Fun Things To Do In Seattle, WA
Welcome to your ultimate guide for discovering the best of Seattle this September!
As summer begins to wind down, September offers Seattle a magical in-between season—where long sunny days blend with the first hints of crisp autumn air. The city slows to a cozier rhythm, yet it’s still bursting with life, color, and community spirit.
September is the perfect time to savor the last outdoor concerts, wander through neighborhood art walks, or cheer on the Huskies as football season kicks off. Farmers markets are overflowing with late-summer bounty—think apples, pears, and pumpkins edging out the peaches. It’s also a wonderful month to take a ferry ride, hike in the Cascades under golden skies, or enjoy waterfront sunsets before the days grow shorter.
Whether you’re celebrating the change of seasons with a local festival, exploring Seattle’s neighborhoods, or planning one more adventure before the rains return, September in Seattle delivers the best of both worlds—vibrant summer energy and the cozy promise of fall.
Let’s soak it all in—one unforgettable September experience at a time.
Seattle in September: Harvests, Huskies, and the First Hints of Fall
September in Seattle is a month of transition—where golden summer days meet crisp autumn evenings. The air feels fresh, the skies still glow at sunset, and the city buzzes with festivals, football, and fall traditions. It’s the perfect blend of laid-back summer fun and cozy fall energy.
This month, the excitement shifts from Seafair to new beginnings. The Huskies kick off football season at Husky Stadium, neighborhood art walks fill the streets with creativity, and Bumbershoot lights up Seattle Center with music, food, and culture. Film fans can catch early screenings at the Seattle International Film Festival’s fall events, while outdoor lovers can enjoy some of the best hiking weather of the year in the Cascades.
Foodies will love September’s harvest season: fresh apples, pears, and pumpkins at farmers markets, plus cider tastings, harvest dinners, and warm lattes returning to coffee menus. Street fairs and cultural festivals continue across the city, offering everything from global eats to local crafts.
Families can enjoy the Washington State Fair in Puyallup with rides, games, and farm fun—or stay local for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and weekend ferry adventures. Woodland Park Zoo offers cooler-weather animal encounters, while waterfront parks are still perfect for picnics and play before the rain sets in.
Whether you’re savoring rooftop sunsets, cheering on the Huskies, or embracing Seattle’s harvest season, September is all about balance: the best of summer paired with the promise of fall. Don’t miss this chance to soak in the magic of the changing seasons.
Join Us!
September boat parties capture the best of Seattle’s in-between season, where summer’s energy lingers and fall’s cozy evenings begin to creep in. Out on the water, you get the city skyline, the mountains, and the Sound all in one perfect view. It’s a reminder that in Seattle, the change of seasons isn’t something to resist, it’s something to celebrate.
Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair is the Pacific Northwest’s largest and most thrilling summer celebration, featuring a 20‑day extravaganza of carnival rides, live concerts, rodeo showcases, farm and animal exhibits, and culinary delights spanning beloved fair classics to elevated tasting experiences. In 2025, the fair marks its 125th anniversary with new attractions like the Gold Gate Plaza, 1900 Food Hall & rooftop bar, immersive exhibits, and daily stage shows—making it a tradition-rich, can’t-miss event for families and fairgoers alike.
When: August 29 – September 21, 2025
Where: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup
Evening Colors Sunset Sail Tour
Step aboard Seattle’s iconic tall ship for the Evening Colors Sunset Sail Tour, a two-hour journey across Puget Sound that combines maritime charm with spectacular views. From the moment the sails rise and the engine falls silent, you’ll glide past the city skyline, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains—all bathed in golden-hour light, with the occasional cannon salute to celebrate another beautiful day in Seattle.
When: September 1 – October 27, 2025
Where: Bell Harbor Marina, 2201 Alaskan Way, Seattle
Washington Huskies Football: September Showdowns
September brings the start of Husky football season, and fans can look forward to three exciting matchups that set the tone for the year. The Dawgs open the month at home under the lights against UC Davis, head across the state for a rivalry clash with Washington State, and wrap up the month back at Husky Stadium with a high-profile battle against Ohio State. It’s a month packed with energy, tradition, and games you won’t want to miss.
