Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour
Discover the legends, the landmarks, and the love that made Emerald City a beacon of pride. Book your tour today and strut through Seattle’s most iconic queer moments.
Join the Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour today and experience the magic of Capitol Hill’s colorful past and present. See where history was made, love won, and Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community found its heart.
(based on 84,011 reviews)
Read Reviews
Book Your Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour Tonight
Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour
Come learn about the pioneers who paved the way for equality and discover the hidden stories that shaped Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. Follow us through the glittering heart of Capitol Hill’s queer culture and celebrate the spirit of defiant love, inclusivity, and unapologetic pride. Walk past iconic bars where drag queens and revolutionaries once made history and uncover the untold stories behind the rainbow crosswalks that made Seattle’s street a canvas of pride. Be a part of the people who make history come alive, and let Seattle’s rainbow-colored past inspire your journey. Book your Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour today and immerse yourself in the city’s ongoing legacy of love, diversity, and acceptance.
Meeting Location: Outside of Trendy Wendy, at 211 Broadway E in Seattle.
Starting Time: 2:30 PM.
Pet Policy Pets are welcomed!
Alcohol Policy: No drinking allowed.
Adults Only No.
Where to Meet, Park, and Directions
Meet: Trendy Wendy, at 211 Broadway E in Seattle.
Park: Visit parkopedia.com for the most up-to-date parking info.
The location is beside Mirch Masala, with large street-facing windows and bright blue paint that lines the outside of the building.
Mel Timm
Amazing tour! You won’t be disappointed. Our guide had so many great stories to tell about the history of the area. Highly recommend.
Norell Stone
Zach was an amazing guide. He was knowledgeable and fun stories for each site. Would definitely recommend and come back for the extended tour.
Carlton Bost
Nice tour. Very spooky. Knowledgeable tour guide.
Where You'll Go
Trendy Wendy Boutique
Step into the Trendy Wendy Boutique in Seattle and prepare to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. Explore an eclectic collection of festival wear, club outfits, and Pride gear that celebrates diversity and inclusivity—perfect for making a statement or simply soaking up the vibe that keeps Seattle’s queer scene fabulous.
Unicorn
Taste the magic of Unicorn and revel in the whimsical carnival vibes that make Seattle a true gem for LGBTQ+ fun. Embark on a journey through Capitol Hill’s queer history with us and see the iconic spot where glittery cabinet and carnival treats blend into an unforgettable celebration of pride.
Wildrose
Wildrose is the heart and soul of Seattle’s queer queer female scene. Experience the city’s LGBTQ+ history as you learn how this iconic spot served and continues to serve as a safe haven for love, laughter, and legendary nights out.
What is the Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour About?
Walk in the shoes of the trailblazers who fought for the freedom to be their unapologetic selves and venture into Seattle’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history. The Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour reveals the stories of courage and celebration that shaped Capitol Hill. Each stop on our tour sheds more light on Seattle’s transformation from a hidden gem into a proud parade of inclusivity and pride.
Experience the magic of Capitol Hill’s queer history as we guide you through the spaces that became beacons of pride and inclusivity. Learn more about the now-defunct Double Header bar in Seattle, where those seeking love, acceptance, and a true sense of community could be themselves without fear at a time when LGBTQ+ spaces were few and far between.
Be ready to hear the fascinating story of SugarPill and discover how a passionate community member turned a temporary visit to Emerald City into a lasting impact. Hear how SugarPill’s founder embraced Seattle and made a mark with her unique blend of care and community spirit. See the historic charm of The Cuff Complex and get a front-row seat to where the Pacific Northwest’s LGBTQ+ nightlife took root and evolved into a thriving scene.
Revel in tales of legendary parties that never went out of style, see how Seattle became a beacon of LGBTQ+ activism, and let us show you why Capitol Hill remains the queer capital of the Pacific Northwest. Book your place today to unearth these riveting stories and celebrate the pride that makes Seattle shine.
Reasons to Take the Painting the Rainbow LGBTQ History Walking Tour
Discover the gritty backstory of the grassroots movements that turned Capitol Hill into a queer paradise. From the daring pro ... tests to the celebrations, our tour guides will share the tales of how fierce activists and pioneers made history with every rainbow flag they waved. Learn more about the unsung heroes who stood against adversity and the spaces that became their sanctuaries. Book a tour today to walk the grounds where the legends of the people who fought for freedom, equality, and love once walked and be inspired by their relentless spirit.
