Celebrate the end of summer at Bumbershoot, a spectacular festival of music, film, comedy, and arts on Labor Day weekend in 13 venues at Seattle Center, including a main stage in Memorial Stadium. Free for children age 7 and younger, and seniors age 70+.
Films at Bumbershoot
September 1 - 2, 2018
1.2 miles NW
Watch short films and documentaries at 1 Reel Film Festival in SIFF Film Center at the Seattle Center, at no extra cost after you enter Bumbershoot.
Oak Harbor Music Festival
September 1 - 2, 2018
90 miles north
Oak Harbor Music Festival features 30 bands playing all types of music on two stages, beer & wine, food vendors, and arts & crafts on Whidbey Island. Free.
Acoustic music in Eastern WA
September 1 - 2, 2018
203 miles SE
Tumbleweed Music Festival has 5 stages with 75 acts, workshops, food and craft vendors, and a contra dance Sunday in Richland on the Columbia River. Mostly free.
Video game convention
September 1 - 3, 2018
0.5 mile east
Play video games and see gamers in costume at PAX West at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Sold out except Monday.
Ski & snowboard sale
September 1 - 3, 2018
10 miles east
SkiBonkers is a sale of new skis, snowboards, and accessories in downtown Bellevue. Free.
Blackberry festival
September 1 - 3, 2018
18 miles west via Bremerton ferry
Walk on the ferry to the free Bremerton Blackberry Festival, and shop the waterfront for art, jewelry, fair food, and blackberry pie, or do a Sat. Berry Fun Run.
Evergreen State Fair
September 1 - 3, 2018
33 miles NE
Meet farm animals, watch pigs race, eat fair food, and catch a show at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.
Ellensburg Rodeo is Washington’s biggest rodeo, with live music, a carnival, and the Kittitas County Fair.
Chamber music in Port Townsend
September 1 - 9, 2018 (2 p.m.)
57 miles NW via Bainbridge Ferry
Hear world-class concerts at the Olympic Music Festival in Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden in Port Townsend.
Concerts at the locks
September 1 - 16, 2018 (2 p.m.)
6 miles NW
Hear a concert on the lawn at beautiful Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard. You can bring a picnic, but no alcohol. Free.
Music festival in Greenwood
September 2, 2018 (noon to 2 a.m.)
6.5 miles north
Greenwood Music Crawl promises “35 local rock, shoegaze, psychedelic, punk, pop, and metal bands playing for 12 straight hours” at five venues in Greenwood and Phinney Ridge.
Eastside concerts
September 6 & 9, 2018
14.6 miles NE
Marymoor Park Concerts include big-name acts in a green setting. Buy a reserved seat or else bring a low-back chair or blanket (up to 5 feet). Prohibited items.
Cider week
September 6 - 16, 2018
statewide
Washington Cider Week features tastings, tours, and special menus at cideries and restaurants.
Mercer Island wine tasting
September 7, 2018 (6 p.m., VIP 4:30 p.m.)
5.9 miles east
Taste samples from 22 wineries at Art Uncorked, with art vendors, live music, and food for sale in tents in the sculpture garden at 78th Ave SE & Sunset Highway for age 21+ (except kids in strollers).
Bowling event
September 7, 2018 (7 to 10 p.m.)
6 miles SW
A $200 ticket to Bob’s Bowl-o-rama includes bowling and beer for 8 people at West Seattle Bowl for charity.
Cider tasting
September 7 - 8, 2018
0.5 mile north
Sample artisanal ciders from the NW and around the world, buy food, and hear live music at Cider Summit Seattle on the lawn outside South Lake Union Discovery Center for age 21+.
Italian street fair
September 7 - 9, 2018
5 miles south
Enjoy Italian food, Italian music, a beer and wine garden, children’s activities, and weekend cooking demonstrations at the San Gennaro Festival of Seattle on S. Angelo Street in Georgetown. Free.
