Has 2021 felt both incredibly short and long to you? Well, you’re not alone in that feeling. Somehow we’re arriving at September once again but the good news is that there’s way more to do this year. From fairs to concerts to art, there’s something for everyone this September.
Here are 37 of the absolute best things to do in & around Seattle this September.
Outdoors
The one and only Washington State Fair is back this year with a whole lot to do and see. Like years past you can enjoy rides, farm animals and all sorts of tasty food. Plus you can hear concerts from musicians like Carrie Underwood, Salt-N-Peppa, Sublime, and more.
When: September 3rd-26th
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $13+
Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days
The Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days takes place this September 1st-5th and has a huge lineup of entertainment. You can experience a hypnotist, a battle of the bands, wood carving, dock dogs, demolition derby, a rodeo, and more. Like other fairs around the state, you can also check out all sorts of livestock and tasty fair food.
When: September 1st-5th
Where: 363 Orchard Street, Walla Walla, WA
Cost: $10 adult, $5 child, FREE 5 and under, $5 senior
If you want a double whammy of blueberries and sunflowers then you should head to Mountainview Blueberry Farm. You can take home your own sunflowers, blueberries, and of course, take some killer insta pics. Plus you can reserve a butterfly to release while you’re there which is pretty cool.
When: Until September
Where: 7617 E. Lowell-Larimer Rd Snohomish, WA
Cost: $19.95 online, $24.95 at the gate
This is your chance to stroll through seven acres of brilliantly colored sunflowers and take one bloom home. You’ll also be able to enjoy other u-pick flowers along with all sorts of family-friendly activities like zip lines, a chalk truck, and even a low ropes course. It’s sure to be fun for folks of all ages.
When: Various dates until September 19th
Where: Maris Farms, 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy Buckley, WA
Cost: GA $18
Enjoy some sunny day activities
Sunny days are here for a while longer and if you like to plan ahead you might want to map out your next free day. Luckily there’s a ton to do in Seattle when the sun is shining and what’s best of all is that most of it is free. Don’t worry, we made a list of our top picks for you.
Where: Click above to see our picks
If you’ve been wanting to take a trip up north to Canada now is the time. The Victoria Clipper is running once again this September and it’s a great way to see Washington’s scenic waters and also get a quick ride up to British Columbia. Be sure to buy those tickets in advance though!
When: Tickets available September 6th, travel begins September 17th
Where: Seattle to Victoria
Cost: $145+ each
Want to get out of the city? Take a road trip to a weird destination! Unsurprisingly Washington has a lot of them and we made a list of spots that you can check out within 4 hours of Seattle. So get in the car, grab some water and snacks, and hit the road.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Love the classic TV show? Why not take a little drive and check out some of the most iconic filming locations across the state. Best of all, most of them are only about 40 minutes from the city. So get in the car and enjoy a trip to Twin Peaks.
Where: Click above to see local locations
If you just want to get out for a walk this weekend then we recommend checking out one of our city’s stunning botanical gardens. It actually turns out that there are a ton and we’ve gone ahead and created a list for you so that you don’t have to look too hard. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Not all of us can be pro golfers but no one can say no to a game of put put. So why not enjoy the last of Seattle’s sunny days while playing a round of mini-golf or put put with your friends? As always we made a list of some of our top spots to help you out.
Where: Click above to see our picks
At home
If you can believe it, August is almost here. With a new month comes new Netflix additions so plan ahead and see what’s gracing computer screens near you. Who knows, you might just see an old fave or find a wild new fave on there. But you’ll have to see for yourself.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Seattle Public Libraries Adult Summer Bingo is back and better than ever! This year’s summer reading board has book slots like small press, QTBIPOC, Black joy, and more. We highly recommend participating as it’s a great way to check out new books. Plus if you finish your board you can mail it in to the library for a chance to win prizes.
When: Until September 7th
Arts
Jim Hodges at Greg Kucera Gallery
Hodges work is all about playing with light, reflection, and perception. He has been exhibited widely since 1986 and this show is a great chance to see some of his more recent works. Who knows, you might just be able to take a piece home.
