Grab your maple pecan lattes, October is almost here! Fall is in full force and the holidays are just around the corner. Embrace the season with a little leaf peeping at local parks such as the Washington Park Arboretum or Kubota Gardens while the Northwest’s fall foliage is at its peak. Should one of our infamous, rainy Seattle days blow through, the upcoming month is chock-full of events (keyword: indoor) that bring fresh food, libations and celebration to our front door.
Oktoberfest Northwest – October 6-8
Don your lederhosen and grab your stein for a weekend of bier and brats at this year’s Oktoberfest Northwest. We recommend trying Hacker-Pschorr Weisse or Warsteiner Dunkel, two of the many tongue-twisting brews on tap for the weekend. When you’re hungry, snack on offerings such as bratwurst or currywurst at Bruno’s European Restaurant or a juicy pork schnitzel sandwich at Gutes Essen Haus.
However, this weekend bratwurst isn’t the only dog in town. Our favorite, and undeniably the cutest event of the weekend, is the “Running of the Wieners,” a Dachshund dog race full of furry friends. Before you leave, be sure to test your might and stop by the Hammerschlagen tournament, where you’ll race to drive nails through wood slabs. Even the kiddos can get in on the action with Kids Hammerschlagen, so go ahead and bring the whole gang!
Earshot Jazz Festival – October 8 – November 12
Calling all jazz cats! Treat your eardrums to another deliciously smooth lineup of talented musicians at the Earshot Jazz Festival, hosted at venues across the city. Catch contemporary acts from the likes of Jason Moran and Steel House as well as classical trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. Be sure to stop by the Seattle Art Museum on October 12th for a free Art of Jazz concert featuring LaVon Hardison.
Zoo Boo – October 14 & 15
Kicking off the Halloween festivities early, a trip to Zoo Boo at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will get the kiddos in the spirit of the season with plenty of pumpkin-loving animals and scarecrow alley.
Seattle Restaurant Week – October 15 – November 2
Seattle’s restaurant scene offers world-class dining in almost any neighborhood you find yourself in, which is why we often find ourselves counting down the days until Seattle Restaurant Week. These three weeks offer prices that are almost too good to be true at restaurants that can’t be missed. It’s the perfect opportunity to take your family, friends or special someone to that spot you’ve been eyeing. Go ahead and shop around, with over 150 restaurants participating it’s the citywide culinary party of the year!
Halloween Pub Crawl – October 21
Haunted houses aren’t the only fun in town, thanks to a citywide Halloween Pub Crawl, beginning in downtown Seattle on October 21. Join more than 500 costumed bar hoppers as they descend on the city from noon until 2 am.
Haunt at MoPOP – October 28
In addition to the Scared to Death exhibit opening September 30th which features over 50 terrifying movie props, the Museum of Pop Culture is hosting Haunt: The Ultimate Halloween Bash. Stop by in your Halloween best for a night of live music and dancing with 2,000 partiers in costume.
Museum of Fright – October 29
Watch ghosts and ghouls fly overhead as the Museum of Flight is transformed into a spooky Museum of Fright on October 29. Kids will get a kick out of Halloween games and activities such as the mad science lab, obstacle course, crafts and aviation-themed ghost stories!
Stalker Farms – Select Dates in October
For the adrenaline junkies, Stalker Farms offers a terrifying lineup of attractions, including two haunted houses, a zombie paintball ride and a corn maze. This year, the farm is haunted by everyone’s favorite haunted clown, Pogo. Bring a friend or two and share the scare!
Georgetown Morgue – Select Dates in October & November
With realistic makeup and some great acting, the Georgetown Morgue brims with creepy thrills guaranteed to keep you awake at night. Even creepier, the venue is located inside the actual site of the original Georgetown Morgue, where several unsolved mysteries including the “Seattle Crematorium Massacre” still haunt its rooms today.
As you can see, October in Seattle is anything but drab. Lively celebrations embracing fall festivity keep things colorful, even if it’s gray outside. As for us, we’ll let you brave citizens check out those haunted houses; we’re just fine carving pumpkins.
Clipper Recommends:
- If you’ve got a spare weekend, head over to Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest for more biers and brats and a lush autumnal change of scenery.
- Looking for a cozy place to drink your cider? Check out Cider Jam at Capitol Cider every Monday, a groovy jam session hosted by talented local musicians.