Lighthouse festival
September 7 - 9, 2018
25 miles north
Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival has art, bands, food vendors, a beer garden, a parade (Saturday 10:30 a.m.), and fireworks (Saturday at dusk). Parking. Free.
Wooden boat festival & craft fair
September 7 - 9, 2018
54 miles NW via Bainbridge ferry
See 300 boats and boating demonstrations, and meet expert craftsmen and wooden boat enthusiasts at the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. No pets. Down the street is Crafts by the Dock crafts fair Sat. & Sun.
Weedstock music festival
September 7 - 9, 2018
120 miles SW
Cloneapalooza is a “marijuana friendly” festival with rock and hip hop bands, comedians, vendors, and camping at Cascade Peaks Campground in Randle for age 21+.
Asian night festival
September 8, 2018 (4 p.m. to midnight)
1 mile SE
Chinatown-International District Night Market has food vendors, a beer garden, an international market, live bands, break-dancers, and an all-ages dance party at the Historic Chinatown Gate. Free.
Thai Festival
September 8, 2018 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
7.2 miles north
Thai Festival features the cuisine, entertainment, and arts & crafts of Thailand in the parking lot of North Seattle College. Entertainment program. Free.
Lantern festival
September 8, 2018 (5 to 10 p.m.)
11 miles south
Arts-A-Glow offers entertainment, food trucks, an 8 p.m. lantern procession with a band, and a dance party at Dottie Harper Park in Burien. Free.
Dog walk & wine tasting
September 8, 2018
19 miles NE
Happy Tails Wine Walk is a casual walk to 20 wineries, plus a dog zone with games, pet supply vendors, and a few food trucks in Woodinville. Bring age 21 ID; a dog is optional.
Beer & blues in Federal Way
September 8, 2018 (noon)
23.1 miles south
Federal Way Rhythm & Brews Festival features 30 local craft brews (plus wine and cider), 4 local bands, and 3 food trucks at Town Square Park for age 21+. No dogs.
A ticket to Bacon Eggs & Kegs includes beverage tickets (beer, cider, mimosas, Bloody Marys, Irish coffee, root beer), with $5 brunch bites for sale, entertainment, and lawn games at CenturyLink Field for age 21+. Held in March and September.
Mini hydroplane race
September 8 - 9, 2018
16 miles south
Watch small outboard hydroplanes race up to 100 m.ph. and visit the pit area (if you wear shoes and sign a waiver) at Frank Hansen Memorial Race Regatta at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac. Limited parking. Free.
Concerts at the winery
September 8 - 15, 2018
17.8 miles NE
Summer Concerts feature “some of the best artists in jazz, rock, blues, and contemporary music” in the amphitheater at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. Bring a blanket or chair unless you buy reserved seating. Children age 2 and younger are free.
Hawaiian festival
September 9, 2018 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
1 mile NW
Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival has songs, performances, workshops (hula, ukulele, and lei making), food, and vendors of traditional arts and crafts at Seattle Center. Free.
Floating house tour
September 9, 2018 (SOLD OUT)
2.4 miles NE
Visit a dozen houses floating on Lake Union during the self-guided $58 Seattle Floating Homes Tour, with food trucks parked nearby in Eastlake.
Green party
September 12, 2018 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
0.7 miles north
Enjoy wine from Wilridge Winery, beer from Fremont Brewing, tunes by the Fred Hoadley Trio, and Vietnamese sandwiches from Saigon Deli at the Green Drinks Fall Festival in the “highly-sustainable” Terry Thomas Building.
Boat sale
September 13 - 16, 2018
1.5 miles north
Boats Afloat Show includes cabin cruisers, sailboats, ski boats, and yachts at Chandler’s Cove on Lake Union. Your ticket includes free boat rides for all ages.
Tango festival
September 13 - 17, 2018
2.9 miles north
The five-day Tango Magic festival includes classes from beginning to advanced, plus milongas (dances) at China Harbor Restaurant on Lake Union.
