Welcome to the third weekend of September! We hope the new month has been treating you well so far. Theres all sorts of fun to be had this weekend from a film festival to train rides and even a pickle ball competition. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Seattle this weekend.

Local Sightings Film Festival

This is the 26th Annual Local Sightings Film Festival and this year features a selection of curated short film programs and feature films. You’ll be able to watch regional “experiment, break, and remake popular conceptions around filmmaking and film exhibition.”

When: September 15th-24th
Where: 1515 12th Ave
Cost: Passes range from $60-$150

Ride the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad

Steam is back for a limited time only. Visitors can make online reservations to ride on a 1 hour and 15-minute, 12-mile journey on a historic train. You’ll get to experience the thrill of a real steam locomotive, as the train is driven from Elbe to Mineral by 100 year-old steam engine, Polson 70.

When: Saturday, September 9th-Sunday, October 29th
Where: 54124 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA
Cost: $33-$95+

Washington State Fair

This year, the fair runs from September 1st to 24th. and takes place at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup. During the almost month-long fair, you can find farm animals, agricultural displays, concerts, rides, and much more. While the rides and cute farm animals are the main draws for many, this year’s concert lineup has some big names that you’ll probably recognize like The Temptations, Kane Brown, Zac Brown Band, and Third Eye Blind with Built to Spill.

When: September 1st-24th
Where: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
Cost: $12-$18

Rainier R-Day

R-Day 2023 takes place on Saturday, September 16th, and is sure to be extra exuberant and eclectic. It’s a celebration of all things “wonderful and weird” and a great way to enjoy music and of course some frosty Mountain Fresh Rainier beer. Beyond the wild and wacky fun, there will also be some great musicians including PNW hard rock band Red Fang co-headlining with Cherry Glazerr. You can also hear from R&B beat master Parisalexa, and KEXP’s Larry Mizell Jr.

When: Saturday, September 16th
Where: Georgetown, WA
Cost: Free

Pickleball for All

On Saturday, September 16th, and Sunday, September 17th the area between 5th Avenue, Denny, and Wall will be transformed into ten temporary courts. Attendees can expect free coaching from the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association, games for competitive play against players of similar skill levels, and drop-in play for all.

When: Saturday, September 16th, & Sunday, September 17th
Where: 5th Avenue between Denny and Wall
Cost: Free

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Rainier Beach Farm Fest

Looking to have a wholesome farm experience this weekend? Check out the Rainier Beach Farm Fest! You can enjoy events like urban agriculture & bee demonstrations, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and multilingual and Indigenous storytelling among many other activities.

When: Saturday, September 16th
Where: 5513 S Cloverdale St
Cost: Free

Watch a locally made horror movie

As we’re halfway through the month it’s time to start getting ready for falls best holiday, Halloween. What’s a better way to do that than by enjoying a locally made horror movie? It turns out Seattle has quite a few.

Renegade Craft Fair 2023

This weekend is your chance to shop from over 180 curated artists at Renegade Seattle! The fair features some of the best craft designers, artists, and creatives from the PNW and beyond.

When: Saturday, September 16th & Sunday, September 17th
Where: 6310 NE 74th St
Cost: Free/Varies

Dine at a scenic restaurant

If you’re looking to dine out this weekend you might as well find a restaurant with a view as good as your food. Luckily for you, Seattle is full of scenic restaurants and we’ve made a list of some of the best that you can check out.

Visit a museum for free

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. Or you can use your library card to check out even more. 

Enjoy Seattle, and have a great weekend!