Gumshoe is slang for “detective,” and it’s also the name of a walk that’s been puzzling participants since 2006 with 30 clues spread across 5 kilometers in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge and Greenwood neighborhoods. This year marks the Gumshoe’s 20th anniversary, so it’s the perfect time to grab your magnifying glass and join in.
The 2026 event runs August 7–23, giving you 17 days—including three weekends—to sleuth your way through the neighborhood at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll decode clues, explore hidden corners of the community, and maybe stop for a treat or two.
Entry forms are available now at www.dothegumshoe.org, starting at $25 (multi-packs available for $40, $60, and $80). After purchasing online, you’ll get an email confirmation that can be redeemed—with a photo ID—for your actual clue form at Greenwood Hardware (7201 Greenwood Ave N) starting August 7. Prefer to buy in person? Forms will also be sold outside Greenwood Hardware on Saturday mornings from 9–11am during the event.
This year’s start and end point is PCC Greenlake (7504 Aurora Ave N). Most gumshoes report it takes about three hours to solve the full walk. When you finish, drop your completed form in one of the red lock boxes at PCC Greenlake by 6pm on Sunday, August 23, to be eligible for the prize drawing that evening—$100 gift cards to neighborhood favorites like El Chupacabra, Pete’s Eggnest, Ridge Pizza, Chez Phinney, Red Mill Burgers, Phinney Books, and more.
Running behind? Join the Procrastishoe at 3pm on Sunday, August 23, at PCC Greenlake, where the Gumshoe Answer Man himself will walk the course with stragglers and help everyone finish in time to turn in their forms.
And best of all: 100% of net proceeds go to local charities. This year’s beneficiaries are the Ballard Food Bank and Aurora Commons, so every clue you crack helps support your neighbors.
Twenty years of sleuthing, 30 clues, one great cause—get ready to do the Gumshoe. Register today at www.dothegumshoe.org.