National Stay Away from Seattle Day

National Stay Away From Seattle Day is an annual holiday designed to give Seattle residents a break from crowds and reduce the number of visitors to the city. It takes place on September 16th. While it may sound unusual, there are good reasons behind this tongue-in-cheek holiday.

History

Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington and is home to major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Big Fish Games. The city also boasts many attractions, with the iconic Space Needle observation tower—standing at 184 meters—being the most popular.

Seattle is always bustling. Tourists flock to the city year-round, causing frequent traffic jams and crowds in the city center. Residents, too, need a break now and then. American actor Thomas Roy created “Stay Away From Seattle Day” to give locals a chance to enjoy some peace and quiet. In an interview, Roy mentioned that Seattleites deserve a break at least once a year—no crowded buses, no packed airports, and a respite from tourist crowds.

Interesting Facts

• Seattle has a population of about 740,000 people.
• The Seattle Chamber of Commerce does not officially endorse this holiday.
• The video game Infamous: Second Son, released in 2014 for PlayStation 4, is set in Seattle. Thanks to advanced technology, the city was recreated in the game with impressive attention to detail.

How to Take Part

If you live in Seattle, take this opportunity to stroll the quieter streets and enjoy the city’s rare tranquility. You might also take time to learn more about Seattle’s rich history, which spans over 150 years.

If you’d like to support the city, consider donating to local organizations, charities, or community projects.

When is National Stay Away From Seattle Day in 2025?

National Stay Away From Seattle Day is observed on September 16 each year.

Observations