June 30, 2022
I recently discovered the television show The Goldbergs. It is hilarious! As I make my way through season one, my childhood flashes before my eyes, and I am filled with nostalgia for the eighties. This feeling of nostalgia comes to me each summer as I remember the long days and endless summer nights where the proverbial streetlights did not flicker on until late. I long for those childhood carefree days of summer vacation. Queue “Summer Nights.”
The Puget Sound has a reputation for rain — and lots of it. However, there is nothing like summer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Looking for fun things to do this summer? Read on for summer events and activities, including free concerts, plays, movies, and musicals.
Seafair
Seafair equals summer in Seattle and events span from Jun 23-Sep 10. Here is a lineup:
- Summer Fourth (Jul 4)
- Triathlon (Jul 24)
- Torchlight Run and Parade (Jul 30)
- Seattle Fleet Week (Aug 1-5)
- Weekend Festival (Aug 5-7), which includes the Blue Angels and hydroplane races
It also includes neighborhood/community events like:
- Kent Cornucopia Days (Jul 8-Jul 10)
- West Seattle Summer Fest (Jul 15-17)
- Lake City Summer Festival and Parade (Aug 6)
- Taste of Edmonds (Aug 19-21)
And cultural events like:
- The United Indians’ Seafair Indian Days Powwow (Jul 15-17)
- Seattle Chinatown Seafair Parade (Jul 24)
- Pista sa Nayon (Jul 31)
- Umoja Fest (Aug 5-7)
Get a complete list of Seafair events and more details!
Fairs
Sheepishly, I have never been to the
- King County Fair (Jul 14-17 in Enumclaw)
- Evergreen State Fair (Aug 25-30 & Sep 1-5 in Monroe)
- Washington State Fair (Sep 2-25 in Puyallup)
Each year, I tell myself, “This will be the year,” because I have such pleasant memories of attending the Grant County Fair (Aug 16-Aug 20 in Moses Lake) when I was growing up, which would not be complete without a Space Burger. If you are reading this from the Columbia Basin, please eat a Space Burger for me!
Summer concerts
There are many summer concerts happening this summer, with some cities and neighborhoods hosting events that are free to the public. For 2023 planning, note that the Northwest Folklife Festival happens over Memorial Day weekend. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted some past favorites. Bumbershoot, which has historically taken place over Labor Day Weekend, has been on hiatus and is scheduled to return to a full schedule in 2023. On a side note, another past favorite still in flux is the Bite of Seattle.
- Ballard Locks Concert Series (Jun 4-Sep 5)
- Downtown Summer Sounds (Jul 5-Sep 9)
- ZooTunes (Jun 15-Aug 28)
- Marymoor Park Concerts (Jun 24-Aug 24 in Redmond)
- Edmonds Summer Concert Series (Jun 26-Aug 25)
- Bellevue Beats Summer Concerts (Jul 5-Sep 8)
- Woodinville Summer Concerts & Festival (Jul 13-Aug 13)
- Music Under the Stars (Jul 16-Jul 30)
- Capitol Hill Block Party (Jul 22-Jul 24)
- Day In Day Out (Aug 12-14)
Outdoor movies, musicals, dance, parties, and plays
There is an assortment of outdoor movies, musicals, plays, and parties happening throughout the summer.
- Parties in the Parks (Jun 23-Aug 30 – Tuesdays at Occidental Square and Thursdays at Westlake Park from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.)
- Mamma Mia (Jun 8-Jul 10 in Issaquah, Jul 15-Aug 7 in Everett)
- Festival of Shorts (Jun 24-Jul 3 in Edmonds)
- Wooden O (Seattle Shakespeare outdoor plays in various cities Jul 7-Aug 7)
- Dancing ‘til Dusk (Jul 7-Aug 30)
- U District Summer Movies by the Bay (Fridays in August)
- Movies at the Mural (Saturdays in August)
Parks and beaches
Our region has plenty of parks for a leisure walk, tasty picnic, or comfortable spot to read. Bring a blanket (and perhaps food and a book) and enjoy!
- Alki
- Lincoln Park
- Carkeek
- Coulon (Renton)
- Arboretum
- Discovery Park
- Volunteer Park
- Des Moines Beach
- Madison Park
- Golden Gardens Park
- Olympic Sculpture Park/Centennial Park
Markets
Do not forget to visit the iconic Pike Place Market and other neighborhood markets.
- Pike Place Market
- Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets
- South Lake Union Saturday Market (through Sep 18)
Arts and crafts
For some inspiration on arts and crafts, visit one of the events below.
- Seattle Art Walks (First Thursdays)
- Alki Art Fair (Jul 22-24)
- Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair (Jul 29-31)
- Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show (Aug 7)
- Arts in the Garden (Aug 26-28 in Bellevue)
Sports
Support local sports! I try to go to at least one Mariner game a year — take me out to a ballgame — and will be attending my first Storm game soon. In case you missed it, Seattle is one of 16 cities in North America chosen to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
Other festivals
- Seattle PrideFest (Jun 25-26)
- The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival (Jul 15-17)
- Sequim Lavender Farm (Jul 15-17)
- Washington State Garlic Festival (Aug 26-28)
- Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival (Sep 17)
Other ideas
May 2021, I wrote “Staycationing the Seattle Way,” which includes other suggestions of things to do in the area as well as possible day trips such as Leavenworth, Snoqualmie Falls, and Victoria. A reader suggested Orcas Island, which is a great addition. Those destinations plus Portland, Seaside, or Cannon Beach, Oregon; Vancouver B.C; and Walla Walla would also be excellent long-weekend destinations. If you enjoy fishing and water sports, add in Moses Lake.
And do not forget Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, and Seattle Center (Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children’s Museum, International Fountain, Artists at Play, the Armory and more). Also, explore the beautiful downtown waterfronts in Seattle, Tacoma, Edmonds, and other cities to explore and people watch. This list is a drop in the bucket. There are plenty of other activities in the area! Find more at Events12, Seattle Center, and Visit Seattle. Did I miss your favorite summer event or tradition? Please write it in the chat section.
With inflation impacting the cost of gas, groceries, and other bills, be creative with your summertime fun and be sure to check out some of the free events. Grab your blanket, sunscreen, book, and picnic and have a great time!
