Fun Things To Do In Seattle, WA
Welcome to your ultimate guide for discovering the best of Seattle this July!
Summer is in full swing, and Seattle is buzzing with sunshine, celebrations, and community energy. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, July is the perfect month to explore everything the Emerald City has to offer—from festive parades to scenic escapes and everything in between.
Welcome to July 2025—a time for fireworks, ferries, festivals, and fun! Whether you’re gathering for a 4th of July parade, catching a sunset concert at the waterfront, or enjoying a lazy afternoon on the beach, this is when Seattle truly shines. From Seafair events to rooftop dining, garden strolls, and paddleboard adventures, July invites you to slow down, connect, and soak up the beauty all around. Let’s make this a month of bold memories and joyful moments across Seattle!
Seattle in July: Fireworks, Floating Fun, and Peak Pacific Northwest Vibes
July in Seattle is the heart of summer—warm days, cool nights, and a packed calendar of outdoor fun. Whether you’re here for the 4th of July fireworks over Lake Union, hydros on the water, or movie nights in the park, this is the month when the Emerald City really sparkles.
From Seafair events and summer concert series to neighborhood block parties, art walks, and Shakespeare in the park, you’ll find something happening every weekend. Outdoor dining is in full swing, with patios buzzing and waterfront restaurants filling up at sunset. And for the adventurous—think paddleboarding at Green Lake, hiking in the Cascades, or catching a ferry to Bainbridge for the day—there’s no shortage of ways to play outside.
Families can explore the zoo, cool off at splash pads, or take a scenic ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Couples might opt for sunset picnics, wine tastings in Woodinville, or romantic beach strolls at Golden Gardens.
Whether you’re planning a staycation or hosting out-of-town guests, July in Seattle offers the perfect blend of festive energy and natural beauty. Now’s the time to get out, explore, and make the most of these long summer days.
Join Us!
July brings out Seattle’s festive side—warm days, patriotic spirit, and neighborhoods coming alive with parades, picnics, and fireworks. One of my favorite summer traditions is attending the local 4th of July parade with my family. There’s just something special about lining the streets with friends and neighbors, waving flags, and cheering as classic cars, scout troops, and marching bands roll by. It’s nostalgic, joyful, and reminds me how strong our communities really are.
This month, the gardens are in full bloom, the farmers markets are overflowing, and every weekend offers a new reason to be outside. Whether we’re watching fireworks over Lake Union, grilling in the backyard, or heading to the beach for a lazy afternoon, July is about connection—connecting with our city, with nature, and with the people we care about.
I hope this season brings you moments of celebration and simplicity. Whether it’s a loud parade or a quiet evening in the garden, may you find joy in the little things and make time to soak up all that summer has to offer.
GreenStage’s Shakespeare in the Park
Experience free, outdoor theater with GreenStage’s Shakespeare in the Park, celebrating its 37th season with full productions of Much Ado About Nothing and Richard III, alongside “Backyard Bard” mini-versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Taming of the Shrew. This beloved community event tours over 20 Seattle-area parks, bringing accessible, engaging Shakespeare performances to audiences across the region
When: July 11- August 16, 2025
Where: Volunteer Park, Seward Park Amphitheater, Lower Woodland Park), Seattle
Bite of Seattle
Savor Seattle’s culinary scene at Bite of Seattle, the city’s beloved summer food and music festival celebrating its 40th anniversary. Enjoy samples from over 300 local vendors, sip craft beer and wine, catch live cooking demos, and dance along to performances on multiple stages. Admission is free, making it a perfect community gathering.
When: July 25-27, 2025
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
Seafair Torchlight Run
The Kaiser Permanente Seafair Torchlight Run lights up downtown Seattle with a neon-themed 5K along the newly revamped waterfront, followed by the iconic Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade. The evening kicks off with runners at 6 PM, and the parade begins at 7:30 PM, creating a vibrant summer spectacle of glowing costumes and community pride.
When: July 26, 2025
Where: 1843 Alaskan Way (Waterfront Park), Seattle
Urban Craft Uprising: Summer Show
Explore handcrafted treasures at Urban Craft Uprising: Summer Show, a premier indie craft fair showcasing over 130 artisans and makers. Held in the spacious Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park, the two-day event features indoor booths, an outdoor “Sprouts” area for emerging vendors, food trucks, and a vibrant community atmosphere—all free and accessible to the public.
When: July 26 – August 2, 2025
Pista sa Nayon
Celebrate Filipino heritage at Pista sa Nayon, Seattle’s vibrant Filipino-American festival featuring traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine—all in a lively community atmosphere. This one-day event, officially sanctioned by Seafair, brings together families and neighbors to enjoy cultural performances, food booths, artisan vendors, and children’s activities.