Capitol Hill isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s the beating heart of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ scene, and our Painting the Rainbow ... LGBTQ History Walking Tour is your golden ticket to its most extraordinary spots. From SugarPill, we’ll take you on a journey where every stop is a story, and every story is a celebration. From SugarPill’s herbal wonders to The Cuff Complex’s legendary dance floor, you’ll explore the landmarks that highlight the struggles of Seattle’s queer community and get an insider’s look into the vibrant spaces that have become pillars of pride.
Step back in time and get up close and personal with the people who made Capitol Hill a beacon of resistance and acceptance. ... Our tour is a mash-up of epic moments and hidden gems that show how LGBTQ+ culture has shaped Seattle’s evolution. We’ll connect the dots between historic milestones and modern celebrations, revealing how past struggles fuel today’s triumphs.
Yes! Emerald City sure knows how to throw a pride party, and the historic Capitol Hill is the ultimate backdrop for the festi ... vities. If you’re hunting for the ultimate Pride experience, we’ll show you where the party started and where it’s still going strong. Join us today to explore the heart of Seattle’s pride scene and soak up the atmosphere that makes this neighborhood the crown jewel of inclusivity.
For anyone looking to dive deep into Seattle’s social evolution, our tour sheds more light on how Seattle’s commitment to ... diversity and inclusivity paved the way for progress. When you book a tour with us, you’ll gain a unique perspective on how LGBTQ+ issues have influenced broader societal changes and how Seattle has evolved as a city.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Sinister Sins, Scandal, and Shadows: Seattle Ghost Tour
Discover why Seattle is a hotspot for paranormal activity amidst ancient burial grounds and the ghosts of greedy undertakers and gold rush prospectors still hunting for their fortune.
Tour Meeting Location: Outside the Four Seasons Hotel, 99 Union Street in front of Ferris wheel
Tour Times: 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Tour Length: 1 Hour
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Come join us on this amazing tour that combines fascinating stories with liquid courage, all while in the company of like-minded people and an expert guide who will shepherd you through Seattle's haunted streets.
Tour Meeting Location: Blarney Stone Pub, 1416 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Tour Times: 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Tour Length: 2 Hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
Heart of Seattle Savory Food Tour
Join professional guides to experience the signature flavors that put Seattle on the map as a true foodie destination.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of Ballard Locks Visitor Center
Tour Times: 11:00 AM
Tour Length: 4 Hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
Seattle Ultimate Coffee Tour
On this tour, you'll visit the original Starbucks, along with some other, more local cafes that serve up some of the best coffee in the Pacific Northwest.
Tour Meeting Location: Outside Anchorhead Coffee, at 2003 Western Ave STE 110A, Seattle, WA 98121.
Tour Times: 11:00 AM
Tour Length: 2 Hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
Hoppin' Seattle Brew Tour
The premier location for breweries and distilleries. Come see, smell and taste how Seattle became the American Brewery Capitol. Tasting are included in this tour!
Tour Meeting Location: Reuben's Brews - The Ballard Taproom, 5010 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Tour Times: 2:00 PM
Tour Length: 2.5 Hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
Seattle's Historical Cannabis Tour
Whether you are "highly" experienced in the world of cannabis, or you're a weed newbie, this tour is sure to provide enlightenment of the history behind one of Seattle's up and coming industries.
Tour Meeting Location: Outside Ganja Goddess Cannabis Shop, at 3207 1st Avenue South, in Seattle.
Tour Times: 1:30 PM
Tour Length: 2 Hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
Check out our blog
The Legend of Mel’s Hole
In the isolated hills just west of Ellensburg, Washington, there are places locals don’t go. Patches of land whispered about over cheap b... Read More
11.01.25
The Shelburne Hotel
Is the Shelburne Hotel haunted? Would you consider glasses being knocked over, reassuring taps on your legs while you slept, phantom massag... Read More
10.26.25
The Case of the Green River Killer
There are few serial killers as infamous as the Green River Killer. During the 1980s and 1990s, he terrorized the Seattle area, targeting p... Read More
09.02.25
