Seattle haunted house
November 1 - 3, 2018
(starts Sept. 21)
4 miles south
Georgetown Morgue is located at 5000 E. Marginal Way S. in the Georgetown area for age 12+. They keep the lights on for kids Oct. 13 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Seattle events November 2018
Earshot Jazz Festival
November 1 - 4, 2018
(begins Oct. 7)
Seattle locations
The Earshot Jazz Festival features more than 50 concerts by local and worldwide jazz greats.
Seattle Restaurant Week
November 1 - 8, 2018
(begins Oct. 21)
Seattle locations
Get a special deal on a three-course meal at 165 restaurants during Seattle Restaurant Week, which does not include Fridays and Saturdays. Restaurants all offer dinner and some offer lunch. Repeats in April. [Website may look blank if you have an ad blocker.]
Racy movies
November 1 - 18, 2018
1.6 miles NW
Hump! shows five-minute explicit films by amateurs of all persuasions, with prizes based on audience votes, at On the Boards. Also visits Olympia (Nov. 3) & Portland, OR (Nov. 8 to 17).
Snohomish beer tasting
November 2 - 3, 2018
28 miles NW
A ticket to Snohomish Brewfest includes seven tastes of beer (5 ounces each) and a $5 coupon for the food vendors at Thomas Family Farm. Bring age 21 ID.
Oyster fest
November 3, 2018
0.6 miles SW
Oyster New Year has 30 varieties of oysters, a seafood buffet, 60 wineries, microbrews, and live music at Elliott’s Oyster House on Pier 56 for age 21+.
Small publisher festival
November 3, 2018
1 mile NW
Short Run Comix & Arts Festival showcases makers of books, zines, comics, and animation at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. Free.
Day of the dead
November 3, 2018
(4 to 7 p.m.)
5.1 miles north
Based on the Latin American “Día de los Muertos,” Day of the Dead Festival includes a procession of Aztec dancers, performances by singers and folk dancers, the dedication of an altar, face painting, and Mexican snacks for sale at Phinney Center. Free.
Scottish ball
November 3, 2018
8 miles north
Heather Tartan Ball & Silent Auction is an evening of Scottish music, dancing, drinks, meat pies, and a silent auction near Northgate for age 21+.
Festival of Lights
November 3, 2018
10.1 miles east
Celebrate the Hindu holiday Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, with Indian dance performances (both Bollywood & traditional), henna artists, craft making, and Indian sweets at Bellevue Square. Free.
Tile festival
November 3 - 4, 2018
4 miles SE
See a juried show of Northwest tiles, meet the artists, attend workshops, get appraisals, and buy antique tiles and garden art at the Northwest Tile and Art Festival at Mount Baker Community Club. Free.
Orchid show
November 3 - 4, 2018
9 miles NW
See blooming orchids and visit vendors of flowers and supplies at the Northwest Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale at Swansons Nursery. Free.
Comics & pop-culture convention
November 3 - 4, 2018
34 miles south
Meet dozens of comics creators, hear panel talks, play games, and browse dealer tables at Jet City Comic Show at the Tacoma Convention Center.
Antique and collectibles show
November 3 - 4, 2018
37 miles south
Billed as America’s Largest Antique & Collectible Show, this event has 400 vendors selling furniture, glassware, slot machines, movie memorabilia, estate jewelry, paintings, mechanical banks, and toys at the Washington State Fair Events Center. Repeats in Feb.
Cider tasting
November 8, 2018
(6 p.m.)
3 miles south
Seattle Winter Ciderfest promises “fall and winter ciders from the Northwest’s best producers” plus local beer, wine, soda, and vendors representing ski resorts, spas, and music festivals at WithinSodo for age 21+.
Magician
November 8 - 10, 2018
(8 p.m.)
4.2 miles NW
Award-winning magician Christian Cagigal “weaves tales, dark fables, and strange happenings into an intimate evening of mystery and wonder” during Something Magical at Hale’s Ales Palladium Theater in Ballard.
