Home & Lifestyle Events

Celebrate Parents’ Day 2024: This Parents’ Day, explore 40+ unique and thoughtful gift ideas to celebrate and honour your parents. From personalized gifts to tech gadgets, find the perfect way to show your gratitude.

Celebrate Parents’ Day 2024: 40+ Thoughtful gift ideas for parents |Canva

New Delhi: Parents’ Day is a special occasion to celebrate and honour the love, care, and sacrifices made by parents. Finding the perfect gift can be a wonderful way to show appreciation and make them feel cherished. Whether you opt for personalized gifts, tech gadgets, or wellness items, our list of 40+ Parents’ Day gift ideas offers something for every parent, ensuring they feel loved and valued on their special day.

1. Custom Photo Album: A custom photo album filled with cherished memories is a heartfelt gift. Personalize it with photos from family trips, celebrations, and everyday moments to create a beautiful keepsake your parents will treasure.
2. Engraved Jewellery: Engraved jewellery pieces, like bracelets or pendants, with names or special dates add a personal touch. These timeless items can serve as daily reminders of love and appreciation for your parents.
3. Personalized Mugs: Custom mugs with photos, messages, or their favorite quotes make for a practical yet sentimental gift. Every sip will remind them of your love and thoughtfulness.
4. Custom Nameplate: A personalized nameplate for their home can add a unique touch to their decor. Choose designs that match their style for a perfect blend of practicality and personalization.
5. Personalized Wall Art: Create a piece of wall art featuring family portraits, meaningful quotes, or a custom design. It’s a beautiful way to decorate their space with something uniquely theirs.
6. Customized Cushions: Personalized cushions with family photos or special messages add a cozy and sentimental touch to their living space. It’s a daily reminder of your love and care.
7. Personalized Calendar: A custom calendar featuring family photos for each month makes a practical and cherished gift. It’s a year-long reminder of the special moments shared together.
8. Smart Home Assistant: Devices like Alexa or Google Home can simplify daily tasks, provide entertainment, and help manage smart home devices, making life more convenient for your tech-savvy parents.
9. Fitness Tracker: A fitness tracker helps monitor health metrics like steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. It’s a great gift for health-conscious parents looking to stay active and healthy.
10. Digital Photo Frame: Digital photo frames allow them to display a slideshow of family photos. They’re a modern way to enjoy a continuous stream of cherished memories.
11. Smartphone: Upgrade their current phone to the latest model, ensuring they stay connected with family and friends through calls, video chats, and social media.
12. Bluetooth Speakers: High-quality Bluetooth speakers enhance their music or audiobook experience. Choose a portable option for easy use around the house or on the go.
13. E-book Reader: An e-book reader like Kindle offers access to a vast library of books, perfect for parents who love reading. It’s lightweight and convenient for travel.
14. Smartwatch: Smartwatches offer health tracking, notifications, and convenient access to apps. They’re a great blend of style and functionality for tech-savvy parents.
15. Scented Candles: Scented candles create a relaxing ambiance with delightful fragrances. Choose scents they love to help them unwind and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at home.
16. Indoor Plants: Indoor plants brighten up their living space and improve air quality. Choose low-maintenance varieties like succulents or peace lilies for an easy touch of nature.
17. Home Decor Items: Stylish home decor items like vases, wall hangings, or decorative trays can enhance their living space. Select pieces that match their taste and home aesthetic.
18. Designer Bedsheets: High-quality, designer bedsheets add a touch of luxury to their bedroom. Opt for soft, comfortable fabrics and elegant designs for a perfect night’s sleep.
19. Cookware Set: A premium cookware set is ideal for parents who love to cook. Choose durable, high-quality options that make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
20. Air Purifier: An air purifier improves indoor air quality, reducing allergens and pollutants. It’s a thoughtful gift for health-conscious parents seeking a cleaner living environment.
21. Coffee Maker: A high-quality coffee maker can elevate their morning routine. Choose one with features that match their coffee preferences, whether it’s espresso, drip, or pod-based.
22. Spa Voucher: A spa voucher provides a day of relaxation and pampering. It’s a wonderful way for your parents to unwind and rejuvenate with massages, facials, and other treatments.
23. Health Supplements: Health supplements tailored to their needs can support their well-being. Consult with a healthcare provider to choose the right vitamins or supplements for them.
24. Yoga Mat: A high-quality yoga mat encourages a healthy lifestyle. It’s perfect for home workouts, yoga, or stretching exercises, providing comfort and support.
25. Essential Oil Diffuser: An essential oil diffuser fills their home with calming scents. Choose oils known for relaxation, like lavender or eucalyptus, to create a soothing atmosphere.
26. Massager: A massager helps relieve tension and stress. Opt for a handheld or chair massager that targets their specific needs, whether it’s back, neck, or foot relief.
27. Foot Spa: A foot spa offers a luxurious way to pamper tired feet. It’s perfect for a relaxing soak with massage features to soothe and rejuvenate.
28. Weekend Getaway: Plan a weekend getaway to a scenic location for quality time and relaxation. Choose a destination that offers activities they enjoy, from nature walks to spa treatments.
29. Fine Dining Experience: Treat them to a fine dining experience at a top-rated restaurant. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy gourmet food and a luxurious atmosphere together.
30. Movie Tickets: Give them movie tickets for the latest blockbuster or a film they’ve been eager to see. It’s a simple yet enjoyable way to spend time together.
31. Concert or Event Tickets: Concert or event tickets make for an exciting gift. Choose events that match their interests, whether it’s music, theatre, or sports.
32. Cooking Class: Enroll them in a cooking class to learn new culinary skills. It’s a fun and interactive experience they can enjoy together or with friends.
33. Adventure Sports: For the adventurous, plan an activity like trekking, rafting, or paragliding. It’s an exhilarating way to create lasting memories and enjoy the thrill of adventure.
34. Handbags: A stylish handbag is both practical and fashionable. Choose a design that matches their style, whether it’s a classic tote, a chic clutch, or a versatile crossbody.
35. Wallets: A high-quality wallet makes a thoughtful and useful gift. Opt for leather wallets with multiple compartments to keep their essentials organized.
36. Designer Sarees or Suits: Elegant designer sarees or suits are perfect for special occasions. Select traditional or contemporary designs that reflect their taste and style.
37. Watches: A stylish watch adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Choose a design that suits their personality, from classic leather bands to modern smartwatches.
38. Sunglasses: Trendy sunglasses protect their eyes while adding a fashionable accessory. Select styles that complement their face shape and personal taste.
39. Shoes: Comfortable and stylish shoes are always appreciated. Choose options that suit their lifestyle, whether it’s casual sneakers, formal dress shoes, or cozy slippers.
40. Magazine Subscription: A magazine subscription tailored to their interests keeps them engaged year-round. Choose topics they love, from travel and cooking to fashion and technology.
41. Streaming Service Subscription: A subscription to services like Netflix or Amazon Prime offers endless entertainment. It’s perfect for movie nights, binge-watching series, or exploring documentaries.
42. Meal Kit Subscription: A meal kit subscription simplifies cooking with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes. It’s a convenient way to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle.
43. Monthly Flower Delivery:A monthly flower delivery brightens their home with fresh blooms. It’s a beautiful way to remind them of your love and appreciation every month.
44. Books: A selection of their favorite books or new releases makes a thoughtful gift. Consider their reading preferences and choose genres they enjoy, from fiction to self-help.
45. Gardening Tools: For gardening enthusiasts, high-quality tools make a practical and appreciated gift. Choose durable, ergonomic tools that make gardening tasks easier and more enjoyable.
46. Hobby Kits: Hobby kits like painting, knitting, or model building provide hours of enjoyment. Choose kits that match their interests and offer a creative outlet.
47. Gourmet Food Basket:A gourmet food basket filled with their favorite treats is a delightful gift. Include a variety of items like chocolates, cheeses, crackers, and wine.
48. Handmade Crafts: Handmade crafts add a personal touch to any gift. Create something unique, like a knitted scarf, a hand-painted vase, or a personalized scrapbook.
49. Pet Accessories: If they have pets, consider gifting pet accessories like a cozy bed, stylish collar, or fun toys. It’s a thoughtful way to include their furry friends in the celebration.
50. Car Accessories: Car accessories like a phone mount, seat organizer, or custom floor mats make practical gifts. Choose items that enhance their driving experience and keep their car tidy.

