Looking for fun things to do in Seattle in July?
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 exciting things you can do in Seattle in July 2024:
1. Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and more!
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 Seattle Fourth of July fireworks and also be sure to check out our round-up of all the Fourth of July celebrations in Seattle. Plus, many of these are cheap or even free!
📅When: Thursday, July 4
📍Where: varies
💲Cost: varies (but most events are free!)
2. Go to Concerts Under the Stars
This summer, you can enjoy a free cocktail while listening to talented musicians perform live atop one of Seattle’s most stunning rooftops. How dreamy does that sound? Tickets are still available for two concerts this July:
- A Starlit Tribute to Taylor Swift at the Olympic Rooftop Pavilion at Stoneburner on July 10
- Amy Winehouse Under The Stars at The Olympic Rooftop on July 31
3. Attend a gorgeous Candlelight Concert
Candlelight Concerts take place in Seattle venues that were chosen for their stunning atmosphere, such as the gorgeous Lotte Hotel and The Museum of Flight. Here the upcoming Candlelight Concerts this July:
- Candlelight: The Best of the Beatles on July 9
- Candlelight: Space Movie Soundtracks on July 10
- Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles on July 17
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele on July 17
- Candlelight: Favorite Anime Themes on July 18
- Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons on July 19
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift on July 25
Choose your Candlelight Concert experience here or gift the experience to someone with a Candlelight Concert gift card.
📅When: select dates in July
📍Where: various Seattle venues
💲Cost: $40+
4. Dine Out Sustainably
Take part in the Bloomberg Green Festival‘s Restaurant and Bar series featuring exclusive local dining experiences at some of Seattle’s hottest bars and restaurants including Driftwood, Low Tide, Eight Row, COMMUNION, and more. Purchase tickets and learn more about the speakers, performances and fun happening at the Bloomberg Green Festival here.
📅When: July 10-13
📍Where: Throughout Seattle
💲Cost: Varies
5. 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 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍Where: Georgetown
💲Cost: Free!
6. Catch a free 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!
7. 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!
8. Enjoy free outdoor movies in Seattle parks
Center City Cinema is screening outdoor movies for free this summer in Seattle parks. Pre-movie activities begin around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and all of the movies will start around dusk.
See the July 2024 movie schedule below:
- Wednesday, July 3: Legally Blonde at City Hall Park (12:00pm)
- Friday, July 5: Chicago at Cal Anderson Park (8:30pm)
- Saturday, July 6: A Bug’s Life at Lake Union Park (3:00pm)
- Wednesday, July 10: The Breakfast Club at Denny Park (8:30pm)
- Friday, July 12: Mamma Mia at Cal Anderson Park (8:30pm)
- Wednesday, July 17: The Color Purple (1984) at Denny Park (8:30pm)
- Thursday, July 18: Wall-E at Albert Davis Park (8:00pm)
- Friday, July 19: Labyrinth at Cascade Playground (8:30pm)
- Saturday, July 20: Kung Foo Panda 4 at Occidental Square (5:00pm)
- Thursday, July 25: The Lorax at Albert Davis Park (8:00pm)
- Friday, July 26: Rocky Horror Show at Cal Anderson Park (8:30pm)
- Saturday, July 27: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snake at Occidental Square (5:00pm)
- Wednesday, July 31: The Pelican Brief at City Hall Park (12:00pm)
📅When: 6:00 p.m. on select dates in July
📍Where: various Seattle city parks
💲Cost: Free!
9. See a live concert series at the zoo
ZooTunes is back for summer 2024 with performers such as The Roots, Norah Jones, and more. Most concerts are already sold out, but you can try the official fan ticket exchange on the zoo website.
📅When: July 21, 25, 29, 31
📍Where: Woodland Park Zoo
💲Cost: varies
10. 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 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
📍Where: Sorrento Hotel (900 Madison St)
💲Cost: $10-$60
11. See a free concert downtown
The Downtown Summer Sounds concert series kicks off on July 7 with a free concert in Westlake Park at 5:30 pm. Check out the full schedule and lineup here!
📅When: Starts on Friday, July 5
📍Where: Westlake Park
💲Cost: Free!
12. Level up your lunch break with downtown food trucks
This July you can swing by Westlake Park downtown for food trucks on most days, plus free games and live music. It’s a great way to break up the day, and it’s so much better than eating lunch at your desk! Check the full schedule here for all the details.
📅When: July 1 – 31
📍Where: Westlake Park
13. See the Seattle Seafair Pirates storm Alki Beach
Head to Alki Beach Park before 1:30 pm to see the Seattle Seafair Pirates make their annual landing on the beach! This iconic summer event is free and family-friendly.
📅When: Saturday, July 6 at 1:30 pm
📍Where: Alki Beach Park
💲Cost: Free!
