Enjoy the best Seattle events, festivals, and things to do with this calendar of events.
Distance is from Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, Washington.
How to build green
November 3, 2017
4 miles NE
Green Building Slam is 10 interesting lectures by innovative architects and builders of 10 minutes each, with food, drinks, and dessert in Kane Hall at the University of Washington.Haunted house
November 3 - 4, 2017 (begins Sept. 22)
4 miles south
Georgetown Morgue is too intense for children under 12. The address is 5000 E Marginal Way S in the Georgetown area. Dates in 2017: Sept. 22-23, 29-30; Oct. 6-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31; Nov. 3-4.Snohomish beer tasting
November 3 - 4, 2017
28 miles NW
Enjoy beer from local breweries, a sausage dinner, and live music at the Snohomish Brewfest at Thomas Family Farm.Knitting show
November 3 - 5, 2017
10 miles east
Vogue Knitting Live features knitting classes, fashion shows, and vendors at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue.Small publisher festival
November 4, 2017
1 mile NW
Short Run showcases makers of books, zines, comics, and animation at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. Free.Scottish ball
November 4, 2017
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+.Tile festival
November 4 - 5, 2017
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 Tile Festival at Mount Baker Community Club. Free.Orchid show
November 4 - 5, 2017
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.Bainbridge film festival
November 4 - 5, 2017
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.Comics & pop-culture convention
November 4 - 5, 2017
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 4 - 5, 2017
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.Restaurant discounts
November 5 - 22, 2017
Seattle & Eastside locations
Local restaurants offer special deals on three-course meals during Dine Around Seattle. Not available on Fridays or Saturdays. Repeats in March.Auto show
November 9 - 12, 2017
1.5 miles south
See 400 of the latest cars and trucks at the Seattle International Auto Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center.Swing dance convention
November 9 - 13, 2017
15 miles south
Take professional workshops and enjoy DJ dancing at Sea to Sky at the DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac.Whisky tasting
November 10, 2017
0.5 miles SW
The Whisky Extravaganza includes unlimited tastes of more than 100 whiskies, culinary pairings, and master classes at The Rainier Club. Men are required to wear a jacket.Arts and crafts show
November 10 - 12, 2017
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.Student acrobats
November 10 - 11 and 17 - 18, 2017
5 miles south
See daring acrobatics on the triple trapeze, unicycle, and trampoline at the Cirrus Circus Annual Show at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts.Free state parks
November 11, 2017
All state parks
Veterans Day is one of the State Parks Free Days, so you can spend it picnicking and playing at any of these 140 Washington State Parks. Free.Oyster fest
November 11, 2017 (5 to 8 p.m.)
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+.Wine tasting
November 11, 2017
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.Phinney beer tasting
November 11, 2017
5 miles north
Enjoy local brews, pub snacks, and a silent auction of beer items at PNA Winter Beer Taste at Phinney Neighborhood Center.Veterans Day parade
November 11, 2017
26 miles south
The Veterans Day Parade & Observance in Auburn is one of America’s biggest, with veterans’ units, military vehicles, drill teams, 25 marching bands, floats, antique cars, and a military fly-over. Also see related events on their page. Free.Free national parks
November 11 - 12, 2017
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.Chocolate festival
November 11 - 12, 2017
3 miles NW
Taste chocolate, attend workshops, and shop from 80 vendors at the Northwest Chocolate Festival at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.Model train show
November 11 - 12, 2017
37 miles south
The Great Train Show features model train layouts and hundreds of vendors at the Washington State Fair Showplex in Puyallup. Repeats in January.Hawaiian music festival
November 12, 2017
Location uncertain
Hear Hawaiian master musicians, admire tropical flowers, and shop for food and crafts at the annual Seattle Slack Key Festival.Quilt & craft show
November 16 - 18, 2017
36 miles south
Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival offers workshops, seminars, and fabric & supply vendors in Puyallup.French wine festival
November 17, 2017
0.7 miles south
Enjoy French food, music, a silent auction, and Beaujolais Nouveau with views at the Columbia Tower Club. Discount price available for ages 21 to 35.Films from Romania
November 17 - 19, 2017
0.4 miles north
See films from an obscure country with a taste for dark humor at the Romanian Film Festival at SIFF Cinema Uptown.Twilight Zone theater
November 17 - Dec. 16, 2017
0.3 mile NW
Watch three episodes of Rod Serling’s sci-fi TV show live onstage when Theater Schmeater presents The Twilight Zone: Live! in Belltown.Ideas conference
November 18, 2017
1.2 miles NW
TEDxSeattle has exciting 18-minute speeches about technology, entertainment, and design followed by an evening reception at McCaw Hall.Empty Bowls fundraiser
November 18, 2017 (1 to 3:30 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 18 - 19, 2017