Use these unique and thoughtful Parents’ Day gift ideas to celebrate and honour your parents.

Next Article

Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion drops, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and celeb-studded cultural happenings in NYC. It’s our curated guide to the very best things to see, shop, taste and experience around the city. 

What’s making our luxury list this week? A new eaterie at Bergdorf Goodman, a West Village store that’s all about local goods and a beloved Kiwi brand debuts in Flatiron. 

Bergdorf’s one-time lower level café has been transformed into a multi-layered homage to Ginori 1735, albeit one that also happens to serve food. Everything from the wallpaper to the fabric on the decorative pillows to the furniture and the tabletop was sourced from the age-old Italian heritage brand, who also has a dedicated shop on the 7th floor. The café is open for lunch and apertivo, with menus that, naturally, tend towards the Italian, whether the expected (focaccia, carpaccio, pastas) or not (an “Italian style taco”) and a plethora of refreshing cocktails to accompany all of the above. Italian-o-philes please note: unlike in Italy, the apertivo snacks here have a price tag attached.

BergdorfGoodman.com

Vija Celmins, Jack Pierson, Cindy Sherman, Ed Ruscha and Elmgreen & Dragset are just a handful of the artists with works on display in The Swimmer, an exhibition that opened earlier this month at FLAG Art Foundation in Chelsea. At a casual glance, it seems like an interesting and fun array for a summer-themed exhibition. But the story behind it is, of course, much more nuanced. A vastly simplified version: the exhibition was inspired by a 1964 John Cheever short story (of the same name, published in the New Yorker) featuring a protagonist who decides to alter his usual commute and swim home via his neighbors backyard pools. In addition to the aforementioned artists, the exhibition includes eleven new paintings by Katherine Bradford, created specifically for this show.

