Out with August, in with September, summer is officially on the way out. While it’s a sad time as we all prepare for the rainy season, September is looking like a great month. You have plenty of opportunities to hear live music, see beautiful nature and enjoy some tasty food festivals. So without further adieu here are 49 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this September.
Music
How could you not go see Seattle legend, Ann Wilson? Especially when she’s playing at the Washington State Fair! Go see all those cute farm animals and hear classic tunes from one half of Heart.
When: September 2nd
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $60+
Need an end-of-summer indie music festival? Look no further than FarmJam, the festival has 16 different acts and you can hear from artists like Jessie Leigh, Jeff Crosby, and the Scooter Brown Band.
When: September 2nd-4th
Where: Colville Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, 73 Oakshott Rd Colville, WA
Cost: $35 – $225
Here’s yet another excuse to check out the Columbia River. You can enjoy live acoustic music on six stages, plus singing and dancing workshops and even vendors. Treat yourself to a road trip and check it out!
When: September 2nd-4th
Where: 500 Amon Park Dr. Richland, WA
Cost: Free
This truly rocking festival is taking over the White River Amphitheater this September. This year’s lineup includes Incubus, Sublime With Rome, Alice In Chains, Breaking Benjamin with Bush, Sammy Hagar And The Circle, George Thorogood And The Destroyers, and many more.
When: September 2nd-4th
Where: White River Amphitheatre, 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd SE, Auburn, WA
Cost: $29 – $300
Why not start September with a little indie rock? Feel good, LA-based band Girlpool is in town for a sweet show at The Crocodile. You’ll also be able to hear tunes from opener Cecile Believe.
When: September 9th
Where: 2505 1st Ave
Cost: $20
Alice Glass is undeniably one of the most recognizable and singular voices in the last decade of electronic pop. She was of course one-half of Crystal Castles but is touring solo these days. Don’t miss your chance to see her live at Chop Suey.
When: September 11th
Where: 1325 E Madison St
Cost: $20+
Gorillaz has remained pretty consistently popular since its creation in the late 90s. The virtual band has tons of hits and we’re sure that you know the lyrics to at least a few songs. Plus this concert is going to be big, the band is taking over Climate Pledge Arena!
When: September 12th
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $70+
Of course, this show is resale only tickets. Would you expect less from a band that has a vice grip on TikTok users worldwide? Regardless, if you like the band and have the extra cash you’ll probably pay the price.
When: September 12th
Where: 1700 1st Ave
Cost: $240+
If you need some feel-good tunes this month, you can’t go wrong with the Avalanches. The Australian electronic music group is known for its mix of samples and live music creating tunes that are bright and happy.
When: September 18th
Where: 1303 NE 45th St
Cost: $27.50+
Ruh roh, resale tickets again! If you want to see your fave artists live you have to act on getting those tickets. Girl in Red has done a few stops in Seattle over the past few years and you have yet another chance to see the artist once again.
When: September 20th
Where: 1700 1st Ave
Cost: $178
Have you ever seen a more iconic duo of headliners? We think not, this show sounds like a ton of fun and it also happens to be taking place at the Washington State Fair. It seems like a great way to close summer.
When: September 22nd
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $67+
Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene is coming down to Seattle to give us all a show. Not only do they have some classic tunes but they’re also considered one of the most important artists of the last 25 years according to Pitchfork.
When: September 24th
Where: 911 Pine St
Cost: $45
Look at all of the classic bands this month! Stereolab might just be one of the best things to do in Seattle this September and yet another perfect way to end your summer on a high note. Be sure to buy those tickets now while they’re still available.
When: September 25th
Where: 1426 1st Ave
Cost: $67+
Arts & Culture
The 25th Annual Local Sightings Film Festival is a virtual-and-in-person showcase of creative communities from throughout the Pacific Northwest. It’s a showcase of PNW moving image artwork, screenings, workshops, and filmmaker gatherings.
When: September 16th–25th
Where: Varies
Cost: $60-$140
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: September 16th-November 19th
Where: 103 South Main Street
Cost: $105
Through the Looking Glass Burlesque Alice in Wonderland
After two and a half long years Lily Verlaine & Jasper McCann return by popular demand to the Triple Door this September for their 2022 season of their re-imagination of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale of nonsense and fantasy. Watch as Alice explores a Wonderland that’s unlike any you’ve seen before. Expect a magical world centered around a nightclub, the menacing Queen of Hearts, and more brought to life by a talented group of performers!
When: September 21st-25th
Where: 216 Union Street
Cost: $45-$70
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
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: Until September 2nd
Where: 1211 Pine St
Cost: Varies
Bremerton Blackberry Festival 2022
This festival invites you to celebrate all things “blackberry” on the Bremerton Boardwalk. You’ll find over 100 vendors, bands, beer, blackberry wine, and more.
When: September 3rd-5th
Where: 243 Second St Bremerton, WA
Cost: Free/Varies
If you’re looking to eat, listen to music, and more, Pig Out in the Park is for you! At this festival, you can enjoy 50 food booths, 250 menu items, 35 market booths, and four adult beverage gardens. Plus, check out free concerts!
When: Until September 5th
Where: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA
Cost: Free admission
All In Together Now is a 36-course celebration of everything Wu-Tang. You’ll be fed 18 courses prepared by 9 Seattle chefs including Shubert Ho, MacKenzie DeVito, and Luis Brambila among others. Additionally, enjoy 9 beverage pairings.
When: September 11th
Where: 203 W Thomas St
Cost: $333.33–$1,200
Seattle’s Largest Beer Festival is back! You can try over 100 beers and ciders at this year’s festival. Even better your ticket goes to support the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization that supports Shop Local.
When: September 16-18
Where: Phinney Ave N and 1st Ave NW and N 35th St and N Canal St
Cost: $25+
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.
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.
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…” This is one of the best ways
When: Until September 11th
Where: Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station
Cost: $1.50-$2.75
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.
Like fairs past, you’ll be able to see and visit all sorts of livestock, ride exhilarating rides, and enjoy classic fair food. You’ll also be able to see a full lineup of concerts with stars like Blake Shelton, Nelly, Anne Wilson, and many more.
When: September 2nd-25th
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $14+
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 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.
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 one of the most mind-expanding things you can do in Seattle this month and the perfect chance to read something new!
When: Until September 6th
See? Look at all the things to do in Seattle! Have a great September, we’ll see you back here in October.
