August is looking like a jam-packed month full of fun like concerts, festivals, art shows, day trips, and more. You certainly won’t be bored with all the options you have this month. Here are 44 of the best things to do in Seattle this August.
Music
Indie folk and rock artist Sharon Van Etten is playing an outdoor concert at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. You’ll be able to hear catchy tunes selected from her six studio albums.
When: August 3rd
Where: 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. NE Redmond, WA
Cost: $36+
Whether you know him as Lil Tracy or Yung Bruh, Jazz Ishmael Butler is an undeniably influential figure in the SoundCloud rap scene. He’s touching down in Seattle to perform a show at Neumos which is sure to be one of the most lively happening this month.
When: August 4th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $55+
Celebrate with KEXP50 in honor of half a century on-air! The radio station will have musical performances, live broadcasting, food trucks, and more for you to enjoy. It’s also a great excuse to spend some time at Seattle Center if you have yet to do so this summer.
When: August 6th
Where: 305 Harrison St
Cost: Free
English post-punk band, Psychadelic Furs is coming all the way to Seattle to perform an outdoor concert as part of Woodland Park Zoo’s summer concert series. You can hear their hit “Love My Way” among many others that are sure to put you in a great mood.
When: August 7th
Where: 5500 Phinney Ave N
Cost: $65
What would the 2010s be without BANKS’ catchy tunes? The alternative pop star is taking over the Moore Theatre for an evening of tunes that are sure to take you down memory lane.
When: August 7th
Where: 1932 2nd Ave
Cost: $46.50+
Headliners include The National, Mitski, and Mac Demarco. You’ll also be able to see artists like Japanese Breakfast, JPEGMAFIA, Cherry Glazer, and more! Alongside performing artists, you’ll also be able to catch an assortment of DJ sets. Of course, there will also be food trucks and tents.
When: August 12th-14th
Where: 305 Harrison St
Cost: $85+
Rapper Kid Cudi has been in and out of the limelight these past few years. That being said his influence and talent among contemporary rappers is undeniable. You’ll have the chance to see him here in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena.
When: August 19th
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $39.50+
Rising alternative rockstar, Ethel Cain is performing right here in Seattle this August. You’ll be able to hear her genre-bending tunes and Southern Gothic influence in a concert that is sure to be radically different from others this month.
When: August 20th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $41+
Love EDM? You probably don’t want to miss out on Bass Canyon. The festival is taking place at the Gorge this August and a lineup has to be announced. Be sure to check in with Bass Canyon’s social media for all the latest festival info.
When: August 19th-21st
Where: 754 Silica Rd NW, George, WA
Cost: $249+
This year’s lineup includes acts like Freddie Gibbs, Yves Tumor, Faye Webster, Modest Mouse, Father John Misty, Jose Gonzalez, and more. So plan ahead and don’t miss out on what is sure to be one of the best music festivals in the PNW this summer.
When: August 26th-28th
Where: 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA
Cost: $129.50+
Arts & Culture
Ready to sing to your heart’s content in front of a bunch of strangers or your friends? It might just be time to head to karaoke at Cafe Racer. You’ll find a professional sound system, lights, a real stage, and an impressive library of music.
When: Every Monday
Where: 1510 11th Ave
Cost: Free
Free dance lessons? Sign us up! You can enjoy free lessons and live bands in Seneca Plaza at Freeway Park this month. All you have to do is show up.
When: Aug 4th-25th
Where: Sixth Ave and Seneca St, Freeway Park
Cost: Free
Inaugural Hedgebrook Screenwriters Showcase
Enjoy a real diversity of creativity as screenwriters from Hedgebrook‘s illustrious alumnae community bring their work for presentation at the inaugural Hedgebrook Screenwriters Showcase. Who knows, you might just find some inspiration.
When: Until August 13th
Where: 1515 12th Ave
Cost: $5-$25
Garcia utilizes textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and queer punk sensibility with the handcraft traditions of Mexico to create his work. You’ll be able to see a new series of linked-chain sculptures made in ceramic, copper, and glass.