Through August 9, FLAGArtFoundation.org

There’s a lot of talk about shopping local but Locavore Variety Store, a new shop on 6th Avenue in the West Village, takes it to the next level. The 600 square-foot storefront is filled with over 700 products made by 130 companies all located within 100 miles of New York City. It’s the brainchild of Caroline Weaver, who some may remember as the founder of the late great CW Pencil Enterprise (RIP, 2021). In the years since, she founded the Locavore Guide, a “yellow pages for independent retail,” which she compiled by literally walking the city — over 30,000 blocks in all five boroughs — to establish a detailed catalog of such retailers which is now available to all online. The offerings are her shop – health/beauty, gardening, travel, home goods and pantry items galore — are not. A visit is required. Shopping local, after all, takes effort.

434 Sixth Avenue, TheLocavore.com

Maribel Lieberman founded MarieBelle chocolates in 2000 and opened her SoHo flagship the very next year; today she has four store locations including her latest, at The Pierre Hotel. While diminutive in side it’s packed with all the things — from truffles to ganache to bars and some wedding themed options, all packaged in her signature boxes in a very optimistic shade of bright blue. Best yet: it’s all hand made by “passionate chocolate artisans” in Brooklyn.

MarieBelle.com

Given the name, one would expect Rodd & Gunn to stock all things hunting and fishing (they refer to their shops as “lodges,” after all). That said, the shops look nothing like any lodge we’ve ever seen and the contents within do not include sporting goods or gear. But the age-old New Zealand menswear brand’s second New York City shop (the first is in Dumbo) does include an assortment of ‘woven in Italy’ pure linen shirts and cotton-linen blend jackets, pure Australian cotton polos, leather accessories and footwear. They describe the mix as “evergreen” pieces designed for “the guy who is quietly confident.”

Rodd&Gunn.com

Strolling down East Franklin Street, it might feel like you’re stepping back in time. Nestled between the local restaurants and UNC merchandise shops gleams the retro marquee of the Varsity Theatre.

Originally named the Carolina Theatre, the venue opened in 1927 as a single-theater, seating about 500 movie-watchers. Its name later changed to the Village Theatre in the 1940s and the Varsity Theatre in 1952.

The venue’s current owner, Paul Shareshian, said it would show popular films in its early days and, prior to him purchasing it in 2009, artistic independent films. It was when he took over that the space started to be more than your typical movie theater. Rather than just a film space, Shareshian added a stage for live performances. 

While one theater continues to be a traditional viewing room, the other — with the added stage — is equipped with a lighting and sound system, along with a silver screen fit for live performances. Every year, it hosts student theater productions, a cappella groups and other community events.

“The events that you could come there for, one has nothing to do with the other,” Shareshian said. “Even on the same day, we could run events that are back-to-back that are really polar opposites in some ways.”

In October, for example, audiences could see a blockbuster film, a stand-up comedy show and a performance of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” all in the same day, he said. 

“Rocky Horror” has been a way to celebrate Halloween at the Varsity since 1978. Currently, UNC student-led theatre group, Pauper Players, directs and produces the production. It features a shadow cast performance with queer themes and chaotic fun, Madi Ugan, a UNC senior who has directed the show for the past three years, said. 

Ugan said students lined up on campus to purchase tickets as early as 10:30 a.m. last year. It was the longest line they had seen for the event, selling almost 500 tickets across four performances at the historic venue.

“To know that we’re performing for an audience in a venue in the same place that other UNC students and alumni have performed in the past,” Ugan said. “I just think that’s so cool, honestly.”

Just in time for the mid-winter blahs to start giving way to spring fever, the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show will return to the Saratoga Springs City Center on March 2-3, 2024. The two-day show will be full of local exhibitors who will help you find solutions to your entire list of upcoming home and lifestyle to-dos.

With free admission courtesy of the show’s major sponsor, The Adirondack Trust Company, the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show is an opportunity no one in the Capital Region can afford to miss!

Who Will Be at the Show & What Will I Learn?

Now in its 50th year, the 2024 Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show will feature approximately 120 exhibitors with expertise in everything from gardens and outdoor living to financial planning, household organization, decor and comfort, pools, plumbing, food and wellness, and more. With such a varied group, the annual event has something for everyone – not just homeowners.

The weekend will also highlight the latest trends and technologies to improve your lifestyle both indoors and out. Whether you own a home or live the apartment/condo life, this show is an amazing opportunity to ask the experts for all the best design tips about maximizing small spaces or minimizing landscape upkeep.

Are There Any Special Events I Should Know About?

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club has some exciting announcements in store for this year’s Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show. All weekend long, there will be an Art Show, wine/spirit tastings, pet adoption clinics, and more. See a full breakdown below!

Fine Art & Crafts Show With Works Available for Purchase

Back by popular demand, the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show’s Rotary Art Show will be located on the City Center’s main floor. After you’ve talked with designers and home improvement specialists, stop by any of the booths with artisans showcasing painting, woodworking, jewelry, and more, with items available for purchase.

The list of participating artisans includes:

• Flickering Fern Candle
• Patty’s Petals
• Dark Mountain Art
• Thistledown Studio
• Glen Marsh Photography
• James Rodewald Fine Art Photography
• ABC Woodworking
• Wildwoods Woodturning
• And more

There will also be a Saratoga Springs High School Art display featuring the talents of local high school art students. The “Best in Show” high school student will be awarded a free one-year membership from Saratoga Arts.

