Out with September, in with October, summer is officially over. We’re welcoming fall, especially because October is looking like a great month. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to hear live music, see beautiful nature and enjoy some great art shows. So without further adieu here are 44 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this October.
Music
local icon Nancy Wilson is back with yet another concert. If you didn’t get to see her at the Washington State Fair in September, luckily you can see her at the Showbox in the Market this October.
When: October 2nd
Where: 1426 1st Avenue
Cost: $70+
How about some classic early 2010s music? The Black Keys are taking over Climate Pledge Arena with Band of Horses. You’ll be able to hear all sorts of classic tunes that you might not have heard for a while.
When: October 2nd
Where: 334 1st Avenue N
Cost: $29.50+
A little classic pop punk and emo seems like a great way to start October. One of perhaps the early 2000s most iconic bands is coming to Seattle to play all of your old favorites. Keep in mind, that most tickets are currently resale so be prepared to shell out some extra dollars.
When: October 3rd
Where: 2727 E D Street, Tacoma, WA
Cost: $130+
New Order and Pet Shop Boys? Yes, it’s really happening! Treat yourself to what is truly a double whammy of a concert. We know that you have favorite tunes from both bands so don’t miss your chance to belt them out.
When: October 14th
Where: 334 1st Avenue N
Cost: $59.50+
October is about to get even more emo with Panic! At The Disco. This concert is sure to be a bit of a blast from the past and also probably pretty dang fun.
When: October 16th
Where: 334 1st Avenue N
Cost: $30.50+
Alex G had a vice-grip on indie kids a few years ago and that’s back again with TikTok. No matter where you know him from, you’re sure to know at least a few of his songs. And while tickets are resale, the cost is probably going to be worth it.
When: October 16th
Where: 1426 1st Avenue
Cost: $99+
It’s hard not to love her swoony tunes so why deprive yourself of them? King Princess is taking over Showbox SoDo and it’s sure to be a great mid-month concert.
When: October 20th
Where: 1700 1st Avenue S
Cost: $64+
If you’re looking for something a little less spooky this October, Alvvays is a great option. The Canadian pop band is coming south to Seattle to play an evening of tunes that’ll have you feeling wholesome.
When: October 22nd
Where: 1932 2nd Avenue
Cost: $26.50+
Immediately yes, you should feel honored that you still have the chance to see this legend live. Seeing Smokey is a must this October, how could it possibly not be?
When: October 22nd
Where: 2920 E R Street, Tacoma, WA
Cost: $110+
Oh, look another legend! Call her maybe? All jokes aside, this concert is sure to be a lot of fun, and definitely already know her hit song.
When: October 26th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $87+
Arts & Culture
This is SIFF’s second annual DocFest, and as its name suggests, it’s a celebration of all things documentary. It’s a great opportunity to watch films that you won’t find on your favorite streaming platforms. So pick a movie or two and treat yourself to something a little different.
When: October 6th-13th
Where: 511 Queen Anne Ave N
Cost: $14 per movie
Earshot Jazz festival is back for another year with tons of concerts for you to attend. Prices are per concert and vary so be sure to plan ahead and figure out which concerts you’d like to attend.
When: October 8th-November 6th
Where: Multiple venues across the city
Cost: Varies by performance
Humaira Abid: Fight Like a Girl
Humaira Abid’s sculptures are strikingly relevant in today’s political climate. You’ll be able to see carved pine protest signs, multimedia works, and more. You can also see works by Paul Horiuchi at Greg Kucera Gallery.
When: Until October 29th
Where: 212 3rd Avenue South
Cost: Free
Cafe Nordo’s Down The Rabbit Hole
Down The Rabbit Hole is centered around the themes of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. You’ll get to watch as your favorite tales like “The Walrus and the Carpenter” and “The Stolen Tart” are set to original music and performed by a local cast. It’s an experience designed to cater to all the senses. Plus there’s a new menu coming to the show this fall!
