October in Seattle is full of thrills! You can celebrate autumn at harvest festivals, U-pick pumpkin patches, and city parks full of fall foliage. And if you’re into spooky season, you can get your share of frights at Halloween shows, costume parties, and haunted houses. In addition to all of that, our guide to Seattle in October includes weekend markets, free museum days, Oktoberfests, kid-friendly activities, concerts, free events, and more!
Here are the top 41 things to do in Seattle this October:
1. See exhibitions and fall foliage on Free First Thursday
📅When: Thursday, October 2
📍Where: participating locations
💲Cost: Free!
Many Seattle museums participate in First Thursday’s waived admission. This month, you can visit Seattle museums and other attractions for free on Thursday, October 2. This includes the Seattle Japanese Garden, which will have stunning fall foliage!
Sometimes hours are limited or advance reservations are required so see our guide to this month’s free museum admissions in Seattle. And check out our roundup of the best exhibitions to see in Seattle this fall.
2. Dress up for the Great Pumpkin Beer Fest
📅When: October 3-4
📍Where: Elysian Brewery in Capitol Hill
💲Cost: $40+
This year, Seattle’s annual Great Pumpkin Beer Festival will move from Seattle Center to Elysian Brewery in Capitol Hill. On October 3-4 you’ll be able to sample tons of local seasonal beers, watch a giant pumpkin get tapped, and compete in a costume contest. Read more about this year’s Great Pumpkin Beer Festival before you go.
3. Get wild at the zoo’s OktoBEARfest
📅When: Saturday, October 4
📍Where: Woodland Park Zoo (5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA)
💲Cost: $85+
Leave the kids at home for this 21+ adventure at the zoo from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. You’ll get to explore the zoo while sampling over 50 Northwest breweries and cideries; and it’s all in support of conservation. Get more info and tickets for OktoBEARfest here.
4. Choose from more Oktoberfests around Seattle
There are several Oktoberfests happening in and around Seattle this month. See our guide to this year’s Oktoberfest events in Seattle.
5. Seattle Restored — A pop-up & local-business revival at Pacific Place
When: Ongoing now through January 18, 2026
Where: Pacific Place (600 Pine St, Seattle, WA)
This initiative transforms temporarily vacant storefronts into vibrant pop-ups featuring local brands like Mabel Brempong and Pomp + Sway, with a focus on women- and BIPOC-owned businesses, slow-fashion, conscious consumption, and up-cycled design. Add some flair to your fall at Seattle Restored — learn more here!
6. See a Halloween candlelight concert
Get into the magic of spooky season with the spine-tingling music of Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics. You can attend a live concert lit by glowing candles on October 26 at Arctic Club Hotel or on October 30 at The Museum of Flight. The program will be full of music from Halloween classics such as Beetlejuice and Ghostbusters as well as newer fan favorites such as Stranger Things. Get tickets here before all of the October dates sell out!
7. Celebrate the Mariners’ success
When: October 4, 5, and more TBD
Where: T-Mobile Park
It’s a great time to be a baseball fan in Seattle. The Seattle Mariners just advanced to the American League Division Series (ALDS) and will be hosting several games this October at T-Mobile Park. If you’re able to score tickets, see our guide to the best food at T-Mobile Park! Otherwise, watch the games with a crowd at one of Seattle’s best sports bars this weekend.
8. Join a Halloween pet parade
📅When: Sunday, October 5
📍Where: Volunteer Park
💲Cost: Free!
This free, family-friendly event is a fun way to kick off spooky season without getting spooked. Dress up your pet and head to Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill on Sunday, October 5 for the annual Halloween Pet Parade. Get all the info on the event website
9. Experience other cultures at these free festivals
📅When: October 5, October 11-12, and October 18
📍Where: Seattle Center
💲Cost: Free!
Seattle Center hosts multiple cultural festivals every month year-round. They’re all free and suitable for all ages. This October, you can enjoy food, music, and performances at the following festivals:
- October 5: Croatiafest
- October 11-12: Turkfest
- October 18: Diwali: Lights of India
10. Feast at the Market
📅When: October 7
📍Where: Neighborcare’s Pike Place Market Clinic (1930 Post Alley)
💲Cost: $125
Eat for a good cause at the annual Feast at the Market on Tuesday, October 7. Get tickets and more info on the event website.
11. Learn something new at Ignite Seattle
📅When: October 9
📍Where: Town Hall Seattle (1119 8th Ave)
💲Cost: $20
On the evening of Thursday, October 9, Town Hall Seattle will host the largest open-submission public speaking event in the PNW. Interesting people get 5 minutes to speak on a topic that they’re passionate about. The event is followed by an afterparty. Ignite Seattle only happens twice a year so don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
12. Get outside for free state park day
📅When: October 10
📍Where: WA state parks
💲Cost: Free!
Celebrate World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10 by getting out into nature. All of Washington’s state parks will waive their entry fee for the day. There are over 100 state parks here so see our guide to the top 10 WA state parks before you go.