Wine & Spirit Tastings

The City Center’s main floor will also have wine and spirit vendors where you can enjoy some tastings before deciding what to buy.

Participants include Black Button Distilling, Cooper’s Daughter Spirits, and Lakeland Winery.

Raffle Prizes

During the weekend, there will be awesome raffle prizes that you could win. Thanks to an incredible amount of donations, they will have prices valued over $3,000!

Find Additional Activities to Check Out

Don’t miss out on the other special activities and entertainment happening at the show, such as:

• Sean & Christine Doolan (magician & balloon artist) from 11:00am-3:00pm on both days
• Face painting from 11:00am-3:00pm on both days
• A “BlueStar Culinary Demo” presented by Marcella’s Appliance Center on both days
• Pet adoption clinic from 11:00am-2:00pm on both days

For the adoptions, local pet adoption and spaying agencies will be in attendance to answer your pet questions and introduce you to some adorable new friends who want to go home with you. There will be representatives from North Shore Animal League, Peppertree Rescue, H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist), and Adirondack Spay and Neuter.

Why Should I Attend or Exhibit at the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show?

If the 120 home and lifestyle exhibitors, large art and crafts show, and wine/spirit tastings aren’t enough to entice you to join in the fun and learning at the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show on March 2-3, then what about knowing it’s all for a good cause?

The Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show is the Rotary Club’s biggest annual fundraiser, and proceeds are invested right back into the community. The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs supports a diverse array of community organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Franklin Community Center, Saratoga Regional YMCA, Rebuilding Together, Shelters of Saratoga, Code Blue, and Saratoga Community Health Center.

In addition to the generous support of these organizations and their mission to better the lives of Saratoga residents and others worldwide, the Rotary Club sponsors local youth scholarships and humanitarian aid programs.

The Rotary Club expects to raise around $100,000 from the event, and they will have a booth on the main floor with information about their scholarship and charitable donation programs.

Plan Your Visit to the 2024 Show

The Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show will take place at the Saratoga Springs City Center during the first weekend of March.

• Saturday, March 2, 2024: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Sunday, March 3, 2024: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Visitor parking is available in the new City Center Parking Garage for a nominal fee. If you park on or near the third floor of the garage, you’re able to access the City Center via the enclosed walking bridge.

Street parking is available around the City Center. Other options include the parking garages on Woodlawn Avenue, a quick walk from the City Center. An Uber/Lyft stop will be available directly in front of the City Center on Broadway for your convenience too.

Ready to get inspired for spring? Learn more about the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show on their website today »

« Back to the Saratoga Winter Guide

Find and purchase a new home easily with these benefits from AMA Member Benefits PLUS.

Laurel Road

AMA members must apply through www.laurelroad.com/ama to access these benefits.

Laurel Road offers practicing physicians or residents who are AMA members custom digital mortgages with low rates, whether you’re looking to purchase a home or refinance your current mortgage.

• Member benefit: As an AMA member, you get a 0.25% rate discount when getting a mortgage with Laurel Road.*
• Up to $650 on your closing costs.*

Learn more.

Laurel Road is a brand of KeyBank National Association. All products offered by KeyBank. NMLS# 399797. Equal Housing Lender. ©2024

KeyCorp® All Rights Reserved. Laurel Road is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. 3 Corporate Drive, 4th fl, Shelton, CT 06484.

PhysicianLoans

Are you moving or planning to buy a new home? PhysicianLoans is the national leader in providing special home financing for physicians, and AMA members can access unique services and deals to help them achieve this milestone.

Physicians with high credit scores have a very low risk of default on residential mortgages even if they have high debt, few assets, or buy a home with little down. Normally, this can cause concern for underwriters who may approve the home loan but at higher rates. In contrast, PhysicianLoans focuses exclusively on serving the unique financial needs of doctors buying homes.

The PhysicianLoans program can offer financing with less money down than standard loans, plus no PMI and expanded underwriting guidelines. Additional benefits include:

• Lower monthly payments: No PMI and avoid jumbo rates.
• Less cash out of pocket: Less money down and even no money down available.
• Portfolio loan: Special underwriting guidelines allow higher debt ratios and close up to 90 days before starting a new job. This means you can qualify based on your new income months before you even start working.
• Expert guidance: Our loan officers stay with you throughout the home buying process, from early planning stages to pre-qualification, final approval and closing.
• Flexible loan programs: Does not count your full student loans against you, and no pre-payment penalty. Not to mention flexibility is important during a resident’s life when schedules are constantly changing.
• Special member benefit: AMA members can get a discount of $750 applied towards mortgage closing costs.** Be sure to let your loan officer know that you are an AMA member and eligible for the discount.

** Offer limited to one closing cost discount per loan. All loans are subject to application and credit approval, satisfactory appraisal and title insurance. Terms, conditions and loan programs are subject to change without notice. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

DRS Agent Network

The DRS Agent Network connects you to real estate agents familiar with the special needs, timing and considerations of physicians and their families at each career stage.

