Looking for things to do in Seattle this September? As we prepare for fall in Seattle, our thoughts start to turn towards cooler weather, hot drinks, apple orchards and cider, delicious meals, and cozy indoor activities. Whether you’re looking for free things to do in Seattle, kid-friendly activities, or spooky fun, our guide to September events in Seattle has all of that and more.
Every month, Seattle museums and gardens offer free admission on First Thursday. This month it falls on September 3. Be sure to consult our free admission guide at the link below since some locations have limited hours or require advance reservations. Some museums offer free daily admission all month long!
Seattle has free art walks in multiple neighborhoods this September; choose one closest to you or join them all! The first one coming up is the Pioneer Square Art Walk on September 3; the nation’s longest-running art walk and one of the city’s most popular First Thursday events.
At Candlelight Concerts, you can witness talented string musicians play classical or popular music while surrounded by candlelight in a stunning Seattle venue. This September you can choose from options such as Candlelight: Tribute to the Beatles at the National Nordic Museum and Candlelight: ’90s Unplugged at the Arctic Club Hotel. Get your tickets below!
Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival will return to Seattle Center beneath the Space Needle for its 54th year on Labor Day weekend, September 5–6, 2026. Along with the return of its eclectic mix of music, visual art, food, and performance, the festival is introducing several fan-focused changes aimed at making the event more accessible and flexible for attendees such as lower ticket pricing, re-entry, and open container rules instead of closed-off beer gardens.
Enter Mind of a Serial Killer in Seattle this September and explore the true stories behind history’s most notorious murderers. Across over 20 immersive stops, you’ll examine real evidence, trace forensic breakthroughs, and experience a VR investigation. Get your tickets below.
Experience nearly a month of food, rides, live music, and rodeo at the Washington State Fair — Sept 4–27, 2026. One of the biggest September draws near Seattle, the Washington State Fair in Puyallup runs throughout September with carnival rides, concerts, rodeo, agricultural exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment less than an hour from the city. Tickets start at $15 on weekdays, with season passes and special free-admission days for kids and military personnel.
Play an artist-designed nine-hole mini golf course along Seattle’s waterfront this summer. If you’re looking for a fun September outing, the Seattle Art Museum’s artist-designed mini golf course at Olympic Sculpture Park is only openthrough September 7. The nine-hole course, created by Seattle-based artists, is open WednesdaySunday with timed-entry tickets required.
Drift two scenic miles of the Wenatchee River for a classic Leavenworth summer float. If you’re looking for an easygoing early-September outing, float a scenic two-mile stretch of the Wenatchee River near Leavenworth on a gentle, family-friendly tubing route; life jackets, paddles and dog tubes are available. For the 2026 season the two-mile route is open through September 13, 2026 (the longer four-mile route is closed due to low water).
If you’re looking for a feel-good way to round out the season, join the vibrant community of Seattle for Yerbana Yoga in the Park, a free event each Thursday from May 22 through September 25. This summer, enjoy an expanded lineup with 20 sessions led by local instructors, live DJs, keynote speakers, and more. Locations include Gas Works Park and Woodland Park, featuring special “Flow in the Forest” mini wellness festivals with unique activities. Perfect for all ages and experience levels—just bring your mat and a smile!
Looking for a can’t-miss Seattle event? Ages 21+ can join the Pacific Northwest’s iconic R-Day festival this Saturday, September 12 in Georgetown. Admission is free, and you can sip an array of Rainier beers and other beverages while catching live music. Between sets, jump into arcade games and keep an eye out for fun surprises like Wild Rainiers.
Enjoy craft beers and fun games at Fremont Oktoberfest
Welcome fall, Bavarian-style, at the annual Fremont Oktoberfest from September 18-20, 2026. As usual there will be over 100 kinds of craft beer, food, live music, and traditional games. This festival is for ages 21+ only.
See Green Lake light up during Luminata
Every September, the Fremont Arts Council celebrates the autumnal equinox with an illuminated lantern procession around Green Lake. All are welcome to participate in this free event happening after dark on Saturday, September 19.
Experience Pike Place Market after dark at The Night Shift. For a standout evening pick in your September 2026 lineup, Pike Place Market recently launched The Night Shift, a free monthly after-hours event with art, live music, food, and pop-up experiences. The event runs from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring a DJ (3–7 PM) and headline performances (7–9 PM).
Seattle’s Georgetown Morgue has been consistently ranked as one of the scariest haunted houses in the country. It opens for the 2026 season on September 25. If you plan to go, brace yourself and don’t expect to turn back: there’s no refunds!
If you’re catching a baseball game this September, grab a ferry-shaped souvenir food vessel and enjoy an expanded value menu with items. The Seattle Mariners unveiled new 2026 ballpark offerings at T-Mobile Park, including a Washington State Ferries–shaped souvenir food vessel (available as an $8 add-on) and an expanded value menu with dozens of low-cost food and drink options. The team is also scheduling 27 designated value games with tickets starting at $12.
Catch a Sounders match
The Seattle Sounders have three matches at Lumen Field this month on September 5, 23 and 26. Be prepared to match the energy of their passionate fans!
Cheer on the Seattle Reign
While you’re at it, don’t miss out on Seattle women’s soccer team and their exciting matches at Lumen Field. The Seattle Reign FC play three matches at Lumen Field on September 6, 12, and 25.
Go to a Kraken game at Climate Pledge Arena
Hockey is back! The Kraken will play two home games at Climate Pledge Arena on September 19 and September 24. If you’ve never been, go support our hockey team this month: it’s a fun time!
Support the Seattle Storm at a home game this September
Don’t ever let you hear us say Seattle doesn’t have a basketball team. The Seattle Storm will play at Climate Pledge Arena twice this month: “Believe in Women Night” on September 17 and “Fan Appreciation Night” on September 23.
Seattle has some of the world’s best farmers markets and weekend street markets, and we’re not just talking about Pike Place Market. This September you can explore the popular Ballard Farmers Market and the Fremont Sunday Market as well as the new South Lake Union Farmers Market, just to name a few. Read more at our guide, linked below.
