There are a lot of things to do in Seattle in August because that’s the final month of the year when you can (almost) guarantee no rain. Plus, the sun doesn’t set until nearly 9 PM and the weather sits comfortably around 55-75°F. This leaves the city invigorated, with patio dining, events, and outdoor activities still the norm.
With fall around the corner, having as much fun outside as possible is imperative. So, I’ve compiled a roundup of my favorite things to do in August in Seattle, regardless if you’re a visitor or a local.
This post has affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click on them and make a purchase. This is a small way I earn money to support this site. If links aren’t showing up for you, turn off your ad blocking software. Thank you for your support!
Things to Do in Seattle in August
Save this list to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it every year with all the best Seattle August activities! For more August events, check out my Seattle events calendar.
Gape at the Blue Angels during Seafair
website | Columbia City (get directions) | dates: Aug 2-4 | price: ~$15-35pp for GA | best for: air show
Seafair is Seattle’s largest summer festival, and it all culminates on the first weekend of August when expert aviators perform with the Blue Angel military jets. It’s a visually stunning (and loud) experience and it all happens over the backdrop of Lake Washington, making for a spectacular show.
Attend Bumbershoot
website | Lower Queen Anne (get directions) | dates: Aug 31- Sep 1 | price: ~$70-99 pp for day passes & $125-175pp for weekend passes | best for: music festival
Bumbershoot is a major music and arts festival happening over Labor Day weekend. Expect a concert series featuring local and big-name performers, comedic performances, craft vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, and a local art show.
Visit the state fairs
State fairs are a must come summer, and three are happening near Seattle.
From August 22-27 and 29-September 2 in Monroe, there’s the Evergreen State Fair, which features farm animals, rodeo shows, carnival rides, and fair grub. Tickets are $16-18.
The WA State Fair, which I eagerly await every year, runs from August 30-September 22 and features a concert series with top-name performers like Steve Miller Band, Foreigner, and Wiz Khalifa. Ticket prices vary depending on the performer, but you can get GA tickets for entry into the rides and activities for ~$12-18pp.
If you’re jonesing for a fair earlier in the season, the Southwest Washington Fair in Centralia is happening August 13-18 for ~$10-40pp.
Get inspired at an arts fest
Arts festivals are one of the quintessential fun things to do during summer in Seattle. They’re often free, have food vendors, and are a great way to connect with local artists. These are the ones happening in August:
- Anacortes Art Festival (Aug 2-4) – 230 artisans, entertainment, a beer garden, and kids’ crafts
- Arts in the Garden (Aug 23-25) – 3D garden art, live music, and food trucks
- Waterfront Park Block Party (Aug 30) – Live music, food trucks, parades, and local art
Indulge at a food & drink festival
If your favorite part of a festival is the food and beer garden, it only makes sense that a food festival would be even better. Here are some of my favorite food festivals happening in August:
- Auction of WA Wines (Aug 8-10, ~$200-750) – Benefits Seattle Children’s Hospital
- Taste Edmonds (Aug 9-11, ~$25pp) – Local Edmonds’ food vendors, makers, and live music
- Pike Place Sunset Supper (Aug 16, ~$225pp) – 100 of the region’s best food & drink producers
- Chomp (Aug 17, free) – Highlighting local farms and sustainable restaurants
- Garlic Fest (Aug 23-25) – Garlic growers, vendors, and garlicky bites
- Tasty Tunes (Aug 25) – Enjoy music, food trucks, and beer
Go on a food crawl
One of my favorite activities is going on a food crawl, especially when the weather is nice and every patio is open for lounging. My self-guided Seattle food tours feature curated itineraries that highlight foodie neighborhoods. Each tour is regularly updated and includes insights, like when to go, what to order, and some honorable mentions to help you customize your tour.
I also have a free self-guided food tour of Pike Place Market for those looking to escape the masses and find the hidden gems. Or, take advantage of in-person guided tours with these options:
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
- Seattle Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour
- Craft Cocktail Gourmet Food Tour
Frolic at a sunflower festival
Sunflower season peaks in late summer to early fall, which is also when the farms that offer pumpkin patches and corn mazes first kick-off. It’s one of the things to do in Seattle in August that I try to attend every year. Here are some happening around Seattle:
- Mountainview Blueberry Farm Sunflower Festival (Aug 9-Sep 1)
- Rutledge Family Farm & Sunflower Festival (Aug 17- Sep 2)
- Bob’s Sunflower Experience (Aug 17-Sept 8)
- Lora Lee’s Sunflower Maze (Aug 24-blooming ends)
Check out the International Sea Glass Festival
website | Lower Queen Anne (get directions) | dates: Aug 10-11 | price: ~$15pp | best for: sea glass
The International Sea Glass Festival celebrates the history and beauty of sea and beach glass. There will be expert speakers, a sea glass contest, a collectors showcase, and local sea glass jewelers.
