Seattle is getting a taste of Nordic wellness culture this November with the Seattle Sauna Festival, taking place Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard. The two-day event brings together sauna enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and curious newcomers for the Pacific Northwest’s first large-scale celebration dedicated to sauna culture, relaxation, and community connection.
Festivalgoers can explore a collection of unique saunas from across the region, each offering its own design, atmosphere, and style of heat. Guests can alternate between warming up in the saunas and experiencing the invigorating tradition of cold plunging, making it an ideal way to embrace the crisp Northwest weather.
Beyond the saunas and ice baths, the festival offers plenty of entertainment and activities. Live acoustic music, DJ performances, and cultural presentations will create a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend. Visitors can also participate in yoga, fireside lectures, beverage tastings, and traditional Venik whisking sessions. One of the featured experiences is the Aufguss ceremony, a guided sauna ritual combining aromatic essential oils, music, heat, and rhythmic towel movements.
Food and drinks will add another layer to the Nordic-inspired experience. Expect hearty soups, fresh-baked goods, smoked fish, and craft beverages—perfect comfort food for a chilly November day. Guests can also enjoy the gathering spaces and campfires, along with delicious offerings from Freya.
Two ticket options are available. General Admission includes a 90-minute timed session, while VIP Experience tickets offer all-day access on either Saturday or Sunday, plus festival merchandise and food and beverage perks. All tickets include access to the saunas, cold plunges, gathering spaces, and the National Nordic Museum’s exhibits and galleries.
Planning your visit: Arrive freshly showered and bring a bathing suit, towel, robe, flip-flops or easily removable shoes, and a water bottle. Coming dressed and ready to enjoy the saunas will help maximize your time. Dressing rooms and small lockers are available, but guests should bring their own locks.
Whether you’re a longtime sauna enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to unwind, the Seattle Sauna Festival offers a weekend of warmth, wellness, great food, and community—all with a distinctly Nordic spirit. Get all the details on the event website before you go.
