Did someone say summer?? Yesssss! Finally. Our cherished season has arrived and that can only mean three things. Long, lazy days soaking up the sun, exploring spectacular parks, mountains and lakes in our own backyard and one heck of a lot of festivals.
If seeing fireworks on the fourth are your only plans this July, now is the perfect time to start planning for all the great events happening in and around the city. We’ve got you covered with some events that will dowse your friends with a case of Seattle summer FOMO once you post that next selfie all across social media.
Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival: July 2–4
Need a way to beat the heat? Put on something you don’t mind getting wet and head to the Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival, and slice through the water on beautiful, historic wooden boats. If you are the crafty type, put your skills to the test and build a sea-fairing vessel in 24 hours and then engage a little friendly competition to see whose boat is the swiftest.
And let’s not forget about the food. An array of local artisans such as Ballard Brothers Seafood and Burgers, Celesto Espresso and Lopez Island Creamery will be on hand to tempt your taste buds with Cajun blackened salmon or a refreshing salty, malt cone while you survey the boats.
Ballard SeafoodFest: July 9–10
Follow the sweet smell of alder smoke to the Ballard Seafood Fest and discover why people stand in line year after year for this delicious salmon that has specially flown in from Alaska. More than just a barbecue, this eclectic summer festival is a full-blown weekend fair, chock full of performances by local musicians and unique arts and crafts created by talented artisans.
There is even a skating event, the Festi-Bowl, which just happens to be the largest, all-ages skate competition in Seattle. Make your day a little more festive with a stop at the concurrent BeerFest, where you can kick back with more than 25 different brews.
Groupon Bite of Seattle: July 15–17
Sink your teeth into everything from juicy pulled pork or Philly steak sandwiches to adventurous bites like alligator on a stick as well as other mouth-watering treats prepared by more than 60 different restaurants and vendors at the Groupon Bite of Seattle. Be sure to check out The Bite Cooks!, a live on-stage show where local chefs demonstrate their favorite dishes and compete in a mystery ingredient cook-off, where you will get to judge the final entrées.
The Capitol Hill Block Party: July 22–24
Get your toes tapping and dance the night away to a mixture of eclectic indie, dreamy synth and experimental electronic music at the Capitol Hill Block Party. This three-day music and arts festival dominates the iconic Capital Hill neighborhood. Spread over six city blocks, there are multiple venues where you can party to beats from headliners such as Odesza, Chvrches, Crystal Castles and The Joy Formidable. Refuel between sets at the Food Truck Lot, which features a selection from Seattle’s first-rate restaurants.
Outdoor Movies at Magnuson Park: July 7–August 25
Satisfy your inner movie-buff and while spending time under the stars by heading to Magnuson Park every Thursday in July and August, to catch an outdoor movie with a few hundred of your closest friends. Gather your faithful pup, camping chair and popcorn and settle in to watch cult classics Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Labyrinth as well as newer releases like Zootopia and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Go to one event, go to them all, whatever the case may be, this handy guide will pack your summer weekends with fantastic cultural and culinary events. Whether you want to party all night long at a music festival or cozy up on a blanket and watch a film in the great outdoors, Seattle has you covered.
Clipper Recommends:
- Take a quick ride on the Clipper for a short overnight getaway to Seattle and take part in some of the city’s, mostly free, iconic summer festivals.
- Looking for more fun in the sun? Check out our Seattle things to do to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings around town.
