Looking for things to do in Seattle in July? We have an abundance of suggestions for you!
Summer is finally in full swing here in Seattle and we are ready to soak up every bit of it! From exuberant Fourth of July festivities to laid-back weekend farmers markets, there’s always endless options for things to do in Seattle in July. The best part is that many of these events are cheap or even free! Make sure to take advantage of all the free events, dance parties, music festivals, outdoor recreation, and delicious food that Seattle has to offer this July.
Here are 50 exciting things you can do in Seattle in July:
1. Gaze into The Infinite expanse of outer space
The Infinite is an immersive experience that transports guests into space aboard the International Space Station, through an awe-inspiring journey. Get more details and your tickets now!
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (10am – 7pm); Fridays and Saturdays (10am – 8pm)
Where: Tacoma Armory
Cost: $48 for adults
2. Visit a limited-time Banksy exhibit
This exhibit of Banksy’s street art has arrived in Seattle for a limited time only. You’ll get to see more than 150 of Banksy’s works and learn about the famously elusive artist’s life. See the July schedule and get your tickets now!
When: select dates in July
Where: Seattle Federal Reserve Building at 1015 2nd Ave
Cost: $33+
3. Walk among live-sized, moving dinosaurs
Go back millions of years to a land ruled by giants! Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience brings you face to face with the fearsome and spectacular dinosaurs that dominated the animal world for 140 million years. From the turkey-sized Velociraptors to the mighty T-rex, interact with life-sized, moving animatronics of a large variety of species, and see these magnificent creatures in their natural Jurassic habitat. Step into another world and learn something new in an experience that’s fun for the whole family! Tickets are available for purchase here.
When: select dates in July
Where: 1750 Occidental Ave S
Cost: $24+
4. Step into the art of Van Gogh
Following its massive success in cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas, the incredible Van Gogh Exhibition has arrived in Seattle. Take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his work, and his secrets as never before through cutting-edge 360 degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and a uniquely atmospheric light and sound show. Hurry to get your tickets now before it’s too late!
When: select dates in July
Where: 1750 Occidental Avenue South
Cost: $40+
5. Attend a gorgeous Candlelight Concert
You can see a talented string quartet perform a tribute to Adele, Taylor Swift or Coldplay—just to name a few! These candlelit concerts take place in Seattle venues that were chosen for their stunning atmosphere, such as the gorgeous Lotte Hotel and Sparkman Cellars. Choose your candlelit concert experience here.
When: select dates in July
Where: Seattle (exact venue varies)
Cost: $30+
6. Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and more
When: Friday, July 1 to Monday, July 4
Where: varies
Cost: varies (but most events are free!)
There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Seattle during the weekend of the Fourth of July. You can use our guide to find the best spots to watch Fourth of July fireworks and also be sure to check out our round-up of all the fun Fourth of July celebrations and parties in Seattle (many of which are cheap or even free!).
7. Go to an ’80s dance party
Wear your best ’80s outfit for this dance party that is for ages 21 and up. Find more info here.
When: Friday, July 1 at 9 p.m.
Where: Nectar Lounge
Cost: $10+
8. Get dressed up for a “Wig Out Dance Party”
Taking place at the popular Screwdriver Bar in Belltown, this event calls itself “Seattle’s best R&B, soul, and garage rock dance party.” There will be chances to win prizes in a dance concert as well as for best-dressed. Get more details here.
When: Saturday, July 2 at 9 p.m.
Where: Screwdriver Bar
Cost: Free!
9. Take your cat to a social day at the park
Does your kitty enjoy getting outside on its leash and socializing with other cats? Then First Caturday Seattle is the event for you. Read more about this free event for cat-owners here.
When: Saturday, July 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Cal Anderson Park
Cost: Free!
10. Explore the Georgetown Flea Market
If you haven’t explored the industrial-chic neighborhood of Georgetown yet then you’re missing out. You can find great food and cool vintage and handcrafted goods there at any time, but this flea market makes it extra-easy for you.
