Seattle Trivia

100+ Seattle Trivia Questions & Answers

Mike Oberman

Updated: January 23rd, 2025

Experience the vibrant spirit of Seattle with our exhilarating Seattle weekly trivia event perfect for Tuesday nights. Join enthusiasts for the best trivia challenge featuring creative trivia questions in this unforgettable trivia game. Enjoy Tuesday nights filled with fun, laughter, and epic challenges that promise an engaging, memorable, extraordinary night out.

General Seattle Trivia

Question: In what year was Seattle founded, setting the stage for its rich history in the city?

Answer: November 13, 1851

Question: On what date was Seattle incorporated as a city, marking the official beginning of organized civic government?

Answer: December 2, 1869

Question: Seattle was named in honor of which revered Native American leader, also known as Chief Seattle?

Answer: Chief Seattle

Question: Which pioneer group first arrived at Alki Point in 1851?

Answer: The Denny Party

Question: What was one early name for the settlement that eventually evolved into the modern Seattle we know today?

Answer: Duwamps

Question: Who was the first European explorer to visit the Seattle area in 1792, contributing to the region’s early mapping?

Answer: George Vancouver

Question: What catastrophic event in 1889 reshaped Seattle’s downtown core?

Answer: The Great Seattle Fire

Question: Which natural resource fueled Seattle’s early economic boom by powering its first major industry?

Answer: Logging

Question: During the Klondike Gold Rush, Seattle served as a key gateway to which northern region?

Answer: Alaska

Question: The docking of which ship in 1897—with its famed “ton of gold”—signaled Seattle’s rise as a transport hub?

Answer: The S.S. Portland

Question: Which financial institution was founded in the aftermath of the Great Seattle Fire and remains notable in the city’s history?

Answer: Washington Mutual

Question: In 1919, Seattle experienced a notable labor protest that remains one of the largest general strikes in U.S. history. What was it called?

Answer: The Seattle General Strike

Question: Which world’s fair held in 1909 influenced the layout of the modern University of Washington campus in Seattle?

Answer: The Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition

Question: Which founder and influential early advocate helped name the settlement after Chief Seattle?

Answer: Doc Maynard

Question: Prior to settling permanently on Elliott Bay, what alternative name did some settlers use for the area now known as New York Alki?

Answer: New York

Question: Which group’s 1851 land claim in Seattle ?

Answer: The Denny Party

Question: Seattle’s shipbuilding boom during World War I transformed the local economy. What industry did this boom primarily support?

Answer: Shipbuilding

Question: Before becoming known as the Emerald City, Seattle was once dubbed what nickname that reflected its royal aspirations?

Answer: Queen City

Question: What series of ethnic conflicts that began in the late 1800s remains a difficult chapter in Seattle’s past?

Answer: The anti-Chinese riots

Question: Which company’s aircraft production during World War II spurred a lasting post-war boom in the Seattle area?

Answer: Boeing

Seattle Geography Trivia

Question: Seattle is uniquely situated between which two major bodies of water?

Answer: Puget Sound and Lake Washington

Question: What is the name of Seattle’s chief harbor that welcomes cruise ships?

Answer: Elliott Bay

Question: Which iconic mountain, visible from the space needle and other city vantage points?

Answer: Mount Rainier

Question: On what type of narrow strip of land is Seattle located, connecting land on either side of its waterways?

Answer: An isthmus

Question: Approximately how many miles south of the Canadian border is Seattle located?

Answer: 100 miles

Question: Under the Köppen climate classification, what type of climate does Seattle enjoy?

Answer: Csb (warm-summer Mediterranean)

Question: On average, about how many days per year is Seattle shrouded in clouds?

Answer: 201 days

Question: In a typical year, approximately how many days see at least a trace of precipitation in Seattle?

Answer: 150 days

Question: What man-made waterway connects Lake Washington with Puget Sound, playing a key role in the city’s geography?

Answer: The Lake Washington Ship Canal

Question: What is the name of the highest point within Seattle’s limits, often mentioned for those who have a good time exploring the outdoors?