Watch a performance
In between the outdoor festivities, dip into the AC and experience one of the many theatrical experiences. Here are some of the shows happening in August:
- Shakespeare (Aug 1-4, free) – Performance of The Two Gentlemen of Verona
- RuPaul’s Drag Race (Aug 8) – Live performance of the iconic drag race
- Dance Innovators Series (Aug 8-10) – Festival of local dancers and improvisations
- Levity Arts (Aug 16, free) – Cirque performances, acro yoga, dance, and visual art
- Comedy Bang! Bang! (Aug 17) – Live improvised performance of the award-winning podcast
- Peter Pan (Aug 21-25) – Broadway musical directed by an Emmy award winner
Go back in time at the Renaissance Faire
website | Snohomish (get directions) | dates: Aug 2-4, 9-11, & 16-18 | price: ~$40 pp | best for: medieval revelry
If you’ve ever wanted to experience an authentic Renaissance fair, this one holds no punches. There are medieval vendors, stockades, live entertainment, beer gardens, a fairy court for kids, and even camping spots so you can be closer to the festivities. It’s one of the best things to do in Seattle in August for the history buffs and whimsical lovers!
Attend a cultural festival
Each year the Seattle Center hosts festivals to highlight different cultures. Each is free to the public and offers a unique glimpse into each culture via live entertainment. In August, there’s the Tibet Fest (Aug 10-11), Brasilfest (Aug 18), and the Festival Sundiata presenting the Black Arts Fest (Aug 23-25).
Outside of Seattle Center, there’s also:
- Umoja Fest (Aug 3-4) – Dedicated to celebrating African American culture
- Lantern Fest (Aug 6) – Commemorates the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Caribbean Fest (Aug 11) – Pan Caribbean family-oriented festival
- Cajun Fest (Aug 17) – Cajun and Zydeco bands, music, vendors, and activities
- WABA Korean Expo (Aug 23) – Korean food, vendors, and performances
- Festival Sundiata (Aug 24-25) – Celebration of Black Arts
Get your game on at PAX
website | Downtown (get directions) | dates: Aug 30-Sep 2 | price: ~$69pp per day | best for: gaming convention
PAX West is a celebration of games and gaming culture. There will be professional panels, a massive expo, new game demos, tournaments, and musical performances.
Go to the My Little Pony Fest
website | Bellevue (get directions) | dates: Aug 23-25 | price: ~$40+pp, free for kids under 12 | best for: My Little Pony collectors
Alright, this is for you brony and My Little Pony enthusiasts. Expect a weekend filled with cosplay competitions, panel discussions, kids’ craft activities, and an evening gala.
Have fun at Summer at SAM
website | Belltown (get directions) | dates: every Thurs & Sat thru Aug 26 | price: free | best for: outdoor community event
Every summer on Thursdays and Saturdays the Seattle Art Museum hosts a range of free events at the Olympic Sculpture Park. Expect a range of activities that combine visual art, music, and community.
Get inspired at the Seattle Tattoo Expo
website | Uptown (get directions) | dates: Aug 16-18 | price: ~$30pp per day | best for: tattoo convention
With live tattooing, tattoo contests, DJs, and burlesque performances, the Seattle tattoo expo is a fun, enthralling way to spend a weekend and maybe get some new ink!
Small clap at the Boeing Classic Golf Tourney
website | Snoqualmie (get directions) | dates: Aug 5-11 | price: ~$20-60pp | best for: golf tournament
If you or someone you know loves golf, you’ll want a front-row seat at this event. It’s the Pacific Northwest’s only premier PGA tour event and is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
Let loose at a neighborhood block party
Neighborhood block parties are one of the quintessential things to do in Seattle in August. Plus, they offer the perfect excuse to explore and experience Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods because they’re free, family-friendly, and highlight the local vendors specific to each neighborhood. Here are some happening in August:
- Magnolia Summerfest (Aug 2-4) – Includes food trucks, bounce houses, and outdoor movies
- Lake City Summer Festival (Aug 3) – Massive parade, live music, and kids’ activities
- BIMA Block Party (Aug 5) – Head to Bainbridge Island for music, vendors, and art
- SLU Block Party (Aug 9) – South Lake Union’s longest-running festival
- C-ID Block Party (Aug 17) – Volunteer-run party celebrating the AAPI community
Celebrate Black Pride
website | Downtown (get directions) | dates: Aug 16-18 | price: free | best for: celebrating Black pride
Celebrating its 7th year, Pacific Northwest Black Pride will be hosting a weekend celebration of Black queer liberation, community empowerment, and cultural pride. It’ll start at City Hall with an opening reception from 6-8pm on Fri Aug 16. Then all weekend there will be various events, including a wellness event and marketplace featuring Black vendors.