Many physicians, especially those moving to a new city, have difficulties finding a trusted, reputable agent that helps them the way they need to be helped. DRS developed a pre-screening and vetting process to ensure that the agents helping physicians are among the best suited to work with physicians.

Save time and money: Complete a short form with your contact information, housing requirements, and any comments you would like to share with the agent. Quickly get matched with a trusted DRS Agent in the city you are interested in before you arrive there—even if you don’t plan to purchase for several months. Since there is no cost and obligation, it does not hurt to hear what the person you are matched with has to say.

Work with a pro: All full-time agents are vetted and specialize in serving the medical community. Each agent is highly knowledgeable about the local community and is the one best suited to meet a physician’s needs. Each agent is prepared to answer your questions about the neighborhood, schools, taxes and local housing trends to help narrow your search.

Free member bonus: Enjoy peace of mind with three months of home warranty coverage for AMA members who buy a home using either the physicians mortgage loan or the real estate agent matching service.

The home buying and selling process shouldn’t be scary! A good relocation real estate agent will be able to provide you with all the information you need ahead of your move.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Additional terms and conditions apply, including verification of current AMA membership status.

Fans of “The Shawshank Redemption” — the top rated movie of all time on IMDb.com — have an opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their favorite flick during a birthday bash Aug. 8-11 at locations in north-central Ohio, where the movie was filmed.

DEAR ABBY: My son is a sophomore in college. He has been dating a girl he met at school for almost a year. Her family no longer speaks to her for reasons I don’t know. I have included her in our family holidays, but she later tells my son that she thinks I don’t like her. 

It causes problems for me when I visit him at school, which is often because it’s my alma mater. When I’m there, she attends all dinners and family events whether she’s invited or not, and I am expected to pay for her as well. My son has invited her to our house without my permission, and I do not want her to come. How do I tell him I don’t want her here without causing major problems in my relationship with him? — OPPOSED MOM IN OHIO

DEAR MOM: Teach your son good manners by telling him you don’t want anyone joining you for every family event and dinner without first being asked to include her. As much as he may like the girl, she is not (yet) a family member. Be sure to point out that you do not dislike her, but this is a formality you would like observed. The two of them are not a package deal.

P.S. The fact that her family doesn’t talk to her is a red flag that should not be ignored. Broach that subject with your son now.

DEAR ABBY: I’m concerned that my son-in-law is emotionally abusing my daughter. She was always a bit shy but was able to stand up for herself. 

Recently, we were driving to a new destination and she was using Google Maps. It said we had arrived at our destination, but we couldn’t see it. After backtracking, her husband was able to find it. He then berated my daughter for “being unprepared and not knowing where it was”! No one had been there before, and we were following an effective app. She apologized to him. 

I wanted to say something, but when I have in the past, she became upset with me. I see her confidence ebbing away. She needs to stand up to him. There have been many more instances. How can I help her return to being the strong and confident woman she was? I don’t think counseling would work. She doesn’t recognize what is happening to her. — MOM WHO SEES IT IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR MOM: Talk to your daughter privately. Explain that you are worried about her because she’s no longer the person she once was. Give her examples of her husband’s verbal abuse that you have observed and ask if she thinks she really deserved it. Offer to (quietly) pay for her to talk with a licensed counselor if she would be willing. Then cross your fingers that she will accept your offer and act on it without spilling the beans to her husband.

DEAR ABBY: Unfortunately, I was involved in a traffic accident. (The other party was found liable.) After the crash, the other driver was bleeding and had gashes. I experienced a couple broken ribs. Would it be OK to contact the other driver to see how he is? He was so polite to me at the accident scene. I really feel like he was a nice person. — BROKEN IN NORTH CAROLINA

DEAR BROKEN: I know you mean well. However, before contacting this nice person, you would be wise to discuss it with an attorney to make sure there will be no legal ramifications you might later regret.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Rain or shine, Seattle is blooming with festivals and events this summer. Whether you’re into food or sports, crafts or music, theater or vehicles – there is something for everyone this June around the Pacific Northwest. Let’s dig in!

It’s a Small World

Join the melting pot with festivals celebrating Scottish, Indigenous People, Iranians, Japanese, Scandinavians and more cultures! Enjoy tasty food, music, arts and crafts from all over the world.

Community Celebrations

Celebrate your own community or see what’s great about another one. Find out why the strawberries are sweeter in Burien and Marysville, why they celebrate lumberjacks in Shelton and why bluegrass music is twangier in Wenatchee. Check out the largest bridge fireworks show in Bremerton and don’t forget the um… “colorful” bikers in Fremont.

PHOTOS | Naked bike riders roll through 2023 Fremont Solstice Parade

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

This month, check out classic cars and brand-new rides, take dad to the 24th annual Olympic Airshow featuring a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortess and the Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk. If you’re interested in boating but don’t know where to begin, we have the event for you:

Artsy and Craftsy

Just about any kind of arts or craft you can think of is celebrating this month from the largest photo show in Seattle to a “world of natural fibers” in Monroe and an adult LEGO build competition in Seattle – with beer!

