Welcome to October, Seattle! Fall is here 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, and food & drink events and festivals. Without further ado, here are 47 of the best things to do in and around Seattle this September.
Music
American psych-rock band the Brain Jonestown Massacre is coming to Seattle! As they have a strong fan base, tickets are sold out with some left in the resale prices. You’ll have to pay a pretty penny to see them live but it might just be worth it for you.
When: Wednesday, October 4th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $407
Swedish electronic music group Little Dragon is coming to the Neptune Theatre. They may be sold out, but they have some resale tickets available.
When: Wednesday, October 4th
Where: 1303 NE 45th St
Cost: $125
Peter Gabriel needs no introduction and he’s coming to Seattle’s very own Climate Pledge Arena. Even better there are still tickets available and they aren’t at resale prices.
When: Sunday, October 8th
Where: 334 1st Ave N
Cost: $60.50
Looking to hear something new? Genre-bending artist Youth Lagoon is playing a show at Neumos. You can hear tunes from their newest album, Heaven Is a Junkyard, and also from their other albums.
When: Tuesday, October 10th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $48
One of Shoegaze’s most iconic bands, Slowdive is headed for Seattle. No surprise but the concert is sold out, and currently, resale tickets are available.
When: Tuesday, October 10th
Where: 1700 1st Ave S
Cost: $123+
Rapper Lil Tracy is back in Seattle for a show at the Showbox Market. Tickets are currently resale prices – however, the good news is, they are on the lower end of resale prices.
When: Tuesday, October 10th
Where: 1426 1st Ave
Cost: $56
Indie rock band Slow Pulp is going on tour for their newest album ‘Yard’. Listen to a mix of old and new songs and enjoy concert tickets that aren’t too expensive, yet.
When: Thursday, October 12th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $40
Nosaj Thing aka Jason W. Chung is an American artist and producer. You may remember some of his popular songs from the early 2010s and you’ve probably heard many of the songs he’s produced. Either way, he’ll be in Seattle for what is sure to be a solid show.
When: Sunday, October 13th
Where: 2505 1st Ave
Cost: $20
Tirzah is a British singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique blend of R&B, electronic, and experimental music. This month is your chance to see her right here in Seattle.
When: Monday, October 16th
Where: 645 NW 45th St
Cost: $25
Kim Petras: Feed The Beast World Tour
Kim Petras is coming to town with her catchy, empowering, and infectious music. You can see the pop icon in the flesh at WAMU Theatre.
When: Monday, October 23rd
Where: 800 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $45.50
Disney in Concert at Seattle Symphony
Step into a world where your favorite Disney characters and their iconic soundtracks take center stage. Relive your favorite memories from the Walt Disney Animation Studios in a whole new way. This live-to-film concert is an experience that will transport you to the heart of the Disney universe.
When: Thursday, October 26th, Friday, October 27th & Sunday, October 29th
Where: 200 University Street
Cost: $55+
BOO Halloween centers around the spirit of Seattle in the form of “Darcy” – inspired by “an urban legend of a girl who disappeared into the forests around Lake Washington years ago.” Experience a spooky music festival with big names like Steve Aoki, Alesso, and Zedd among others.
When: Friday, October 27th & Saturday, October 28th
Where: 800 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $119+
Arts & Culture
The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair has dealers from the US and the United Kingdom this year. Visitors will find thousands of “collectible books, prints, maps, autographs, photographs, posters, postcards, ephemera, manuscripts, broadsides, fine bindings” and more for sale.
When: Saturday, October 14th, from 10 AM-6 PM, Sunday, October 15th, from 11 AM-4 PM
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St
Cost: $10+
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
Seattle Water Lantern Festival
The Water Lantern Festival takes place on Saturday, October 7th, and invites Seattleites to come together to “create a peaceful, memorable experience.” You’ll get to watch as the lake lights up with hundreds of beautiful lanterns.
When: Saturday, October 7th
Where: 7312 West Green Lake Dr
Cost: $26.98-$55.99
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
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
Starting Friday, October 13th, visitors can enjoy the fall festival for three weekends from 11 AM to 6 PM Friday to Sunday. The fall festival’s diverse attractions include a sustainably grown pumpkin patch, hay maze, classic games, petting zoo promises, and even face painters.
When: Last 3 weekends of October beginning Friday, October 13th
Where: 12123 Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast Issaquah, WA
Cost: $25+
Haunted Attractions
The Cinema of Horrors offers lovers of all things spooky a unique movie-watching experience that will take any movie’s jump scares to the next level. Fill your car up with your friends and grab tickets for your favorite scary movie on the big screen. It’ll feel pretty normal until you realize that there’s something or someone lurking outside your car.
When: Thursday, October 12th-Tuesday, October 31st
Where: 17402 NE Delfel Rd, Ridgefield, WA
Cost: $69
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 7 attractions that will leave you with memories you won’t soon forget.