14. Attend a free cultural festival
Seattle Center hosts free cultural festivals every month. You can enjoy food, entertainment, and more while learning about other cultures. The festival lineup for July 2024 is:
- Seattle Polish Festival on July 13
- Seattle Arab Festival from July 27-28
📅When: July 13, 27, 28
📍Where: Seattle Center
💲Cost: Free!
15. Attend the Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival
This free theater festival will have multiple performances spread out over two days in Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. Donations are very welcome to help keep theater alive! See more details on the GreenStage website.
📅When: July 13-14, 2024
📍Where: Volunteer Park
💲Cost: Free!
16. See Shakespeare in the Park for free
GreenStage and Seattle Shakespeare Company are two organizations providing free Shakespeare plays in Seattle’s parks this summer. The latter will be performing The Two Gentlemen of Verona on many dates in July at Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre. You can check the full schedule here.
GreenStage will be performing Twelfth Night, Henry VI Parts Two & Three, All’s Well that Ends Well, and Julius Caesar at various Seattle parks this summer. You can see their full performance schedule on the Greenstage website.
📅When: Select dates in July
📍Where: various Seattle parks
💲Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
17. Take a free fitness class in the park
No room for the gym in your budget? Head to downtown Freeway Park for free Zumba classes this summer. These free fitness classes are taught by the Washington Athletic Club. They start July 8th in Seneca Plaza on Mondays in July and August from 5:30-6:30pm.
📅When: Mondays, starting July 8
📍Where: Freeway Park
💲Cost: Free!
18. 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+
19. 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 6, 17, 20, 26
📍Where: Lumen Field
💲Cost: $32+
20. Cheer on the OL Reign
The OL Reign is Seattle’s professional women’s soccer team. Cheer them on at Lumen Field during three exciting home matches this July.
📅When: July 7, 19, 28
📍Where: Lumen Field
💲Cost: $15+
21. Take a free dance class at Dancing Til Dusk
Dancing Til Dusk is a fun dance series that starts with a free hour-long lesson at 6:00 p.m. No need to bring a partner. The dates and locations are:
- Hing Hay Park on Tuesdays from 6-9 pm
- July 16 — Joel Astley and Friends | Blues
- July 23 — The Weather Birds | Swing
- July 30 — Lulu Swing French Cabaret | Swing
- Westlake Park on Tuesdays from 6-9:30 pm
- July 9 — Jacqueline Tabor Jazz and Blues | Swing
- Freeway Park on Thursdays from 6-9 pm
- July 11 — Called by Laura Mé Smith | English Country Dance
- July 18 — The Hot Tango Four | Tango
- July 25 — Swingin’ In the Rain with Dina Blade | Variety
See the full summer schedule on the Dance for Joy website.
📅When: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on select dates in July
📍Where: Hing Hay Park, Westlake Park, and Freeway Park
💲Cost: Free!
22. Go to a Jungle Party at the zoo
Support Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo at their annual Jungle Party. The lowest-tier ticket will get you entry to the reception which includes beverages, light bites, and guided zoo tours. Get tickets on the Woodland Park Zoo website.
📅When: July 12 at 4:30 pm
📍Where: Woodland Park Zoo
💲Cost: $150+
23. Have a blast at the West Seattle Summer Fest
The neighborhood of West Seattle will come alive for their annual summer festival this month. There will be live music, a beer garden, a kids area, shopping, food, and more. See more on the festival website.
📅When: July 12-14
📍Where: West Seattle
💲Cost: Free! (vendor prices vary)
24. 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 12-14
📍Where: Ballard
💲Cost: Free! (vendor prices vary)
25. 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!
26. Go to an outdoor movie night
You can catch movies every week at Marymoor Park this summer. Read our guide to Movies at Marymoor for more information.
📅When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August
📍Where: Marymoor Park
💲Cost:$10+
27. Enjoy free fun at 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 Sundays, July 11 through August 11
📍Where: Olympic Sculpture Park
💲Cost: Free!
28. Be a hero at the Wallingford Family Parade
The Wallingford Family Parade is a fun neighborhood event for all. This year’s costume theme is Be A Hero. The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. See more on the Wallingford website.
📅When: July 13 at 11:00 am
📍Where: Wallingford
💲Cost: Free!
29. Take the ferry to the Vashon Strawberry Festival
This annual festival—featuring music, a parade, and all things strawberry-flavored—is worth the 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle. See the festival schedule.
📅When: July 19 – 21
📍Where: Vashon Island
💲Cost: Free!
30. Run for ice cream (and a good cause)
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with this 5K run that benefits Seattle Children’s. At the end of your 5K run (or two-mile walk) there is an ice cream sundae bar. Register online.
📅When: Sunday, July 14
📍Where: Genesee Park
💲Cost: $50-$55 for adults; $10-$20 for kids
31. Experience a traditional tea ceremony in a Japanese garden
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a beautiful Japanese garden. Get tickets on the Seattle Japanese Garden website.