When: September 6, 20, 27, 2025
Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle
SketchFest Seattle
Discover the laughter and creativity of SketchFest Seattle, the world’s original sketch comedy festival, celebrated annually by pairing national touring groups with standout local performers for a weekend of fast-paced, hilarity-packed skits. Curated by Unexpected Productions and hosted in the whimsical setting of Pike Place Market’s Market Theater, SketchFest elevates sketch comedy as a true performing art—made for anyone who loves sharp wit and imaginative storytelling.
When: September 11-14, 2025
Where: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle
Boats Afloat Show 2025
Dive into Seattle’s most unique boating event at the Boats Afloat Show, the largest floating boat show on the West Coast. Hosted by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, this in-water showcase invites you to tour a stunning collection of powerboats, sailboats, day cruisers, and long-range yachts right on the piers of South Lake Union. Alongside the vessels, enjoy live music, tasty bites, family-friendly activities like kid boat-building, and opportunities to connect with boating professionals.
When: September 11-14, 2025
Where: Lake Union Piers (901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle
2025 Seattle Modern Home Tour
Explore the elegance of contemporary living at the 2025 Seattle Modern Home Tour, a self-guided design experience showcasing ultra-modern homes, thoughtful renovations, and innovative architecture across the city. Tour the latest designs by top architects and designers—from mid-century reinventions to sleek new builds—while meeting creators and discovering ideas to elevate your space.
When: September 13, 2025
Where: Various Seattle Location
Beacon Arts Street Fair
Enjoy this glimpse of community in action at the Beacon Arts Street Fair, where creativity blooms along Beacon Hill’s Roberto Maestas Festival Street. This free, family-friendly event features live music, food vendors, art booths, garden sharing, kids’ activities, and dance—celebrating culture, connection, and neighborhood pride. The next installment brings the theme “All Creatures Great & Small,” complete with an adorable pet parade, mobile petting zoo, and animal art projects indoors at Centilia Cultural Center.
When: September 13, 2025
Where: S. Roberto Maestas Festival Street (next to Beacon Hill Light Rail Plaza), Seattle
Fremont Oktoberfest
Step into fall with Fremont Oktoberfest, Seattle’s largest and most delightfully untraditional beer festival. Celebrated across Fremont’s lively streets, this weekend event pours seasonal brews from over 80 local and global breweries into iconic mini-mugs, all while live music, stein-hoisting contests, and the playful Dogtoberfest (Sunday only) bring festive energy to the neighborhood. It’s a rollicking tribute to Bavarian tradition with Fremont flair—and yes, lederhosen are always welcome.
When: September 19-21, 2025
Where: Fremont (streets between Phinney Ave N, 1st Ave NW, N 35th St, and N Canal St)—Seattle
Salmon Homecoming
Immerse yourself in tradition and community at Salmon Homecoming, a free, all‑ages celebration along Seattle’s scenic waterfront honoring the salmon’s return and the rich heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The festival features cultural presentations, Pow Wows, a canoe welcoming ceremony, environmental education, and Indigenous cultural gatherings—with the city’s waters, mountains, and skyline as a breathtaking backdrop.
When: September 20, 2025
Where: Pier 58, Waterfront Park, Seattle, WA
Luminata: Green Lake Comes to Light
Celebrate the autumnal equinox with Luminata, Fremont Arts Council’s illuminated lantern procession winding around Green Lake. This free, community-centered event includes lantern sales beginning at 5:30 PM, live music, and a glowing parade kicking off at 7:30 PM—all creating a magical evening that brings neighbors together under the evening sky.
When: September 20, 2025
Where: Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E Green Lake Drive N, Seattle
Taste of West Seattle 2025
Indulge in a culinary celebration with Taste of West Seattle 2025, the neighborhood’s favorite food‑and‑drink fundraiser benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. Held at The Hall at Fauntleroy, this event invites you to sample bites and sips from dozens of local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, wineries, and bakeries—all in one evening of delicious community connection. Funds raised support essential services in the fight against hunger and homelessness.
