Things to Do in Seattle in the Fall: A Traveler’s Guide to Seattle Fall Activities
Seattle’s fall activities offer a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, cultural events, and family-friendly outings that make the city come alive with seasonal charm. As the leaves change to brilliant hues of red and orange and the air turns crisp, visitors and locals alike can explore a wide range of unique experiences that highlight the best of the season. From harvest festivals to scenic nature walks, fall in Seattle provides endless opportunities to enjoy the city’s rich offerings.
Seattle’s Seasonal Festivals and Events
We begin our guide to Seattle’s fall activities with a look at a few lively festivals and events that celebrate everything from local culture to the spooky season. These events capture the spirit of autumn in the Pacific Northwest.
Halloween at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market gets a spooky makeover every October. Visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, and Halloween-themed activities while exploring one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks.
Fremont Oktoberfest
Head to Fremont for one of the largest fall festivals in the city. Fremont Oktoberfest features craft beer tastings from local breweries, delicious Bavarian snacks, and live music. It’s a fun way to enjoy Seattle’s fall weather while embracing a time-honored tradition.
Seattle Harvest Festival
Located in the heart of the city, the Seattle Harvest Festival brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors for a celebration of the fall harvest. This family-friendly event offers activities like pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and delicious seasonal treats.
Family-Friendly Activities
Seattle’s fall offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy together. From pumpkin patches to interactive sailing experiences, there’s something to entertain kids of all ages.
Seattle’s Tall Ship
For a more interactive experience, take the family aboard Seattle’s Tall Ship for a hands-on sailing adventure. This authentic tall ship allows kids (and adults) to hoist the sails and steer the ship under the captain’s guidance, offering an unforgettable experience on the water.
Remlinger Farms
Just outside of Seattle, Remlinger Farms is the go-to spot for families during the fall. Their fall harvest festival includes a pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo, and carnival rides. It’s a classic fall experience that’s great for kids of all ages.
Woodland Park Zoo’s Pumpkin Bash
Celebrate Halloween in style at the Woodland Park Zoo’s Pumpkin Bash. The zoo offers trick-or-treating for kids, plus special pumpkin enrichment activities for the animals. It’s a fun and educational way to spend a fall day with the family.
Looking for an unforgettable day on the water? Seattle’s Tall Ship’s “Bay Lady” offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of tall ship sailing in the heart of Seattle. Step aboard this magnificent vessel and sail into history as you take in the beauty of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. Don’t miss your chance to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure—book your sail today!
Guests enjoy the sights and sounds of a tall ship tour onboard Seattle’s Tall Ships, “The Bay Lady”.
Seattle’s Fall Activities For Nature Lovers
If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Seattle’s natural surroundings, autumn is the perfect time to explore these scenic spots.
Snoqualmie Falls
While Snoqualmie Falls isn’t in Seattle, it’s only a short drive from the city and well worth the trip. The powerful waterfall is especially breathtaking in the fall, surrounded by vivid autumn foliage. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic beauty of one of Washington’s most famous landmarks.
Washington Park Arboretum
The Arboretum is one of the best places in Seattle to witness the changing colors of the season. With trees ranging from Japanese maples to towering oaks, this park offers a peaceful setting for a fall walk among the vibrant leaves.
Kubota Garden
Located in South Seattle, Kubota Garden is a hidden gem with beautifully landscaped grounds, ponds, and a mix of native and exotic trees. In the fall, the garden’s rich colors make it one of the city’s most picturesque spots.
For the Art and Culture Enthusiast
Seattle’s creative scene flourishes during the fall, offering visitors a chance to experience the city’s arts and culture at their best.
5th Avenue Theatre
For those who love live theater, the historic 5th Avenue Theatre offers a variety of performances in the fall. From Broadway hits to original productions, there’s always something captivating happening on stage.
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) Fall Series
Movie buffs will love attending the SIFF Fall Series, which showcases independent films from around the world. It’s a great way to dive into the arts while enjoying some of the best indie films of the season.
Seattle Art Walks
Seattle’s various neighborhoods host art walks throughout the fall, where local galleries and artists open their doors to the public. You can explore a mix of visual art, sculpture, photography, and more while strolling through neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square.
Seattle’s fall activities offer something for everyone, with festivals, nature outings, and cultural events that highlight the season’s best. From colorful fall foliage and family-friendly experiences to rich cultural happenings, Seattle in autumn is a destination that brims with seasonal charm. Take the time to explore these Seattle fall activities and discover all that the Emerald City has to offer during this beautiful time of year.
Book a sail with Seattle’s Tall Ship
If you have never experienced the thrill of sailing on our tall ship, there is no better time to try than now. With multiple sailing times and experiences available, our family-friendly harbor experiences are a must-do Seattle activity. Join us today!