Annual Events

There’s fun to be had any time of the year.

January

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: If you’re brave enough, take part in the annual New Year’s Day tradition on Angle Lake! Join hands at high noon and hightail it through the water to the swim platform and back for prizes and bragging rights.

February

LUNAR NEW YEAR: Enjoy celebrations at Westfield Southcenter, local casinos and the International District in Seattle.

March

POVERTY BAY WINE FESTIVAL: Head to the Des Moines Beach Auditorium to taste wines from more than 20 different Washington State wineries, sample the local fare and enjoy live music, with all proceeds going to charity.

EMERALD CITY COMICON: Seattle’s one-of-a-kind Comicon is getting bigger by the year. With celebrity guests, panels, gaming, exhibits and more, this is one awesomely nerdy event that must be seen to be believed. Take the light rail from Seattle Southside to the Washington State Convention Center to partake in the festivities.

April

TULIP FESTIVAL: Experience the beauty of Mother Nature’s handiwork at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It’s an easy day trip to see thousands of bright, blooming tulips of all colors, all April long.

NATIONAL PARK WEEK: America’s largest celebration of national heritage is all about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces, enjoying affordable vacations and enhancing America’s best idea—national parks. Visit three only a short drive from Seattle Southside: Mt. Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.

May

OPENING DAY OF BOATING SEASON: There’s nothing like boating season in the Pacific Northwest. Head down to the Des Moines Marina to see hundreds of boats or launch your own at Redondo Beach.

BACKYARD WILDLIFE FESTIVAL: Celebrate the beauty of nature in the Pacific Northwest with the whole family. This free event at the Tukwila Community Center features local nature enthusiasts, a guided bird tour, native plant sales and much more.

June

DES MOINES WATERFRONT FARMERS MARKET: Enjoy the bites and sights at this farmers market along the beautiful Des Moines waterfront. With fresh produce, food trucks and live music, the farmers market is fun all summer long, through the end of September!

BURIEN STRAWBERRY AND ARTS FESTIVAL: This community celebration brings out the best in Burien. With a carnival, world music, food and more, the festival has something for everyone.

HIGHLINE GARDEN TOUR: Some of the citizens of SeaTac, Burien and Normandy Park have the most beautiful gardens. This unique tour displays many examples of gorgeous alternatives to the average grass lawn.

SEATTLE PRIDEFEST: Celebrate all the ways we’re stronger together. Ride the light rail to downtown Seattle for many events celebrating our LGBTQ community.

July

4TH OF JULY IN SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE: Ring in Independence Day with fireworks over Angle Lake in SeaTac or at the Marina in Des Moines.

WATERLAND FESTIVAL: There are all sorts of things to do at this premier festival in Des Moines, including a 5K walk/run, parade, children’s carnival, farmers market, and classic car and wooden boat shows.

WASHINGTON’S STRONGEST APPLE: The strongman contest, Washington’s Strongest Apple, is held at the Des Moines Marina every summer. There are several events, including a “keg load” for the final event. This is a level 2 contest open to both men and women.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK (TUKWILA, SEATAC AND DES MOINES): All summer long, our three cities host family-friendly concerts in their local parks. Bring the kids, enjoy the sunshine and listen to a free concert.

August

SEAFAIR: The quintessential Seattle summer festival, Seafair is a historic-laden, month-long celebration featuring the Torchlight Parade, hydroplane races, the Blue Angels airshow and much more. Events are held all over the region, including the Jet Blast Bash at the Museum of Flight, where visitors can enjoy air shows, live music and a beer garden.

POVERTY BAY BLUES AND BREWS FESTIVAL: Nothing beats singing the blues with an ice-cold brew at Des Moines Beach Park. This outdoor festival features some of the finest local brews and the best blues music of the Pacific Northwest, all to raise funds for Music4Life, which expands music programs in local schools.

JAZZ ON THE LAWN: The popular concert takes place on the picturesque lawn of Cedarbrook Lodge and features an evening of performances from local jazz musicians, accompanied by a selection of small plates from Cedarbrook’s award-winning restaurant, Copperleaf.

September

WASHINGTON STATE FAIR: The signature fair of the Evergreen State is a classic for locals and visitors alike. Head to Puyallup and ride the “Extreme Scream,” see prize-winning animals and don’t forget to try a bite of fried butter.

BUMBERSHOOT: Seattle’s groundbreaking music and arts festival takes over Seattle Center, rain or shine. Since 1971, Bumbershoot has showcased the talent of musicians, comedians and artists from Seattle and throughout the world.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL: Celebrate Pacific Northwest–grown heirloom tomatoes at the Cedarbrook Lodge. Sample tomato-inspired dishes from local celebrity chefs and wash them down with local microbrews and wines.

October

MUSEUM OF FRIGHT: Who knew aviation could be so spooky? For one day a year, the Museum of Flight turns into the Museum of Fright. Kids will have a blast making candy corn airplanes and ghost parachutes, all while seeing dozens of historic spacecraft and aircraft.

November

SQUID-A-RAMA: It’s a celebration of squid! Visit the Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center Aquarium to see and learn about the squid in Puget Sound, all while keeping warm with hot chocolate and hot chowder.

VETERAN’S DAY AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT: The Museum of Flight hosts a special program on Veteran’s Day, honoring the men and women who served our country. The event features patriotic music and keynote speakers. Veterans and active-duty military are, of course, admitted free.

DISNEY ON ICE: Join Mickey, Minnie and many of their Disney friends on ice as they celebrate the holidays at the Accesso ShoWare Center. Fun for all!

December

WINTERFEST IN BURIEN: This winter festival captures the best parts of the season in one place. With free carriage rides, hot chocolate and plenty of in-store shopping specials, this is one holiday event you won’t want to miss.

SANTA’S LANDING PARTY AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT: Every year, Santa makes a grand entrance at the Museum of Flight. Instead of reindeer, he takes his day commuter, a classic Cessna aircraft. Bring the kids to sit on Santa’s lap and see some classic aircraft and spacecraft while you’re at it.

Ongoing

FREE FIRST THURSDAYS AT MUSEUMS: At many museums throughout the Puget Sound region, the first Thursday of each month is free for all guests. The Museum of Flight, the Museum of History and Industry, and the Seattle Children’s Museum are among those participating.

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