Greek festival
September 14 - 16, 2018
3 miles NE in Montlake
Enjoy homemade Greek foods like lamb, calamari, gyros, baklava, souvlaki, and wine at St. Demetrios Greek Festival, plus dancers performing in costume. Free admission.
Stamp collector show
September 14 - 16, 2018
10 miles south
See postage stamps, or get your collection reviewed at “What’s in Your Attic” at Seattle Philatelic Exhibition (SEAPEX) at Tukwila Community Center. Free.
Bird festival
September 14 - 16, 2018
17 miles north
Puget Sound Bird Fest includes guided birding walks, speakers, exhibits, and family-friendly activities at Edmonds Library and next door at the Frances Anderson Center. Free, except some guided walks.
Animation festival
September 14 - 16, 2018
18 miles SW via ferry boat
Conscious Cartoons International Animation Festival promises “outstanding animated shorts from around the world, many award-winning with socially conscious, humanistic themes” at Vashon Theatre. Some programs are designed for children.
Fishermen’s festival
September 15, 2018 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
4.4 miles NW
Fishermen’s Fall Festival offers seafood, live music, a beverage garden, ship canal tours, contests, and kids’ activities at Fishermen’s Terminal in Ballard. Free.
Artisan cheese festival
September 15, 2018 (1 to 5 p.m.)
4.8 miles south
Meet cheese producers, taste their cheese, and try other artisan foods at Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival at Seattle Design Center for age 21+. Optional seminar for additional cost.
Food truck festival
September 15, 2018 (noon to 10 p.m.)
7.3 miles NE
You’re free to shop from food trucks at Trucktoberfest outside South Lake Union Discovery Center, or buy a ticket that admits you to the fenced area for age 21+ and includes six beer samples from 30 breweries.
Beer on a farm
September 15, 2018 (noon to 6 p.m.)
29 miles south
Hops & Crops Music & Beer Festival features craft beer, live music, and food trucks at Mary Olson Farm in Auburn for age 21+. You’re welcome to bring chairs or blankets.
Latin American festival
September 15 - 16, 2018
1 mile NW
Celebrate independence from Spain at Seattle Fiestas Patrias, with mariachi music, dancing, an art show, games, food, and craft vendors at the Seattle Center. Free.
Comics convention in Tukwila
September 15 - 16, 2018 (VIP party Sept. 14)
12.8 miles south
Can’t wait for Emerald City Comic Con in March? Check out Renton City Comic Con (Rencon), “a celebration for comic book geeks, technophiles, cosplayers, and nerds of all ages” at Hotel Interurban in Tukwila.
Visit 15 private studios displaying the work of 30 artists on the self-guided Edmonds Art Studio Tour. Free.
Glass pumpkin party
September 20, 2018 (6 to 9 p.m.)
28.5 miles north
A ticket to Pints & Pumpkins includes your first beer and food item, with live music, glassblowing demonstrations, and a “glass pumpkin patch” to browse at Schack Art Center in Everett for age 21+.
Free museum day
September 22, 2018
Statewide
Get a free ticket that allows two people to visit one of the many museums participating in Museum Day Live.
Seattle Children’s Festival features music and dance performances, workshops, and activities at Seattle Center to promote cross-cultural understanding. Free.
Trapeze show
September 22, 2018 (7:30 p.m.)
2.5 miles south
The annual Protégé Show at Emerald City Trapeze features students performing a diverse array of aerial arts, high flying trapeze, and circus acts. Call to buy reserved tickets, or arrive early for free tickets if available.
Lantern parade
September 22, 2018 (7 to 10 p.m.)
4.7 miles north
Celebrate the equinox with lanterns, glowing costumes, and music-making at the Luminata parade of lights, beginning at the Aqua Theater (south end of the lake) and going clockwise to the Bath House. Free.
Wallingford Oktoberfest
September 22, 2018
5.8 miles north
The Great Wallingford Wurst Fest is a neighborhood event with food, beer, games & inflatables for kids, and entertainment at St. Benedict School. Free.
