10 Things to Do in Seattle in September
Preparing a trip to Seattle for next September? This month features the ideal weather and temperature for spending lots of time outdoors. Here's what to expect during your trip.
Seattle | ©AvgeekJoe
September in Seattle is characterized by the transition between seasons. With summer finally coming to an end, its citizens prepare to enjoy the last few weeks of sunshine and outdoor fun before temperatures begin to drop.
This means that September in the Emerald City is filled with music festivals, weekend fairs, and food and beer festivals. Here are just a few examples of what you can enjoy during this month in the city.
I recommend alternating the activities presented here with the bestthings to see and do in Seattle during any trip for a memorable vacation.
1. Attend the most iconic music festival of the season: the Bumbershoot.
One of the most massive and highly anticipated music and art events of the year takes place in early September in the city of Seattle, specifically during the annual American holiday of Labor Day Weekend.
It's no secret that Seattle is a city with an extensive cultural and musical background. The Bumbershoot was born in 1971 as a small, independent festival, but over the years it evolved into an international event. Today, it hosts artists of recognized talent in the most diverse musical genres.
Although the festival is known primarily for its musical background and for having served as a stage for artists such as Chuck Berry, Tina Turner and Modest Mouse, its program of performances includes many other art forms, such as dance and poetry.
Where it takes place
The event takes place every year at the Seattle Center, an area specially dedicated to mass events located in the heart of the city's downtown area.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are often put on sale weeks before the festival on websites such as StubHub or other similar resources.
To stay in the loop I recommend visiting the official Bumbershoot website and find out about available concerts before purchasing your pass.
2. Do a sparkling cider tasting at Seattle's Cider Summit
The Cider Summit is an event that takes place in several U.S. cities, including Chicago, Portland, San Francisco and of course Seattle. In the emerald city the event takes place every year during the first two weeks of September, on a weekend.
I recommend you visit the Cider Summit to taste a wide sample of beverages that includes around 150 makers of craft ciders and other derivative beverages, such as beers and even cocktails. So that it's not all about drinking, you're also going to find snacks and all kinds of appetizers.
It is a beverage event focused primarily on the adult public so, at the time of attending you must be of legal age to drink alcohol in the United States.
Minors are not allowed, even if accompanied by an adult.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in one of Seattle's most beautiful neighborhoods, South Lake Union.
How to purchase tickets
You can purchase tickets for up to $10 off if you buy them in advance directly from the official Cider Summit website.
You have a VIP ticket option that includes a tasting glass, and several tickets to sample and exchange at your favorite booths.
3. The Night Market & Autumn Moon Festival takes place this month.
Taste the most exotic local and international food by attending Seattle's Night Market & Autumn Moon Festival. This event takes place every year on one of the Saturdays in September.
It is a one-day event, but the date changes every year. So, it can be early in the month or late in the month, all depending on the planning.
Attending the Night Market is one of the best things to do in Seattle at night. I recommend that weeks before your trip you look up the exact date of the event and try to get there if your travel itinerary allows it.
You will find dozens of international food stalls and an outdoor market offering local handmade products.
During the evening, Union Station Plaza dresses up to present dance performances for all audiences.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in Seattle's mythical Chinatown district. The best way to get there is to take the 1 Streetcar line to get off at the Int'L Dist/Chinatown Station. A 10-minute walk will take you to the official entrance.
How to purchase tickets
This is a free event for the public.
4. Enjoy a light show at the Luminata Parade of Lights
As a way to officially welcome fall in Seattle, a small but beautiful show called the Luminata Parade of Lights is held every year on September 21. If you happen to be in town for that day I recommend you organize your route to attend and celebrate the equinox.
If you attend the event you will be able to see live amazing acrobats; equipped with flashlights, glowing costumes and music, they demonstrate a spectacular fusion between technology and art in its purest state.
Where it takes place
Since its inception, the event has been held in Seattle's Green Lake Park, a large green area in the heart of the city where all kinds of recreational activities take place throughout the year.
How to purchase tickets
The event is free for everyone, but it is necessary to arrive early and secure a good spot. I recommend keeping an eye on the official website to know the time of the performances.
5. Have fun at the traditional Oktoberfest festival in Fremont.
The weekend after the autumnal equinox, the Fremont Oktoberfest is celebrated every year in the city of Seattle.
Each year approximately 80 booths work full steam ahead to service the massive number of participants. The booths are led by various brands of beer, but you'll also find numerous cider and snack stands.
The event bills itself as **Seattle'**s most massive beer festival. For 3 full days music, food and of course beer! are the main protagonists of the festival.
The length of the event and the many activities makes it possible to organize a visit even if you are only in town for a short time, like 2 days in Seattle or less.
Many participants join the celebration with original costumes, including giant beer steins and the traditional Dutch costume.
Where it takes place
As the name implies, the event is held each year in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle's 6th Ward. This is considered one of the best neighborhoods in the city and is famous for its independent stores and bohemian atmosphere.
How to purchase tickets
The best place to purchase entrance passes is the official Fremont Oktoberfest website
. You'll find passes of various types (afternoon and evening) and passes for various days (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).
