Summer is finally coming to a close, which means it’s time to take advantage of those last few sunny weekends while you can! All across the city, the season’s festivities and celebrations continue with music festivals, the state fair and several beer events! If you’re looking for things to do in Seattle this September, uncover the Emerald City’s most anticipated events with our definitive list below.
1. Washington State Fair – September 1-24
Cotton candy! Pie eating contests! Rollercoasters! The Washington State Fair is an annual tradition for many locals and a can’t-miss event for good old-fashioned family fun. Be sure to stop by the barbecue stand and follow it up with some Fisher scones for dessert, extra jam please!
2. Waterfront Block Party – September 1
Head down to the waterfront to close out the summer in style at the annual Waterfront Block Party. Upping the ante for 2023, this year’s festival will be spread across multiple locations along the sparkling Elliott Bay waterfront. You can expect to find live music, interactive dance performances, parades, family-friendly arts & crafts, food trucks, and more at the super-sized event.
3. Bumbershoot – September 2-3
The original Seattle music festival, Bumbershoot delivers an incredible lineup every year and this 50th anniversary year will be no exception. Big name headliners such as Sleater-Kinney, Brittany Howard and Phantogram will keep the speakers blasting under the Space Needle all weekend long. Head over to the Seattle Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic festival!
4. South Lake Union Saturday Market – Saturdays starting September 3
Browse vintage clothing booths, munch on local eats, and shop for artisan wares all in the heart of bustling South Lake Union during the 8th annual Saturday Market series! Featuring more the 65 booths, and set alongside the neighborhood’s lush, green Denny Park, it’s a pretty perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday!
5. Cider Summit Seattle – September 8-9
Get a taste of the region’s favorite ciders at Cider Summit Seattle, which brings more than 150 artisanal hard ciders from around the world to South Lake Union. Sip on fresh, crisp classics, new brews and even cider cocktails at this outdoor weekend cider carnival in the park.
6. Hops & Crops – September 16
Catch soul, rock and folk tunes while you sip a local brew at this year’s Hops & Crops music and beer festival. Located outdoors at the picturesque Mary Olson Farm in Kent, it’s the perfect introduction to the first flavors of fall. Grab a frosty glass of suds from local breweries like Deep Draft and Wheelie Pop, or opt for a crisp Schilling hard cider.
7. Fremont Oktoberfest – September 22-24
What better way to celebrate the first weekend of fall than at the Fremont Oktoberfest festival? Keep your stein full with more than 100 brews, enjoy live music and a must-see furry frenzy, the beloved Dogtoberfest!
8. Luminata Parade of Lights – September 23
Ring in the autumnal equinox on September 21st and join in the illuminating Luminata lantern parade for a night of sparkling color, drums and dancing. Make your way around Green Lake, then stop at the Secret Banquet near the Bathhouse for live music and hot cider.
9. Great Pumpkin Beer Festival – September 29-30
Raise a glass to fall at Elysian Brewing’s Great Pumpkin Beer Festival and sip from more than 80 pumpkin and seasonal beers from near and far! Orange is the theme, so dress accordingly, then make your way to the Seattle Center and enjoy live DJs, local food trucks, fall festivities and a gigantic carved pumpkin, tapped at the fest for all to enjoy!
10. Fishermen’s Fall Festival – September 30
Welcome the North Pacific fishing fleet’s return to Seattle at this year’s Fishermen’s Fall Festival! Relax in the beer garden and bite into fresh Northwest seafood staples such as salmon barbecue, crab bisque, cod tacos and more. Stick around for a slew of kid-friendly activities like wooden boat building and shell art, as well as survival suit races and free Ship Canal tours aboard an Argosy cruise boat!
In-between these exciting events, don’t forget to wander towards SoDo and check out this month’s at-home Seahawks games! Or, if you’re more of a coffee fan, the autumnal equinox is the perfect time to duck into a café and switch back to your regularly scheduled latte, hold the ice! There are plenty of ways to end the summer in the Emerald City this month, let us know what you’ll be doing in the comments section below!
Clipper Recommends:
- Ease the early fall chill with a Seattle Coffee Tour, which includes coffee cuppings at four local cafes and roasteries.
- Enjoy the last few weekends of summer on the Salish Sea with a whale watching trip aboard the San Juan Clipper!
Feature Photo: flickr/kingcountyparks