The Emerald Palate

Seattle food tours & retreats

Seasonal Activities, Things to Do ·

All the Best Things to Do in Seattle in August 2026

woman on a swing in a sunflower field, one of the best things to do in Seattle in August

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 8:30 PM and the weather sits comfortably around 60-80°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.

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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: July 31 – 2 | price: ~$55+ pp (free on Friday) | 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.

You can enjoy the festival from a public park or watch it from the Museum of Flight at their Jet Blast Bash event.

Blue Angels at Seafair, one of the best things to do in Seattle in June
Photo courtesy of the US Navy

Visit the state fairs

State fairs are a must come summer, and three are happening near Seattle in August:

swings at the Washington State Fair, one of the most fun summer activities

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 Farmers Market

Indulge at a food & drink event

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.

Food events

  • LTD x Off Alley Izakaya ( Aug 1, Columbia City) – LTD Sushi is turning Off Alley into a late night Japanese eating and drinking spot
  • BESO BURGER™️ Pop Up (Aug 1-31, Bellevue) – Enjoy a chef-y burger at this traveling pop up
  • The Summer Table (Aug 5 & 26, Rainer Beach) – Tilth Alliance’s chef dinner series featuring Gold Coast Kitchen and Mezzanotte
  • Live Fire Dinner with Chef Adam Glick (Aug 13, Downtown, ~$175pp) – Chef’s dinner at Edgewater Hotel
  • Bread Salon (Aug 13, Fremont, ~$30pp) – Sea Wolf Bakers is hosting a talk about fermentation
  • Chomp (Aug 15, Redmond, free) – Highlighting local farms and sustainable restaurants
  • Paella & Sangria Party (Aug 15, SODO, ~$15pp) – Spanish-themed celebration at Rotie Cellars
  • Columbia City Night Market (Aug 15, free) – Monthly night market with food and makers
  • Crème Brûlée & Southern French Market (Aug 15, South Park, free) – Shopping, wine, and treats at Princess & Bear Wines
  • Garlic Fest (Aug 21, Centralia) – Garlic growers, vendors, and garlicky bites
  • Feast in the Field (Aug 22, Carnation, ~$245pp) – Farm dinner with Good Meat Project
  • Panda Fest (Aug 28, Downtown) – Asian street food festival at Seattle Center
  • C-ID Food Walk (Aug 29, free) – Walk around Chinatown-ID and sample food from local restaurants
  • Forest Feast (Aug 29, Snoqualmie, $295pp) – Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu at Treehouse Point
person handing out a BBQ food sample at one of the best festivals in Washington State
Image courtesy of Crave! NW

Drink events

Many of these also have food!

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.

Self-guided Seattle food tour of the Ballard neighborhood
Ballard Tour
Fremont Seattle Food Tour
FREMONT TOUR
person diving fork into colorful layered cake from a restaurant on The Emerald Palate's self-guided Seattle food tour of the Georgetown neighborhood
Georgetown 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:

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 at the farms near Seattle:

woman on a swing at a sunflower farm, one of the best things to do in Olympia, WA

Celebrate Black Pride

website | Downtown (get directions) | dates: Aug 20-23 | price: free | best for: celebrating Black pride

Pacific Northwest Black Pride will be hosting a weekend celebration of Black queer liberation, community empowerment, and cultural pride. It’ll start with an opening reception on Friday. Then all weekend there will be various events, including a wellness event, drag brunch, and marketplace featuring Black vendors.

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:

If you want to get in on the performance, check out Dancing ‘Til Dusk, a community event that hosts free dance classes throughout the city all summer long.

burlesque performance, one of the best Halloween fun in Seattle

Go back in time at the Renaissance Faire

website | Snohomish (get directions) | dates: weekends July 18 – Aug 16 | price: ~$38+ 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 8-9), Brasilfest (Aug 16), and the Festival Sundiata presenting the Black Arts Fest (Aug 22-23).

Outside of Seattle Center, there’s also:

Cultural street performance, one of the best things to do in Seattle in August
Photo by Alabastro Photography

See a Harry Potter Drone Show

website | Redmond (get directions) | dates: Aug 14-15 | price: ~$53pp | best for: nighttime light show

Experience an unforgettable open-air spectacle as 1,200 illuminated drones recreate your favorite characters and most beloved moments from the the Harry Potter™ films paired with live music.