Ballard Festival
September 22, 2018
6 miles NW
Sustainable Ballard Festival offers music, food trucks, a tea garden, environmental exhibits and workshops, and a family bike expo in Ballard Commons Park. Free.
Fashion show in Bellevue
September 22, 2018 (6:30 p.m.)
10 miles east
See fashion on the runway during Fashion Week at Hyatt Regency Bellevue.
Run the Mountain
September 22, 2018
21.5 miles SE
Run the Mountain 5K/10K/15K is “a picturesque morning run through the tall trees of Squak Mountain State Park” in Issaquah to support youth in foster care. It includes post-run pizza, beer, and soft drinks.
Beer + tanks in Everett
September 22, 2018 (12 to 4 p.m.)
22.6 miles north
Sample local craft beer and see military tanks both moving and on display during Tanktoberfest at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum at Paine Field in Everett for age 21+.
Obstacle race
September 22, 2018
25 miles NE
Overcome mud, fire, ropes, and barricades to complete the 3.2 mile Warrior Dash for a medal, T-shirt, and after-party at Carnation Farms.
Aaron Neville in Everett
September 22, 2018 (7 to 10 p.m.)
28.7 miles north
Famous R&B and soul singer Aaron Neville performs with with Billy Mac in Historic Everett Theatre.
Based on British tradition, the Tweed Ride is a genteel jaunt through the Snohomish countryside with a stop at Machias Park for tea, treats, and entertainment. Consider dressing 1800s style and bringing a picnic.
Free healthcare
September 22 - 23, 2018
1 mile NW
Seattle/King County Clinic gives dental, vision, and medical care to anyone, no identification necessary. You can get in line as early as 12:30 am. when the waiting tent opens at Fisher Pavilion, ticket distribution begins 5 a.m., the first people enter KeyArena at 6:30 a.m. Free, including parking as described in the flyer.
Cute cats
September 22 - 23, 2018
1.6 miles NW
Cat lovers of the world unite to watch 85 viral cat videos at the Internet Cat Video Festival, which includes a cat costume contest and special guests at SIFF Cinema Uptown near Seattle Center.
Oktoberfest in Fremont
September 22 - 23, 2018
4 miles north
Fremont Oktoberfest offers 80 kinds of beer with bands for adults. Sunday adds a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving artists, family events, football screens, and free admission for kids & dogs.
Oktoberfest in Kirkland
September 22 - 23, 2018
11 miles NE
Enjoy beer, sauerkraut, bratwurst, wiener dog races, costume contests, games, and live music at Kirkland Oktoberfest at Kirkland’s Marina Park.
Gypsy jazz festival
September 22 - 23, 2018
35 miles north via Mukilteo ferry
DjangoFest NorthWest is the top showcase of gypsy jazz music in North America, with performances, workshops, and informal “djam” sessions at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley.
Puyallup fair
September 22 - 23, 2018
36 miles south
Find animals, rides, rodeo, food, and entertainment at Washington State Fair, the largest, oldest, and most popular fair in the state. Closed Tuesdays.
Local Sightings Film Festival shows new films from the Northwest, awards prizes, throws parties, and helps filmmakers to network at Northwest Film Forum on Capitol Hill.
Slapstick comedy in Tacoma
September 22 - 30, 2018
34.8 miles south
Everyone at the fishing lodge thinks a shy young man can’t speak English, so soon he’s overhearing their secrets in The Foreigner, an award-winning play with a “wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry for the bad guys” at Tacoma Little Theatre.
Enjoy An Incredible Feast at the Center for Urban Horticulture, prepared by top Seattle chefs with ingredients from local farmers as a benefit for farmers.
Baseball
September 25 - 30, 2018
1.7 miles south
Watch the Seattle Mariners play an exciting home game at Safeco Field.