Swing dance convention
November 8 - 12, 2018
15 miles south
Take professional workshops and enjoy DJ dances at Sea to Sky at the DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac.
Italian film festival
November 8 - 15, 2018
1.6 miles NW
Cinema Italian Style screens 15 new films in Italian with English subtitles at SIFF Cinema Uptown. The first and last films have optional after-parties.
Whisky tasting
November 9, 2018
(7 to 10 p.m.)
0.5 miles SW
The Whisky Extravaganza includes unlimited tastes of more than 100 whiskies, culinary pairings, and master classes at The Rainier Club for age 21+. Dress code.
Used snow gear
November 9 - 10, 2018
10 miles SE
Newport Ski Swap is a huge consignment sale that includes skis, snowboards, and snowshoes at Newport High School in Bellevue. Free.
Arts and crafts show
November 9 - 11, 2018
8 miles NE
Best of the Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show, Fall has 100 artists displaying jewelry, clothing, paintings, glass art, and sculptures plus food trucks at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park. Repeats in April.
Auto show
November 9 - 12, 2018
1.5 miles south
See 400 of the latest cars and trucks at the Seattle International Auto Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center.
Films from Turkey
November 9 - 17, 2018
Seattle locations
See feature-length films and short films at the Seattle Turkish Film Festival, which also has opening and closing galas.
Phinney beer tasting
November 10, 2018
(7 to 10 p.m.)
5 miles north
Enjoy local brews, pub snacks, and a silent auction of beer items at the Winter Beer Taste at Phinney Neighborhood Center.
Renton wine tasting
November 10, 2018
(6 to 9:30 p.m.)
21.6 miles SE
Taste wine and eat “sumptuous appetizers and desserts” at Hope for Housing, with live music and a silent auction for charity at St. Stephen the Martyr.
Veterans Day parade
November 10, 2018
26 miles south
The Veterans Day Parade & Observance in Auburn is one of America’s biggest, with veterans’ units, military vehicles, motorcycles, 25 marching bands, and floats. Also see related events on their web page. Free.
Tacoma beer festival
November 10, 2018
31.4 miles south
Taste winter beers from 34 breweries, with food for sale at South Sound Craft Beer Festival at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall for age 21+. Costumes welcome.
Chocolate festival
November 10 - 11, 2018
3 miles NW
Taste chocolate, attend workshops, and shop from 80 vendors at the Northwest Chocolate Festival at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.
Bainbridge film festival
November 10 - 11, 2018
11 miles west via ferry
The Celluloid Bainbridge Film Festival screens films with a local connection and offers discussions plus an opening-night party. Free.
Weird arts & crafts show
November 10 - 11, 2018
32.5 miles NE
See unusual creations by 100 artists and crafters at Oddmall Emporium of the Weird, and visit the food trucks at Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. Repeats in June. Free.
Free state park day
November 11, 2018
All state parks
Veterans Day is one of the State Parks Free Days, so you can spend it picnicking and playing at any of the 140 Washington State Parks. Free.
Free national park day
November 11, 2018
All national parks
Entry is free at Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks on Free Entrance Days in the National Parks. Expect more people and less parking than usual.
Hawaiian music festival
November 11, 2018
(1 to 6 p.m.)
14 miles south
Hear Hawaiian master musicians, admire tropical flowers, and shop for food and crafts at the annual Seattle Slack Key Festival at Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.
Fake wedding
November 15, 2018
(7 p.m.)
1 mile south
Attend an emotional wedding ceremony, have a drink and appetizers (included), and dance at a reception while you check out wedding vendors in action at The Big Fake Wedding Seattle at 101 S. Jackson Street.
Hip Nutcracker
November 15 & 17, 2018
(7:30 p.m.)
Seattle & Tacoma
The Hip Hop Nutcracker gives Tchaikovsky’s score a modern twist with 12 hip-hop dancers (including “King of Rap” Kurtis Blow), an on-stage DJ, an electric violinist, and a digital background with an urban vibe.