When: Until September 25th
Where: 15th Ave NE & University of Washington, NE 41st St
Cost: Free
Boren Banner Series: Stefan Gonzales
The Frye is a local gem of an arts institution. While the inside exhibitions are free or by donation, you can also check out other works outside like the Boren Banner Series. The most recent is a piece by Stefan Gonzales “who chronicles the lives of ordinary objects through photography, sculpture, and installation.”
When: Until October 16th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
The Green Book Tour is a new self-guided history tour created by the soon-to-open Black & Tan Hall. It’s available both online and as an app depending on your needs. When taking the tour you’ll be transported back in time to the 1920s and 30s as you learn all about the Black-owned and Black-friendly businesses that operated along Seattle’s Jackson Street.
Free Public Tours of Washington Park Arboretum
The arboretum is one of Seattle’s best spots for getting outdoors, especially in the summer. While you can walk it by yourself at any time, you can also enjoy free tours on the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 am-1 pm.
When: First Thursday of every month
Where: 2300 Arboretum Drive E
Cost: Free
Each first Saturday Kremwerk puts on SIN, a fetish, EBM, and industrial night. You can expect fetish performances, drinks, and dancing. Additionally, you can see features by Seattle Shibari and professional photography by Jason Renek. If you’re looking for something new, this might just be worth checking out.
When: First Saturday of each month
Where: 1809 Minor Ave #10
Cost: $15
Each Tuesday you can attend a drag happy hour at 7 pm at Capitol Hill’s Queer Bar. You’ll be able to watch drag icon Jane Don’t and also see weekly guests, and enjoy great eats, & drink specials. It’s sure to be the most fun you’ve had at a happy hour in a while.
When: Tuesdays
Where: 1518 11th Avenue
Cost: Varies
Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
If you’ve ever wanted to see behind-the-scenes images of your favorite hip-hop artists, this exhibit is for you. MoPOP’s newest exhibit, Contact High allows visitors to see over 170 images of hip hop’s most influential artists like Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Queen Latifah, Tupac, and more. See four decades of photography, from the late 70s to today, documenting a revolution across different aspects of life.
When: Tuesday-Thursday 10 am–5 pm
Where: 325 Fifth Ave N
Cost: $30 – $32.50
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at MoPOP
At the exhibition, you’ll be able to see more than 60 costumes designed by Academy Award-winning designer Ruth E. Carter. You’ll not only get to see the costumes but also her vision and the in-depth process she uses for each project. Some of the featured costumes come from films like Black Panther, Roots, Do the Right Thing, Selma, Malcolm X, and more.
When: Daily 10 am–5 pm
Where: 325 5th Ave N
Cost: $25+
Silent Reading Party: In-Person
The beloved Silent Reading Party is back in person if you’d like to have the experience of reading amongst strangers inside the beautiful Hotel Sorrento. Keep in mind there is a $20 food and drink minimum on top of your ticket price.
When: First Wednesday of each month
Where: 900 Madison St
Cost: $8-$40
Food & Drink
Lil Woody’s is truly ending summer on a high note with their seafood month. You’ll be able to enjoy tasty takes on Lil Woody’s burgers from local chefs. Of course, the focus here is all seafood so get ready to eat some of the best of what the PNW has to offer.
When: August 2nd- September 2nd
Where: 1211 Pine St
Cost: Varies
It’s not every day that a new chain comes to Seattle, especially when it’s one that you might not be so familiar with. Popular Maryland seafood chain, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is opening its very first West Coast location in the heart of Seattle.
When: August 4th
Where: 1307 First Avenue
Cost: Varies
Ready for patio season? We’re right behind ya and that’s why we made a list of some of our favorite waterfront patios around the city. Because what’s better than a patio on the water?
Local natural wine shop and bar La Dive actually offers a monthly wine subscription! When you sign up you can choose between three different subscription options. The first option is two bottles a month for $42, then four bottles a month for $84, or six bottles a month for $120.