When: September 2nd-October 9th
Where: 212 3rd Ave S
Cost: Free
Seattle’s newest two-day music festival is featuring artists CHVRCHES, Kaytranada / Big Wild / Aminé/ STRFKR / Travis Thompson / PARISALEXA / Chong The Nomad, Blu DeTiger, and DAISY. Beyond music, you’ll also be able to enjoy delicious food trucks, an indoor/outdoor beer garden, and unique VIP experiences with the Space Needle overhead.
When: September 4th & 5th
Where: Fisher Green Pavilion, 305 Harrison St
Cost: $80-$200 plus fees
PIANO O’CLOCK at Chophouse Row
Each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday you’ll be able to enjoy live music at Seattle’s Chophouse Row. It’s a great way to enhance your shopping experience or to simply come and enjoy. Either way, it’s a relaxing weekly event that you don’t want to miss and be sure to bring your mask.
When: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Where: 1424 11th Ave
Cost: Free/Varies
NEAR DARK: Wet Cyanotype Series
This unique show features cyanotype series by artists Meagan Viken, Heidi Khrone, Destini Cole, Mike Hawkins, Jack Dondanville, and Ambrose. If you end up falling in love with a piece you might just be able to purchase it and take it home. It’s a great intersection between painting and photography.
When: Until September 5th
Where: 1111 E Pike St, Suite B
Cost: Free
Recent Acquisitions in Contemporary Art
Love the Frye? Well, their collection is growing! You can check out 7 recent artworks by Juventino Aranda, Rokni Haerizadeh, Rose Nestler, Mary Ann Peters, Cauleen Smith, Anthony White, and Ko Kirk Yamahira. All of these works were acquired by the museum in 2019 and are being shown together now.
When: September 11th-January 11th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
Chateau Ste Michelle Concert Series
Woodinville’s coolest winery, Chateau Ste Michelle just so happens to have an amazing outdoor concert series coming up that you don’t want to miss. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some great glasses and bottles of wine while tuning into artists like Fitz & The Tantrums, Train, and Chris Isaak. If you’re really feeling it, you can even see multiple concerts.
When: Until September 19th
Where: 14111 NE 145th Street, Woodinville, WA
Cost: Varies by artist
The Importance of Being Earnest
Have you missed live theatre? Well, you might as well check out this Oscar Wilde masterpiece about two men who decide to become completely different people. With humor, themes of deception, and all sorts of literary goodness, this is a performance that you don’t want to miss.
When: Until September 19th
Where: 3200 SW Dash Point Rd Federal Way, WA
Cost: $35
Get back into concert-going with one of America’s most iconic alternative metal bands. It’s hard not to love Deftone’s aggressive but also catchy sound. Although we also totally get that they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But who knows the next time you’ll be able to see them live.
When: September 21st
Where: 800 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $51.50+
This exhibition by Dawn Cerny references the 1965 novel by French author Georges Perec and has to do with desires of material objects both tangible and intangible. The sculptures in the exhibit embody mindscapes and you’ll see lots of everyday objects that you recognize. We definitely recommend checking it out.
When: Until September 26th
Where: 1300 First Ave
Cost: $20-$30
Alden Mason: Fly Your Own Thing
This show is a unique one for PNW art as it’s showcasing prolific painter Alden Mason’s work. Mason’s artworks helped shape the future of Northwest art through his work and also through his teaching. So if you’ve been curious about local masters, this is a great show to check out.
When: Until October 10th
Where: 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA
Cost: $15
Seattle Art Museum is coming back with a bang! We’ve already seen several great shows this year and if you happen to be a fan of impressionism then you’ll want to see this. You can see SAM’s very own Monet and some work by Monet’s contemporaries.
When: Until October 17th
Where: 1300 First Ave
Cost: $29.99
Among Forests and Lakes: Landscape Masterpieces from the Finnish National Gallery
The National Nordic Museum might not be on your top list of local museums to visit but it should be. Right now you can check out a visual history of how “Finnish artists have depicted the landscape of their native country from the 1850s to the present day”. You can view 50 paintings and prints borrowed from the Ateneum Art Museum and we highly recommend checking it out.
When: Until October 17th
Where: 2655 NW Market St
Cost: $20
The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection
This art collection celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Americans from 1595 to the present. You can see masterful paintings, sculptures, photographs, rare books, letters, manuscripts, and more that offer a well-rounded look at the African American experience.