- Nov. 15 - Pantages Theater Tacoma
- Nov. 17 - Paramount Theatre Seattle
French wine festival
November 16, 2018
(7 to 11 p.m.)
0.7 miles south
Enjoy French food, music, a silent auction, and Beaujolais Nouveau with views at Columbia Tower Club.
Kirkland wine tasting
November 16, 2018
11 miles NE
Drink local wine in shops during Kirkland Wine Walk, which begins at the Heathman Hotel for age 21+.
Ghost Conference
November 16 - 18, 2018
28 miles NW via Bainbridge ferry
The Port Gamble Ghost Conference features paranormal investigations, guest speakers, and ghost tours in the historic town of Port Gamble. Pre-register.
Twilight Zone theater
November 16 - Dec. 15, 2018
0.3 mile NW
Watch four episodes of Rod Serling’s sci-fi TV show live onstage when Theater Schmeater presents The Twilight Zone: Live! in Belltown. Usually sells out early.
Craft food fair
November 17, 2018
0.7 miles west
Shop for food and beverages from 70 “craft food makers” at Gobble Up at Bell Harbor Conference Center on Pier 66. Free.
Ideas conference
November 17, 2018
1.2 miles NW
Hear interesting people deliver 18-minute speeches about a variety of subjects during TEDxSeattle at McCaw Hall. Discounts are available for students.
Wine exhibition
November 17, 2018
(5 to 9 p.m.)
1.3 mile NW
Holiday Wine Fest promises a world-class lineup of wines, ciders, spirits, gourmet cuisine, and artisan vendors at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.
Holiday market in Snohomish
November 17, 2018
28 miles NW
Shop from 65 juried vendors of handcrafted items and gourmet foods at the Snohomish Holiday Market, with live music in the barn at Thomas Family Farm. Free.
Empty Bowls fundraiser
November 17, 2018
(1 to 3 p.m.)
40 miles south
Buy a handmade bowl, and then get another bowl full of soup at Empty Bowls at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma.
Nordic holiday
November 17 - 18, 2018
5.7 miles NW
Yulefest brings Christmas to the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, with Scandinavian food, craft booths, fiddlers, folk dancers, a beverage garden, and access to the museum. Kids 12 and younger are free.
Christmas tree festival
November 17 - 28, 2018
0.5 mile south
View 21 designer trees in the lobby and driveway of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel during the annual Festival of Trees charity event. See schedule for gala, family celebration, and teddy bear suite. Free to view.
Pre-Thanksgiving run/walk
November 18, 2018
5 miles north
Green Lake Gobble & Mashed Potato Munch Off is a 5K and 10K run/walk and free kids’ dash on the partially closed road around Green Lake, with post-race beer garden and mashed-potato-eating contest.
Thanksgiving dinner
November 22, 2018
Greater Seattle area
See a list of restaurants offering special menus for Thanksgiving Day
- Eater (Seattle, Bellevue)
- The News Tribune (Tacoma, Gig Harbor)
- OpenTable (Seattle, Tacoma, suburbs)
- Red Tricycle (Seattle, Eastside, Hood Canal)
- Trip Savvy (Seattle, Eastside)
Thanksgiving run/walk
November 22, 2018
multiple cities
- Bellevue Beat the Bird 5K/1K
- Issaquah Turkey Trot 5K
- Seattle Wattle Waddle marathon/half at Gas Works
- Seattle Turkey Trot 5K in Ballard
- Tacoma City Turkey Trot 5K/1K in Proctor district
- Tacoma Norpoint Turkey Trot 5K/2-mile/kids
Free state park day
November 23, 2018
statewide
On State Parks Free Days, you can picnic and play at any of the 140 Washington State Parks for free.
Holiday parade
November 23, 2018
0 miles
See marching bands, costumed characters, floats, and Santa Claus at the Macy’s Holiday Parade. It follows Pine Street from 7th to 5th, 5th Avenue to University, University Street to 4th, and 4th Avenue to Pine. Free.
