Welcome to August, Seattle! It’s late summer and that means it’s time to get out there and see what’s happening around the city. Seattle has plenty to do this month between live music, performances, food & drink events, and more. Without further ado, here are 50 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this August.
Music
Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet is coming to Climate Pledge Arena for an electrifying concert. Their sound pays homage to classic rock legends, blending nostalgia with a modern flair.
When: Friday, August 4th
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $49.50+
The Smashing Pumpkins, are a truly pioneering alternative rock band, and now is your chance to see them. Listen to their unique blend of dreamy melodies and heavy guitar riffs and listen to your favorite hits from classic albums as well as newer songs.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Where: 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd SE, Auburn, WA
Cost: $32+
Chances are that you know Regina Spektor’s distinct style and captivating vocals well. Her songs were all over the radio in the 2000s and continue to be many people’s favorites to this day. After all, her blend of folk, pop, jazz, and more is hard to beat.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Where: 14111 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA
Cost: $114.42+
DJ, producer, and songwriter Diplo is coming to Seattle for what is sure to be a lively performance. However, tickets to his show are currently all resale so you’ll have to decide if you’re willing to shell out the big bucks.
When: Sunday, August 6th
Where: 305 Harrison St
Cost: $171
If you’ve ever wanted to hear “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” or “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” live, now is the time. Rapper Soulja Boy is coming to Seattle for what is sure to be a great concert.
When: Tuesday, August 8th
Where: 2505 1st Ave
Cost: $37.50+
One of TikTok’s rising music stars beabadoobee is coming to Seattle to play her tunes. Whether you’re already familiar with her or looking to hear something new, this concert should be a fun one.
When: Friday, August 11th
Where: 911 Pine St
Cost: $42.50+
Can be hard to keep track of the number of rappers with the name Baby. However, the one and only Lil Baby is coming to Seattle to play what is sure to be an energetic concert.
When: Saturday, August 12th
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $49.50+
If you want to attend a truly legendary concert this summer, why not see Patti Smith? Her tickets are currently resale but the price might just be worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When: Wednesday, August 16th
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
Cost: $104+
University Village 2023 Summer Concert Series
University Village’s free summer concert series is back with six different concerts for you to enjoy. There will be a mix of local and well-known artists and JOEY Kitchen will be hosting the beer garden where you can grab cold beverages, small bites, and juicy burgers.
When: Until Wednesday, August 16th
Where: 2623 NE University Village St
Cost: Free/Varies
Well, fans got to these tickets fast. Resale ticket prices for Japanese Breakfast are steep, and definitely among the most expensive this month. However, the chance to listen to the band’s incredibly catchy and relaxing tunes may have your pockets saying yes.
When: Sunday, August 20th
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
Cost: $243+
One more band well worth seeing despite ticket prices is the Flaming Lips. The indie rock band is sure to be entertaining live and you’ll be able to hear your classic favorites as well as newer hits.
When: Wednesday, August 23rd
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
Cost: $334+
Arts & Culture
Seattle’s ultimate water-loving celebration is back this year with hydroplanes, the Blue Angels, a log boom, a parade, and more. It’s time to plan ahead and find a friend with a boat or rent your own so that you can enjoy all of the entertainment from the water.
When: August 4th-6th, 2023
Where: Around Seattle
Cost: Free
WABA celebrates Korean culture with food, entertainment, and shopping. Whether you’re shopping for trendy gifts and beauty products, watching a K-Pop dance competition or noshing on some delicious eats, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Where: Pier 62, 1951 Alaskan Wy
Cost: Free/Varies
Stranger Things: The Experience (Seattle)
Your immersive Stranger Things experience is comprised of two parts. The first is the Hawkins Lab where you’ll volunteer as a test subject and embark on an interactive journey full of strange surprises. The second part is Mix-Tape – an 80’s themed hangout where you can explore nostalgic shops and iconic locations from the show, nosh on themed food & cocktails from the Stranger Things Bar, and enjoy plenty of photo ops.
