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 fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Events & Things to do
Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend
The first Wooden Boat Festival (WBF) in North America in 1978 at Port Townsend eventually joined with Northwest Maritime Center in 2005 to continue to engage and educate people in traditional maritime culture and to inspire people to adventure on the sea--the most powerful teacher you may ever know! Today, the Port … [Read more...] about Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend
Getaway: Lavender farms on the Washington Peninsula
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
15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
You may not know there are many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America's fish populations. Supporting a variety of fish species and issues, including habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing rights, and … [Read more...] about 15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Beginning in summer and lasting well into fall is the salmon spawning season in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Many people enjoy watching wild salmon as they swim upriver or navigate fish ladders to lay their eggs. There are also spring salmon runs, when young salmon migrate downstream to their life at sea. But the … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Seafair signature events and community festivals
Many people think that Seattle's Seafair summer festival is the hydroplane races on Lake Washington with the Blue Angels flying overhead during Seafair Weekend in August. Far from it. Seafair is a summer-long festival from June through August, with several signature events and many, many community events … [Read more...] about Seafair signature events and community festivals
State and County Fairs in Washington State
Washington state has a rich agricultural heritage. A visit to a state or county fair is an excellent way to sample local foods and enjoy free and cheap entertainment. Fairs are a family-friendly activity. Fairs are also a way to see live local and headliner bands at a fraction of the typical price (or even free). … [Read more...] about State and County Fairs in Washington State
Free Art Festivals in Bellevue
For the past several decades, the city of Bellevue has showcased local artists at several summer art fairs. More information about each festival is detailed below with links to information about all the activities, what to see and do, where to park, and more. Bellevue Arts Festivals Bellevue Arts Museum … [Read more...] about Free Art Festivals in Bellevue
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
Food deals and discounts on coffee, fast food, and fine dining
These food deals (and drink deals) and restaurant dining discounts are available throughout the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. You'll find offers from local eateries, national chains, and fast-food restaurants. As always, we focus on those with modest prices. We may also feature more expensive options that offer a … [Read more...] about Food deals and discounts on coffee, fast food, and fine dining
Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia
The Puget Sound Estuarium was founded in 2007 by the South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) as a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to foster learning opportunities that inspire people of all ages to enjoy the unique estuary* environment of Puget Sound. * Estuary: where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh water … [Read more...] about Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia
Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
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Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre urban oasis located on Phinney Ridge. The Zoo presents exhibits featuring animals in their natural habitat, is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and certified by the American Humane Conservation program. The zoo is dedicated to wildlife … [Read more...] about Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
Best affordable Father’s Day restaurants & takeout
Here are our suggestions for Father’s Day restaurants for brunch or dinner in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Ideas include dine-in, takeout, and creative ideas for at-home meals and picnics. If you are panicked about the perfect gift for your dad, check our other Father’s Day ideas for gifts and things to … [Read more...] about Best affordable Father’s Day restaurants & takeout
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
Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
The Museum of Flight (MOF) is the largest independent, non-profit, air and space museum in the world. The museums features over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, and a world-class research library. During your visit, you can wander the galleries and talk with the … [Read more...] about Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
Chinatown-International District festivals
The Seattle Chinatown-International District (aka the “ID”, pronounced eye-dee), located south of downtown is a cultural hub of the Asian American community. Historically, it is the only area in the continental United States where several cultures—Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans, and Vietnamese—settled … [Read more...] about Chinatown-International District festivals
Wild Waves Water Park & Amusement Rides in Federal Way
Wild Waves Water Park & Theme Park in Federal Way is over 70 acres and the largest water park in the Northwest. Located 25 miles south of Seattle off I-5, Wild Waves is two parks for the price of one. The theme park has over 60 rides and attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides. … [Read more...] about Wild Waves Water Park & Amusement Rides in Federal Way
Solstice events, lantern festivals, and light shows
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 Solstice events, lantern festivals, and light shows
Ultimate Guide to free spray parks, wading pools, beaches
Local conservation experts encourage people to use free public spray parks and wading pools rather than fill their home “kiddy pools” or run backyard sprinklers. Home wading pools use far more water than a public community wading pool. Washington State law require public parks to fill, chlorinate, supervise, and empty … [Read more...] about Ultimate Guide to free spray parks, wading pools, beaches
Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center
Seattle Center Festál presents free cultural festivals throughout the year. Each event highlights the distinct cultures and common threads of the ethnic communities of people living in the Puget Sound region. The festivals showcase the traditional and contemporary art, music, foods, youth activities, workshops and … [Read more...] about Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center
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
Walking labyrinths in Washington State
A labyrinth is a single, methodical path leading to a center point. Although a labyrinth is like a maze in appearance, unlike a maze it has only one path (unicursal) and no dead ends. There’s no getting lost in a labyrinth. These pathways have been used for thousands of years for various rituals and ceremonies. … [Read more...] about Walking labyrinths in Washington State
Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located in Madison Valley within the Washington Park Arboretum. Over 100,000 people visit every year, including locals as well as visitors from around the world. It is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America. About Japanese Gardens Gardens in Japan are … [Read more...] about Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
All about National Doughnut Day
We found out not only how National Doughnut Day got its start, we've delved into the history and mystery of these fried wonderments. Makes a good read while you enjoy a donut on National Doughnut Day, celebrated every first Friday in June at donut shops across the country. About National Doughnut Day The … [Read more...] about All about National Doughnut Day
Northwest Folklife: annual Memorial Day Weekend festival
Northwest Folklife Festival is the annual free Memorial Day weekend celebration of ethnic, folk, and traditional arts. Folklife is Seattle's unofficial leap into summer, includes four days of jam-packed excitement all day and into the night. About Northwest Folklife The Memorial Day Weekend festival is presented … [Read more...] about Northwest Folklife: annual Memorial Day Weekend festival