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.Weird arts & crafts show
November 18 - 19, 2017
28 miles north
See the unusual creations of 130 artists and crafters, and watch musicians, magicians, jugglers, and dancers on stage at Oddmall Emporium of the Weird at Everett Community College. Repeats in June. Free.Christmas tree festival
November 18 - 29, 2017
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 19, 2017
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 run/walk
November 23, 2017
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 Turkey Trot 5K/1K in Proctor district
- Tacoma Norpoint Turkey Trot 5K/2-mile/kids
Thanksgiving dinner
November 23, 2017
Greater Seattle area
See recommended restaurants offering special menus for Thanksgiving Day.Free state parks
November 24, 2017
statewide
On State Parks Free Days, you can picnic and play at any of these 140 Washington State Parks for free.Holiday parade
November 24, 2017
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 to University, University to 4th, and 4th to Pine.Tree & star lighting
November 24, 2017
0 miles
Westlake Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration includes a countdown to the lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree at Westlake Center and the star on the side of Macy’s, followed by fireworks if weather permits.University District concert
November 24, 2017 (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 at the Neptune Theatre.Christmas improv
November 24 - Dec. 23, 2017
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 play
November 24 - Dec. 24, 2017
0.3 miles east
A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about the amazing transformation of miserly Scrooge at ACT Theatre.Bellevue street show
November 24 - Dec. 24, 2017
10 miles east
Enjoy a 20-minute show of lights, music, falling snow, young dancers, and drummers in uniform on Snowflake Lane (also known as Bellevue Way). Arrive early for the best view. Free.Nutcracker ballet
November 24 - Dec. 28, 2017
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 24, 2017 - Jan. 1, 2018
5 miles north
WildLights has 500,000 lights in animal shapes, real reindeer, night animals, and carolers at Woodland Park Zoo. Closed Dec. 24 & 25.Christmas lights - Tacoma zoo
November 24, 2017 - Jan. 1, 2018
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.Winter at Seattle Center
November 24, 2017 - Jan. 7, 2018
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.Pike Place holiday
November 25, 2017
0.3 mile west
Magic in the Market includes carolers, Santa, and a 5 p.m. Christmas tree lighting at Pike Place Market. Free.Tacoma tree lighting
November 25, 2017
34 miles south
Holiday Tree Lighting is a free Tacoma tradition at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts.Santa Train
November 25 - Dec. 16, 2017
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. Dates in 2017: Nov. 25-26 & Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 15-16.Christmas lights - Bellevue
November 25 - Dec. 31, 2017
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.Seattle Marathon
November 26, 2017
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
November 29 - Dec. 3, 2017
37 miles south
A Victorian Country Christmas has 500 booths with vendors in Victorian costumes selling art, jewelry, decorations, clothing, and toys at Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup.Comedy competition
November 2017 (undated)
multiple locations
Comedians do their best acts for prizes at the Seattle International Comedy Competition, which holds events in many Western Washington cities.Films from Turkey
November 2017 (undated)
Seattle locations
See feature-length films and short films at the Seattle Turkish Film Festival, which also has opening and closing galas.Jazz festival
November 2017 (undated)
Seattle locations
The Earshot Jazz Festival features more than 50 concerts by local and worldwide jazz greats.Gingerbread houses
November 2017 (undated)
0.2 miles SE
See elaborate displays made mostly of food at the Gingerbread Village in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. Free and open 24 hours.Band competition
November 2017 (undated)
0.3 miles west
Watch four independent bands compete to win prizes at Jammin’ Challenge at the Hard Rock Cafe.Short film festival
November 2017 (undated)
1.3 miles NW
Seattle Shorts Film Festival includes dozens of short films and an awards ceremony in SIFF Film Center at Seattle Center.Willy Wonka with candy
November 2017 (undated)
1.3 miles NW
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision includes a bag of “fragrant and tasty treats” to eat as you watch Gene Wilder at SIFF Film Center.Ski and snowboard sale
November 2017 (undated)
1.5 miles south
Shop for snow merchandise at the Ski Dazzle [sound] ski and snowboard show at CenturyLink Field.Italian film festival
November 2017 (undated)
2 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.Native craft fair
November 2017 (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.Kirkland wine tasting
November 2017 (undated)
11 miles NE
Drink local wine in shops during Kirkland Holiday Wine Walk, which begins at the Heathman Hotel.Christmas ships parade
November 2017 (undated)
Lake Washington & Puget Sound
Ride onboard with the choir or listen from shore at a bonfire during Christmas Ship Festival. See schedule.Reindeer & model trains
November 2017 (undated)
7 miles NW
Visit live reindeer and watch model trains wind their way through a winter landscape during the Reindeer Festival at Swansons Nursery. Free.