When: Until November 19th
Where: 103 South Main Street
Cost: $105
MadArt has been taken over by Seattle-based artist Alison Stigora who has created a “two-part, monumental sculptural installation.” You’ll find a room filled with reclaimed driftwood, light, and sound compositions that reflect natural phenomena. It’s perfectly PNW and unlike anything you’ve seen.
When: Until November 23rd
Where: 325 Westlake Avenue North
Cost: Free
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
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+
Pike Place is throwing its very own Harvest Festival! You can celebrate with the whole family across the market’s 9 acres. Some of the things you can do include meeting the producers, listening to live music, and checking out giant pumpkin carving.
When: October 29th
Where: Pike Place Market
Cost: Free/Varies
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
Haunted Attractions
Stalker Farms is a state-wide favorite for getting your spook on and this year it’s back and better than ever. You’ll get to experience an in-person, up close and personal production with 8 attractions that will leave you with memories you won’t soon forget.
When: October 1st, 7th-9th, 14th-16th, 21st-23rd, 27th-30th
Where: 8705 Marsh Rd Snohomish, WA
Cost: Double Dare $18.95 or $27.95, Double Dare VIP $41.95 or $49.95, No Scare Night $18.95 or $27.95
Play detective at this all-inclusive murder mystery weekend at Semiahmoo Resort
Semiahmoo Resort is hosting an unforgettable, all-inclusive weekend of mystery and crime solving, where you can finally put your true-crime knowledge to the test and help solve a (pretend) homicide. This package will have guests enjoying two nights’ accommodation, a 3-day murder mystery adventure, along with food and beverage included for all meals on Friday and Saturday.
When: Friday, November 4th – Sunday, November 6th, Must book by Monday, October 19th, 2022
Where: Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine, WA
Cost: $499+ per person
Nile Nightmares is back for a 12th year with 8 different spooky attractions. Your admission includes access to all 8 as well as access to Creatures of the Corn Maze, Ballinger Cemetery, and Hillbilly Holler Trail. There are also three horror-themed, five-minute-long escape games available for an additional cost if you’re really feeling it.
When: Weekends, September 30th-October 30th
Where: 6601 244th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA
Cost: $25+
The evening will take place at Capitol Hill’s magnificent DAR Rainier Chapter House, built in 1925. You’ll enter into a 22,000-square-foot haunted mansion where an evening of macabre magic awaits you. As you roam the house on your own or with friends, you’ll find tarot readings, strange roaming specters, secret games, and so much more.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Until October 31st
Where: 800 E Roy St
Cost: $79+
2022 Georgetown Morgue Haunted House
It’s one of Seattle’s most infamous haunted houses and it’s back for yet another year of serious spooks! Snag your tickets and get ready to experience a night that’s downright creepy.
When: Weekends and select additional days September 23rd-November 5th
Where: 5000 East Marginal Way South
Cost: $32+
Food & Drink
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
See fall colors on an autumn hike
Washington is beautiful year round but you can’t beat watching the leaves change color. So why not take a hike and check out some of the most scenic autumn hikes around Washington State?
Is there anything more fall than visiting a pumpkin patch? Probably not. Get out there and enjoy a day in the field picking the perfect pumpkin or pumpkins for your home.
Try one of Washington’s best hikes
If you’ve ever wondered what the best hikes in Washington are, we have your answer. We took a look at AllTrails rankings and have compiled 10 of the state’s most popular hikes for you to enjoy.
It’s October, Halloween is around the corner and that means it’s only appropriate that we throw in some spooky fun. One of the best and most adventurous ways to get your thrills in this month is to visit a local ghost town. And yes, there are many!
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.
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.
Misc
Have a cat? Want to take it outside to meet other cats? On the first Saturday of each month, you can bring your fuzzy friend to Cal Anderson and socialize with fellow cat owners and their cats. It’s perhaps one of the more unique monthly things you can do in Seattle.
When: First Saturday of each month
Where: Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave
Cost: Free
A new month means tons of new additions. September’s Netflix additions are a mix of new originals and some old favorites. So treat yourself to a little TV time this month.
Fall 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 fall’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 other 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. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Seattle for sure.
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
See? Look at all the things to do in Seattle! Have a great October, we’ll see you back here in November.