Based on the Gothic mystery by Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre is the story of an orphaned girl who becomes a governess in a mysterious mansion with a brooding master, and ultimately must maintain integrity and summon inner strength to triumph, at Center Theatre.
Jeff Renner (KING5-TV) is master of ceremonies for Lois Palooza III: A Natural Woman, a fundraiser that features four local musicians at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Funny murder mystery
September 27, 2018 (8 p.m.)
16.8 miles north
One by one, ten people stranded in a storm on an English country estate are killed in mysterious (and hilarious) ways as they try to discover the murderer's identity in Something’s Afoot, a musical spoof of Agatha Christie murder mysteries in Edmonds.
French Cinema Now showcases “the best French language films from around the world” at SIFF Cinema Uptown. All films have English subtitles.
Romantic play
September 27 - Oct. 6, 2018
3 miles SE
Based on a film with Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan, Prelude to a Kiss tests the love of newlyweds when a mysterious man comes between them at 12th Ave Arts.
A ticket to Late Summer Wine Walk gets you a glass and 10 tastes of wine with light snacks in shops at West Seattle Junction.
Everett beer festival
September 28 - 29, 2018
32 miles north
A ticket to Carleton Farms BrewFest gets you eight tastes of beer with live music and food for sale at Carleton Farms for age 21+.
Italian festival
September 28 - 30, 2018
1 mile NW
Festa Italiana celebrates Italian food, music, dance, art, and kids’ activities on Sept. 29 to 30 at Seattle Center. Free. A wine tasting for adults is Sept. 28.
Short-film festival
September 28 - Oct. 5, 2018
multiple locations
Join people worldwide watching the Manhattan Short Film Festival and voting for their favorites.
See films made in or about Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, which has an opening gala and closing night awards.
Halloween at Wild Waves
September 28 - Oct. 28, 2018
25 miles south
Wild Waves Fright Fest offers entertainment, rides in the dark, haunted houses, and Booville (for ages 1 to 12) at Wild Waves. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Hours.
Tacoma haunted house
September 28 - Oct. 31, 2018
33 miles south
Fright House Station [sound] has two haunted attractions (The Redemption upstairs, and Shadows downstairs) near the Tacoma Dome for age 12+.
Brunch cruise
September 29, 2018 (boarding 10:30 a.m.)
Seattle or Kirkland
Enjoy a champagne brunch buffet on the Weekend Brunch Cruise, including a two-hour narrated tour of Lake Union and Lake Washington, departing from Northlake Way on Lake Union.
Visit Hawktoberfest to “cheer on our favorite Seattle football team with a vibrant display of team-themed vehicles” on Railroad Avenue in downtown Kent. Free.
Tasting event in Puyallup
September 29, 2018 (2 to 6 p.m.)
31 miles south
Steins and Stems [formerly Puyallup Art & Wine Walk] features wine, beer, cider, live music, and art in downtown Puyallup shops for age 21+.
Cider festival in Gig Harbor
September 29, 2018 (12 to 5 p.m.)
48 miles SW
Sample 90 ciders from regional cider makers, buy food, hear great bands, and visit a kids’ zone at Cider Swig in a Gig Harbor park, free if younger than 21.
Sample fine tea, attend presentations by tea authors and industry experts, and shop for tea supplies at the Northwest Tea Festival in Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center. Free except tastings.
Wooden boat festival
September 29 - 30, 2018
1.5 miles north
Enjoy free boat rides, tours, live music, kids’ activities, and food/beer vendors at Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival at the Center for Wooden Boats. Free.
Medieval village
September 29 - 30, 2018
27 miles east
Michelmasse Festival features craft shops, puppets, cider pressing, music, dance, and lunch (or reserve dinner) at Camlann Medieval Village in Carnation.
Cabaret brunch
September 29 - Oct. 28, 2018 (afternoon)
0.3 miles SW
Magnificent Matinee is a one-hour show of dance, comedy, acrobatics, music, theater, and history at small Can Can theater in Pike Place Market for all ages. Brunch food is optional and not included.
