Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Don't miss "the Shel Silversteen of family music"—The Okee Dokee Brothers play at Town Hall Seattle (Image courtesy the artists)

Erika’s Picks: Family fun this weekend, Oct 17-18

Family-friendly fun all around the Sound

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 Oct 17-18, 2026.


The Okee Dokee Brothers (Photo courtesy the artists)

The Okee Dokee Brothers

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, at 11 a.m.
  • Location: Town Hall Seattle
  • Cost: $30, children under two are free

Head to Town Hall this Saturday for a fun morning of banjo, guitar, and sing-along songs. The Okee Dokke Brothers from Colorado will be playing their American folk music about making forts, the neighborhood creek, camping, imagination, friendship, and more. Called “the Shel Silverstein of family music” this duo reminds all ages that it is great to dance and sing and that the best adventures begin right off your front porch. The show starts at 11 and the doors open at 10 a.m.

(Graphic courtesy Tasveer Film Festival)

Tasveer Film Festival

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, from 12:15 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Tasveer Film Center, Rainier Ave South
  • Cost: $13-16

Join the Tasveer Film Festival Saturday for a screening event called Kids Adulting, that is specially curated for kids. We all know that growing up is full of unexpected challenges, big feelings, and discoveries about the world around us. Kids Adulting is a collection of short films from South Asian and international filmmakers which explore childhood, family dynamics, identity, imagination, and the process of finding your place in the world. From sibling relationships to imaginative adventures, to moments of connection between young people and adults, these stories offer a glimpse into the experiences that shape us as we grow. The festival is great for ten and up and their families. Films include Taste of Water, Patang, Rihanna, Goddess of Wealth, Katti, The Boy with the Dinosaur Head, and Abracadabra

Seattle Playgarden Harvest Festival 

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Location: Seattle Playgarden, 1745 24th Ave. S, Seattle
  • Cost: FREE

Join a day of Fall festivities at the PlayGarden!  There will be inclusive, family-friendly activities for all to enjoy, including an autumn leaf printmaking station, a cozy campfire in the grape arbor, festive photo opportunities, a pumpkin carving station, & a pie potluck! Don’t forget to BYOP- Bring Your Own Pumpkins and/or Pie for the pie potluck! The PlayGarden staff will be excited to greet and play with your kids, carve pumpkins, make art projects, and visit with their flock of chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

(Magician Raymond at work (Photo courtesy of the magician)

Halloween Family Magic Show

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, from 2-3 p.m.
  • Location: Theater4 in the Seattle Center Armory
  • Cost: $13+

What a treat! The longest-running monthly family magic show in Seattle is putting on an interactive Halloween edition. Come watch Magician Raymond whip up an hour of spooky and fun interactive magic. There will be comedy, mind reading, illusions, and lots of audience participation, and kids are welcome to come wearing costumes. The show is on the 4th floor of the Armory Building in the Seattle Center.

Fauntleroy Fall Festival

  • Date: Sunday, October 18, from 1-4 p.m.
  • Location: Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, West Seattle
  • Cost: Free

The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is back this Sunday with a collection of their annual fun and favorite activities. Head to the Hall at Fauntleroy, Fauntleroy Church, and the Fauntleroy School House to try your hand at salmon hat making, pumpkin painting, birdhouse painting, and a pie-eating contest. Plus, there will be plenty of live entertainment and community vendors on hand. The event is free to the community but bring money for incidentals.

Issaquah Goes Apples

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Location: Historic Shell Station and Downtown Issaquah
  • Cost: Free

This fall festival celebrates the harvest season in historic Downtown Issaquah with a variety of fun activities, including a Farm Fresh Market, Historically Hip Artisan Market, apple cider press, scarecrow building, art experiences, seasonal photo opportunities, live music, and more. Head to Issaquah and shop at the markets while enjoying plenty of family-friendly activities. There will be apple-themed games, tasty samples, local crafts, and seasonal entertainment that all ages will love.

About the Author

Erika Bigelow

Erika lives in Seattle with her husband, three human kids, two furry kids and a school of fish. When she's not scribbling, cooking or chauffeuring, Erika enjoys running and reading, although not simultaneously.