On April Fools' Day, April 1, residents and organizations across Seattle traditionally post playful, harmless pranks — a practice that feels particularly valuable in the modern era of misinformation. This year’s jokes ranged from fake announcements about the return of the legendary video-rental chain Blockbuster to ostensibly "serious" city-service initiatives. These creative posts, appearing on social media and around the city, offer a daylong respite from serious news and a chance to laugh together.
One of the most talked-about pranks was a photo on Reddit showing a "Coming Soon!" sign at the future site of a Blockbuster store. But the QR code on the sign didn’t lead to information about movie rentals; it linked to the official voter registration website. Other organizations got in on the fun: the University of Washington "updated" the facade of its famous library by adding a giant bust of its husky mascot, and the Dick’s Drive-In chain supposedly launched a food truck for drivers stuck in Interstate 5 traffic.
Transit agency Sound Transit joked by unveiling a new mode of public transportation — the "party bike" — and the Puyallup Police Department announced a "mandatory blinker-fluid check." The Bumbershoot music festival "added" a new guest to its lineup, and the historic Pike Place Market promised an "upgrade" to its iconic clock. In this way, April Fools' Day in Seattle showcased how locals and institutions can poke fun at themselves and city life.
Based on: Blockbuster ‘coming soon’? Party bikes? It’s April Fools’ Day in Seattle