Lavender farms can be found in various parts of Washington State. The largest cluster is on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula, near the town of Sequim and the surrounding Dungeness Valley. This area is widely known for premium lavender. Visitors come from around the world to experience the beauty of this … [Read more...] about Getaway: Lavender farms on the Washington Peninsula (66 mi NW via ferry)
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June – October: u-pick produce around Puget Sound
Here’s our list of popular u-pick fruits, berries, and vegetables and the best month to pick them in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and Western Washington counties around the Puget Sound region. In addition, we provide a link to a map of u-pick farms near you for each crop. Washington State is known worldwide … [Read more...] about June – October: u-pick produce around Puget Sound
Free things to do in July
Listed below are the free things to do from our July events calendar. For more things to do, see our complete July events and entertainment calendar. Free events July 2026 Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers … [Read more...] about Free things to do in July
Affordable July entertainment
Our July events calendar features a wide variety of affordable entertainment in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as many organizers announce new events and online content. As always, we focus on events with a regular adult admission price of $15 or … [Read more...] about Affordable July entertainment
Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
SeafoodFest in Ballard started as a two-hour dinner in 1971. Today, it's an iconic three-day event that draws thousands, who enjoy food vendors, local music, arts and crafts, family entertainment, a beer garden, lutefisk eating (or not), giant fish, skateboarding competition, oceans of seafood, and loads of fun all … [Read more...] about Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
Best things to buy in August
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 August in Seattle-Tacoma area stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in August
Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
50+ summer things to do for kids and families
Here's our list of free and cheap things to do in summer for kids, teens, and families in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. You'll find outdoor and indoor activities, free tours, DIY toys, cheap food, and fun getaways around Washington State. From beaches and biking to bowling and backyard games, we've got enough fun … [Read more...] about 50+ summer things to do for kids and families
Parades on July 4th in the Puget Sound region
Parades are another great way to celebrate community. Seafair festivals and parades happen in Seattle all summer long. Some are community parades that have been held since before Seafair began in the 1950s. But the popularity of fireworks seems to be decreasing due to environmental concerns, public safety, and … [Read more...] about Parades on July 4th in the Puget Sound region
Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Here’s our list of where to see free public fireworks show in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and other cities and communities around the Puget Sound region. At the end of the list of fireworks shows, we offer tips for photographing fireworks. And, if you are planning a private show, we offer links to fireworks … [Read more...] about Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
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 Seattle-Tacoma area stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in July
Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
Seafair, Seattle’s consummate summer festival, began in 1950 as Sea Fair, a 10-day "water festival". The first festival was organized by a committee of businessmen from the community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city*. Seafair is primarily about community, civic pride, affordable fun, and of course, the … [Read more...] about Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
2026 FIFA World Cup watch parties and more
The worldwide soccer tournament known as the “World Cup” takes place every four years. Football teams from around the globe compete for the coveted trophy. Not surprisingly, it is estimated that 10 times as many people watch the World Cup as watch the NFL Super Bowl football championship in the United … [Read more...] about 2026 FIFA World Cup watch parties and more
Where Kids Bowl Free all summer in Western WA
Bowling centers, schools, and other community organizations have worked together to provide affordable bowling to kids and families. It's a great summer activity designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and to provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. About … [Read more...] about Where Kids Bowl Free all summer in Western WA
Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade
Fremont Solstice Fair & Solstice Parade every June coincides with the Summer Solstice. The funky, friendly Fremont neighborhood celebrates all aspects of community: art, spirit, sharing, and working together to help each other. During Fremont Fair weekend, people from all walks of life come together to shop, eat, … [Read more...] about Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade
Free swim lessons (ages 6-16) at Seattle beaches
Seattle Parks and Recreation offers safe, lifeguarded beaches at nine beaches around the city: Green Lake, Madison Park, Madrona, Magnuson Park, Matthews Beach, Mount Baker Park Beach, Pritchard Island Beach, and Seward Park Beach. It is strongly recommended that you swim only where and when lifeguards are … [Read more...] about Free swim lessons (ages 6-16) at Seattle beaches
2026 Solstice and Equinox dates
The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning sol (sun) and stitium (to stop). The solstice occurs twice a year, when it reaches the northernmost point (summer in the norther hemisphere) and southernmost point (winter in the northern hemisphere). Each solstice indicates the stop of the sun before it … [Read more...] about 2026 Solstice and Equinox dates
Free things to do in June
Listed below are the free things to do in June. For all events on our calendar, free and paid, visit our June events calendar. Free events June 2026 Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to … [Read more...] about Free things to do in June
Juneteenth National Independence Day in the Seattle-Tacoma area
Juneteenth commemorates the day slavery ended in the United States. It is honored every year on June 19 with a variety of community events. Listed below is a description of some of the major annual events followed by a calendar of Juneteenth events happening in the Seattle-Metro area and across the Puget Sound … [Read more...] about Juneteenth National Independence Day in the Seattle-Tacoma area
Free and cheap things to do today
This event calendar for the greater Seattle-Tacoma metro area focuses on free and affordable things to do that make the most of your entertainment dollars. Our event calendar includes a wide range of events, including community festivals, art shows & art walks, craft fairs, film festivals, live music, comedy shows, … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do today
Our big list of car shows and auto clubs
The Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region has its fair share of car shows, car clubs, and swap meets to satisfy car and motorcycle enthusiasts living or visiting the region. We've listed the key (get it?) events and organizations throughout the state. Find a calendar of upcoming car shows and related events below. Auto … [Read more...] about Our big list of car shows and auto clubs
Affordable June entertainment
Our June events calendar features a wide variety of affordable entertainment in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. As always, we focus on events with a regular adult admission price of $15 or less, or virtual admission of $30. For more expensive events, we look for popular events with available ticket discounts … [Read more...] about Affordable June entertainment
Father’s Day Classic Car Show in Burien
Burien's annual Classic Car Show is held during the Strawberry Festival, which features games, food, vendors, and live music all weekend in Town Square Park. On Sunday, check out hot rods, classic and vintage cars with fellow gear heads at SW 152nd Street. Cars will line SW 152nd Street in Downtown Burien from 4th Ave … [Read more...] about Father’s Day Classic Car Show in Burien
Tips and tricks for photographing fireworks
Photographing fireworks is challenging. Below, we offer some tips from National Geographic and other sources for capturing images of nighttime fireworks shows. Also, we list some vantage points throughout the Puget Sound region where you might be able to snap a great photo. Weather permitting, of course (always a … [Read more...] about Tips and tricks for photographing fireworks
Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
If you plan to get out on any of the many waterways in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region, be sure you are prepared. Whether you will be in a motorboat, sailboat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or enjoying lakes and rivers as a swimmer or water skier, be sure to get familiar with Washington Boating Laws and water … [Read more...] about Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws


![Coast Guardsmen and Coast Guard Auxiliary members from the Pacific Northwest march in Seattle's Torchlight Parade, July 30, 2011 photo by the Coast Guard [public domain]](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Coast-Guardsmen-and-Coast-Guard-Auxiliary-members-from-the-Pacific-Northwest-march-in-Seattles-Torchlight-Parade-July-30-2011-photo-by-the-Coast-Guard-public-domain-200x150.jpg)





