Tree & star lighting
November 23, 2018
0 miles
- Westlake Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration includes a countdown to the lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree at Westlake Center.
- Macy’s Downtown Seattle Starlighting ends with a fireworks show if weather permits.
University District concert
November 23, 2018
(8 p.m.)
4.1 miles NE
Dozens of Seattle musicians play songs from the best rock and roll movie ever made at Seattle’s Tribute to The Last Waltz for all ages at the Neptune Theatre.
Christmas tree lighting
November 23 - 30, 2018
(also see Dec.)
multiple locations
See a free tree-lighting ceremony, usually with music.
- Nov. 23 - Bellevue at Bellevue Place
- Nov. 24 - Edmonds at Centennial Plaza
- Nov. 24 - Seattle at Pike Place Market
- Nov. 24 - Tacoma at the Broadway Center
- Nov. 25 - Olympia at Sylvester Park
- Nov. 28 - Puyallup at Washington State Fair Center
- Nov. 30 - Renton at Coulon Park
- undated - Seattle at Westlake Center
- undated - Kirkland at Peter Kirk Park
Christmas ships parade
November 23 - Dec. 23, 2018
Lake Washington & Puget Sound
Ride onboard with the choir, or listen from shore during the Christmas Ship Festival.
Christmas improv
November 23 - Dec. 24, 2018
0.4 miles SW
Audience suggestions add funny twists to the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim at An Improvised Christmas Carol by Unexpected Productions at Pike Place Market.
Christmas plays
November 23 - Dec. 24, 2018
5.3 miles north
- Nov. 23 to Dec. 24 - Christmastown: A Holiday Noir is an adult detective comedy at Bathhouse Theater.
- Nov. 30 to Dec. 23 - Twist of the Magi is a goofy comedy staged as a 1940s radio broadcast in Edmonds.
- Dec. 7 to 22 - It’s a Wonderful Life is a feel-good classic in Renton.
Bellevue street show
November 23 - Dec. 24, 2018
10 miles east
Enjoy a 20-minute show of lights, music, falling snow, young dancers, and drummers in uniform on Snowflake Lane (Bellevue Way between N.E. 4th & N.E. 8th). Arrive early for the best view. Free.
Christmas play
November 23 - Dec. 28, 2018
0.3 miles east
A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about the amazing transformation of miserly Scrooge at ACT Theatre.
Nutcracker ballet
November 23 - Dec. 28, 2018
1 mile NW
Pacific Northwest Ballet performs The Nutcracker by George Balanchine, with a live orchestra, magnificent sets and costumes, and a huge cast in McCaw Hall.
Christmas lights - Seattle zoo
November 23, 2018 to early Jan.
5 miles north
WildLights has 600,000 lights in animal shapes, real reindeer, night animals, carolers, and Santa some nights at Woodland Park Zoo. Closed Dec. 24 & 25.
Winter at Seattle Center
November 23, 2018 - Jan. 6, 2019
1 mile NW
Enjoy holiday lights, skating at Fisher Pavilion (cost), folk dancers, carolers, dancers, ice sculptors, model trains, and entertainment during Winterfest at the Seattle Center. See schedule. Closed Dec. 25. Free.
Christmas lights - Tacoma zoo
November 23, 2018 - Jan. 6, 2019
40 miles south
Bundle up to admire half a million holiday lights and displays at Zoolights in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo from 5 to 9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24.
Pike Place holiday
November 24, 2018
0.3 mile west
Magic in the Market includes a choir, musicians, Santa, and a 5 p.m. Christmas tree lighting at Pike Place Market. Free.
Tacoma tree lighting
November 24, 2018
(5:30 p.m.)
34 miles south
Holiday Tree Lighting is a Tacoma tradition at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Free.
Nerdy holiday market
November 24 - 25, 2018
7.3 miles NE
GeekCraft Expo Seattle Holiday Market promises “gifts for the geeks on your holiday shopping list” handmade by 70 vendors in Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. Free.