When: July 27, 2025
Where: Seward Park Amphitheater, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard South, Seattle
Seafair Fleet Week & Boeing Maritime Celebration
Celebrate Seattle’s maritime heritage at Seafair Fleet Week & Boeing Maritime Celebration, featuring the Parade of Ships through Elliott Bay, free ship tours, live music, and public exhibits showcasing the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. This week-long event invites families and fans to meet service members, explore naval vessels, and enjoy waterfront festivities—free to the public.
When: July 29 – August 3, 2025
Where: Seattle Waterfront & Pier 46, Seattle
Magnolia Summerfest
Celebrate community spirit at Magnolia Summerfest, a beloved, volunteer-driven neighborhood event featuring live music, craft vendors, food trucks, bouncy houses, an outdoor movie, and the signature Seafair Kiddie and main parades. Held at Magnolia Playfield, this three‑day gathering brings the entire neighborhood together in a festive summer tradition.
When: August 1-3, 2025
Where: Magnolia Playfield, 2518 34th Ave W, Seattle
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
Step into a galaxy far, far away (just with a cheeky burlesque twist) at The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody, performing at Cornish Playhouse. This 18+ show brings Star Wars icons to the stage in a risqué and comedic live experience, featuring scintillating routines, witty parody, and crowd-pleasing performances praised by audiences for its blend of humor and high production.
When: August 1-24, 2025
Where: The Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, 201 Mercer Street, Seattle
Seahawks Football Fest
Get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline at Seahawks Football Fest, a free public event at Lumen Field previewing the 2025 season. Fans can enjoy open practice, meet Seahawks legends, catch performances by Blitz, Boom, Blue Thunder, and Seahawks Dancers, and take part in family-friendly activities like autograph tosses, inflatables, gaming zones, and live DJs.
When: August 2, 2025
Where: Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Avenue S, Seattle
Pierce County Kite Festival
Soar into summer at the Pierce County Kite Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration featuring dazzling kite demonstrations, family flying zones, inflatables, food trucks, vendors, and hands-on kite-building — perfect for all ages.
When: August 2-3, 2025
Where: Chambers Creek Regional Park – Central Meadow, 6320 Grandview Drive W, University Place
From Hiroshima to Hope
“From Hiroshima to Hope” marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings with a moving lantern-floating peace ceremony at Green Lake. The free, family-friendly event begins with calligraphy and performances, followed by prayers, poetry, and the symbolic release of candlelit lanterns onto the water—a meaningful reflection on remembrance and hope.
When: August 6, 2025
Where: West Green Lake Drive North & Stone Avenue North
South Lake Union Block Party
Celebrate summer at South Lake Union Block Party, SLU’s largest & longest-running neighborhood festival featuring local bands, food trucks, games, a community fair, beer & cocktail garden, and two stages of live performances—all free and open to all ages.
When: August 8, 2025
Where: Westlake Ave N & Denny Way, Seattle
CatVideoFest 2025
Enjoy a cozy, laughter-filled evening at CatVideoFest 2025, the world’s top cat video compilation touring theaters this August. Curated by Oscilloscope Laboratories, this 70-minute reel of hilarious and heartwarming feline moments supports local cat charities, with proceeds benefiting organizations like PAWS. A fun, all-ages celebration of internet-famous kitties—and kindness.
When: August 8-10, 2025
Where: SIFF Cinema Uptown, 511 Queen Anne Avenue North, Seattle
Beacon Arts Street Fair
Experience the vibrant Beacon Arts Street Fair, a monthly arts celebration on Beacon Hill showcasing live music, artisan markets, garden shares, family crafts, dance workshops, and community resources in a welcoming public space.
When: August 9, 2025
Where: S Roberto Maestas Festival Street (at Beacon Hill Light Rail Plaza), Seattle,
Woodinville’s Summer Event
Celebrate Woodinville’s Summer Event Series brings free, family-friendly concerts and community activities to Wilmot Gateway Park, featuring live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden in partnership with local wineries, breweries, and cideries.
When: August 9, 2025
Where: Wilmot Gateway Park, 17301 131st Ave NE, Woodinville
Sundae Runday
Celebrate early summer in Seattle with Sundae Runday, a delightful race and walk event that blends scenic running through Seward Park with a post-race ice-cream sundae bar. Participants of all ages can opt for a 10K, 5K, 2-mile walk, or kids dash; dogs are even welcome! This fun, family-friendly event benefits Let Me Run, promoting character development through running.