Go to the My Little Pony Fest

website | Bellevue (get directions) | dates: Aug 21-23 | price: ~$70pp for 3 days, free for kids under 3 | 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 & Sun thru Aug 2 | price: free | best for: outdoor community event

Every summer on Thursdays and Sundays 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.

woman walking in the Olympic Sculpture Park, a great way to spend 24 hours in Seattle

Get inspired at the Seattle Tattoo Expo

website | Uptown (get directions) | dates: Aug 14-16 | price: ~$38pp 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 10-16 | price: ~$20+ pp | 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. Plus it’s the perfect excuse to explore all the fun things to do in Snoqualmie around the event.

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:

View of Seattle skyline and Lake Union at Gas Works Park

Go on a jazz walk

website | Shoreline (get directions) | date: Aug 12 | 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!

Celebrate Summer Nights at MOHAI

website | South Lake Union (get directions) | dates: Aug 20 & 27, Sept 10 & 17 | 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 4-8 PM. You can also access the museum’s award-winning exhibits after hours. All ages are welcome.

MOHAI is hosting a free exhibit called Freedom Plane National Tour for America’s 250th birthday July 30 – August 16. Guests with timed-entry reservations can see our country’s founding documents up close. Featured documents include an Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence (1823), the Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form (1787), the Treaty of Paris, and the Bill of Rights.

Viewpoint of Seattle at Lake Union Park

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:

If you’re looking to see a certain performer, here are a few that caught my eye:

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. Whether you’re in the mood for Queen vs ABBA (Aug 13), The Beatles (Aug 21), Hans Zimmer (Aug 28), or Adele (Aug 28), it’s sure to be a romantic evening.

pianist surrounded by candles on a stage
Image courtesy of Fever

Peruse the Cap Hill Garage Sale Day

website | Capitol Hill (get directions) | date: Aug 16 | 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 16 | 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.

Want to see a car race? Head to Monroe Aug 14-15 for the Tire Pros Summer Showdown.

Can’t make it this weekend? Everett’s Wheels on the Waterfront is happening the following weekend, Aug 22.

Go to a national park

We’re very fortunate here to be surrounded by three of the best Pacific Northwest national parks in the country: Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. In honor of the NPS’ 110th birthday, all national parks are free to enter on August 25. Well, except for the North Cascades NP because that’s free year-round!

woman walking on the beach on the Washington coast

Kick off football season

What summer is complete without catching a football game? August is when the University of Washington Huskies (Aug 22) and Seattle Seahawks (Aug 15) pre-season games and celebrations 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!

view of the Mariners baseball stadium with Seattle skyline in the background

Head to the beach

August is the perfect time of year to explore some of Washington’s best beaches. There are a number of parks in Seattle with beaches, 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 17-23 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:

Make sure to also read my guide on how to get to the San Juan Islands, as navigating the ferry system can be tricky!

woman overlooking ocean on a cliff, one of the best things to do on Lopez 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 take advantage of the city’s water activities 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:

If you’re on the Eastside, you can also rent kayaks in Bellevue!

woman enjoying a drink and views on an Argosy Cruise, a must do during a 2 days in Seattle itinerary

Go to an adult summer camp

Summer camps aren’t just for kids anymore. There are various options for adults who want to get away from the computer and experience the world through nature and their hands. Here are some going in in August:

  • Kayaking & Yoga (Aug 7-9, San Juan Islands) – Kayak between the islands with breaks for yoga and meditation
  • Camp Craftaway (Aug 14-16, Des Moines) – An experience for craft-loving adults
  • Food, Wine, & Kayaking (Aug 21-24, San Juan Islands) – Kayak and camp with Brook & Bull and Reininger wineries

Explore Whidbey and the Coupeville Arts Fest

website | Whidbey Island (get directions) | dates: Aug 8-9| 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.

older men canoeing on the water near a dock in the mist on Whidbey

Find inspiration at the Seattle Design Fest

website | South Lake Union (get directions) | dates: Aug 15-20 | 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: IN[FLUX].

Participate in a big day of play

website | Mt. Baker (get directions) | dates: Aug 15 | 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 Flagler on Marrowstone Island, Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, and Fort Worden in Port Townsend.

Fort Worden historic battery

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 6):

a bunch of planes hanging in the Museum of Flight
Image courtesy of the Museum of Flight

These free Seattle museums have no admission free every day:

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.

white wine being poured at one of the Black-owned wineries in the US

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. Here’s a shortlist of my favorites:

person holding a cocktail over the ledge of a Seattle rooftop bar with the Seattle waterfront in the background

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.

Join the club

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