Santa Train
November 24 - Dec. 16, 2018
36 miles east
The Northwest Railway Museum runs a popular 20-minute Santa Train from North Bend to the Snoqualmie Depot for cookies and a visit with Santa.
Christmas lights - Bellevue
November 24 Dec. 30, 2018
11 miles east
Enjoy zillions of colorful lights and displays at Garden d’Lights in Bellevue Botanical Garden from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. There may be a line on free nights. Open every day.
Seattle Marathon
November 25, 2018
1 mile north
Join 15,000 people burning off Thanksgiving calories at the morning Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon that begin and end near Seattle Center.
Victorian Christmas market
November 28 - Dec. 2, 2018
36 miles south
A Victorian Country Christmas has 500 booths with vendors in Victorian costumes selling art, jewelry, decorations, clothing, and toys at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Free parking.
Tour artists’ studios
November 30 - Dec. 2, 2018
Seattle locations
Shop from 24 artists at 9 studios who make clothing, jewelry, glass, ceramics, prints, and more on Seattle Sampling Artists’ Studio Tour. Free.
Nutcracker ballet - Renton
November 30 - Dec. 2, 2018
14 miles south
Ensemble Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker at Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center.
Bavarian Christmas
November 30 - Dec. 16, 2018
117 miles east
Enjoy Christmas lights twinkling on snow, roasted chestnuts, sleigh rides, and caroling at the annual Christmas Lighting Festival. See the lights on Fri., Sat., Sun. Lighting ceremony is 4:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun.
Comedy competition
November 2018
(undated)
multiple locations
Comedians do their best acts for prizes at the Seattle International Comedy Competition, which holds events in many Western Washington cities.
Gingerbread art
November 2018
(undated)
0.2 miles SE
See six elaborate displays made mostly of food at the Gingerbread Village at City Centre, across the street from Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Free and open until 11:30 p.m. (plus an extra hour Fridays & Saturdays).
Band competition
November 2018
(undated)
0.3 miles west
Watch four independent bands compete to win prizes at Jammin’ Challenge at the Hard Rock Cafe, age 16+.
Beer made in Seattle
November 2018
(undated)
0.7 miles west
Sample 80 beers, shop from food trucks, and play games at Brew Seattle at Bell Harbor International Conference Center (Pier 66).
Native arts & culture
November 2018
(undated)
4.9 miles SW
Join a reception, art show, and holiday marketplace with textiles from Peru (4 to 6 p.m.) and then attend a “traditional organic dinner and festive program” (6 to 8 p.m.) during Blue Jay Brings Back the Moon at the Duwamish Longhouse to benefit native women.
Native craft fair
November 2018
(undated)
4.9 miles SW
Shop for fine art, native crafts, cards, jewelry, and smoked salmon at the Native Holiday Gift Fair at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle. Free.
Kenmore bar crawl
November 2018
(undated)
12.4 miles NE
A ticket to Family Jewels Kenmore Ball Crawl gets you a tasting tray of four beers at three Kenmore breweries and supports cancer charity.
Spirits tasting
November 2018
(undated)
20 miles NE
A ticket to Washington Distillers Festival includes 10 tasting tokens, 24 participating distilleries, and a silent auction at McMenamins Anderson School for age 21+.
Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
November 2018
(undated)
1.3 miles south
Cranksgiving is a scavenger hunt on your bicycle for Thanksgiving food that you donate to a food bank, with prizes at an after party. Bring $20, a bag/pack, a pen, and a camera/phone to Swift Industries.
Short Nutcracker
November 2018
(undated)
Auburn, Bellevue, Renton
Evergreen City Ballet offers one-hour and two-hour versions of the holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker in Auburn, Bellevue, and Renton. After the performance, dancers meet the audience in the lobby.
Reindeer & model train
November 2018
(undated)
7 miles NW
Visit live reindeer and watch a model train circle a winter landscape during the Reindeer Festival at Swansons Nursery. Free.