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 characterised 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 holiday.
1. Attend the most iconic music festival of the season: the Bumbershoot.
One of the most massive and highly anticipated music and arts 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 began in 1971 as a small, independent festival, but over the years it has evolved into an international event. Today, it hosts a wide range of talented artists in a variety of musical genres.
Although the festival is best known for its musical background and for having served as a stage for artists such as Chuck Berry, Tina Turner and Modest Mouse, its programme 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, a dedicated mass event area located in the heart of downtown Seattle.
How to buy tickets
Tickets often go on sale weeks before the festival on websites such as StubHub or other similar resources.
To keep up to date, I recommend visiting the official Bumbershoot website to find out which concerts are available before you buy your pass.
2. Do a sparkling cider tasting at Seattle's Cider Summit
The Cider Summit is an event that takes place in several US cities, including Chicago, Portland, San Francisco and of course Seattle. In the Emerald City the event takes place every year during the first half of September, on a weekend.
I recommend you visit the Cider Summit to sample a wide range of beverages including around 150 makers of craft ciders and other cider-based beverages, such as beers and even cocktails. It's not all about drinking, you'll also find snacks and appetizers of all kinds.
It's a drinks event primarily for adults, so you must be of legal drinking age in the United States to attend.
Minors are not allowed, even if accompanied by an adult.
Where the event takes place
The event takes place in one of Seattle's most beautiful neighbourhoods, South Lake Union.
How to buy 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 the option of a VIP ticket which includes a tasting glass, and several tickets to sample and exchange at your favourite booths.
3. The Night Market & Autumn Moon Festival takes place this month.
Sample 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, depending on your 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.
You'll find dozens of international food stalls and an open-air market offering local handmade goods.
During the evening, Union Station Plaza dresses up to present dance performances for all ages.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in Seattle's iconic Chinatown district. The best way to get there is to take the #1 Streetcar to get off at Int'L Dist/Chinatown Station. A 10-minute walk will take you to the official entrance.
How to buy tickets
This is a free event for the general public.
4. Enjoy a light show at the Luminata Parade of Lights
As a way of officially welcoming autumn to Seattle, a small but beautiful spectacle called the Luminata Parade of Lights is held every year on September 21st. If you happen to be in town on that day I recommend you organise your route to attend and celebrate the equinox.
If you attend the event you'll be able to see live and incredible acrobats; equipped with torches, glowing costumes and music, they demonstrate a spectacular fusion of technology and art at its purest.
Where it takes place
Since its inception, the event has been held in Seattle's Green Lake Park, a large green space in the heart of the city where all kinds of recreational activities take place throughout the year.
How to buy 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 find out the time of the performances.
5. Have fun at Fremont's traditional Oktoberfest.
The weekend after the autumnal equinox, the Fremont Oktoberfest is held every year in the city of Seattle.
Every year approximately 80 stalls work at full steam to serve the massive number of participants. The stalls are led by various brands of beer, but you will also find numerous cider and snack stalls.
The event calls itself **Seattle'**s most massive beer festival. For 3 full days, music, food and of course beer are the main protagonists of the festival.
The duration of the event and the many activities makes it possible to organise 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 traditional Dutch costumes.
Where it takes place
As the name implies, the event takes place every year in the Fremont neighbourhood of Seattle's 6th Ward. This is considered one of the best neighbourhoods in the city and is famous for its independent shops and bohemian atmosphere.
How to buy tickets
The best place to buy tickets is the official Fremont Oktoberfest website
. You'll find a variety of passes (afternoon and evening) and passes for different 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's a family-friendly event held to raise money for the Seattle Fishermen's Memorial Foundation.
If you attend the event you'll find all kinds of fun, including games and numerous competitions and shows that have become a tradition of the event. Other highlights include delicious food, including fresh Northwest Seattle seafood, salmon barbecue, crab soup and fish tacos.
The competitions, mostly free of charge and with exciting prizes for first place, 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 competitions that take place every year.
Where it takes place
The event takes place every year at the Fishermen's Terminal, a famous Seattle fishing pier located in the Interbay neighbourhood. The easiest way to get to this part of town is by bus or the Seattle Metro D line.
How to buy tickets
No tickets are required, this is a free, family-friendly event.
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 in Seattle during the month of the fair, you should definitely 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 fun that the State Fair never fails to provide 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 buy 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 events 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 things 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, be sure to bring proof of age with you.
The event usually lasts one day and 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 an eye on 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 to Auburn.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the event; the cost is approximately $20 per person.
9. Enjoy the autumn colours in Seattle's gardens.
Late September is the perfect time to tour **Seattle'**s gardens and enjoy the autumn colours. 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's 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 is home to non-native botanical species that can only be enjoyed in its facilities.
Don't miss the Japanese Garden on your visit.
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 chance to appreciate their colours and scents before the arrival of the cold weather puts them out until spring.
Streissguth Gardens
Considered by locals to be an urban oasis in the middle of the bustling Capitol Hill neighbourhood. It's worth a walk in autumn 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 city tour.
September is a month whose fabulous weather allows for all kinds of outdoor activities, as the summer heat drops considerably and the autumn rains are not yet very frequent.
It is from October onwards that the city turns to its characteristic days of grey skies.
Consequently, if you visit the city during these months, make the most of every minute to get to know the city in depth. If you get the chance, join one of the many organised tours offered by local tour operators.
Food tours of Seattle are a great way to experience American cuisine and the many fusion dishes found on the city's streets.
Another interesting option are boat tours along the coast to admire the beauty of the city from the water and enjoy the warm sunny days in Washington.
Seattle's tourist crowds in September
Hundreds of tourists and locals alike 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 holidays across the United States.
Planning a trip to Seattle this month is definitely a great idea. You'll 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 Seattle in September.
Summer in Seattle marks the peak season in the city, which means that demand for rooms increases and the availability of space is affected, which raises prices substantially.
In September the tourist flow drops significantly causing prices to fall mainly on hotel rates and flights.
Seattle in September is in the middle price range and a great opportunity for tourism. The city is still more expensive than Seattle during the winter, but certainly cheaper than the summer months.