Washington Museum Day 2026

Looking for a budget-friendly weekend activity that combines history, art, and local culture? Washington Museum Day is Saturday, August 8, 2026, offering free, reduced, or pay-what-you-can admission at participating cultural institutions across Washington state.

Co-sponsored by the Washington Museum Association (WaMA) and the Washington State Historical Society, this statewide event encourages residents and visitors to explore local history, art, and science, at a reduced price.

Event Overview

• Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
• Admission: Free, reduced, or pay-what-you-can (varies by venue)
• Participating Locations: Museums, historical societies, art centers, and heritage sites across Washington
• Official Website: Washington Museum Association Museum Day

Greater Seattle & Puget Sound Highlights

Scores of museums across the state are participating, including many in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Pierce counties. Her are the participating museums.

Seattle & King County

• Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) (Seattle): Free admission all day for the Freedom Plane exhibit (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Southwest Seattle Historical Society / Log House Museum (Alki/Seattle): Free admission (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Dunn Gardens (Seattle): Pay-what-you-can admission (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Pacific Bonsai Museum (Federal Way): Free admission (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Kirkland Arts Center (Kirkland): Free admission (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Renton Historical Society (Renton): Free admission (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Woodinville Heritage Society at the DeYoung House (Woodinville): Free admission (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Snoqualmie Valley Museum (North Bend): Free admission, donations welcome (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Vashon Heritage Museum (Vashon Island): Free admission (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Black Diamond Historical Society/Museum (Black Diamond): Free admission (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Maple Valley Historical Museum (Maple Valley): Free admission (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Neely Mansion (Auburn): Free admission (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Snohomish County

• Cascadia Art Museum (Edmonds): Free admission (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Everett Museum of History (Van Valey House) (Everett): Free admission to the Van Valey House; 10% off tickets for the Art of Puppetry exhibit (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Lynnwood-Alderwood Manor Heritage Association (Lynnwood): Historic Seattle Interurban Trolley will be open (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Northwest Veterans Museum (Lynnwood): Free admission (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Blackman Museum / Snohomish Historical Society (Snohomish): Free admission (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Monroe Historical Museum (Monroe): Free admission (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Lake Stevens Historical Museum / Historic Grimm House (Lake Stevens): Free admission (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Granite Falls Historical Museum (Granite Falls): Free admission (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Index-Pickett Historical Museum (Index): Free admission (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Kitsap County & Islands

• Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (Bainbridge Island): Free admission, featuring an all-day festival (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
• Bainbridge History Museum (Bainbridge Island): Free admission (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Puget Sound Navy Museum (Bremerton): Free admission (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Kitsap History Museum (Bremerton): Free admission (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Pierce County (Tacoma & Nearby)

• Museum of Glass (Tacoma): Free admission (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma): Free admission (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Foss Waterway Seaport (Tacoma): Free admission (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Harbor History Museum (Gig Harbor): Free admission (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• LeMay Collections at Marymount (Tacoma): Free admission (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Fort Nisqually Living History Museum (Tacoma): 25% off all admission (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Museum (Tacoma): Free admission (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Tips for Making the Most of Museum Day

1. Verify Hours & Admission: While most venues offer 100% free entry, a few offer reduced rates or suggest small donations. Check the full list on the Washington Museum Association Participating Museums Page before heading out.
2. Arrive Early: Popular spots around Puget Sound and Tacoma can get busy on free entry days. Arriving near opening time ensures easier parking and shorter lines.
3. Plan a Day Trip: Take advantage of participating sites along scenic routes — head out to Vashon Island, spend a day exploring Tacoma’s Museum District, or take a drive through Snohomish County’s historic downtowns.

Free and cheap things to do this week