1: Coffee first.

Arrive early and get your caffeine fix at Elm Coffee Roasters. If it's warm outside, spring for the coffee tonic, trust us on this one.

2: Explore the galleries.

We’ve got dozens of amazing galleries in our neighborhood! Check out the latest installations at J. Rinehart Gallery, Zinc Contemporary, ArtX Contemporary, and ARTS at King Street Station, or check out this map for more ideas.

Also, FYI: Second Saturdays often include artist talks and special openings at a number of Pioneer Square galleries!

3: Pause for lunch.

There are so many old and new food spots to try out down here!

If you want a full meal, head to Pioneer Square D&E for a great burger and the latest seasonal special, Ohsun for some banchan, or Tacolisto for some Mexican fare. 

If you just want a lil‘ somethin’ to tide you over, swing by Cone & Steiner—they’re our next-door neighbors and have all the best snacks.

4: Shop around.

Check out Fruitsuper for an amazing selection of goods made by independent designers—plus you can pick up a bottle of wine from Foundry Vineyards in the same stop! 

Visit Arundel Books for your summer reading needs and to enjoy the cozy bookstore atmosphere. Then, go discover a new-to-you poet at Open Books. 

If you’ve got some gift shopping to do, head to Flora and Henri, TASWIRA, or Bon Voyage Vintage.

5: Finish with a treat.

Need a drink? We love Damn the Weather and Dead Line for creative cocktails. 

Want something sweet instead? Grab a filled doughnut at General Porpoise, or visit the Pastry Project’s summertime-only soft serve window—it opens on June 30th, and is worth planning a whole visit around ;)

Click here to see a map of our picks.