The leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. The quiet fog has begun to roll in over the Sound. The pitter-patter of rain on the roof has once again become the norm. One could assume Seattle area events are becoming as scarce as the sunny days. On the contrary, there are many end-of-summer events that embrace the transition to fall. We’re looking at you, rainy day Netflix-bingers: here are five reasons to get out of the house over the next couple weekends.
Cider Summit Seattle – September 9 – 10
Nothing eases the transition into fall like a glass of crisp bittersweet cider. Governor Jay Inslee has formally proclaimed September 8-18th Washington Cider Week, and kicking off the weeklong party is the Cider Summit. Over 150 ciders will be available including regional favorites such as Bend, Oregon’s Atlas Cider, Portland’s Cider Riot and even a cold brew coffee cider pressed by Seattle Cider Company.
Throughout the event, Whole Foods Market and Capitol Cider will be providing specially paired food items, and Three Twins Ice Cream will be serving up mouth-watering scoops of frozen goodness. The event also features musical programming courtesy of KEXP and a “Dog Lounge” hosted by Seattle Humane, which provides a space for dogs and owners to relax and bond.
Hops & Crops – September 10
If there’s anything that has cider matched for the fall theme, it’s sudsy brews and a music festival on a farm! On Saturday, Hops & Crops brings a music and beer festival to the idyllic Green River, and offers an opportunity to sample some of the region’s best craft brews. Your ticket goes towards fundraising for classes at the Mary Olson Farm, which teaches students about farming, salmon and sustainability in the Northwest.
Folk, rock and reggae groups like Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme and The Cottonwood Cutups will be performing all day long. Providing sustenance, Tacos La Flaca and Stella Fiore will have food trucks on-site. Dogs are welcome at this event, so don’t forget to bring Fido along!
Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival – September 9, 10 and 11
Affectionately dubbed “Muk Fest,” the Lighthouse Festival is Mukilteo’s last hurrah of the summer, and they like to go out with a bang! Catch musical performances all three days of the event in the beer garden. Here’s a hint: on Friday, wear Seattle sports gear and they’ll waive the $5 cover charge. Friday and Saturday night enjoy Snohomish County’s largest fireworks display.
Grab a snack or other artisan wares at the freshly redesigned outdoor artist market, which showcases goods, food and fine art from nearly 60 local producers. The festival culminates on Saturday’s 51st annual Grand Parade at 10:45 a.m., with a festive Children’s Parade 15 minutes prior.
Chinatown International District Night Market – September 10
As the sun sets in Seattle, the International District awakens with the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling Night Market. Underneath the historic Chinatown Gate, more than forty vendors selling handmade jewelry, apparel and local art congregate. And then there’s the food. Take a few minutes and walk around to get a sense of just how many sizzling, steaming kitchens on wheels there are at this outdoor urban bazaar.
If you’re feeling hungry, local Japanese mega-store Uwajimaya and Korean BBQ restaurant Tofully will be joining in to provide delicious dishes. On-stage entertainment from indie hip-hop group Lions Ambition, among others, will keep the vibe going all night.
Ride Around The Sound – September 17
Cruise around town and spend next weekend getting some two-wheeled exercise at Ride Around the Sound. This one-day bicycle tour raises money for the American Lung Association in Washington, dedicated to fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air. Choose from three bike routes ranging from 38 to 100 miles in length, and explore scenic Puget Sound with hundreds of other dedicated cyclists.
Enjoy this event as a personal challenge or as a chance to ride together with friends or family. Refuel at one of the eight rest stops with meal breaks along the way or wait to quench your thirst with the rest of the riders at the finish line celebration.
Even with the return of crisp fall days, there’s no excuse not to get out and about to soak in the vivid fall colors. As lush greens transition to fiery oranges and deep reds, the reassuring crunch of leaves underfoot is a soft reminder that the seasons are changing. Although summer might be missed momentarily, cozy scenes of fireside hot chocolate and an opportunity for warm dinners spent with friends and family are just around the corner.
Clipper Recommends:
- Bike to Hops & Crops by way of the Duwamish-Green River Trail, which begins in West Seattle and takes about two hours start to finish.
- Get your caffeine fix and warm up indoors on our Seattle Coffee Tour. You’ll see the roasting process in action, participate in a coffee cupping and taste espresso, lattes and more at four of Seattle’s best cafes.