It’s heating up in Western Washington! With July just around the corner, we hope you’ve traded in those wool socks for sandals and beanies for baseball caps. The warm weather means Seattle is ready for a party. On the beaches, on the boats, and throughout the city streets, everyone is looking for a good time. With this in mind, you won’t want to miss the chance to take advantage of the sunshine and long days. Think everything from outdoor excursions to 4th of July fireworks. This is a month to have a blast in more ways than one. Enjoy some of our favorite picks for outdoor fun in Seattle this July!
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Seattle Half-Day Whale Watching Tour: July 1 – 31
Throughout the month of July (and beyond), hop aboard the San Juan Clipper for an exciting day under the sun. Cruise through the waters of the PNW on a Seattle half-day whale watching tour! You’ll be able to breathe in that fresh salty sea air and enjoy the beautiful scenery. But the highlight, of course, is the chance to spot everything from transient orcas to minke and humpback whales. With the help of an expert onboard naturalist, you’ll learn more about the region and these magnificent animals that call it home. Don’t forget to keep watch for other wildlife like porpoises, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles too.
Fireworks Over Lake Union: July 4
If there’s one thing that rings in the start of summer, it’s spectacular fireworks overhead and the smell of BBQ on the grill! Voted as one of the nation’s best fireworks displays by USA Today and Business Insider, Seattle boasts an incredible 20-minute pyrotechnics show. We think it’s best enjoyed from across the lake at Gasworks Park. Why? You can enjoy an entire afternoon and evening of fun with live music, food vendors and beverage gardens. The grand finale is the colorful booming show in the night’s sky.
Catch a Sounders Game at Lumen Field: July 7, 18, 21, 27
Cheering on the home team always makes for a great time! Join the slew of other Rave-Green-clad fans by heading over to Lumen Field. While rooting for the Seattle Sounders as they pursue another shot at the MLS Cup, you’ll have a spectacular view of downtown Seattle. And, with the stadium nestled among fantastic post-game bar spots like Elysian Fields and Gantry Public House, you’ll have plenty of options for fun afterward. Celebrate with a frosty pint, or drown your sorrows with a stiff drink after a tough loss.
South Lake Union Saturday Market – Every Saturday
We love the South Lake Union Saturday Market. Held in a tree-lined stretch of downtown’s South Lake Union neighborhood, this weekly market is the perfect stop to kick off a sunny Seattle Saturday. Grab breakfast from one of the local food trucks, flip through racks of vintage goods, and browse artisan wares al fresco. With that in mind, it’s not the same every week. So, you’ll want to be sure to check the market’s official Instagram feed for updates on which vendors you can expect to see each week.
Seafair Festival: July 1 – 31
The Pirates are coming! The Seafair Pirates, that is. Seafair kicks off on June 29th and will run through July, into August. It includes the always popular Seafair Pirates Landing with the pirates storming the shores of Alki Beach in West Seattle. There will be waving of the swords and the shooting of cannons.
The Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. in downtown Seattle on Saturday, July 27. It will include more than 100 entries reflecting PNW cultural diversity and traditions.
International District’s JamFest: July 27
Tucked into the neighborhood’s historic Canton and Maynard Alleys, JamFest features an array of live musical and cabaret performances, food stands, and local vendor booths. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a chance to visit the nearby Wing Luke Museum. A Smithsonian-affiliated institution dedicated to the culture, art and history of Asian Pacific Americans, it’s also the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the country.
Woodland Park Zoo’s Jungle Party: July 12
Don’t miss the chance to mingle with the inhabitants at the Seattle Zoo while helping to support their habitats and the zoo’s research initiatives. Seattle’s wildest summer party, it’s time to break out your best animal print gear for an epic evening of up-close animal encounters and animal keeper-led tours. Plus, you can dig into tasty appetizers from local favorites like the Local Tide and Ethan Stowell Restaurants, and sip specialty cocktails. Furthermore, there are a ton of fun auction items too, including exclusive zoo experiences only offered at Jungle Party!
West Seattle Summer Fest: July 12-14
Looking for a weekend of fun in the sun for all ages? Head across the bridge for West Seattle Summer Fest. There’s something for everyone, including exciting rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, and a beer garden. The event is hosted in the heart of the neighborhood’s Junction district, where you’ll also find lots of great local shopping and dining venues.
Bite of Seattle – July 21-23
Who doesn’t like to eat? Bite of Seattle provides the perfect venue for sampling an incredible array of regional fare. It’s the ultimate celebration of the area’s tastiest foods combined with all sorts of entertainment. It features a whopping 200+ food and specialty vendors, craft beer and cider tastings, more than 70 bands, cook-offs and live cooking demos, beer gardens and more!
Capitol Hill Block Party: July 19-21
Hosted in the heart of Seattle’s hippest neighborhood, the Capitol Hill Block Party has become one of the city’s most anticipated music events in recent years. It boasts five stages spanning six blocks hosting a wide range of artists over three days. That means, whatever your musical preferences, you’re sure to enjoy it. There will be over 100 local and national artists, from Remi Wolf to The Beaches.
Of course, in between all the exciting summertime festivies, it’s important to enjoy some downtime too! Head to Lake Washington, Green Lake or Alki for some beachside therapy and a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Afterward, you might hang out around a bonfire with friends or take in an outdoor movie in Fremont or the Seattle Center. With the longest summer days of anywhere else in the lower 48, there’s truly no better place than Seattle to stay out until the sun goes down.
