulf War era.
Looking for an interactive museum geared for kids age 12 and under? The Imagine Children’s Museum is a completely playtime focused space, to encourage active thinking, discovery, and fun. The Schack Art Museum, located on Hoyt Avenue is the center of collaborative creation, housing, classes and art shows for Snohomish County, as well as offering a year round gift shop and curated monthly exhibits.
Local shopping in Everett is a great way to support small business. In downtown Everett, the newest flagship destination is Funko, with its collectables. Downtown Everett also showcases boutique fashion, gourmet kitchen and gifts, and great antique stores. Looking for a bigger experience? Everett Mall is home to many chain shopping stores, to fit just about every taste!
Local Shows
Evenings bring many options for outdoor as well as indoor happenings. When the weather is warm, look for Music at the Marina, an all ages free concert series with food trucks and more to enjoy some great bands. Another great way to enjoy the water in the evening is the Port of Everett’s Sail in Cinema series, or Movies in the Park at the Thornton A. Sullivan Park. Catch an AquaSox game at Funko Field, to enjoy some minor league baseball action with special promotions and events. Open year round, the Everett Historic Theater hosts live music, great tribute acts, live comedy shows and more, all in a beautifully restored Art Deco theater in the heart of downtown.
Angel of the Winds Arena is home to Everett’s Silvertips hockey team, the temporary home of the Seattle Storm Women’s NBA team, newest venue in Everett to see international music acts, and even watch Disney on Ice! This arena is also your destination to see AMA Endurocross racing, X-treme International Ice Races, and even Cirque Du Soleil performances.
Everett Restaurants & Cafes
Dining in Everett is a treat. Being a port city with international appeal has blessed this area with restaurants offering an authentic taste of the globe. Japanese, Ethiopian, Italian, Korean, Indian, Chinese, Vegan, Mexican (both authentic and Tex-Mex style), Hungarian, Vietnamese, Russian, American Diner, Thai, Southern BBQ, and multiple fine dining establishments. Being located on the Sound, our sushi and seafood restaurants feature local “catch of the day” that is fresh from the docks.
Start your day with a home cooked from scratch breakfast at Kate’s Greek & American Deli on Colby Avenue. Nothing here comes out of a freezer, and the daily specials and huge portion sizes make this café a hidden gem. If you are looking for something more bakery based, Choux Choux Bakery on Grand Avenue can’t be beat. Espresso beverages with homemade syrups, croissants, pastries both sweet and savory, cakes, cookies and oh, yes…. delicious breads. Their breakfast pies, pain au lait, and soup fill you up while you peruse the wall of vinyl record heaven. If you are visiting South Everett, stop by Shawn O’Donnell’s for a great Irish spread – homemade corned beef, soda farls, rasher bacon, and great service.
Our big river valleys offer premium farmlands to raise local meats, produce and fruits which grace the plates of our local bistros and farm to table eateries. Washington is home of the hops, and you will find a handful of breweries and microbreweries in Everett. Scuttlebutt at Everett Marina boasts a full menu and bar, as well as their own brews, with views of the working docks. At Large Brewery on Marine View Drive has sweeping views of the Navy Base and offers their homebrews and rotating food trucks.
Crucible Brewing’s Taproom on Everett Mall Way keeps many of their tasty brews on tap, and hosts food trucks on the weekends. Middleton Brewing specializes in unusual flavor combinations for winning brews and tasty treats. Lazy Boy Brewing Co., hidden by the UPS center and behind the Everett Mall is worth the search for their delicious brews.
All in all, Everett is a place where you can always find something to do, something new to see, and find great eats any time of day. We hope you like it as much as we do!
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