Hey there, families, and welcome to Erika’s Picks. For years, I’ve been looking for the best family-friendly events happening each weekend around the greater Seattle area. Whether you’re looking to explore a new park, attend a fun workshop, or catch a local performance, I’ve got you covered. Each week, I’ll share my handpicked activities that will keep the little ones entertained, engaged, and maybe even learning something new. So, grab your calendar, gather up your crew, and get ready for a fun-filled weekend! Let’s dive into Seattle family events for the weekend of July 31 – Aug 2, 2026.Â
Magnolia Summerfest
- Date: Friday, July 31, from 1 to 10 p.m., Saturday, August 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, August 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: West Magnolia Playfield
- Cost: Free
This annual 3-day festival at Magnolia Playfield focuses on fun family activities and giving back to local needs. Come listen to live music, take part in all ages Zumba, bounce on inflatable houses and rides, try your hand at the craft booths, a kids’ art tent, and more. The Magnolia Seafair parade happens on Saturday at 10 a.m. All kids are welcome to march, but must be accompanied by an adult and have a signed waiver. The route heads south on 34th from the Community Center. The event is free but bring money for food and incidentals.
Lake City Festival and Parade
- Date: Saturday, August 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Lake City
- Cost: Free
The annual Lake City Summer Festival and Parade brings the community together for one big day of fun in Lake City. Come check out a festival car show, craft artists’ demonstrations, tastes from around the world, a variety of entertainment, a Family Fun Zone with farmyard petting zoo, and more. There will also be three parades! A dog parade, a kid’s parade, and the Grand parade to top off the day of festive fun! Plus, there will be big trucks to climb on, which your kids won’t want to miss.
(Image: Lake City Festival and Parade)
Seattle Center Festál: A Day in Punjab
- Date: Saturday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Seattle Center
- Cost: Free
Seattle Center Festál presents A Day in Punjab. This festival celebrates the Sikh/Punjabi culture through free turban tying, Gatka (Sikh martial arts), Bhangra & Giddha (traditional dances), live singing, dhol (drums), poetry, and play. There will also be a Sikh/Punjabi history exhibition, immigrant stories, free langar seva (food), kids’ activities, and more. This event is part of the Seattle Center Festál, a year-round series of 25 free cultural festivals, produced in partnership with community organizations.
Free Summer Concert at the Ballard Locks
- Date: Sat, Aug 1 and Sun, Aug 2 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Ballard Locks
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a free outdoor summer concert at the Ballard Locks at 2 p.m. on Sunday. This will be on the lawn of their beautiful Botanical Gardens. Be sure to bring your own chairs or blankets and a picnic. This Saturday, the Centerpiece Jazz Band will be playing, and on Sunday, you can get up and dance to the Pacific Cascade Big Band.The concerts continue every weekend through Labor Day.
(Image courtesy Ballard Locks Summer Concert)
Macbeth
- Date: Sunday, August 2, 7 p.m.
- Location: Columbia Park in Columbia City, Seattle
- Cost: Free
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and settle in for FREE Shakespeare in the Park with Wooden O on Sunday at Columbia Park. This weekend, you’ll get to see a tale of three witches, one prophecy, and a couple who will stop at nothing to seize the throne. Shakespeare’s most electrifying thriller has it all: dark magic, ruthless ambition, spectacular downfalls, and some of the most famous scenes in all of theatre. This is an event your whole family will love.