When: Until August 6th
Where: 1750 Occidental Ave, Seattle WA
Cost: $29+
Dancing ‘til Dusk is back for its 16th year, bringing Seattle Parks and Recreation and partners together for 14 glorious nights of outdoor dancing. The event happens across parks in Seattle and begins with a dance lesson for the first hour. No experience is needed but keep in mind the class rotates partners. If you’d prefer not to, you can bring a partner to the lesson.
When: Tuesday, July 11th-Thursday, August 31st
Where: Parks around Seattle
Cost: Free/Varies
It’s time to get outdoors! If you’re hesitant to hike but happy to take your indoor activities outside, checking out an outdoor movie is a great choice. There are several places you can catch flicks outdoor this month and some are even free!
On the first Thursday of each month, Seattleites can check out the Moth StorySLAM. Each month has a different story theme so you’ll experience something new and truly unique each time.
When: First Thursday of every month
Where: 4272 Fremont Ave N
Cost: $15
A digital map allows you to pick and choose where you stop on the Capitol Hill Art Walk. Stop by small galleries, local businesses, and more on this monthly art walk.
When: Second Thursday of every month
Where: Capitol Hill
Cost: Free
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
SAM is hosting a ton of different free events this summer. Expect activities and performances that combine visual art, music, and community. There will also be evening concerts with food trucks and art making, daytime movement classes, tours, and community partner activities. So much to do!
When: July 13th-August 12th, 2023
Where: 2901 Western Ave
Cost: Free
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
The last Lake Union Seattle Night Market
All good things must come to an end, including the Lake Union Seattle Night Market. Other than shopping and drinks, the big draw of this particular market is the return of the outdoor cinema with a 60-foot movie screen. They’ll be screening The Big Lebowski and like usual, the event will be 21+.
When: Saturday, August 26th
Where: South Lake Union
Cost: TBA
The Evergreen State Fair is a true classic fair experience. It’s not quite as big as the Washington State Fair but definitely worth attending if you love the end-of-summer carnival experiences. Expect rides, fair food, entertainment, and more!
When: August 24th-29th & August 31st-September 4th, 2023
Where: 14405 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA
Cost: $15 Admission
Food & Drink
Soak up the sun at a local patio
Seattle has tons of great patios with amazing views of the city. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots to eat, drink and most of all, take in the views.
Three Sacks Full Dinner Pop-Up
This local pop-up restaurant features a menu largely based on vegetables and grains. Every two weeks you can try an original menu with organic produce grown on the pop-up’s farm in the Snoqualmie Valley. Other ingredients not grown on the farm are always sourced from farms across Washington and Oregon.
When: Every two weeks
Where: Varies by pick-up date
Cost: Varies by dish
U-Pick season is officially here! If you love local berries, why not pick them yourself? From blueberries to raspberries and even vegetables and apples, we have you covered with some of the best local spots to check out. There’s even a park in Tacoma where you can pick blueberries for free!
Food Truck Fest invites you to spice up your lunch with a mini food court of options. On the last Wednesday of each month, five local trucks will take over the park. Beyond eats, you can enjoy free live music and games for the perfect lunchtime break.
When: Until August 30th
Where: Westlake Park
Cost: Varies
Try a few of summer’s newest restaurants
Seattle restauranteurs have been working hard this summer to bring you all sorts of new restaurants. From coffee shops to pizza, bagels and more, we have compiled a list for you. Since that list Seattle also got a new spot for Hawaiian eats, and beloved restaurant Lady Jaye announced plans for a new bakery.
Grab a drink at a beautiful lobby bar
If you’re looking for a new place to grab drinks in Seattle this month, heading to a local hotel is a great choice. Many of our city’s hotels have beautiful bars that also happen to be available to the public. We’ve mapped out 5 of the swankiest hotel bars you can grab a drink at in Seattle.
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 for $84, or six for $120. Psst you can also check out Seattle’s newest and maybe tiniest bottle shop in Ballard if you’re looking for something else.
Comfort food is an easy choice when you’re hungry and looking for something to eat. It just so happens that Seattle has a ton of options scattered around the city with most of them being pretty affordable. From sweet to savory, we have some spots for you.
Outdoors & Adventure
O’Keefe Farms Sunflower Festival
Your admission to the festival includes two U-cut flowers as well as unlimited time to stroll and enjoy the magic of the sunflower fields. There will also be eats from Mr. C’s BBQ and Street Taco David, drinks and a vendor market. Oh and it’s pet friendly!