When: Until November 28th
Where: 1701 Pacific Ave Tacoma, Washington
Cost: $18
Da Vinci – Inventions at MOHAI
Chances are that most of us know all about Da Vinci’s crazy creations. However, it’s just as likely that you’ve never seen those inventions brought to life in true scale. Grande Experiences has created an exhibit that will offer you a look at the creativity of the ultimate Renaissance man.
When: Until January 3rd
Where: 860 Terry Ave N
Cost: $17-$22
Culture
World War Bonsai: Remembrance & Resilience
This exhibition from the Pacific Bonsai Museum “traces the cultural practice of bonsai in location and time”. It looks at the art form in both Japan and the US, ranging from pre-war WWII to incarceration, and the time after. It’s an amazing look into the people who continued to care for bonsai “despite overwhelming hardships”.
When: Until October 1st
Where: 2515 S 336th St Federal Way
Cost: By donation
Crossing Boundaries: Portraits of a Transgender West
It’s Pride Month and a brand new and amazing exhibition is opening at The Washington State History Museum. This new exhibition “highlights historical narratives of transgender people in the West”. You’ll hear stories from the 1860s until the 1940s. These stories tell the history of individuals who defied gender norms and communicate the show’s themes of visibility, identity, acceptance, and history.
When: Until December 12th
Where: 1911 Pacific Avenue
Cost: $14
Food & Drink
Each week on Tuesday you can attend a drag happy hour at Chop Suey. You’ll be able to watch drag icon Jane Don’t and three of Seattle’s other premiere drag beauties do their thing. It’s sure to be the most fun you’ve had at a happy hour in a while.
When: Tuesdays
Where: 1325 E Madison St
Cost: Varies
A new Seattle coffee company is shaking things up a bit with their coffee. Want to know why? It’s because their coffee blends are full of adaptogenic mushrooms chosen specifically to help you be your best. Best of all, they have a pop-up where you can test the coffee!
When: Wednesday-Friday 9 am-4 pm
Where: 1424 11th Ave
Cost: Varies
Live Music at Fox Ridge Studio
Fox Ridge Studio is a local wine bar with a mission of establishing community in an atmosphere of fun and fearless creation. Part of that is their live music series featuring local musicians which they host each weekend. So if you want to enjoy live music with your drinks, this is the spot to go.
When: Every Friday & Saturday
Where: 4116 1/2 E Madison St
Cost: Varies
Pike Place Express Market South Lake Union
Did you know that Pike Place Market has an express market? Seems like not many people do! It’s located in South Lake Union and is back for a limited time and definitely worth checking out. Once a week grab fresh produce, flowers products, and more from local vendors.
When: Until September 30th
Where: 410 Terry Ave N
Cost: Varies
Misc.
Seattle’s favorite and biggest convention is back! After a hiatus during the pandemic, PAX is back with panels, tournaments, an expo hall, and much more. Some tickets are still available but we recommend purchasing them ASAP.
When: September 3-6
Where: 800 Convention Pl
Cost: $60+
We can always get down with a good trivia night. You can have groups of up to six people to enjoy four rounds of trivia questions at The George & Dragon Pub. You can either win big or just score some drink specials, either one is great if you ask us.
When: Every other Thursday
Where: 206 N 36th St
Cost: $2
Ready to get your fair on? Well, you can in person this summer thanks to The Evergreen State Fair. You can enjoy cute animals, delicious fair food, and of course rides. It’s a Washington State tradition that you don’t want to miss out on. SO get out there and have some fun!
When: September 2nd-6th
Where: Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA
Cost: GA $14+
We just did a re-up on our list of Seattle’s most relaxing spas. So if you need some R&R it might just be time to treat yourself to a spa day or spa treatment. There are tons of amazing local spots you can check out. So treat yourself this week.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Want to experience what it’s like to have dinosaurs walk the earth? Well, you can do just that this month at the Woodland Park Zoo. You’ll be able to see twenty life-sized dino animatronics that are sure to have you doing double-takes. And this one will definitely be fun for the whole family.
When: Through September 6th
Where: 5500 Phinney Ave N
Cost: $5
We hope that you all have a great month and be sure to keep up with current Washington COVID-19 guidelines. Stay safe and we’ll see you back here in October!