Answer: High Point

Question: Which significant earthquake rocked Seattle on February 28, 2001?

Answer: The Nisqually earthquake

Question: Local lore suggests that Seattle is built on how many hills?

Answer: Seven

Question: Name one of the major hills that contribute to Seattle’s rolling terrain .

Answer: Capitol Hill

Question: What human-made project created the break between First Hill and Capitol Hill in downtown Seattle?

Answer: Regrading projects

Question: Which canal, incorporating Lake Union and Salmon Bay, is a key component of the Lake Washington Ship Canal?

Answer: The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Question: Seattle lies within which tectonically active region also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire?

Answer: The Pacific Ring of Fire

Question: What geological feature near Seattle poses a threat of a magnitude 9.0 or greater earthquake?

Answer: The Cascadia subduction zone

Question: The Lake Washington Ship Canal is composed of both natural and man-made structures. Name one natural body of water it includes besides Lake Washington.

Answer: Lake Union

Question: What approximate percentage of Seattle’s total area is covered by water?

Answer: 41%

Question: What is the total area of Seattle in square miles?

Answer: 142.07 sq mi

Seattle Demographics Trivia

Question: What was the estimated population of Seattle in 2023?

Answer: 755,078

Question: Seattle serves as the seat of which county in Washington state, making it a central hub for regional governance?

Answer: King County

Question: Which lush nickname, reflecting its green environs, is widely used to describe Seattle?

Answer: The Emerald City

Question: Name one of Seattle’s official mottos that highlights its natural beauty.

Answer: The City of Flowers

Question: What system of government does Seattle use?

Answer: Mayor–council government

Question: Who is the current mayor of Seattle, a head of the city administration?

Answer: Bruce Harrell

Question: Which economic sector began booming in the 1980s in Seattle?

Answer: Technology and internet companies

Question: Which major online retailer’s headquarters is located in Seattle’s Denny Triangle?

Answer: Amazon

Question: Which international exposition held in 1962 led to the construction of the iconic space needle in Seattle?

Answer: The Century 21 Exposition (World's Fair)

Question: Which local aerospace company once had its corporate headquarters in Seattle and was a pillar of employment for the city?

Answer: Boeing

Question: In terms of container handling, where does the Port of Seattle rank in North America, making it one of the top logistics hubs along Puget Sound?

Answer: Fourth-largest

Question: How many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Seattle, reflecting the city’s strong economic clout?

Answer: Seven

Question: What is the name of Seattle’s primary international airport that also serves many teams traveling for away?

Answer: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

Question: Maritime cargo operations of the Port of Seattle and another port merged to form which regional alliance?

Answer: Northwest Seaport Alliance

Question: What was Seattle’s gross metropolitan product (GMP) estimated at in 2010, a figure often cited in pop culture discussions about economic success?

Answer: $231 billion

Question: Which global health organization, headquartered in the Seattle area, is influential both locally and internationally?

Answer: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Question: According to a 2006–2008 survey, what percentage of Seattle residents speak only English at home—a statistic that often appears as a short answer in quizzes?

Answer: Approximately 78.9%

Question: As per the 2012–2016 ACS, which racial group comprises the largest percentage of Seattle’s population?

Answer: White Non-Hispanic

Question: Which historic neighborhood was rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire and continues to be a popular locale for teams and visitors in the Seattle area?

Answer: Pioneer Square

Question: Which 1999 international protest event in Seattle is still discussed widely during sessions?

Answer: The WTO conference protests

Seattle Culture and Sports Trivia

Question: What is the name of the public market in Seattle famous for its fish throwing and local vendors?

Answer: Pike Place Market

Question: Which Seattle band recorded the song “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle”?

Answer: Nirvana

Question: What annual event in Seattle showcases international and independent films?

Answer: Seattle International Film Festival

Question: Which Seattle theater is known for its Broadway-style musical productions?

Answer: 5th Avenue Theatre

Question: Which Seattle sports team won Super Bowl XLVIII?

Answer: Seattle Seahawks

Question: In Major League Baseball, which team represents Seattle?

