Best things to buy in July

Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for July in in Seattle-Tacoma area stores.

The items listed below are typically offered during the month of July. Shopping may be limited to online purchases. But there are still deals to be had.

Remember to not buy more than you need. Washington State’s supply chains are operating normally, yet consumers are overstocking and clearing store shelves of some items that sick neighbors, doctors, dentists and emergency response personnel need to stay safe. Health experts emphasize the best way to protect yourself from infection is through washing your hands frequently and limiting contact with others, not by overstocking certain supplies. Please leave some for the folks who need them most.

For status of individual events, check the Greater Seattle on the Cheap virtual and live event calendar to find out what’s happening every day.
For information about stores, check our list of What’s open and closed due to the WA stay-at-home order.

July Holidays & Special Events

July 4, 2020: Independence Day. Where to see 4th of July fireworks in the Puget Sound region.
July 30-31, 2020: Eid al-Adha is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year.
Seafair events continue all summer, virtual events are being held in lieu of in-person events
Cancelled 2020: Seafair Pirates landing in West Seattle
Cancelled 2020: Seafair Milk Carton Derby race on Green Lake in Seattle
Cancelled 2020: BAM arts fair in Bellevue
Cancelled 2020: Seafair Torchlight Parade (and pre-parade FanFest) in Seattle

Discounted seasonal items to buy in July

Summer clothing: Even though summer is just getting started, you can find deals on summer clothing, swimwear, and footwear (sandals and flip-flops) as stores begin to clear the way for back-to-school merchandise in August. Especially for the Fourth of July holiday, you’ll find discount on summer apparel. Since July 4^th is a Thursday in 2019, most sales will take place on the weekend following, July 5-7, 2019. If shopping appeals to you, then head to the malls and outlet stores. However, there will be steeper discounts on summer clothing in August and September, but also less selection. So, if you want a summer outfit for an upcoming outdoor event, shop now. If you are strictly after the cheapest prices you can find—perhaps on clothing a size or two up for the kiddos—wait a month or two.

Summer gear: Recreational equipment and apparel related to summer recreation, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping will be discounted as retailers begin to clear out summer stocks to make way for…dare we say it…winter gear. <shudder>

Fourth of July merchandise: Red, white, and blue are the colors of the month, and you’ll find them on everything from clothing to party accessories. Wait until July 3^rd to start seeing discounted items, and of course early on July 5^th if you want the best possible prices.

Outdoor furniture: You’ll start to see discounts on outdoor furniture, though the advice is the same as other seasonal purchases. Small discounts now with great selection, or steeper discount later with less selection.

New products to buy in July

Indoor furniture: Furniture shopping in summer is something you might reserve for a cloudy day, when you won’t miss being outside. There are some deals to be had in mid-summer on a variety of furniture for your home, including sofas, tables, chairs, and bedroom sets.

Tools: Retailers may have an excess of tools left over from Father’s Day gift buying. So if you’re in need of anything from pliers to pressure washers, you’ll want to check for sales on any kind of tool you might need.

July travel: Most holidays you can score low prices on airfare and hotels. The trick is to be flexible in your travel dates and your destination. In addition to holiday airfare on July 4^th, mid-week tickets (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) are often discounted compared to other dates. Hotels in unlikely places also offer discounts; for mid-summer, this mean hot locations. The southeast is one possibility (especially Mississippi, Florida, or South Carolina). In the West, try New Mexico, Arizona, or a road trip to the Grand Canyon. Closer to home try Mt. Hood in Oregon or sunny Spokane in eastern Washington. For good getaways on a budget in our own backyard check our list of Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State.

Seasonal produce: July-September is peak season for a lot of Washington grown produce. For the best prices, you may want to pick your own crops. Here’s a list of Month-by-month u-pick crops around Puget Sound. Or, find a farmers market in the Puget Sound region. In July, especially look for the following fruits and vegetables:

Fresh fruit at peak season in July include apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, plums, and raspberries.
Most vegetables and herbs are peaking in July, although locally grown asparagus is done for the season. Wait until August for hot weather vegetables including corn, eggplants, peppers, tomatillos, and tomatoes. Winter squash and sweet potatoes are not in season until September-October.

Season Tickets: Season tickets are a great way to save money on a night out and a great entertainment option, even for those on a budget. You often have a choice of the numbers of productions you see, as well as substantial savings over single ticket purchases, lower ticket fees, ticket exchanges, and other benefits. Below, we list several performing arts venues around the Puget Sound region. We include the lowest full price adult ticket. Higher priced premium seats are often available, as well as discount for students, seniors, or military, etc. Most theater and performing arts seasons run fall through spring. So, summertime is a good time to think about purchasing entertainment for the coming year.

ArtsWest (provocative theater as a powerful agent of change. See six plays beginning at $200 for the season.
Edmonds Driftwood Players (mystery, drama, comedy, musicals). See five mainstage plays at $120 for the season.
Meany Center at UW Seattle (music and other performing arts). Choose your own package of four or more performances from a variety of programs and prices.
Pacific Northwest Ballet (classics, new, and innovative productions). See six ballets beginning at $166 for the season, plus, save 20% on George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker for the holidays.
Seattle Opera (classics, new, and innovative productions). See five operas beginning at $178 for the season. Three and four opera packages available. Opera goers ages 21–39 are invited to join the BRAVO! young professionals group with lower pricing.
Seattle Repertory Theatre (diverse perspectives, classic and new works). See eight plays beginning at $203 for the season.
Seattle Symphony (various series, classics to pop). Many choices, such as: 5-performance classic masterworks beginning at $125, 22-performance classic masterworks beginning at $704, 6-performance Pops concerts beginning at $192, 4-concert Family series at $76/adult, $56/student or senior, and many other choices.
The 5^th Avenue Theatre (musicals). See six plays beginning around $215 for the season.
Village Theater (classics, new, and innovative productions). See five plays beginning at $160/Issaquah (for preview), $180/Issaquah (regular season), and $165/Everett.

Other possibilities: ACT, Theater Schmeater seasons run from spring to the end of the year, so check back in fall for next season subscription information.