6. Spend a day of fun by the sea with the Fishermen's Fall Festival.
The Fishermen's Fall Festival takes place every year on the first Saturday after the equinox. It is a family-friendly event that is organized with the intention of raising funds for the Seattle Fishermen's Memorial Foundation.
If you attend the event you will find all kinds of fun, including games and numerous competitions and shows that are already traditional to the event. Also of note is the delicious food, which includes fresh Northwest Seattle seafood, salmon barbecue, crab soup and fish tacos.
The competitions, mostly free of charge and with interesting prizes for first places, are the main attraction of the event.
On the official Fishermen's Fall Festival website it is possible to see a list of the traditional activities and contests that take place every year.
Where it is held
The event is held every year at the Fishermen's Terminal, a famous Seattle fishing pier located in the Interbay neighborhood. The easiest way to get to this part of town is by bus or the Seattle Metro D line.
How to purchase tickets
You do not need to purchase tickets, this is a free family event for everyone.
7. The Washington State Fair is available all month long.
September 1 in Seattle marks the start of the main Washington State Fair, which runs through September 24. In short, a full month of activities, food and entertainment.
This event is one of the most anticipated in the state and frequently ranks among the top 10 largest state fairs in all of America. If you're going to Seattle during the month of the fair, you should definitely take the opportunity to check it out.
Another smaller version of this event is held during the month of April in Seattle and is known as the spring fair.
Some of the amusements that are never missing at the State Fair are live music, shows, the sale of all kinds of goodies, traditional barbecues, pie-eating contests and, of course, all-weather rides, including the most amazing roller coasters.
If you're going to Seattle with kids, seriously consider spending an afternoon of family fun here.
Where it's held
The Fair is held each year in Puyallup, Washington located just outside of Seattle, about a 40-minute drive away. You can reach this small town by taking the 578 bus to Puyallup.
How to purchase tickets
The best place to buy tickets is by purchasing them in advance on the official website of the fair.
This is also where the schedule of activities is posted and you can buy tickets specifically for the performance of an artist or show that catches your eye.
8. Attend the Hops & Crops Festival of music and beer
In mid-September, another event that brings together some of the best activities to enjoy in and around Seattle: food, drink, craft beer and good music!
It's an adults-only event and you need to be of legal drinking age in North America. If you are attending, don't forget to bring proof of age with you.
The event usually lasts one day and the stage features a variety of local rock, soul and folk bands. Days before your trip it's worth checking out the official Hops and Crops website to keep up to date with the performance schedule.
Where it takes place
If you want to attend this event you'll need to head to the Mary Olson Farm located just outside of Seattle specifically in Auburn. The drive takes about 40 minutes to complete and you can take public transportation on the 160 line to Auburn.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the event; the cost is approximately $20 per traveler.
9. Enjoy the fall colors in Seattle's gardens.
Late September is the perfect time to tour **Seattle'**s gardens and enjoy the fall colors. In the last week of the month the plants are already displaying their characteristic orange hues, but the weather is still warm enough to take a leisurely stroll without worrying about the cold.
Here is a list of some of Seattle's most beautiful gardens for you to choose from for a pleasant stroll.
UW Arboretum
Located at the University of Washington, the Arboretum is made up of 7 large gardens and houses non-native botanical species that can only be enjoyed in its facilities.
During your visit, don't miss the Japanese Garden.
Woodland Park Rose Garden
In addition to other plants, here you can enjoy the largest collection of roses, with an impressive collection of more than 30,000 specimens.
September is the last opportunity to appreciate their colors and scents before the arrival of the cold weather extinguishes them until spring.
Streissguth Gardens
Considered by locals to be an urban oasis in the middle of the bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood. It's worth a tour in the fall for the most wonderful views of Union Lake and the ensemble it forms with Seattle Center and the Olympic Mountains.
10. September is the best month for a tour of the city.
September is a month whose fabulous weather allows for all kinds of outdoor activities, because on the one hand the summer heat drops considerably and on the other hand the autumn rains are not yet very frequent.
It is from the month of October when the city turns to its characteristic days of gray skies.
Consequently, if you visit the city during these months take advantage of every minute to know the city thoroughly. If you have the opportunity, join one of the many organized tours offered by local tour operators.
A great option is the gastronomic tours of Seattle, as a way to get to know American cuisine and the many fusion dishes found in the streets of the city.
Another interesting option are boat tours along the coast to admire the beauty of the city from the waters and enjoy the warm sunny days in Washington.
Tourist flow in Seattle in September
Hundreds of tourists and locals consider September to be the best month to visit Seattle, and I couldn't agree more, as tourism is lower than in the summer months due to back-to-school and the end of family vacations across the United States.
Planning a trip to Seattle this month is definitely a great idea. You will be able to enjoy the city with fewer people, the weather in Seattle is very pleasant for outdoor activities and the city has an impressive calendar of activities.
Prices in the city of Seattle in September.
Summer in Seattle marks the peak season in the city, which means that demand for rooms increases and space availability is affected, which raises prices substantially.
In September the tourist flow drops noticeably causing prices to fall mainly on hotel rates and flights.
Seattle in September is in the mid-price range and a great opportunity for sightseeing. The city is still more expensive than Seattle during the winter, but certainly cheaper than the summer months.