Seattle holds several annual events throughout the year, and there is something to be enjoyed for everyone. Experience the roar of the hydroplanes and Blue Angels at Seafair, settle in for some cultural infusion at the International Film Festival, or take the kids to Seattle Center for Whirligig fun and craziness. Many events are held annually at specific times of the year in celebration of the changing seasons’ influence on the wild nature that is such a large part of this Northwest city.
First Thursdays
On the first Thursday of every month, all of Seattle’s art galleries are open to visitors at no charge. Take advantage of the free pass to explore the area’s museums. Head to Pioneer Square for the Art Walk where emerging artists set up their work outside and many have gallery showings. Pick up one of the local newspapers for a listing of art exhibits and shows. ...
Eleven years running, the Arts in Nature Festival brings music and art together in celebration of nature at West Seattle’s Camp Long. International music from locally renowned musi...
Foodies will salivate over this premier festival that showcases the culinary talents of Seattle’s best chefs. Taste the tantalizing samples and gather recipe ideas and tips from lo...
Bumbershoot is one of the most creative arts and cultural festivals in the country. Held every Labor Day weekend, the event offers food, music, comedy, book readings, theatre, and ...
On the first Thursday of every month, all of Seattle’s art galleries are open to visitors at no charge. Take advantage of the free pass to explore the area’s museums. Head to Pione...
The Freemont Fair is Seattle’s best annual street event. Thousands head to Fremont’s downtown for a weekend of lively music, creative arts and crafts, and terrific food. The aftern...
Downtown Issaquah has celebrated the annual return of the salmon to the area’s rivers and streams for the past 40 years. The festival includes a fun run, parade, food, live enterta...
The Northwest Flower and Garden show is one of the largest horticulture shows in the country. Covering six acres of the Convention Center, the show features elaborate garden displa...
Opening Day marks the unofficial start to boating season as Spring brings warmer weather to Seattle. Head to University of Washington’s Montlake Bridge to cheer on the UW Husky cre...
For a true Seattle experience, join nearly 1,000 locals at the edge of Lake Washington as they kick off the New Year with a dip in the frigid water. This annual rite of passage has...
The largest boat show on the west coast features thousands of sailboats and power boats at the indoor Qwest Field Event Center and the piers of Shilshole Bay Marina. ...
Head to various comedy clubs throughout Seattle in November for some good belly laughs. This international competition draws hundreds of comedians from throughout the country but o...
The Seattle International Film Festival, or “Siff” as locals call it, is one of the country’s premier film festivals. Theaters throughout Seattle screen independent movies represen...
This is Seattle’s celebration of the maritime industry and the important role it plays in the region's economy. Events include Family Fun Day, chowder cook-offs, boat building comp...
Thousands of bald eagles from Washington, Alaska, and Canada gather along the Skagit River during the winter to hunt for salmon. The cold waters of the river make this one of the t...
During spring break every year, Seattle Center transforms itself into a kid-sized world of games and entertainment. There are funny mirrors, slides, bouncy rooms, inflatable rides,...
Each July for over 30 years, the Wooden Boat Center has shown off the city’s heritage wooden boats, inviting the public to come on board and look around. Many activities surround t...
Zoo Tunes is a summer family event offering great music and food in a terrific outdoor setting. Concerts are held in early evening and often sell out so buy tickets early. Past per...