• Arts Explosion
  June 1-2 / Performing Arts & Events Center, Federal Way
• Washington State Sports Collectors Show
  June 1 / Lynnwood Convention Center
• Stamp and Scrapbook Expo
  June 1 / Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup
• Glazer’s PhotoFest
  June 1-2 / Glazer’s Camera, Seattle
• Fiber Fusion Northwest
  June 1-2 / Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe
• Bricks and Brew
  June 5 / MOHAI, Seattle
• Beacon Arts Street Fair
  June 8 / Roberto Maestas Festival St., Beacon Hill Light Rail Plaza and Centilia Cultural Center, Seattle
• Edmonds Arts Festival
  June 14-16 / 700 Main Street, Edmonds
• Cascade Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show
  June 29-30 / Kent Commons, Kent

Music, Film and Theater

Check out some of the best science fiction and fantasy short films, nine days of contemporary dance performances or 8 short plays featured at a playwriting festival in Edmonds.

Food and Drink

Getting hungry? Visit a food and drink festival dedicated to breakfast foods, another dedicated to Greek food and even one dedicated to vegetarian vegan and raw food, among others.

Nature Loving

Stop and smell the flowers in Tacoma, spot a few birds in Edmonds or pick up some garden-themed artwork on the streets of Downtown Everett.

Games People Play

Keep your eye on the [pin] ball (over 400 of them in fact!), participate in a free robot build contest or dress up in your best medieval or pirate gear.

The Great Outdoors

Ahh, explore the beauty of the mountains and oceans, or get active at the Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival or watch others be active at the Buckley Log Show.

Juneteenth

A number of large Juneteenth celebrations are happening this year. The largest takes place in Tacoma at Stewart Heights Park. Last year, 8,000 people showed up! Enjoy live music and entertainment and over 100 vendors.

Pride Fests

Seattle is home to some of the largest Pride festivals in the nation.

Whew! As you can see, June is packed with fascinating events across the Pacific Northwest. Tag #SeattleRefined on the photos and videos you post this month so we can share the fun!

Jeff Totey is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of his work here.

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for House of the Dragon, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Clipped and The Watchers.

The Watchers premiere

Writer/director Ishana Night Shyamalan premiered her directorial debut in NYC on Sunday, alongside father M. Night Shyamalan and stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré and Oliver Finnegan.

House of the Dragon premiere

Showrunner Ryan Condal and stars Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Tom Glynn-Carney and Ewan Mitchell debuted season 2 of the Game of Thrones prequel in NYC on Monday.

Clipped premiere

FX celebrated the premiere of Clipped in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, with stars Jacki Weaver, Ed O’Neill, Cleopatra Coleman and showrunner Gina Welch.

WWHL with Andy Cohen 15th anniversary celebration

Andy Cohen celebrated the 15th anniversary of Watch What Happens Live in New York on Wednesday, alongside Bravo stars including Craig Conover, Kyle Cooke, Heather Gay, Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Carl Radke, Whitney Rose and Scheana Shay.

Netflix FYSEE

The streamer continued to celebrate its shows, hosting For Your Consideration events for 3 Body Problem, Baby Reindeer, Squid Game: The Challenge, Griselda and John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.

Disney FYC Fest

Disney showcased its Emmy hopefuls at the DGA Theatre, with events for Fargo, We Were the Lucky Ones, Under the Bridge, Ahsoka, Genius: MLK/X, Only Murders in the Building, Abbott Elementary and What We Do in the Shadows.

Longlegs secret screening

Nicolas Cage and writer/director Osgood Perkins surprised fans with a secret screening of the Neon film at the Aero Theatre on Friday.

Ezra screening

Tony Goldwyn, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and writer Tony Spiridakis celebrated the release of their film Ezra and the re-opening of the North Fork Arts Center at the Sapan Greenport Theatre on Friday.

Fellow Travelers FYC

Fellow Travelers stars Matt Bomer, Allison Williams, Jelani Alladin and Noah J. Ricketts took part in a For Your Consideration event in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Ultraman: Rising special screening

Netflix hosted a special screening of the upcoming animated film Ultraman: Rising on Saturday in Los Angeles with its cast and creative team.

Legally Blonde Cinespia screening

Cinespia hosted a screening of Legally Blonde at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday, with Joey King and Zoe Lister Jones among the attendees.

Operation Smile’s Family Fest

The Operation Smile Malibu Family Smile Fest was hosted by Brooke Burke and Scott Rigsby, Billy Bush, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Jennifer and Bert Salke, Sherrie Rose, Stan Cook and Ali Wise on Saturday, bringing the Malibu community together for a day of music, fun and philanthropy to support children born with clefts.

The Morning Show FYC

Jennifer Aniston, Billy Crudup, Jon Hamm, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman and Tig Notaro joined The Morning Show producers for a FYC event in Los Angeles on Sunday.

WeHo Pride

WeHo Pride kicked off Pride Month with its OUTLOUD Music Festival over the weekend, featuring performances from Kesha, Adam Lambert, Keke Palmer, Janelle Monáe, Kylie Minogue and Diplo. Cyndi Lauper also took part in Sunday’s parade as the Lifetime Ally Icon.

The Cameron Boyce Foundation Gala

The Cameron Boyce Foundation held its third annual Cam For a Cause gala in Los Angeles on Sunday, this year honoring Taylor and Tay Lautner with TCBF’s Youth Empowerment Award, presented by Maya Boyce and Yara Shahidi.