Catch a view on a rooftop patio
If you’re looking to eat out this month, why not take in some beautiful Seattle spring views? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants with rooftop patios perfect for taking in the sights of the city. Whether you’re looking for eats, drinks or both, these spots have you covered.
Outdoors & Adventure
Treat yourself to a scenic hike the next time you feel like getting outdoors. After all, Washington has tons of lakes and many are easier to enjoy than you might expect.
Take a road trip to a themed hotel
Have you been wanting to drive down the West Coast? Why not make your trip a little more lively by staying at a themed hotel? From romantic suites to pirate-themed bedrooms, we’ve found several hotels worth checking out.
Lazy rivers aren’t just for theme parks. Washington’s plethora of bodies of water also means that we have plenty of lazy rivers perfect for hot afternoons. Of course, we made. alist of some of our favorites for you.
If you’re open to a take a bit of a road trip you should consider heading to Oregon to rent glass bottom kayaks. You can rent them both during the day and at night making for a unique way to view the water. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Where: Wallowa Lake, Oregon
Cost: 4 hours for $45-$85
Walking tours are cool and all but why not experience Seattle from a birds-eye view? Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a pilot’s license, instead, you can choose from one of several plane tours offered in and around the Seattle area.
Summer is just around the corner and that means warmer weather and of course pool time. As you may or may not know, Seattle has tons of great public pools that are available for you to use. Both Colman Pool and Mounger Pool will open on the weekend of June 18th and 19th.
When: June 18th & 19th onward
Some of this year’s movie titles include classics like Labyrinth, Back to the Future, and Napolean Dynamite. And with an early lineup that good, you know the rest of the summer will be even better. As these showings are popular be sure to buy your tickets in advance as they do sell out.
When: Until August
Where: Marymoor Park
Cost: $30 per carload
Go hiking with Trailhead Direct
For the 2022 season, you will be able to visit Mount Si. The Trailhead Direct buses will originate from “Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station and service every 30 minutes to Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si…”
When: Until September 11th
Where: Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station
Cost: $1.50-$2.75
Misc
A new month means tons of new additions. August’s Netflix additions are a mix of new originals and some old favorites. So treat yourself to a little TV time this month.
Washington’s favorite theme and water park will remain open until early September. Like years past, you’ll be able to visit the park seven days a week during peak season which runs mid-June-August. You’ll also have the option to choose between single-day tickets and season passes depending on just how much fun you’d like to have.
Summer is one of the best times to enjoy dates, especially here in Seattle. Whether you just met someone or have been with your SO for years, we have some ideas on how you can make this summer’s dates the best yet.
For those of you that love the Silent Reading Party but are more comfortable at home, you can still enjoy the virtual version. You’ll also get to hear piano tunes from pianist Paul Matthew Moore as you read amongst strangers over zoom.
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Online
Cost: $5-$20
Mindfulness Meditation at the Frye
Need to take some time to get back in touch with yourself? You’re in luck because The Frye has a free, mindfulness meditation that you can attend on the first Wednesdays of the month.
Get some work done in a new space
Next, a trio of some “regular”, but still fun, options around the city. If working from home is getting a little old, then maybe check out our roundup of some of the best cafes in the city to get some work done.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Snapshot Brewing offers an all-day happy hour for casual tabletop gamers! You can either borrow theirs or bring your own; fill up our punch card and win cool stuff. And get sweet deals like $9 house growler fills every Sunday.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 8005 Greenwood Ave N
Cost: Free/varies
The Washington Athletic Club is bringing Zumba classes to Freeway Park on Mondays in July and August this Summer. If you’re looking for a new way to get fit, this might just be it.
When: Until September 1st
Where: Freeway Park, Sixth Ave and Seneca St
Cost: Free
This year’s Book Bingo themes include “Outside Your Comfort Zone,” “Banned or Challenged Book,” “Blue Cover,” and “Sci-fi or Fantasy by a BIPOC Author.” You can also fill in squares for “Read Outside,” “Set Somewhere You’d Like to Visit,” “Set South of the Equator” and much more. It’s the perfect chance to read something new!
When: Throughout the summer
With that, have a great July and we’ll see you back here in September!