When: September 25, 2025
Where: The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Avenue SW, Seattle
The Eastside Escapade: 19 Miles of Community, Trails & Discovery
Join the free, group-powered Eastside Escapade, a roughly 19-mile walking adventure that winds through Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond—offering both fresh air and fresh perspectives. Beginning at Bellevue Downtown Park around 9:00 AM, enjoy trail-side views, neighborhood charm, and community energy all the way to the finish line at Postdoc Brewing near Marymoor Park on September 6, 2025. With flexible entry points, transit access, and ample stopovers, this is a walk built for exploration—not endurance.
When: September 26, 2025
Where: Crave! NW — Lynnwood: A Fall Food Celebration
Seattle’s Chinatown–International District Night Market
Seattle’s Chinatown–International District Night Market shines again this fall as a vibrant street festival that lights up the neighborhood with food, culture, and community spirit. For over a decade, this beloved evening market brings together local vendors, food trucks, and live performances—think lion dances, taiko drumming, and martial arts—under the glow of Hing Hay Park’s iconic red arch. After a brief hiatus, the event’s return highlights its role as a cultural heartbeat for Seattle.
When: September 27, 2025
Where: Hing Hay Park (near the Chinatown Gate), 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle
Festa Italiana (Seattle’s Italian Festival)
Celebrate the flavor and charm of Italy at Festa Italiana, Seattle’s vibrant celebration of all things Italian. Held each late September at Seattle Center, this free, family-friendly festival spotlights authentic cuisine, live music, bocce and grape-stomping games, classic car showcases, art exhibits, and cultural traditions—bringing the heart and soul of Italian-American heritage to life in the Northwest.
When: September 27-28, 2025
Where: Seattle Center – Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
Great Pumpkin Beer Festival 2025
Join the return of GPBF 2025—Seattle’s legendary pumpkin beer celebration—back where it all began on Capitol Hill. This milestone 21st edition takes over Pike Street and 13th Avenue for two unforgettable nights of over 60 seasonal brews, including the iconic giant pumpkin keg tapping. Complete with live music, a costume contest, food trucks, pie-eating challenges, and unexpected surprises, GPBF brings a spirited blend of tradition and whimsy to autumn in the city.
When: October 3-4, 2025
Where: Elysian Brewing – Capitol Hill Pub, 1221 E Pike Street, Seattle
PNNA 20th Annual Fall Coin Show
Join collectors and enthusiasts at the Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association’s 20th Annual Fall Coin Show, taking place October 3–5, 2025. Hosted at the Tukwila Community Center, the event features over 80 dealers, young numismatist programs, collector exhibits, door prizes, and even a fun “elongated penny” souvenir machine—an engaging experience for seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike.
When: October 3-4, 2025
Where: Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Avenue S, Tukwila
Poe Unexpected: Edgar Allan Poe Improvised
Dive into darkness with a twist of laughter at Poe Unexpected, where Unexpected Productions spins chilling tales of Edgar Allan Poe—and your eerie suggestions—into unscripted, spine-tingling fun. This macabre-meets-hilarious improv show brings gothic mystery and sharp wit to Pike Place Market’s iconic Gum Wall.
When: October 3-31, 2025
Where: Unexpected Productions (Market Theater – The Gum Wall), 1428 Post Alley, Seattle
Northwest Green Building Slam
Join the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild for the Northwest Green Building Slam, an engaging evening spotlighting innovative, sustainable building projects across the Pacific Northwest. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, ten presenters will each deliver a dynamic 10-minute, 10-slide “slam” showcasing green design breakthroughs—from energy-efficient homes to high-performance mixed-use spaces—with networking before and after the talks.
When: October 4, 2025
Where: Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Avenue, Seattle
Fremont Sunday Market
The Fremont Sunday Market is a vibrant, year-round open-air market located in Seattle’s eclectic Fremont neighborhood. Established in 1990, it draws inspiration from European street markets, offering a diverse array of handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, furniture, and international foods. With over 150 vendors, the market provides a unique shopping experience that reflects the community’s creative spirit. Open every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., it has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking unique treasures and culinary delights.
When: Opens every Sunday from 10am – 4pm
Where: 3401 Evanston Ave N Seattle
Emily Cressey
PS: If you have an event you’d like for us to include in the future or if you’d like for us to feature your local business, please contact me with more details!
Let’s Go Seattle!
