Washington Weekend technically kicked off on Thursday, with a faculty/staff BBQ in Red Square, but the University of Washington has a ton of events packed into the next couple of days. Granted, I’m a bit of a nerd (and a recent Midwestern transplant to boot), so things like touring the giant research vessel at the College of Oceanography and Fishery Sciences’ Open House truly appeal to the part of me that always wanted to be a marine biologist but was thwarted by the supreme lack of ocean in central Illinois… I digress.

Additionally, today saw the official dedication of the UW Tower (formerly known as the Safeco Tower, and likely to remain known as that for as long as the Safeco name remains inscribed in the building). Tomorrow’s festivities include open houses galore, a simulated cybersecurity competition at Microsoft, and the Plateau Native Arts Celebration at the Burke Museum, including beadwork and saddle-making demonstrations.

The exhibitions and demonstrations should be enough to keep the whole family occupied for the better part of a day, and is only a few short neighborhoods away from a relaxing evening at the Ballard Jazz Festival. Enjoy your Saturday!

^{Paula Reynolds, president and CEO of Safeco, former owner of the tower, passes a symbolic key to
University of Washington President Mark Emmert.}