When: August 10, 2025
Where: Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Boulevard South, Seattle
Othello Park International Festival
Celebrate the multicultural heartbeat of Southeast Seattle at the Othello Park International Festival, a vibrant, free, family-friendly event featuring live music, dance, art, games, food, and community booths showcasing global cultures and neighborhood spirit.
When: August 10, 2025
Where: Othello Park, 4351 S. Othello Street, Seattle
Seattle Worldcon
Experience the 83rd World Science Fiction Convention at Seattle Worldcon 2025, where fans and creators unite for five days of panels, workshops, Hugo Awards, cosplay, film screenings, and more in downtown Seattle. With Guests of Honor like Martha Wells and Donato Giancola, this dynamic gathering celebrates genre storytelling and fan culture.
When: August 13-17, 2025
Where: Seattle Convention Center – Summit building, 900 Pine Street, Seattle
Seattle Tattoo Expo
Celebrate tattoo culture at the Seattle Tattoo Expo, a three-day showcase featuring over 250 tattoo artists, live tattooing, music, burlesque, DJ sets, food and beer gardens, and daily contests for categories like best portrait, sleeve, and funniest tattoo.
When: August 15-17, 2025
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street, Seattle
Steve Martin & Martin Short: The Dukes of Funnytown!
Enjoy a hilarious night out with Steve Martin & Martin Short: The Dukes of Funnytown!, a dynamic blend of witty conversation, musical interludes, and comedic camaraderie as these legendary entertainers bring their acclaimed show to Seattle.
When: August 22-23, 2025
Where: Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine Street, Seattle
16th Annual Arts in the Garden
Discover Bellevue Arts in the Garden, a welcoming three‑day outdoor art festival set among the lush landscapes of Bellevue Botanical Garden. Browse 28 local artists showcasing sculptural and garden art, enjoy live music and food truck fare, and shop unique works in a picturesque, family‑friendly environment.
When: August 22-24, 2025
Where: Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main Street, Bellevue
Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour
Enjoy a night of laughter with Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour at Climate Pledge Arena, where the breakout comedian brings fresh, high-energy stand-up to Seattle. Known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence, Rife promises a memorable evening of observational humor and crowd interaction.
When: August 24, 2025
Where: Climate Pledge Arena, 334 1st Avenue N, Seattle
Antique Doll & Toy Market
Rediscover nostalgia at the Antique Doll & Toy Market in Lynnwood, where collectors and enthusiasts can browse a charming array of vintage treasures. From antique to mid-century dolls, teddy bears, toys, dollhouse miniatures, and accessories, this one-day event is perfect for anyone looking to find something special or the perfect fit for a favorite doll. Free parking, accessible seating, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a delightful outing for all ages.
When: August 24, 2025
Where: Embassy Suites Hotel, 20610 44th Ave W, Lynnwood
Georgetown Morgue
Step into fear at Georgetown Morgue, Seattle’s premier haunted attraction where the eerie setting of a historic morgue comes to life with intense effects, dark storytelling, and spine-tingling surprises. It’s designed for those seeking a truly immersive scare experience—from strobe lights and sudden movements to chilling reenactments of tragic stories rooted in the location’s history.
When: August 26 – November 2, 2025
Where: 5000 E Marginal Way S, Seattle
The Play That Goes Wrong
Enjoy a riotous night of theatrical chaos with The Play That Goes Wrong at Seattle Rep’s Bagley Wright Theater. This uproarious comedy follows a hapless drama troupe as everything that can go wrong—does, with collapsing sets, missed cues, and comedic disasters fueling non-stop laughter. This professional Seattle debut of the Broadway hit is a family-friendly blend of slapstick, wit, and theatrical mayhem directed by Dámaso Rodríguez—and promises an evening where the show must, indeed, go on.
When: August 28 – September 2, 2025
Where: Bagley Wright Theater, 155 Mercer Street, Seattle
PAX West 2025
Celebrate all things gaming and geek culture at PAX West 2025, Seattle’s flagship gaming expo featuring panels, live game demos, tournaments, tabletop freeplay, cosplay, concerts, and a massive expo hall filled with top publishers and indie studios. This four-day event offers something for everyone—from casual players to industry insiders—across interconnected venues at the Seattle Convention Center. It’s a must-attend for anyone passionate about video games, tabletop, and gaming communities.
When: August 29- September 1, 2025
Where: Seattle Convention Center (Arch & Summit Buildings), 705 Pike Street & 900 Pine Street, 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!
