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
Hobbies & Interests
Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Stargazing is simply observing the night sky. It's an enjoyable hobby enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. It's an activity that can be done any time of the year, alone, with friends, or at a group "star party". You can also pursue an interest in astronomy from your backyard or neighborhood … [Read more...] about Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds
Located south of Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, the Washington State Fair Events Center comprises over 160 acres. The facilities are available for rent during the year. Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair) is the largest single attraction held … [Read more...] about Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds
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 … [Read more...] about Our big list of car shows and auto clubs
Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State
Like our tulip fields in spring, acres of beautiful blooming sunflowers are another unique and stunning photo opportunity. Sunflowers typically bloom August-September in Western Washington. Several farms hold festivals during the blooming season. Enjoy self-guided field trips and u-pick opportunities. Below you … [Read more...] about Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State
BrickCon convention for Adult Fans Of LEGO
Seattle's BrickCon is a convention for Adult Fans Of LEGO®* (AFOL) and LEGO collectors, builders, and enthusiasts from around the country and around the world. If you are interested in LEGO--casually or intensely--you will enjoy the BrickCon Exhibition. It's the longest running LEGO convention in a single … [Read more...] about BrickCon convention for Adult Fans Of LEGO
Evergreen State Fair in Monroe
The Evergreen State Fair is a family-friendly celebration of all things Washington, showcasing the state's rich livestock and agriculture heritage. Held in Snohomish County north of Seattle, it the county’s largest event. Activities at the Evergreen State Fair for visitors include free entertainment on the … [Read more...] about Evergreen State Fair in Monroe
Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Tacoma Museum of Glass is a contemporary art museum on the Thea Foss Waterway. The museum has a national reputation for hosting impactful artist residencies, exhibiting national traveling exhibitions, creating unique programs for visitors, and building a permanent collection that chronicles the development of modern … [Read more...] about Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is an annual week-long kite celebration and competition in breezy Long Beach, WA. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, WSIKF is presented by the World Kite Museum and the City of Long Beach, Washington. Kitelife … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
National Alpaca Farm Days
Alpaca farms all across the country welcome visitors for National Alpaca Farm Days every September to see and learn about these tranquil and majestic animals. There are several participating farms in Western Washington State. About the Alpaca Owners Association Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days
Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
The following free and cheap dance classes and social dances are offered at dance studios and ballrooms around the Puget Sound region. They feature classes and dances in a variety of styles including contra, country, line, salsa, soul, swing, and several others. A few dance classes are free and others are $15 or less … [Read more...] about Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
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
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
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
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
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
TBD 2024: Seattle Hempfest all things cannabis festival
Seattle Hempfest is held the third weekend in August each year in Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks on the Seattle waterfront.. For over two decades it has been the largest gathering of speakers on cannabis policy reform in the world, as well as a sophisticated and socially responsible cannabis rally, and perhaps the … [Read more...] about TBD 2024: Seattle Hempfest all things cannabis festival
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. Most lighthouse grounds are open year-round, except where stated otherwise. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though will gladly accept donations for upkeep of the grounds and buildings. A couple sites have small fees. A few lighthouses … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
Free outdoor summer dance lessons in Seattle
Dancing 'Til Dusk presented by Dancing for Joy offers free dance lessons, followed by free music and dancing in August at selected Seattle parks. For each event, the first hour will be a beginning lesson in the dance style for the evening. No experience or partner is required. Each lesson will start at the beginning … [Read more...] about Free outdoor summer dance lessons in Seattle
Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Seattle made aviation history in 1916 when William E. Boeing and Navy Lt. Conrad Westervelt formed the Boeing Airplane company and hired self-taught aviation tinker Herb Munter to build the company's first aircraft, the B&W seaplane. Read more about Boeing and Early Aviation in Seattle at historylink.org, and … [Read more...] about Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them. CWB is dedicated to preserving maritime … [Read more...] about Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is a restoration of a fort that once existed above the Nisqually River delta. The fort was owned by the Hudson Bay Trading Company from 1833-1869. The museum features volunteers and staff in period clothing who demonstrate crafts of the 19th … [Read more...] about Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
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 museum 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 … [Read more...] about Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Wildflowers bloom in Washington State throughout spring and summer. Exactly where and when varies according to elevation and of course the whims of nature in any given year. Generally, wildflowers bloom at lower elevations from spring to mid-summer, and higher elevations from early to late summer, when vegetation … [Read more...] about Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Free books delivered to children age 5 and under in Washington State
Every child age five and under in Washington State can receive free age-appropriate books delivered by mail every month through the Imagination Library program. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library In 1995, beloved country entertainer Dolly Parton started the flagship program of her nonprofit Dollywood Foundation. … [Read more...] about Free books delivered to children age 5 and under in Washington State