Answer: Seattle Mariners

Question: Which NHL team from Seattle began play in 2021?

Answer: Seattle Kraken

Question: Which Major League Soccer team from Seattle has secured two MLS Cup titles?

Answer: Seattle Sounders FC

Question: Which WNBA team from Seattle has claimed four championships?

Answer: Seattle Storm

Question: What is the name of the arena that hosts both the Seattle Kraken and the Seattle Storm?

Answer: Climate Pledge Arena

Question: Which professional rugby team, established in Seattle, competes in Major League Rugby?

Answer: Seattle Seawolves

Question: Which Seattle neighborhood is historically associated with a vibrant LGBT culture?

Answer: Capitol Hill

Question: Which major art institution in Seattle is housed in a downtown building and features diverse exhibits?

Answer: Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

Question: Which annual Seattle event is recognized as one of the country’s largest Gay Pride festivals?

Answer: Bite of Seattle

Question: What is the name of the giant observation wheel on Seattle’s waterfront?

Answer: Seattle Great Wheel

Question: Which Seattle chef and restaurateur is noted in the content?

Answer: Ethan Stowell

Question: What biennial event in Seattle highlights poetry and spoken word performance?

Answer: Seattle Poetry Festival

Question: Which Seattle neighborhood is famed for its waterfront views and laid-back vibe?

Answer: West Seattle

Question: How many players are on the field for a soccer team like the Seattle Sounders FC?

Answer: 11

Question: Which Seattle area is known for its steep streets and sweeping skyline views?

Answer: Queen Anne Hill

Miscellaneous Seattle Trivia

Question: What feature distinguishes Seattle’s service bars from typical dive bars?

Answer: Personalized table service

Question: Which local Seattle tavern is celebrated for its neighborhood charm and casual atmosphere?

Answer: Sam's Tavern

Question: What classic dish is a staple of traditional pub food in Seattle bars?

Answer: Fish and chips

Question: Which quirky bar promotion in Seattle highlights standout tequila deals?

Answer: 3rd Place Tequila Specials

Question: What is the common policy regarding outside food at most Seattle bars?

Answer: Not allowed

Question: Which airline, headquartered in the neighboring city of SeaTac, serves as a major connector for the Seattle region?

Answer: Alaska Airlines

Question: What was Seattle’s recorded population growth rate between 2010 and 2020?

Answer: 21.1%

Question: What is the common term used to refer to a resident of Seattle?

Answer: Seattleite (or Seattlite)

Question: Which economic growth spurt in the 1980s attracted larger teams of professionals, fueling the local technology boom in Seattle?

Answer: The technology sector expansion

Question: Former mayor Greg Nickels supported increasing Seattle’s population by revising housing policies. By what approximate percentage did he propose growth?

Answer: 60% (about 350,000 people)

Question: During which season does Seattle typically experience drier weather, offering a chance for live music outdoor events?

Answer: Summer

Question: How does Puget Sound influence Seattle’s weather patterns by moderating temperature extremes?

Answer: It tempers both heat and cold

Question: Which mountain range visible from Seattle to the west?

Answer: The Olympic Mountains

Question: Approximately how many inches of annual precipitation does Seattle receive?

Answer: About 39.34 inches

Question: Under the Trewartha system, how is Seattle’s climate classified, reflecting its mild conditions in the Seattle area?

Answer: Oceanic climate (Dobk)

Question: The economic downturn of the late 1960s and early 1970s—marked by challenges at Boeing—sparked which memorable sign urging departing residents?

Answer: “Will the last person leaving Seattle – Turn out the lights?”

Question: On March 20, 1970, a tragic arson at a local hotel shocked the Seattle area. What was the name of that hotel?

Answer: The Ozark Hotel

Question: Which 1983 massacre in Seattle’s Chinatown–International District remains a somber subject of history?

Answer: The Wah Mee massacre

Question: In what year did Microsoft relocate its headquarters to the area, further cementing Seattle’s reputation as a technology hub?

Answer: 1979

Question: Which high-profile international protest event in 1999 brought global attention to Seattle ?

Answer: The WTO conference protests