Go on a jazz walk
website | Shoreline (get directions) | date: Aug 13 | price: free (donations suggested) | best for: jazz music
Few moments quite encapsulate summertime like spending an evening listening to the Pacific Northwest’s finest live jazz bands and singers. The event is free, however they’re trying to raise enough money to close down the street for the performances, so consider donating!
Rock out to a band
Seattle is where many big-name bands got their start, and it remains a major music hub with numerous venues. There are also a ton of outdoor concert series in August, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ballard Locks, ZooTunes, Thing Festival, and Volunteer Park Summer Series.
If you’re looking to see a certain performer, here are a few that caught my eye:
- Alanis Morrisette (Aug 3)
- Olivia Rodrigo (Aug 6-7)
- Foo Fighters (Aug 18)
- Kings of Leon (Aug 29)
- Metallica (Aug 30 & Sep 1)
Attend an orchestra concert by candlelight
The good news is that even if your favorite singers aren’t coming to Seattle, you might be able to catch a killer cover band, by candlelight no less. Whether you’re in the mood for The Beatles (Aug 27), Queen (Aug 28), or Hans Zimmer (Aug 15), it’s sure to be a romantic evening.
Peruse the Cap Hill Garage Sale Day
website | Capitol Hill (get directions) | date: Aug 11 | price: free | best for: thrifting
This is Seattle’s longest-running community-wide garage sale and expects to feature 100+ people selling their treasures alongside independent garage sales at homes across Capitol Hill. It’s also the perfect excuse to check out all the trendy spots in Capitol Hill and some of my favorite clothing thrift shops in Seattle.
Cruise through a car show
website | Kent (get directions) | date: Aug 18 | price: free | best for: car show
Any car buffs out there are sure to have a blast checking out the best Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles in the region. There will also be food trucks, music, awards, raffles, and even vintage firetrucks on display.
Go to a national park
We’re very fortunate here to be surrounded by three of the most beautiful national parks in the country: Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. In honor of the Great American Outdoors Act, all national parks are free to enter on August 4th. Well, except for the North Cascades NP because that’s free year-round!
Kickoff football season
What summer is complete without catching a football game? August is peak season for the University of Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks pre-season games start. Seahawks’ tickets sell out quickly, so grab them early!
Catch a game
If you’re not a huge football fan, fear not. Seattle is home to multiple world-renowned leagues, including Mariners baseball, Seattle Storm WNBA, and Sounders or Reign soccer. All of them have games in August so you can get your fill of sports the whole month!
Head to the beach
August is the perfect time of year to go to the beach. There are a number of options in Seattle, like Alki Beach in West Seattle and Golden Gardens in Sunset Hill/Ballard.
That said, it’s worth taking a weekend to explore the Washington coast and check out Seabrook or Long Beach. If you visit the latter, go between August 21-27 to experience Kite Fest!
Visit the San Juan Islands
One of the best activities you can do in August is to hop on a ferry and explore the San Juan Islands. Whether you’re hoping to scratch whale watching off your bucket list, go on an island hike, or sample Puget Sound wineries, there are no wrong answers. Here are my guides to how to best explore each island:
Watch an outdoor movie
There are precious few months when it’s nice enough to watch a movie outdoors in Seattle, so grab a blanket and catch a movie at the Murals, Marymoor Park, or any of the city parks on this list.
Get on the water
One of the best things to do in Seattle in August is to get on the water and soak up the sun. I prefer to rent a kayak or SUP and paddle around Lake Union. If you want a more relaxing experience, rent an electric boat or check out one of these tours:
Explore Whidbey and the Coupeville Arts Fest
website | Whidbey Island (get directions) | dates: Aug 10-11 | price: free | best for: art festival
I’ll use any excuse to visit Whidbey Island, whether it’s to check out the local wineries, eat at the island’s best restaurants, or come August, visit the Coupeville Arts Fest. Set against the Puget Sound, it’s a weekend celebrating local vendors, artists, and family-friendly fun.