Masters of the Air tastemaker event

Apple TV+ hosted a Masters of the Air tastemaker screening and reception at the San Vicente Bungalows on Sunday, with support from Apple talent Maya Rudolph and Karen Pittman.

The Acolyte screening

Amandla Stenberg, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson and Margarita Levieva joined creator Leslye Headland for a special screening of the Star Wars series in NYC on Monday.

Am I OK? premiere

Directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, alongside writer Lauren Pomerantz, premiered their Max film at New York’s NewFest on Monday.

Gersh Theater Season Celebration

Gersh hosted an evening to celebrate a triumphant season of live theatre in NYC on Monday, with Tony nominees including Brian d’Arcy James, Amy Ryan, Will Brill, Sarah Pidgeon, Kara Young and Isabella Byrd.

The Stonewall Inn Pride Kick-off

The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, the official giving organization of The Stonewall Inn, hosted its annual Pride Kickoff Celebration at the historic bar in NYC on Monday, with performances by Joy Oladokun, Indigenous drag artists Lady Shug and Landa Lakes, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Robin Fierce and comedian Sam Jay.

Out/Advocate Magazine’s Pride Cover Party

On Monday, Out and The Advocate magazines hosted their Pride Cover Party: Pride of Broadway with cover stars Jonathan Groff and Wayne Brady.

Signature Theatre Gala

Theater director Lila Neugebauer was honored at Signature Theatre’s 2024 Gala on Monday, with support stars including from Sarah Paulson, Lucas Hedges, Zoe Kazan and Corey Stoll.

New 42 Gala

New 42 hosted its annual gala on Monday, honoring Times Square Alliance and its president Tom Harris, as well as choreographer Rennie Harris. The event, hosted by Brian Stokes Mitchell, raised $1.3 million to support New 42’s artistic, arts education and community engagement programming.

Michael Kors Rodeo Drive store celebration

Michael Kors celebrated the opening of a new Michael Kors Collection store on Rodeo Drive with a party at the beloved Canter’s Deli, with a menu by L.A.’s iconic Spago, on Tuesday, as Kors was joined by stars including Quinta Brunson, Gabrielle Union, Olivia Wilde, Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling and Kaitlyn Dever.

True Detective: Night Country FYC

The cast, including stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, and creative team behind the latest season of True Detective took part in a For Your Consideration event on Tuesday.

Cyndi Lauper’s Let the Canary Sing screening and handprint ceremony

Cyndi Lauper celebrated her new documentary Let the Canary Sing with a special screening and a TCL Chinese Theatre hand and footprint ceremony, with support from Cher and Bebe Rexha, on Tuesday.

BMI Pop Awards

Benny Blanco was honored with the BMI President’s Award at its Pop Awards in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, where Taylor Swift was named songwriter of the year and Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” was recognized as pop song of the year.

Blue Lights screening

BritBox hosted a tastemaker screening event in anticipation of the second season of Blue Lights on Tuesday, with series stars Sian Brooke, Nathan Braniff and Katherine Devlin.

Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge premiere

Tribeca Festival kicked off on Wednesday with the premiere of the Diane Von Furstenberg doc, as the designer posed alongside the film’s directors on the carpet.

Sing Sing tastemaker screening

Colman Domingo, Paul Raci and director Greg Kwedar attended a tastemaker event for A24’s Sing Sing in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Regime FYC

Kate Winslet joined creator Will Tracy and director/EP Jessica Hobbs for a FYC celebration of The Regime on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

CYBEX Jeremy Scott Car Collection

CYBEX celebrated its latest collaboration with Jeremy Scott at a special event at Mel’s Drive-In on Wednesday, with support from Jenna Dewan, Ashley Tisdale and Ashley Benson.

SiriusXM Las Vegas studio launch

SiriusXM launched a new state-of-the-art broadcast studio in Las Vegas with the help of John Mayer on Wednesday, where the star hosted a live broadcast for his SiriusXM channel, “Life with John Mayer.”

Ruggable x The Hiltons launch party

Kathy Hilton hosted a party at her Beverly Hills home on Wednesday to celebrate the launch of her and daughter Nicky’s collection with Ruggable. Kris Jenner, Christine Chiu, Kelly Osbourne and Rachel Zoe were also in attendance.

Disney Jr.’s Ariel screening

Disney Jr. hosted a special screening and Q&A panel event with the creative team for Disney Jr.’s Ariel at NeueHouse Hollywood on Wednesday.

Next on Netflix: Animation event

Zack Snyder, Nick Kroll, Craig Robinson and Nathan Lane were among the stars on hand at Netflix’s animation showcase on Thursday, previewing the streamer’s lineup of animated films and series coming in the next year.

Elle Hollywood Rising event

Elle honored its annual class of breakout actors and actresses taking Hollywood by storm — including Ryan Destiny, Emma Laird and Sophie Thatcher — with a special event at Bar Funke on Thursday, presented by Polo Ralph Lauren.

Tuesday premiere

Stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Lola Petticrew joined writer-director Daina O. Pusić at a NYC special screening for their A24 film on Thursday.