When: Friday, August 4th-Sunday, August 6th, Friday, August 11th-Sunday, August 13th, Friday, August 18th-Sunday, August 20th
Hours: Fridays 2 PM-9 PM, Saturdays & Sundays 10 AM-7 PM
Where: 17604 NE 182nd Ave, Brush Prairie, WA
Cost: Ages 13+ $10, Ages 6-12 $5, Ages 5 and under Free, Hayrides available for $1 per person
If you’re looking for somewhere to swim laps, take lessons, or just want to see what Seattle public pools are like, you’re in luck because they are officially open. Or you can always opt to rent a private pool if that’s more up your alley.
Sure Washington may not seem like the likely place for sand dunes but it turns out that we do have a few. Whether you’re looking for an otherworldly oasis or a place to try out UTV’s, there’s a dune for you.
Love the idea of camping but don’t want to deal with all the nitty-gritty details? Glamping might just be for you. Think small cabins, some more rustic than others, or yurts and canvas tents.
Visit one of the nation’s largest public telescopes
If you’re into stargazing then get excited because one of the nation’s largest public telescopes is right here in Washington. Goldendale Observatory is worth the trip to the Columbia River Gorge, and it just so happens to be free to visit. Just make sure you make your reservations in advance.
Where: 1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale, WA
Hours: April 1st-September 30th: Thursday-Sunday, Solar Show: 3 PM-5 PM, Evening Show: 9 PM-Midnight
See if you know all of Seattle’s secret beaches
We all know Seattle’s popular beaches like Alki and Golden Gardens. But it turns out there are a ton of secret beaches, 140 of them to be exact. What’s more there might be one closer to you than you think. We have of course detailed how you can find out this *highly* secretive information thanks to a handy map.
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. If you’re curious, we’ve also detailed Washington’s favorite hike – also from AllTrails users.
Why go to a city pool when you can go to one in nature? Washington has several swimming holes scattered around the state and you should check them out this summer. What’s more, many are closer to Seattle than you might think.
If you’re always looking at the water but never on it, renting kayaks is a little more accessible than you might think. Whether you want to be on Lake Union, Lake Washington or even Puget Sound, there are multiple kayak rental options available to you around the city.
Now that the days are getting warmer and longer you might be looking for ways to cool off. What’s a more memorable way to do that than by hiking to and enjoying a local waterfall? Washington state has many, with several closer to the city than you might think.
Watch one of the best meteor showers of the year
The Perseid meteor shower will fly overhead from July 14th until September 1st according to EarthSky. It is expected to peak sometime between August 11th-13th this year with the 13th being the most likely date. If you’re lucky you could see up to 100 meteors per hour. Keep in mind that even if you miss the peak, you may still see shooting stars.
When: Peaks between Friday, August 11th-Sunday, August 13th
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.
With summer well underway, there are tons of places to catch glimpses of wildflowers. Whether you want to partake in a long and challenging hike or something on the easier side, we have options for you.
Have you ever sat on the shores of Lake Washington or Puget Sound and thought “dang I wish I could be out there?” Well, you can be, Seattle actually has an online boat rental service that’s similar to your favorite vacation rental getaway sites. From simple hour excursions to whole day trips, captain-guided tours and more, it’s all available. Oh and you can also rent a boat for free through this unique local museum.
Misc
The Fremont Market is truly a classic Seattle shopping experience and it happens year-round, rain or shine. It’s a great place to find antiques, vintage clothing, and much more.
When: Every Sunday
Where: Evanston Ave N & 34th St
You may or may not know but Seattle actually has 5 museums that you can always visit for free. We’ve listed them out and given you some details so you can take yourself on the perfect adventure. Psst, your library card can also get you access to tons of local museums for free.
Check out Washington State Parks
You can literally check Washington State Parks out of the Seattle Public Library. Well almost, you can check out a Discover Pass which allows you to visit Washington State Parks for free. Keep in mind if you plan on camping you will still have to pay for your spot.
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 Wednesday 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
Look at all the things to do in Seattle! Have a great, August!