When: Saturday, July 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Georgetown
Cost: Free!
11. Eat and shop at the South Lake Union Saturday Market
This Saturday market is always a good time, but if you go on the second Saturday of the month you’ll find Seattle’s favorite monthly food truck pop-up (next door to Denny Park). Bring your appetite!
When: Every Saturday from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.
Where: South Lake Union (139 9th Ave N)
Cost: Free!
12. Catch a summer concert at the Ballard Locks
A visit to the Ballard Locks is always a fun and interesting summer activity, but their free summer concerts make for an excellent date that won’t cost you a thing. See their July concert schedule here.
When: Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks – Ballard Locks
Cost: Free!
13. Browse the Fremont Sunday Market
You’ll find food trucks, music, handmade goods, and vintage treasures at this Sunday market. And while you’re there, take some time to explore the quirky neighborhood of Fremont.
When: Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fremont (3401 Evanstone Ave N)
Cost: Free!
14. Relax at a silent reading party
Hosted in the cozy Fireside Room at Hotel Sorrento, this classic Seattle event invites you to bring something to read in companionable silence with strangers while relaxing piano music is played. Note that there is a $20 food/drink minimum in addition to your reservation fee. See more details here.
When: July 6 and 20
Where: Sorrento Hotel (900 Madison St)
Cost: $8-$40
15. Try mindfulness meditation at the museum
Feeling stressed? Take advantage of this free guided meditation at the Frye Art Museum. Get more info here.
When: Wednesday, July 6; 12:30-1:00 p.m.
Where: Frye Art Museum
Cost: Free!
16. Catch a Mariners game
There’s nothing like catching a baseball game in the summer. Be sure to treat yourself to a Seattle dog (yes, cream cheese and all!). See the Mariners’ full July schedule here.
When: select July dates
Where: T-Mobile Park
Cost: $16+
17. Get swept up at a Sounders match
If you’ve never been to a Sounders match at Lumen Field, be prepared to be swept up in the fans’ excitement. It’s always a blast! Get more information on the Sounders’ upcoming schedule here.
When: July 9 and 23
Where: Lumen Field
Cost: $32+
18. Take a walking history tour of Seattle waterfront
This one-mile walking tour starts in Pioneer Square at Occidental Park (pictured above) and goes along the waterfront until it ends at Pier 62. Arrive 15 minutes early and prepare to learn a lot of interesting facts about Seattle’s history! This tour is free but you must register to reserve your spot. Find all the details here.
When: Thursday, July 7; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Occidental Park
Cost: Free!
19. Get your hands dirty at a happy hour gardening party
Do you love gardening? Join your community in adding beauty to Freeway Park at this feel-good event. Get all the details here.
When: Friday, July 8; 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Freeway Park (meet by the 8th Ave Underpass)
Cost: Free!
20. Bring your appetite to Ballard SeafoodFest
If you love seafood then you can’t miss this summer festival in Ballard. Read more about it here.
When: July 15-17
Where: Ballard
Cost: Free! (vendor prices vary)
21. Spend an evening at the Summer Solstice Night Market
This night market was meant to happen in June for the summer solstice but had to be postponed. Tickets go on sale soon so don’t miss out on all the food, shopping, and fun! See their website for more details.
When: Saturday, July 16; 4:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: South Lake Union Discovery Center
Cost: TBD (tickets go on sale July 1)
22. Take a free wellness class in Freeway Park
You can get not one but two free workout classes in every week this July at Freeway park. Mondays are for Zumba (a fun cardio dance workout) and Tuesdays are for yoga, and all levels of experience are welcome. Make sure to bring water as well as your own mat for yoga if possible.
When: Every Monday at 5:30 p.m. (Zumba) and every Tuesday at noon (yoga)
Where: Freeway Park
Cost: Free!