📅When: July 5, 6, 13, 20, 28
📍Where: Seattle Japanese Garden
💲Cost: $15
32. 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!
33. Enjoy a Bite of Seattle
Bite of Seattle runs on Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20 from 10am-9pm and Sunday, July 21 from 10am-8pm. Get more info and VIP tickets on the Bite of Seattle website.
📅When: July 19-21
📍Where: Seattle Center
💲Cost: Free!
34. Celebrate Indigenous culture at a free festival
The annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow returns this July with three days of food, performances, music, and more. See more info on the United Indians website.
📅When: July 19-21
📍Where: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
💲Cost: Free (donations appreciated!)
35. Take a day trip to the Lavender Festival
This festival is worth the trip to nearby Sequim – the Lavender Capital of North America. There will be a street fair, lavender farm tours, live music, and plenty of opportunities to pick your own lavender to bring home. See more info on the Lavender Festival website.
📅When: July 19-21
📍Where: Sequim
💲Cost: Free!
36. Go to a family-friendly art fair on the beach
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 19-21
📍Where: Alki Beach
💲Cost: Free!
37. Dance at the Capitol Hill Block Party
One of Seattle’s biggest summer events, the Capitol Hill Block Party is back this July for another three days of incredible live music and partying. This year’s lineup features Chappell Roan, Remi Wolf, and Girl Talk. Get more info here.
📅When: July 19-21
📍Where: Capitol Hill
💲Cost: $115+
38. Go to the West Seattle Grand Parade
The annual West Seattle Grand Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. on July 20th.
📅When: July 20 at 11:00 am
📍Where: West Seattle
💲Cost: Free
39. Bring your pup to Bark by the Bay
You and your furry best friend can enjoy “dog activities and games, an art project, treat hunting, vendors, and food trucks plus adoptions, live demos, off-leash zones, a parade, and a costume contest.” Get all the details here!
📅When: July 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
📍Where: Chambers Creek Regional Park
💲Cost: $10 per vehicle
40. Watch the Chinatown Seafair Parade
This famous annual parade features lion and dragon dances, the Seattle Chinese Girls Drill Team, and many more local community groups from the Greater Seattle area.
📅When: July 21
📍Where: Seattle’s Chinatown-International District
💲Cost: Free
41. 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 art event is a must for anyone who loves art and supporting artists. You can get more info at their website.
📅When: July 25-28
📍Where: Lumen Field Event Center
💲Cost: $35+
42. See free movies under the Space Needle
Experience free movies outdoors at Seattle Center each summer. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family! Get more details here.
📅When: July 26 onwards
📍Where: Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre
💲Cost: Free!
43. Enjoy free events on the pier all summer
There are so many events happening at Pier 62 all summer. Read about all the fun upcoming events here.
📅When: July – August
📍Where: Pier 62
💲Cost: Free admission
44. Watch the Seafair Torchlight Parade
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 Parade, but you can check out the full list of summer events here. Most of the events are free!
📅When: July 27 from 3-6 pm
📍Where: Downtown Seattle – 4th Ave
💲Cost: Free!
45. Go to BLASTFEST- an Afrobeats Music Festival
This unique music festival promises to “go to the moon!” Get all the details here.
📅When: July 27 starts at 2 pm
📍Where: Seattle Center
💲Cost: $95+
46. 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.
47. See a summer concert at a winery
Although each night of this summer concert series sells out quickly, you can still get tickets to see bands perform at this nearby winery. See the details on their website.
📅When: select dates in July
📍Where: Chateau Ste. Michelle
💲Cost: $50+
48. Check out a new museum exhibit
Seattle has many incredible museums that you can visit to cool off on a hot day. See our guide to the most exciting exhibitions in Seattle this summer, as well as free museum admission days.
49. Go on a hike—no car needed
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.
📅When: weekends and holidays, through September
📍Where: various bus stops in Seattle
💲Cost: $2.75+
50. 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.
51. 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 and our guide to the best soft serve in Seattle.
52. 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.
53. 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.
54. 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.
55. 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.
56. Take a trip to a nearby destination
There are many stunning destinations nearby that can be experienced in a weekend getaway or even a single day trip from Seattle. Here are some ideas:
- Tacoma day trip
- Easy day trips from Seattle
- Charming small towns near Seattle
- 5 adorable beach towns near Seattle
- Visiting Vashon Island
- Scenic train trips from Seattle
57. 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.
58. Ride an alpine rollercoaster in Leavenworth
The Leavenworth Adventure Park is fun for all ages. The biggest thrill is definitely the alpine coaster, but there’s other activities as well, such as a climbing wall and a bungee trampoline. You can spend a whole weekend exploring the charming Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, WA while you’re at it.
Edited by Sarah Nash.