I believe most people who visit Seattle never realize how much exciting stuff is surrounding the space needle. I am a firm believer that you have to see the space needle, but if you a local the entire center is a great treat. First the festivals: I love the Bite of Seattle, awesome food and it's almost always great weather, a must for locals. Bumbershoot is like Seattle’s Woodstock, great music of every variety and all around fun for 3 days. That said, my favorite year round attraction is the EMP (Experience Music Project) and SFM (Sci-fi museum). Technically their in the same building, but they are very different exhibits. The EMP is amazing for music fans, the SFM is equally awesome and if you’re an music jockey or all around geek like me, both are worth the time.