13. Dance at Concerts Under the Stars
On October 15, Concerts Under the Stars is bringing the music of ABBA live to the Olympic Rooftop Pavilion at Stoneburner in Ballard. You also get to enjoy cocktails while dancing to the music on the rooftop. Get tickets here!
14. Eat and shop at the Autumn Moon Night Market
📅When: October 11
📍Where: Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park
💲Cost: $12+
The annual Autumn Moon Night Market is back on Saturday, October 11 inside Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park (ages 21+ only). There will be local artisan vendors, food trucks, cocktail bars, DJs, and more. Tickets are on sale now; get more info on the market’s Facebook page.
15. Take a spooky walk through the Forest of Shadows
Get into the spirit of spooky season at Forest of Shadows: An Immersive Dark Tale. This mysterious night walk at Seattle Chinese Garden is only available for select dates this October. Get tickets here!
16. See a live show at Climate Pledge Arena
Some big names are passing through Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena this month:
- Laufey on October 4
- Dua Lipa on October 15-16
- Lord Huron on October 18
- Maroon 5 on October 21
- Lorde on October 22
- Adam Sandler on October 29
And more! See all the upcoming concerts and ticket info on the Climate Pledge website.
17. Sip and shop at the Ballard Wine Walk
📅When: October 18
📍Where: Ballard
💲Cost: $40-$50
You can browse 15 Ballard boutiques while sampling wine from 15 PNW wineries on the evening of Saturday, October 18. Tickets won’t be sold at the door and sometimes they sell out. Get more info and tickets on the Visit Ballard website.
18. Browse the Seattle book fair
📅When: October 18-19
📍Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
💲Cost: $10 (covers admission for both days)
If you love books you won’t want to miss the 2025 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair at Seattle Center on October 18-19. There’s more than just books: there will also be vintage maps, photos, posters, autographs, art prints, and more. You can pay $10 at the door for two-day entry. Seattle book fair website.
19. Get creeped out at the Seattle Oddities & Curiosities Expo
📅When: October 18-19
📍Where: Seattle Convention Center
💲Cost: $12+
The annual Seattle Oddities & Curiosities Expo is perfect for spooky season. You’ll find all things weird and creepy on display, from taxidermy to horror-inspired artwork. It will be downtown at the Seattle Convention Center for two days on October 18-19. Get tickets and info on the expo website.
20. Open house at Frye Art Museum
📅When: October 24-26
📍Where: Frye Art Museum (704 Terry Avenue)
💲Cost: Free!
Frye Art Museum invites you to explore new exhibitions at a free open house weekend this month. There is a public reception with a bar on Friday evening, a film screening on Saturday afternoon, and a weaving demonstration on Sunday afternoon. For more info or to RSVP for Friday’s reception, visit the Frye Museum website.
21. Celebrate Halloween at Museum of Pop Culture
📅When: October 25 and 31
📍Where: MOPOP
💲Cost: $39-$130
Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) is hosting two fun 21+ events this October in honor of Halloween. You can get tickets now for Halloween dance party Fashionably Undead: The Goopening on October 25 or the museum’s The Silence of the Lambs-inspired dinner party We’re Having an Old Friend for Dinner on October 31.
22. Go trick-or-treating in West Seattle
📅When: October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
📍Where: California Ave / The Junction in West Seattle
💲Cost: Free!
On Sunday, October 26, The Junction in the heart of West Seattle will have a costume parade, trick-or-treating, a chili cook-off, and more. See more info on the West Seattle Junction website.
23. Dress up for the Museum of FRIGHT
📅When: October 26
📍Where: Museum of Flight
💲Cost: $29 for adults
Seattle’s Museum of Flight transforms into the Museum of FRIGHT on Sunday, October 26. There will be Halloween-themed games and activities throughout the museum, all included with admission, and free admission for visitors 17 and under in costume! See more info on the Museum of Flight website.
24. Eat out for cheap during Seattle Restaurant Week
📅When: October 26-November 8
📍Where: participating eateries
The twice-annual Seattle Restaurant week is back from October 26 through November 8. Don’t miss out on tons of food and drink deals and unique menus around Seattle. See the lineup here.
25. See a spooky show at The Paramount
Tuesday, October 28: If you love The Rocky Horror Picture Show don’t miss the Paramount’s special 50th anniversary screening that will have the original “Brad Majors” actor Barry Bostwick present along with a live shadow cast, audience participation with props, and more. Tickets here.
Wednesday, October 29: The Paramount will also be hosting a “dark and edgy” Dracula ballet this month, performed by International Ballet Theatre. Get tickets here. And see the full October calendar here.
26. See a thrilling Halloween aerial show
📅When: October 30-November 1
📍Where: Emerald City Trapeze Arts (2702 6th Ave South)
💲Cost: $40+
Emerald City Trapeze will be performing their Halloween aerial show Carnevolar XIII | Infestation for three nights: Thursday, October 30 through Saturday, November 1. The final performance on Saturday is followed by a costume dance party (additional ticket required). Get tickets and more info on the Emerald City Trapeze website.
