Looking for something things to do in Seattle over the long weekend?
A three-day weekend is here and it’s packed with fun things to do in Seattle! There are plenty of exciting events and activities happening this weekend in Seattle and the surrounding area. Whether you’re in the mood to eat, shop, explore, or go on an adventure, we got you.
If you’re looking for even more weekend ideas, check out free things to do in Seattle, fun things to do with kids in Seattle, and the best bars in Seattle.
Here are the top events in Seattle this weekend that you won’t want to miss:
1. Celebrate MLK Day
In honor of Martin Luther King Day this Monday, Seattle is going to have a march and rally, volunteer opportunities, community events, and more. See all your MLK Day options here.
📅When: Monday, January 20, 2025
2. Free parks entrance
This Monday, you can gain free entry to any state or national park in honor of MLK Day. Be aware that there may be more traffic than usual and parking lots may get full quickly.
📅When: Monday, January 20, 2025
📍Where: all state and national parks
3. Go to a Kraken game
It’s always an exciting time watching the Seattle Kraken play a home game at Climate Pledge! Get tickets here.
📅When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
📍Where: Climate Pledge Arena
4. Astra Lumina: A Night Walk Among The Stars
Now that we’ve entered the Big Dark here in Seattle, this is the perfect way to light up those dark winter nights. Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars is now open at the Seattle Chinese Garden. This immersive experience for all ages features stunning light and musical installations. Get tickets here!
📅When: select dates in January
📍Where: Seattle Chinese Garden (16th Ave SW)
5. Sail away to the Titanic exhibition this weekend
Get ready to learn the true history and discover the personal stories and more of Titanic passengers at the riveting Titanic: The Exhibition in Seattle for a limited time. Tickets are on sale now! Step back in time and hear all about the true tale of the Titanic. Check outall the details here.
📅When: select dates in January
📍Where: Maritime Building
🎟️ Get tickets here!
6. Treat yourself to a mocktail
Doing Dry January? You can still go out and have a delicious drink this weekend. See our guide to the best places to drink mocktails in Seattle.
7. Beat The Tomb Raider Experience
Have you ever played a Tomb Raider game and thought to yourself, “I could do that”? Now’s your chance to prove it at The Tomb Raider Experience Seattle – Escape from the Temple of Fire. This immersive experience for ages 10 and up just opened in downtown Seattle. Get tickets here.
📅When: select dates in January
📍Where: 1122 Post Ave.
8. Visit a Christmas-themed coffee shop
Not ready to let go of the Christmas spirit? Luckily for you, Jollidaze Cafe in Seattle’s International District is keeping its festive holiday decorations and drinks going through mid-January. Go check it out this weekend and enjoy a sweet treat.
📍Where: 519 6th Ave S #110
9. See the zoo illuminated by epic lantern displays
You only have one weekend left to experience WildLanterns, animmersive lantern festival at the Woodland Park Zoo. This Sunday is the final day. As you stroll through the zoo, you’ll notice more “animals” than usual… in illuminated lantern forms. You’ll see shining lanterns of famous wild animals such as grizzly bears, eagles, snow leopards, tigers, giraffes, zebras, gorillas, and many more!
📅When: Now through Sunday, January 19
📍Where: Woodland Park Zoo
10. Visit the new Faux Flora exhibition at the Nordic Museum
If you’re looking to relax, how about being immersed in the world of invented plants? The temporary exhibition Faux Flora just opened at the Nordic Museum in Ballard. It’s described as “a multi-sensory journey, exploring the fragrance, sound, and movement of… invented plant species.” Get tickets and info on the Nordic Museum website.
📅When: Now through January 26
📍Where: National Nordic Museum in Ballard
11. Go for a twirl around the ice
Bundle up, lace up your ice skates, and hit the ice at one of these 8 nearby ice rinks offering holiday ice skate sessions. Ice skating is the ultimate winter activity. We rounded up the top picks for the ice rinks in and near Seattle. Check it out here!
11. Try Seattle’s best new restaurant
Atoma in Wallingford was named a best new restaurant in Seattle in 2024 by several publications, so make it your mission to check them out this weekend! They serve seasonal New American fare and creative cocktails in a cozy Craftsman. Read all about Atoma before you go.
12. Hit the slopes at these ski resorts
It’s that time of year: the local ski resorts are open for business! You can ski, snowboard, or go tubing (or sit by the fire with a hot drink—we don’t judge). See our list of the best ski resorts near Seattle.
14. See these temporary art exhibitions
Seattle has so many incredible museums here, from the Seattle Asian Art Museum to the National Nordic Museum. Here’s a guide to some of the coolest current exhibitions in Seattle in the winter of 2025. Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience or a family-friendly exhibition, we got you. Some of these exhibitions are even free!
16. Head to these winter wonderlands near Seattle
Seattle is lucky to have so many beautiful small towns within driving distance, and several of them become snowy winter wonderlands this time of year (especially Leavenworth, pictured above!). Whether you want to get cozy by a fire or go skiing down a snowy mountain, our roundup has something for you. Check out our full guide here.
17. Take your kids to one of these fun activities in Seattle
Grab your kid (or favorite nephew or niece) and head out to one of these kid-friendly events happening all around Seattle. There are tons of indoor and outdoor activities, so there’s no need to worry about the weather. Plus, many of this month’s events are budget-friendly or even free. Get all the info here.
18. Shop at your local farmers market
Almost every Seattle neighborhood has its own farmers market where you can support your local farmers by buying fresh produce, flowers, and more. See our guide to Seattle’s farmers markets.
19. Seattle dance parties
Grab your friends and head to one of these fun dance parties happening in Seattle this weekend (ages 21+):
- Gold Bar in Capitol Hill usually has their weekly “Don’t Think!” dance party every Thursday.
- Chop Suey in Capitol Hill has an indie dance party every Saturday night.
- Barboza in Capitol Hill has FREE dance nights every Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. with $5 well drinks until midnight.
- Supernova has a dance party every Saturday night
20. Seattle’s Weekend Markets
Whether you want to browse vintage clothing, handmade crafts, or delicious food, you’ll want to check out these Seattle weekend markets!
- Fremont Sunday Market: every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Fremont
- Ballard Farmers Market: every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Ballard
- Capitol Hill Farmers Market: every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Capitol Hill
- University District Farmers Market: every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on University Way NE
- West Seattle Farmers Market: every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in West Seattle
- Georgetown Trailer Park Mall: every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 5805 Airport Way South
Edited by Sarah Nash.