Looking for fun things to do in Seattle this July? Summer is finally in full swing here in Seattle and we are ready to soak up every bit of it! From festive Fourth of July events to laid-back 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, rooftop dance parties, cultural festivals, outdoor recreation, and delicious food that Seattle has to offer this July.
Free First Thursday is back on July 2, when many Seattle museums offer free entry. As you’re planning things to do in Seattle, Free First Thursday offers free entry to many participating Seattle museums and attractions; some venues may require reservations or have restricted hours so read more at the link below.
Candlelight Concerts take place in Seattle venues that were chosen for their stunning atmosphere, such as the gorgeous Arctic Club Hotel and the National Nordic Museum. Choose your Candlelight Concert experience here or gift the experience to someone with a Candlelight Concert gift card.
The longest-running art walk in the country is right here in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood on the first Thursday of every month. Several other neighborhoods also host art walks throughout July. See them all (with start times and locations) in our guide to Seattle art walks.
Watch Seattle’s Fourth of July fireworks
We can’t wait to see the fireworks light up Lake Union on the Fourth of July. They start around 10:00 p.m. and you can find a good view if you show up early to Gas Works Park or Lake Union Park (both parks get crowded!).
Picture this: cold drink in hand, your favorite people, and front-row seats to the horizon. Whether you’re kicking off the night with a Happy Hour Cruise (first drink’s on the house!) or catching golden hour on a Sunset Cruise against the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains, this is the ultimate summer vibe. For locals and visitors alike, an Argosy Cruise is a must for your Seattle summer bucket list!
Ready to see aviation history from a completely different angle? Head over to The Museum of Flight to explore Runway to Runway. This captivating exhibition dives deep into the world of flight attendant fashion, showcasing everything from vintage uniforms to unique onboard artifacts. It’s the perfect blend of style and history – definitely don’t miss your chance to see it in person!
If you’re looking for a unique big-screen experience in Seattle this July, SIFF brings 70mm projection back to Seattle for Nolan’s The Odyssey starting July 16. SIFF Cinema Downtown will screen Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in 70mm beginning July 16, with the film shown in that format for the first 10 days as a test of returning large-format projection.
Mind of a Serial Killer: The Experience in Seattle is an immersive exhibition designed to challenge what you think you know about crime. You’ll learn about 20 of the world’s most infamous serial killers and the investigations that brought them to justice. July dates are available now.
Play an artist-designed nine-hole mini golf course along Seattle’s waterfront this summer. For a fun July outing in Seattle, check out the Seattle Art Museum’s artist-designed mini golf course at Olympic Sculpture Park for summer 2026, running June 17–September 7. The nine-hole course, created by Seattle-based artists, is open Wednesday–Sunday with timed-entry tickets required.
Enjoy classic motown hits accompanied by breathtaking city views from the Olympic Rooftop. If you’re looking for a memorable night out in Seattle this July, Concert Under The Stars brings the magic of Motown to the city’s stunning Olympic Rooftop. Sip on a delicious cocktail, savor light bites, and let the timeless music transport you. This 21+ event promises a night of vibrant nostalgia, with doors opening 60 minutes before the 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. shows. Even if rain calls, the show will go on.
See a free 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. This July, you can experience a different band every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Love hitting up yard sales? There are three different Seattle neighborhoods planning a community-wide garage sale day this July, and more throughout the rest of the summer. See the full garage sale day roundup with dates and details below.
Want to let your hair down? Harry’s Good Times Co. and Rhonda INTL are bringing back their rooftop party series, A Rooftop Named Desire, with four sun-drenched afternoons coming to a Seattle rooftop this summer. This month’s rooftop party will be on July 18. Read more below for all the details.
Go to a free Polish festival at Seattle Center
Spend a day at Seattle Center enjoying good food and Polish culture at a festival with free admission. This year, Polish Festival Seattle runs from noon to 7 p.m. on July 11. You’ll find it in the Armory Food & Event Hall and at the Mural Amphitheatre.
Pike Place Market just debuted a pilot program this summer called Sip & Savor. You can now stroll through the market with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine in hand. Note that the program is limited to Fridays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It will continue through Labor Day weekend.
The Seattle Mariners have 11 home games this July at T-Mobile Park. While you’re there, enjoy the new value menu, score a souvenir ferry boat if you can, and see if you can find the secret cocktail door.
Cheer on the Seattle Reign FC at a home match
Cheer on the Seattle Reign FC this month! They’re playing a home match at Lumen Field on July 12 against the Portland Thorns. And don’t forget—kids can attend Reign matches for free!
Catch an exciting Sounders match at Lumen Field
Amidst the World Cup excitement, don’t forget to support our very own Seattle Sounders this month as well! The Sounders are playing a home match at Lumen Field on July 16. Can’t get tickets? Watch the match with a friendly crowd at one of the best soccer bars in the country.
You can join hundreds of other Seattleites in a donation-based yoga class from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings this month. This year’s series runs rain or shine through September 18, mostly at Gas Works Park—but there’s also a fun secondary location for a few of the evenings. This month, a special “Flow in the Forest” night will pop up at Woodland Park on July 23 as well.
Movies at the Mural is back at Seattle Center for the summer starting on July 21. And that’s not all. We have seven other places to see an outdoor movie this summer in the Seattle area at the link below.
Great news for Ballard residents: a new daily shuttle will run every 30 minutes to Golden Gardens starting June 27, making the park easier to reach without driving. If you’re planning a beach day this July, King County Metro and the City of Seattle are running the Golden Gardens Direct, a seasonal shuttle connecting Ballard’s Market Street corridor to Golden Gardens Park. The pilot operates daily through August 30, with standard Metro fare of $3 and free rides for riders 18 and under.
Seattle has the best farmers markets and weekend street markets. If you’re looking for a laid-back way to spend a July weekend in Seattle, carve out time for one (or a few) of the city’s year-round markets we love—like the Ballard Farmers Market and the Fremont Sunday Market, or the new South Lake Union Farmers Market.