When: September 30th, October 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 20th-22nd, 26th-29th
Where: 8705 Marsh Rd Snohomish, WA
Cost: $19.95-$49.95
Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film
This is a haunted attraction perfect for those who love the movies! You can visit more than 50 props and costumes from your film and television horror favorites. Expect to see items from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, The Walking Dead, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bride of Frankenstein, Dawn of the Dead, Hostel, Jeepers Creepers, and Pet Sematary among other films.
When: Thursday to Tuesday, from 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: 325 5th Avenue N
Cost: $31+
Nile Nightmares is the scariest place to be in Mountlake Terrace. This year the popular haunted house has 7 attractions for you to try to survive. From Poison Pete’s Apple Orchard to Grey’s Pork Delights you’ll be seriously spooked.
When: Weekends September 29th-October 31st
Where: 6601 244th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA
Cost: $35+
Did you know that you can actually visit the real Halloweentown in person and that it’s only about three hours from Seattle? That’s right, St. Helens, Oregon served as the backdrop for this fan-favorite movie, psst, parts of Twilight were also filmed there. While it is a bit of a drive, it’s a great option for a day trip if you’re up to it.
When: Every weekend Saturday, September 16th-Tuesday, October 31st
Where: St. Helens, Oregon
Cost: $45-$145 GA, Prices vary for additional attractions
Seattle’s very own haunted house is back! Your spooky journey will have you wandering through a decrepit Catacomb as you try to avoid Dr. Simons and his trusted goons Rigor and Mortis, all while trying to survive the night. New this year is “The Dark Maze” an attraction that is exactly what it sounds like. You and your group are all alone in a pitch-black maze until you find a way out.
When: Weekends and select additional days Friday, September 22nd-Saturday, November 4th
Where: 5000 East Marginal Way South
Cost: $35-$255+
Food & Drink
The Tacoma Greek Festival will have an assortment of traditional handmade Greek pastries at the Coffee Shop and Bakery. There will also be food booths with “Gyros, Calamari, Greek Fries, Souvlaki (sausage), and Loukomathes.” There will be Spanakopita, tiropita, and dolmathes served on all three days, and even dinner entrees.
When: Friday, October 6th-Sunday, October 8th
Where: 1523 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma WA
Cost: Free/Varies
CRUSH is the perfect opportunity to taste the wine of Chateau Saint Michelle, as well as try some tasty eats. However, the main draw is the competitive grape stomp. All ages are welcome but guests must be 21 and over to participate in the grape stomps. But if you do participate you’ll get a logoed Chateau Saint Michelle glass to take home and have a blast.
When: Saturday, October 14th
Where: 14111 NE 145th Street, Woodinville, WA
Cost: $45+
Rob Roy describes their new bar pop-up as “a dark celebration for those who revel in the mysterious and bizarre” a place “where guests can transport themselves to a world that blurs that line between reality and the supernatural.”
When: Tuesday, September 26th-Saturday, November 4th
Where: 2332 2nd Ave
Cost: Varies
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
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.
Head to your local farmer’s market
Fall is prime time for making all sorts of cozy meals. There aren’t many places better than your local farmers market to pick up fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other locally made products.
When: Weekly and on weekends
Where: Locations across the city
Cost: Varies
This year’s Oktoberfest returns with three event-filled weekends. Running from September 29th to October 14th, there will be plenty of time to get in on the fun. Expect brews, eats, and all sorts of fun.
When: October 6th-7th & 13th-14th
Where: Leavenworth, WA
Cost: Friday $10 6 PM-Midnight, Saturday $25 12 PM-1 AM, Children under 12 free with an adult
Outdoors & Adventure
Seattle is lucky to have tons of beautiful gardens located across the city that you can visit for free or very affordably. Whether you’re looking to see rare plants, native plant displays, or fall colors, these gardens have something for you.
Check out Washington’s best places for fall views
Looking for stunning fall colors and beautiful places to welcome the new season? We have you covered with a list of the best places to see fall colors and views in Washington.
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: October-March, Friday-Sunday 2 PM-4 PM & 7 PM-10 PM
October 10th is World Mental Health Day and a Washington State Park Free Entrance Day. That means you can visit any state park of your choosing for free! Keep in mind this does not apply to overnight stays.
When: Tuesday, October 10th
Where: Washington State Parks
Cost: Free
Looking to warm up this fall? You might as well try heading to a local hot spring. You can choose between hiking in or heading to already set-up pools and tubs. Of course, we have the best options covered for you.
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.
Hike to a spooky abandoned tunnel
Washington has all sorts of great fall hikes and even some with spooky history! Adventure seekers can hike to the site of the deadliest avalanche in the country’s history. Today, there are remnants of the disasters past like abandoned tunnels, snow sheds, and even parts of trains.
When: Until first snowfall or until Martin Creek road becomes impassable
Where: Iron Goat Trail, Stevens Pass
Cost: Free
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.
Washington is shedding! Changing from a lush green landscape to beautiful reds, oranges, and browns. If you want to know the pattern of leaf changes across the state, we have a handy map for you to check out.
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. And several museums have free days every single month.
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, September!