27. Dress up for the aquarium’s after-hours Halloween party
📅When: October 30
📍Where: Seattle Aquarium
💲Cost: TBD
The Seattle Aquarium becomes 21+ on the evening of Thursday, October 30 to celebrate Halloween with costumes, drinks, a DJ, and more. Get tickets and more info on the aquarium website.
28. Dance at a Halloween music festival
📅When: October 31 and November 1
📍Where: WAMU Theater
💲Cost: $164+
This 18+ Halloween music festival comes to Seattle’s WAMU Theater on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. See the lineup and get passes on the festival website.
29. Laugh at a spooky improv show
📅When: select dates in October
📍Where: Pike Place Market
💲Cost: varies; usually $10-$15
Unexpected Productions will be putting on Halloween-inspired improv shows at their Pike Place Market theater all throughout October. These include a Rocky Horror improv show and an Edgar Allen Poe improv show. There’s also The Haunting: An Improvised Gothic Horror Story for those who prefer something more spooky than comedic. See the full show calendar here.
30. Celebrate Trolloween like a local
📅When: October 31
📍Where: Fremont
💲Cost: Free!
Every October 31, Seattleites gather in Fremont after dark to celebrate Halloween and the Fremont Troll’s birthday. He’ll be 35 this year! This local tradition starts with music and costumes at the Troll, and then continues with a parade. Read more about Trolloween before you go.
31. Show off your costume at a Seattle Halloween party
There are several Halloween parties in Seattle this month! Whether you prefer a bar crawl or an upscale costume party at a swanky hotel, we have options for you. See our guide to this year’s Halloween events in Seattle.
32. Dare to enter the infamous Georgetown Morgue
📅When: select October dates
📍Where: 5000 E. Marginal Way S
💲Cost: $37+
Seattle’s Georgetown morgue has been named one of the scariest haunted houses in the country more than once! If you think you have the nerve, you can get tickets on the Georgetown Morgue website. There is also the option to add-on The Dark Maze experience. This attraction is open every weekend in October, plus on select Wednesdays and Thursdays.
33. Experience a Seattle Kraken game
📅When: October 1, 9 and 28
📍Where: Climate Pledge Arena
Don’t miss out on the exciting experience of cheering on Seattle’s hockey team! The Kraken have three home games at Climate Pledge Arena this month on Wednesday, October 1, Thursday, October 9, and Tuesday, October 28. See more info and get tickets on the NHL website.
34. Root for the Seahawks
📅When: October 5 and 20
📍Where: Lumen Field
The Seahawks will have two home games at Lumen Field this month: they’ll play versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 5 and the Houston Texans on Monday, October 20. See more info and get tickets on the Seahawks website, or watch the games with a crowd at one of Seattle’s best sports bars.
35. Support the Sounders
📅When: October 4 and 11
📍Where: Lumen Field
The Seattle Sounders have two home soccer matches at Lumen Field this month. Cheer them on against rivals Portland on October 4 and again as they play versus Salt Lake on October 11. Get tickets and more details on the Sounders website.
36. Cheer for the Seattle Reign
📅When: October 10 and 17
📍Where: Lumen Field
The Reign FC is Seattle’s women’s soccer team. They play home matches at Lumen Field this month on October 10 versus Bay FC and on October 17 versus Utah Royals FC (and this is the Fan Appreciation Match). Get tickets and details on the Reign FC website.
37. Join a Seattle art walk
Every month, multiple Seattle neighborhoods host free art walks with demonstrations, live music, wine, and more. The Pioneer Square Art Walk on Thursday, October 2 is the longest-running art walk in the country. See our guide to all the Seattle art walks here.
38. Enjoy fall fun at local pumpkin patches
There are several U-pick pumpkin patches that are within an hour’s drive from Seattle. Many of them have harvest festivals and more fall activities to enjoy this October; some are free and others require tickets. See our guide to Seattle-area pumpkin patches.
39. Get a drink at Seattle’s spookiest Halloween pop-up bars
Every October, several Seattle bars transform into Halloween pop-ups. Get your fill of creative limited-time cocktails and spooky decor at these spots:
- Rob Roy transforms into The Black Lagoon
- Navy Strength becomes Nightmare on Wall Street
- The Edgewater Hotel is hosting the Spooky Little Halloween Bar
40. Wear a costume for a Halloween fun run
If you want to get outside and get active this October, join a Halloween fun run! Here are three options in Seattle this month:
- The West Seattle Monster Dash is on Saturday, October 25 at Lincoln Park. Get dressed in costume and participate in either a 5K run/walk or a kids dash.
- Run 2 Be Fit Trick or Treat 5K is on Saturday, October 25 at Green Lake Park. Costumes encouraged!
- Run Scared is on Sunday, October 26 at Seward Park. You can choose from a 10K, 5K, or a two-mile walk/run. There will be a kids dash, fun Halloween activities for kids, a costume contest, hot apple cider, and more.
41. Eat and shop at Seattle weekend markets
From the Fremont Sunday Market to the Ballard Farmers Market, there is no shortage of weekly neighborhood markets to shop and eat at this October. There are also monthly markets coming up such as the Magnolia Flea Market. See our regularly-updated guide to Seattle weekend markets.