Friday

06-06-2025 Vol 1983

Celebrate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Seattle: The Ultimate Day of Play Hooky

In a world where responsibilities weigh heavily, the charm of John Hughes’ 1986 classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, still resonates. The film, featuring a cunning teenager who skips school for an unforgettable day, sets the tone for a perfect day off, and its unofficial celebration is perfectly timed for Chicago’s Wrigley Field festivities.

On June 5, 1985, Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane attended a Cubs game, and now Seattle is gearing up for its own tribute to this iconic cinematic moment. For locals and visitors alike, taking a page from Ferris’ book has never been easier.

First step: take a ‘sick day’—an essential move to kick off your Ferris-inspired adventure. If needed, don a convincing act of illness for your work or simply drop a casual “not feeling great” message in your Slack channel. If Ferris could hack answering machines, you can certainly muster up some good ‘out of office’ energy.

Next, elevate your spirits at Columbia Center. Head to the 73rd floor for a breathtaking view of the city. Press your forehead against the glass and allow yourself a moment of reflection as you gaze down on the bustling life beneath you—think about your journey and how far you’ve come since those high school days.

Art lovers can embrace their inner Cameron Frye by visiting the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Engage with pieces that provoke emotion and thought; the Ai Weiwei show could provide the impactful experience needed to catalyze your own emotional journey. Allow the art to move you, just as Cameron nearly crumbles under the weight of a painting.

Dining in style is next on the agenda—with a Ferris twist. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant under the name “Abe Froman,” the infamous sausage king of Chicago. Walk in with confidence as you embody this playful persona while enjoying a special meal.

Gather your friends for a Mariners game to complete your playful tribute. Just like Ferris, who didn’t skip school alone, rally your crew for an afternoon of cheap seats, hot dogs, and a few rows of cheering fans. Nothing beats the experience of just being in the stands yelling “hey batta batta batta!” as the game unfolds.

Then, take a joyride through the city. While Ferris borrowed a sleek Ferrari, you might find yourself in a less glamorous vehicle, like a 2008 Prius. Turn up the music and crank out tunes from the movie’s soundtrack as you cruise through the picturesque Sand Point Way. The views will remind you just how beautiful this time of year can be.

Allow yourself to experience a more introspective moment. Channel your inner Cameron by finding a quiet patch of grass at Volunteer Park. Disconnect from your phone, stay silent, and just be with your thoughts for a bit. This too is an act of self-care that can ground you.

For those looking for a hint of excitement, take the light rail without any particular destination. Who knows what may unfold during your spontaneous ride? Embrace a little chaos and maybe even flirt with someone who catches your eye. This light-hearted diversion might just help you shed layers of your own inhibitions.

Finally, cap off your day with a screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—immerse yourself in the carefree spirit of the film. Gather friends, popcorn, and watch Ferris navigate his own day off, reminding us all of the beauty of spontaneity and good-natured rebellion.

In a city full of responsibilities, taking a day from time to time to embrace your inner Ferris can be transformative.

image source from:https://seattlemag.com/seattle-culture/how-to-celebrate-ferris-buellers-day-off-in-seattle/

Abigail Harper