23. Join free outdoor yoga classes at Gas Works Park
Another great option for a free outdoor workout this summer is Yoga in the Park! You don’t have to register: just show up at Gas Works Park every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with your water bottle and yoga mat. All levels of experience are welcome.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Gas Works Park
Cost: Free!
24. Take your pick of outdoor movie nights
You can catch drive-in movies every week at Marymoor Park this summer; read our guide to Movies at Marymoor for more information.
There is also going to be an outdoor movie night at South Lake Union on Saturday, July 16th from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. You can follow along for more info about that at the Seattle Night Markets Instagram page.
25. Summer at SAM
Seattle Art Museum’s summer events at Olympic Sculpture Park are free and open to all ages. Expect food trucks, arts and craft workshops, live performances, and more. See the full schedule of events here.
When: Thursdays and Saturdays, starting July 14 through August
Where: Olympic Sculpture Park
Cost: Free!
26. Celebrate summer with Seafair
A Seattle summer tradition since the 1950s, Seafair is a multi-week festival with events running from June to September. The most well-known events are Seafair Summer Fourth—featuring fireworks for the Fourth of July—as well as the Seafair Torchlight Run and the Seafair Weekend Festival in August, but you can check out the full list of summer events here. Most of the events are free!
When: select dates in July
Where: various locations in Seattle
Cost: varies (but mostly free!)
27. Discover a one-of-a-kind artwork at the Seattle Art Fair
Whether you’re an experienced art collector or just interested in casually browsing, this multi-day event is a must for anyone who loves art and supporting artists. You can get more info at their website.
When: Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Lumen Field Event Center
Cost: $25+
28. Alki Art Fair
For a slightly more relaxed affair, check out the Alki Art Fair. This free, family-friendly event in West Seattle will have live music, a kids’ zone, and (of course) tons of artist booths. See their website for details.
When: July 22 to 24
Where: Alki Beach
Cost: Free!
29. Dance, eat, and drink at the Capitol Hill Block Party
One of Seattle’s biggest summer events, the Capitol Hill Block Party is finally back after a two-year hiatus. This year’s lineup features Charli XCX, Diplo, and Jai Wolf. Get more info here.
When: Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24
Where: Capitol Hill
Cost: $85+
30. Camp out at a summer music festival
In addition to the Capitol Hill Block Party, there’s no shortage of summer music festivals in the Seattle area this year—and there’s something for everyone. See our guide to this summer’s music festivals, several of which are taking place in July.
31. Enjoy “Music Under the Stars”
Enjoy free refreshments and a performance by the Seattle Chamber Music Society at Freeway Park. For more information see their website.
When: July 28 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Seneca Plaza at Freeway Park
Cost: Free!
32. Party at Kirkland Summerfest
Celebrate summer on the shores of Lake Washington at the Kirkland Summerfest. There will be beer gardens, wine tastings, food vendors, live performances, kids activities, a night market, and more at this three-day festival. Check out the festival’s website for more info.
When: July 29-31
Where: Marina Park, downtown Kirkland
Cost: Free! (vendor prices vary)
33. See a summer concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle
Although each night of this summer concert series sells out quickly, you can still get tickets to see The Revivalists perform at this nearby winery. See the details on their website.
When: July 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Cost: $50+
34. Participate in free fun with the Seattle Aquarium at the pier
When: July 9 (4-8 p.m.) and July 30 (10am-noon)
Where: Pier 62
Cost: Free!
These free outdoor events at Pier 62 are open for all ages to enjoy. You’ll enjoy a mix of educational and fun activities. And, of course, we recommend spending some time at the Seattle Aquarium and the waterfront at any point throughout the summer!
35. Catch a live show
Seattle is known for its music scene, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from if you’d like to enjoy a concert this July. Is theater more your speed? There are several acclaimed plays and musicals being performed in Seattle this summer. Peruse a full list of this July’s live performances in Seattle.
