Sleepless in Seattle

Contest celebrates the 30th anniversary of ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ with trips to Seattle and New York

It is the 30th anniversary of the June 1993 theatrical release of the hit movie Sleepless in Seattle.

And the Empire State Building and the Space Needle, and their respective cities, are celebrating the movie and their roles in it with the simultaneous lighting of both landmarks; special screenings of the film; activations at both attractions; and a sweepstakes that will grant two lucky winners a weeklong trip to both Seattle and New York City.

Sleepless in Seattle Anniversary Events

Here are some of the anniversary events on tap:

  • June 30: “It’s a Sign” – On June 30 at sunset, both the Empire State Building and the Space Needle will light up together. The Space Needle in red and the Empire State Building in lavender + red with a heart spinning in the tower’s mast to resemble the original movie artwork and the “sign” that led the movie’s Annie Reed character back to the top of the Empire State Building. 
  • Special Anniversary Screenings – On July 1 at 9:30 p.m., Seattle Center will screen Sleepless in Seattle at the Mural Amphitheater. Visitors to the Empire State Building Observatory will be able to purchase tickets to view Sleepless in Seattle from a private area on the 80th Floor on July 9 at 9 p.m. (More information here).
  • Recreate the Magic: From June 29 through July 3, visitors to both the Empire State Building Observatory and the Space Needle can recreate the iconic movie poster from Sleepless in Seattle as they pose for their authentic shot. From June 30 through July 2 there will also be themed cocktails on the menu at the Space Needle Bar.
  • And of course: the Sleepless in Seattle Sweepstakes:  Enter the Sleepless in Seattle sweepstakes now through midnight July 21 at sleepless30.com. One winner will be randomly selected and announced on August 7 and will receive a six-night trip for two to both Seattle and New York City, with flights provied by Alaska Airlines.
  • In Seattle, the experience will include a three-night stay at The Pan Pacific Hotel in Downtown Seattle and a VIP tour of Space Needle with dinner for two at the upscale Loupe Lounge on the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. Bonus prizes include CityPass tickets and a $500 gift card towards experiencing the movie’s iconic locations, including the world-famous Pike Place Market, Alki Beach and Gas Works Park.  
  • In New York City the experience will include a three-night stay at the five-star Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue; two weekly unlimited Metro cards and CityPass tickets, an all-access tour of the Empire State Building followed by a special prix fixe dinner with wine pairing at STATE Grill & Bar, the Empire State Building’s signature restaurant. 
  • Whether or not you’re a Sleepless in Seattle fan, this would be a great adventure. So enter here.
     

Sleepless in Seattle Souvenirs

Even after 30 years, there are plenty of places in Seattle to get Sleepless in Seattle souvenirs.

Our favorite is at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), where thousands of Sleepless in Seattle nightshirts are sold in the gift shops each year.

SEA: 5 Things We Love About Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) celebrated a birthday on July 9, so this is a good week to feature SEA in our “5 Things We Love About…” series celebrating features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.

Keep in mind that some amenities may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns. We’re confident they’ll be back.

If we miss something you love about Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), leave a note in the comments section.

And be sure to take a look at the other airports in the “5 Things We Love About…” series.

Opening Day ceremonies at SEA – July 9, 1949

SEA: 5 Things We Love About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

1. The Art at SEA

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was the first airport in the country to have a public art program and it began purchasing art back in 1972.

SEA’s art collection includes valuable pieces by well-known 20th-century artists such as Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg and Louise Nevelson.

Night Flight #1 – By Louise Nevelson

There are also treasured pieces in glass, sculpture, photography, painting and sound by Northwest and regional artists.

Richard Elliot’s Eyes on the World

2. The Shops at SEA

If it’s Northwest souvenirs you’re after, leave time to shop at SEA.

In addition to Northwest wines, chocolates and music, for some reason one of the most popular souvenirs at SEA is (still) these Sleepless in Seattle nightshirts.

3. Dining at SEA

SEA has more than 40 post-security dining venues, so finding something that fits your taste won’t be a problem.

Some of favorites spots include the hip vegetarian Floret, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and Lucky Louie Fish Shack, home of sweet waffle fish.

4. Live Music at SEA

SEA has a live music program that brings in top-notch performers to play everything from jazz and blues, classical, folk and acoustic pop in various parts of the airport throughout the day.

5. The special events at SEA

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport goes all out to celebrate holidays and special days.

Dancing snowmen and live reindeers show up around Christmas.

And the airport hosts celebrations for everything from the Luna Year to Dia de Los Muertos and North American Heritage Month.

Did we miss an amenity you love at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)? The mountain views, the CPR training machine or the fun kids’ play area? Let us know in the comments section below and feel free to suggest an airport you’d like to see featured in the “5 Things We Love About…” series.

Sleepless in Seattle vs. Fifty Shades of Grey

What becomes a classic?

The 1993 move Sleepless in Seattle was a big hit. So big that, even at $31.99, Sleepless in Seattle nightshirts are still a big seller at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Sleepless in Seattle

So, twenty years from now, will Fifty Shades of Grey souvenirs still be front and center at airport gift shops? I doubt it – but we’ll see….

50 Shades of Grey