With sparkling waters, blue skies, and lush scenery in nearly every direction, Seattle stuns in August. It’s the month when every possible waking hour should be spent under the sun. With so much happening in the Emerald City this time of year, from street festivals to scenic hikes, patios and outdoor concerts, it’s not hard to do.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the top 10 things to do in Seattle this August. Enjoy!
1. Seahawks Football Fest – August 3
Calling all Hawks superfans! Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 3rd. That’s because it’s the Seahawks Football Fest, the perfect excuse to don your brightest blue and green apparel. Held at Lumen Field, it includes a mock game, live music, food trucks, and a post-practice autographed football toss from the players. Plus, there’s even more football fun at the adjacent Muckleshoot Heritage Plaza. Go Hawks!
2. Free Entrance to National Parks – August 4
Grab your hiking poles and fill up that canteen! In honor of the Great American Outdoors Act, the entrance fee is waived annually on August 4th. It’s the perfect time to escape the city and immerse yourself in one of the state’s three beautiful national parks. Perhaps catch a ferry across the Puget Sound and enjoy a scenic drive to Olympic National Park where you can walk among the lush green canopy of the Hoh Rain Forest. Located on the Pacific coast side, it’s one of the country’s finest examples of a temperate rainforest. But, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, North Cascades National Park offers a vast area of unspoiled wilderness for hiking. It’s also home to the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.
3. Free Movies at the Mural – Fridays
As the sun sets over Seattle, kick back and spend a balmy evening relaxing on the lush lawn at Seattle Center. Part of the weekly summertime series, Movies at the Mural is the perfect event to gather your friends, some tasty snacks, kick back, and enjoy.
Films range from the 1984 epic space opera “Dune” and 1987’s favorite “Princess Bride” to the more recent Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The best part? The screenings are all free!
4. Seafair Weekend – August 2-4
The Seafair Festival has returned for its 74th year! While many events take place in July, it all wraps up with an exciting final blow-out weekend! Prepare to be amazed by displays ranging from a Blue Angels Air Show to the thrilling hydroplane boat race.
5. Summer at SAM – Thursdays and Saturdays
Play, picnic, and create at the Olympic Sculpture Park thanks to the summer series by SAM, the Seattle Art Museum. With an entire summer season packed full of activities and performances that combine visual art, music, and community, there’s plenty to enjoy this August. Spend your Thursday evenings enjoying concerts, food trucks and art making. Or, take advantage of the daytime movement classes, tours, and community partner activities on Saturdays. The kicker – all activities are free!
6. South Lake Union Block Party – August 9
Every year, South Lake Union lets its hair down and turns up the tunes. Be a part of SLU’s largest neighborhood celebration on August 9th, enjoying the free vibes at the SLU Block Party. It’s a treat to the ears with local artists like Little Lies, Thief Motif, Nite Wave, and more. Toss in lawn games, a gaggle of food trucks and an open-air beer garden for the perfect summertime evening al fresco.
7. Columbia City Farmers Market – Wednesdays
If you’re looking for a mid-week infusion of delicious goods for your kitchen pantry, head to the Columbia City Farmers Market. It’s a one-stop shop for delectable goodies. Swing by Seeking Kombucha for a fizzy, fermented refresher, or just go straight to the desserts, it is summer after all! If you’re ice cream inclined (like us) don’t skip Bluebird Ice Cream for a scoop in a fresh-made waffle cone. Before heading home, take a stroll over to Seward Park and enjoy the sunset while dipping your toes in Lake Washington.
8. International Sea Glass Festival – August 10-11
The 19th International Sea Glass Festival will immerse you in a world of stunning sea glass crafted by talented artists. It’s the perfect event to attend for sea glass enthusiasts of all types, with all sorts of taelnted artists showcased here. Not only will you gain insight into what others are making, but you can even enter your own creation in the sea glass contest. Or just show off the sea glass, pottery shards, and cool washed-ashore bottles you’ve collected.
9. Fremont Sunday Market – Sundays
Self-proclaimed as the “center of the universe,” on any given Sunday, Fremont really feels like it is. Year-round, rain or shine, the Fremont Sunday Market takes over the city with sights, sounds and smells converging to meet your senses around every corner. Be sure to arrive hungry to take full advantage of the dozens of food trucks. You can also check out over 100 curated vendor booths, do a little vintage and antique shopping, and take in some local art and music. The quirky market is free to the public, pet-friendly, and bike accessible. Afterward, wander over to the water to watch the rowing team practice. If you have time, why not pay the Fremont Troll a visit? He’s perfect for a unique selfie!
10. Concerts & Live Entertainment
There are multiple concerts and other live entertainment to enjoy this August.
At Volunteer Park, take in an evening of live music under the open sky for free on August 8. Featuring The Passenger String Quartet and past grant recipients Shelby Earl, Tekla Waterfield, Maya Marie, and Daniel Pak. While it won’t cost you a dime, reservations are required.
Candlelight concerts are a favorite. Experience one of Seattle’s venues under a gentle glow for a multi-senory music experience. That includes The Museum of Flight which will host the Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift and Candlelight: The Best of Metallica and Schubert, both on August 14.
Party at the Sculpture Park will be hosted over August 23-24 at Olympic Sculpture Park by AM Remix. This 21+ event puts the spotlight on Seattle’s creative community with music, sound and light installations, food, and a no-host bar.