Power Book II: Ghost premiere

50 Cent celebrated season four of Power Book II: Ghost in NYC on Thursday with the show’s cast, including Mary J. Blige, Michael Rainey Jr. and Method Man.

Hope in the Water premiere

Environmental activist Shailene Woodley joined producer David E. Kelley, producer/chef/TV Personality Andrew Zimmern and director Brian Peter Falk at the L.A. premiere of PBS’ new climate documentary on Thursday.

BET Media Group Emmy House

BET Media Group celebrated its shows and live programs including America in Black, Average Joe, 2023 BET Awards, Celebrity Squares, Diarra From Detroit, Kingdom Business and The Ms. Pat Show at its Emmy event on Thursday.

Group Therapy premiere

Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Birbiglia, Gary Gulman, London Hughes, Tig Notaro and Atsuko Okatsuka walked the carpet at the Tribeca premiere of Hartbeat’s Group Therapy on Thursday.

Rebel Nun premiere

Catholic nun and leading death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean attended the Tribeca premiere of her documentary Rebel Nun on Thursday, alongside Susan Sarandon, who played Sister Helen in 1995’s Dead Man Walking.

New York Urban League’s Frederick Douglas Awards 

The New York Urban League celebrated its 58th annual Frederick Douglass Awards on Thursday, recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted the pursuit of equality and justice. Aurora James, George Gresham, Camille Joseph-Goldman and Renee McClure were honored at the event, which saw Meagan Good as honorary co-chair and was hosted by DeMarco Morgan.

Tribeca x Chanel luncheon

Tribeca’s Jane Rosenthal and Chanel hosted a special lunch to celebrate Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program on Friday in NYC. Kerry Washington, Patty Jenkins, Katie Holmes, Rachel Weisz, Selma Blair, Joey King, Camila Mendes, Jenny Slate, Kathryn Newton and Louisa Jacobson were among those in attendance.

Ghostbusters Day

On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council declared June 8 as Ghostbusters Day in Los Angeles. The resolution was presented by L.A. City Council president Paul Krekorian to filmmaker Jason Reitman during the regular City Council meeting.

Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion drops, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and celeb-studded cultural happenings in NYC. It’s our curated guide to the very best things to see, shop, taste and experience around the city. 

What’s making our luxury list this week? Stores galore: British invasion in Brooklyn and Scandinavians in Soho, plus an over-the-top art installation in NoMad.

Beloved British brand Toast has chosen Boerum Hill, Brooklyn as the site of its first U.S. shop. A historic stretch of Atlantic Avenue, no less. To the uninitiated, Toast is a 27-year-old lifestyle and home goods brand that “aspires to a slower, more thoughtful way of life.” Think: flowy designs, natural fabrics, craftsmanship, traditional techniques. No trendy anything, which means pieces you’ll have in your closet (or on your shelf) for many years. Bonus: an in-house repair specialist offering free mending on Toast pieces.

367 Atlantic Avenue, Toast.com

Fans of the renowned Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos can experience one of her legendary installations in New York City at the Roche Bobois NoMad showroom. The woven large-scale work is an explosion of color and organic forms (in the same family as the pieces she recently created for Dior) and dominates several areas of the showroom, including the one with her furniture designs for the company. “Amazonia” as it is called, is part of the “Valkyrie” series, named after the Norse goddess of war, and on view through October.

200 Madison Avenue, RocheBobois.com

Nordic Knots, a Swedish rug and textile company adored by fans of Scandinavian design, has opened its first shop outside of Stockholm. It’s a 1,500-square-foot wonder, designed by Studio Giancarlo Valle, in an 1884 building on the corner of Greene and Canal Streets. Founders Liza Laserow and Fabian Berglund once lived in New York, and came up with the idea for the company during that time. They say that Soho was a “natural and obvious” choice for their showroom, the perfect place to display their “bold, minimal designs.”

6 Greene Street, NordicKnots.com

Identical twins Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo are the duo known as Osgemeos (Portuguese for “the twins”), whose latest works debut at Lehmann Maupin on June 22nd. For more than thirty years the brothers, who hail from Brazil, have gained renown as graffiti artists who “created an entire universe of fantastical yellow characters rendered in thin outlines, enlarged faces, and simplified features,” according to a statement from the gallery. “Cultivating Dreams” is their sixth solo show with Lehmann Maupin and features 13 new paintings and a site-specific immersive installation that “transforms the gallery space into a multi-layered experience designed to provoke the sense of awe and wonder encountered in a lucid dream state.”

Through August 16th, 501 West 24th Street, LehmannMaupin.com

After an eight year absence, Anthropologie is back on West Broadway, just a bit north of its original location (now a Gucci store). The approximately 8,000-square-foot space is housed in a building that dates to 1910 and was billed as the “first gallery building in Soho” (Leo Castelli’s famed gallery was here in the 1970s). Today the storefront boasts the by-now-familiar maximalist layers of color, texture and patterned clothing, shoes and accessories that are Anthropologie’s signatures. Also in the brand’s fifth store in the city are an edited selection of beauty and home goods (although we wish there was more of the latter, specifically furniture).

420 West Broadway, Anthropologie.com