 5 things to do around Seattle this summer)
Summers in Seattle area are gloriousXXX
Clear, sunny skies, moderate temperatures, and mild nights come together to make weekends built for getting out, getting together, and creating memories to last through the rainy season (also known as the rest of the year). Looking for suggestions on what to do? Let’s say we’ve got a few ideas.
1. Farmer’s markets
Strolling through one of the many farmers markets, in and around Seattle, is a great way to spend a summer afternoon and explore the many neighborhoods our region has to offer. Grab your tote bag and head out to one of these markets, where you can pick up fresh local produce, peruse artisanal crafts and support local businesses.
Seattle Area
- Ballard Farmers Market (Sundays)
- Capitol Hill Farmers Market (Sundays)
- Columbia City Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
- Lake City Farmers Market (Thursdays)
- Madrona Farmers Market (Fridays)
- Magnolia Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Queen Anne Farmers Market (Thursdays)
- Phinney Farmers Market (Fridays)
- Seattle Pike Place Market (Every day)
- Pike Place Seasonal Markets (Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays – depending on location)
- University District Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Wallingford Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
- West Seattle Farmers Market (Sundays)
Eastside
- Bellevue Farmers Market (Thursdays)
- Carnation Farmers Market (Tuesdays)
- Crossroads Farmers Market (Tuesdays)
- Issaquah Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Kirkland Wednesday Market
- Mercer Island Farmers Market (Sundays)
- Redmond Saturday Market
- Sammamish Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
- Woodinville Farmers Market (Saturdays)
South of Seattle
- Auburn Farmers Market (Sundays)
- Burien Farmers Market (Thursdays)
- Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Federal Way Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Kent Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Maple Valley Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Renton Farmers Market (Tuesdays)
- Puyallup Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Tacoma Farmers Market (Tuesdays or Thursdays – depending on location)
- Vashon Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
North of Seattle
- Bothell Farmers Market (Fridays)
- Edmonds Garden Market (Saturdays)
- Everett Farmers Market (Wednesdays or Sundays – depending on location)
- Lake Forest Park Farmers Market (Sundays)
- Mill Creek Farmers Market (Fridays)
- Mukilteo Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
- Snohomish Farmers Market (Thursdays)
Get your grill on
When it comes to laid-back, warm-weather entertaining, look no further than your own backyard. So fire up the grill and call your friends and neighbors for a leisurely summer afternoon.
Be sure to stock up on party essentials (beverages, plenty of food and seating, and a little insect repellent), and you’re set for a great time. This might also be the perfect excuse to experiment with something new—try your hand at making a batch of unique s’mores or blackberry mojitos!
Make sure you’ve got music to set the mood, (and point your speakers at the wall of your house—as opposed to facing out toward the yard. This will bounce the sound off the wall and amplify it throughout your back yard).
And if you need anything else, we’ve got you covered with a few more tips for a great backyard party.
Outdoor movies
Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor movies. Bring the kids (depending on the movie and venue), a lawn chair, blankets, a snack, and something to sip on. It’s like an old-fashioned drive-in, without the cars.
(* Denotes free admission, 21+ denotes no one underage)
Seattle Area
- Three Dollar Bill Cinema (Cal Anderson Park)
- Columbia City Cinema Under the Stars (Columbia Park)*
- Green Lake Community Center
- Movie Night at Freeway Park
- Peddler Brewing Company
- Bite of Seattle (Seattle Center)*
- Movies at the Mural (Seattle Center)*
- Movies at the Marina (Shilshole Bay Marina)*
- Seattle Outdoor Cinema (South Lake Union Discovery Center)* (21+)
- Movies at Westlake Park*
- West Seattle Outdoor Movies*
Eastside
- Crossroads Movies in the Park (Bellevue)*
- Downtown Movies in the Park (Bellevue)*
- Carillon Point Movies in the Plaza (Kirkland)
- Movies at Marymoor Park (Redmond)
South of Seattle
- Auburn’s Summer Sounds and Cinema*
- Movies in the Park, Skansie Brothers Park (Gig Harbor)*
- Renton Summer Outdoor Movies
- Skyway Outdoor Cinema (Renton)*
- LeMay Car Museum’s Drive-In Movie Series (Tacoma)*
- Summer Bash and Movies in the Park (Tacoma)*
North of Seattle
- Edmonds Outdoor Movie Nites*
- Cinema Under the Stars (Everett)*
- Sail-In Cinema (Everett)*
- Movies Under the Moon (Monroe)*
- Popcorn in the Park (Marysville)*
- Snohomish Movies in the Park*
Summer festivals
Summer is a great time to share experiences. Whether these festivals are new to you or like old, familiar friends, there are enough events throughout the region to cater to your tastes—or to tickle your fancy with something unexpected. Here are a few of our favorites.
July
- Ballard Seafood Fest
- Anada Mela
- Bellevue Arts Fair
- Bite of Seattle
- Bon Odori Festival
- International District – Dragonfest
- Kirkland Uncorked
- Nordic Heritage Museum Viking Days
- Seattle Chamber Music Festival
August
September
Something you’ve never tried before
When we were kids, summer was a seemingly endless time of exploration. Time-off from the everyday and time to try new experiences. Experiences that would eventually become treasured memories.
Why does that have to stop? True, you don’t have months off from your responsibilities, but there is still plenty of time this summer for you to experience something new.
- A road trip to someplace you’ve never been?
- Planting a garden?
- Stand up paddle boarding with your kids?
- Sky diving!?
Unlike this summer, the possibilities are endless. And whatever new thing you try this summer, know that in in just a few short years, you’ll have some new treasured memories.