36. Check out a new museum exhibit
Seattle has many incredible museums that you can visit to cool off on a hot day. Just a few of the museums with exciting new exhibits this summer include the Museum of Pop Culture, Frye Art Museum, National Nordic Museum, Seattle Art Museum, and Museum of Museums.
37. Enjoy brews and board games with friends
When: every Sunday
Where: Snapshot Brewing
Cost: Free!
Take advantage of Snapshot Brewing’s happy hour beer specials and large collection of board games for a fun and easy Sunday activity with friends. Visit their website for more info.
38. Belt it out at weekly karaoke
When: Every Monday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight
Where: Cafe Racer in Capitol Hill
Cost: Free!
All ages are welcome at this weekly karaoke event until 10 p.m., at which point it switches to ages 21 and up. Get all the details here.
39. Liven up your Tuesdays with drag happy hour
When: Every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Where: Queer/Bar in Capitol Hill
Cost: $5 cover
This weekly drag happy hour is always a blast with drink specials and rotating guests, and you can stick around for karaoke afterwards. See more info here.
40. Attend an indie dance party
When: every Saturday at 9 p.m.
Where: Chop Suey in Capitol Hill
Cost: $5-$10
This indie dance party is one of the highlights of the Capitol Hill nightlife every Saturday. Keep in mind that it’s for ages 21+ and the price doubles to $10 after 10 p.m. See more details here.
41. Go on a hike with the help of Trailhead Direct
When: weekends and Monday, July 4
Where: various bus stops in Seattle
Cost: $2.75
If you want to get out and hike this summer but can’t (or don’t want to) drive, you can take advantage of the Trailhead Direct service which will pick you up in Seattle and drop you off at the trailhead. Get more details about the service here.
42. Participate in the library’s adult summer book bingo
Challenge yourself to complete this summer’s book bingo, presented by the Seattle Public Library. In addition to the satisfaction of completing every square, you’ll also be entered to win prizes. Read more about it on the library’s website.
43. Visit a new restaurant, bar, or brewery
Several exciting new eateries and bars have opened in Seattle this summer. Take some time to explore Seattle’s first Black-owned brewery in the Central District, a new sci-fi-themed patio bar in Fremont, and an upcoming tapas bar in Greenwood from a renowned Seattle chef.
44. Treat yourself to ice cream
Looking for a sweet way to cool down this summer? Check out our list of places to get an ice cream sandwich in Seattle.
45. Enjoy weekend brunch al fresco
The only thing better than Sunday brunch is Sunday brunch outside on a patio when it’s 75 and sunny. We put together a guide to some of the best outdoor brunch spots in Seattle.
46. Spend happy hour on a rooftop bar
Rooftop bar season is in full swing once July arrives! Happy hour on a roof is one of our favorite things to do in Seattle in July. One of our favorites is mBar, pictured above, but you can check out our full list of rooftop bars in Seattle.
47. Cool off in a pool or at the beach
It doesn’t typically get too hot in Seattle even in the summer, but when it does you’ll be glad to have plenty of options for taking a cool dip. Seattle has several public pools, a few popular beaches including Golden Gardens and Alki Beach, and plenty of lake-side beaches as well.
48. Go camping
July is the perfect time to go camping in Seattle and the surrounding areas (yes, you can camp in the city!). For inspiration, you can read our guide to some of the best camping spots in and around Seattle.
49. Embark on a day trip to a nearby destination
There are many stunning destinations nearby that can be experienced in a single day trip from Seattle. We highly recommend spending a day in our sister city of Tacoma, but you can see our full list of day trip recommendations for more ideas.
50. Explore the many Seattle farmers markets
Seattle is blessed with an abundance of farmers markets (and we’re not talking about Pike Place Market, although that’s always fun to visit too). Chances are there’s a weekly farmers market in your neighborhood or close by. See our guide to Seattle’s farmers markets and stock up this summer on fresh fruit, flowers, artisan goods, and more.