Check out the Hangarfest
website | Rainier Valley (get directions) | date: Aug 27 | price: ~$65pp | best for: 21+ food and drink event
Set among the awe-inspiring aircrafts in the Museum of Flight, this 21+ event features live music from an 80s tribute band, dancing, local craft beer, wine, spirits, food trucks, and outdoor games.
Find inspiration at the Seattle Design Fest
website | South Lake Union (get directions) | dates: Aug 17-22 | price: free | best for: street fair
Each year the city joins designers, planners, and locals to consider how the city’s design influences how we live in it. The SDF Block Party is a family-friendly street fair with large-scale installations, performances, and design activities centered around this year’s theme: What If?
Participate in a big day of play
website | Mt. Baker (get directions) | dates: Aug 17 | price: free | best for: performances
Seattle Parks and Rec puts together an annual event to encourage the city’s diverse communities to have fun, build relationships, and stay active together. This year’s event will have live performances, market vendors, food trucks, music, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Go camping in the Triangle of Fire
Admiralty Inlet was once considered so strategic to the defense of the Puget Sound that three forts were built with massive guns, creating a “Triangle of Fire” that could theoretically thwart an invasion. Those forts are Fort Flager on Marrowstone Island, Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, and Fort Worden in Port Townsend.
Visit a museum on their free days
Most museums offer free days in off-season, allowing you to bask in the AC and experience a museum you might never have otherwise. These museums offer free admission on the first Thursday of every month (Aug 1):
- Seattle Art Museum
- Seattle Asian Art Museum
- National Nordic Museum – Must be reserved in advance
- Museum of History and Industry – 5-8 PM
- Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Henry Art Gallery – Also free on Sundays
- Museum of Flight – 5-9 PM
- Volunteer Park Conservatory – Also on the first Saturday (Aug 3)
- Washington Park Arboretum Walking Tour – 11:30 AM-1 PM starting at the Graham Visitors Center
- Seattle Japanese Garden – 12-5 PM
These museums offer free admission every day:
- Frye Art Museum
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Center for Wooden Boats
- The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
- Klondike Gold Rush Museum
- Center on Contemporary Art
Go on a beer or wine crawl
Seattle’s craft beer and wine scene has always been thriving, but it really comes alive in the summer months. I’ve created a few self-guided tours, whether you’re looking for the best Ballard breweries, Seattle’s urban wineries, or looking to spend the day wine tasting in Woodinville.
Attend an adult summer camp
Since I discovered adult summer camp, it’s on my bucket list. Camp Rahh is an all-inclusive, action-packed camp dedicated to embracing your inner child with zero distractions. You’ll be able to pursue whatever interests you, be it yoga, dance, creative writing, wellness workshops, or cooking classes.
Visit the Titanic exhibit
website | Downtown (get directions) | dates: all month long | price: ~$29pp | best for: traveling Titanic exhibit
Following sold-out runs in New York and London, the traveling Titanic exhibition is touring Seattle, bringing original artifacts, including personal belongings, survivor testimonies, and recreated interiors of the ship.
Celebrate Summer Nights at MOHAI
website | South Lake Union (get directions) | dates: Aug 8, 15, 22, 29 | price: ~$16pp | best for: Lake Union views and exhibits
Did you know the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) has a rooftop terrace? Yeah, me neither. But you can enjoy the views of Lake Union from it during their Summer Nights on the Terrace series. There will be live music and refreshments for purchase from 5:30-7:30pm. You can also access the museum’s award-winning exhibits after hours. All ages are welcome.
Bask in the sun on a rooftop bar
One of the most fun activities you can do in August in Seattle is to spend an afternoon sipping on cocktails at one of the city’s countless patios or rooftop bars. I rattled off tons of patio options in this reel, but here’s a shortlist of my favorites:
- Bottlehouse – Curated wines, microbrews, and artisanal cheese boards
- Darkalino’s – Italian deli with homemade pasta and spritzes
- The Flora Bakehouse – Fresh pastries with local and seasonal ingredients
- Little Water Cantina – Yummy Mexican dishes served lakeside
- MOTO Pizza – Detroit-style pizza and soft serve (West Seattle location)
- The Pink Door – Pike Place staple with Italian fare and live entertainment
More things to do in summer
After you explore all of these things to do in Seattle in August, check out my other guides for more fun in the sun.
