Erika’s Picks: Family fun this weekend, Aug 15-16

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 Aug 15-16, 2026.

Fresh Paint Arts Festival 

• Date: Saturday, Aug 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Schack Art Center
• Cost: Free

Schack Art Center’s biggest summer arts festival in Downtown Everett is happening this weekend. Browse over 100 artist booths, see live entertainment, take part in interactive activities, and more. The festival is held on Hoyt Avenue between Pacific Avenue and Hewitt Avenue in Downtown Everett. Kids can take part in a variety of art activities including a chalk zone, face painting, magic ink, artist demonstrations, and glassblowing. The event is free, but bring money for incidentals. Parking at the Everpark Garage is $1 per hour, and free street parking will be available through the weekend.

Meet Daniel Tiger at CHOMP! 

• Date: Saturday, Aug 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: Marymoor Park
• Cost: Free

Meet Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood this weekend at CHOMP!, King County’s free, all-day celebration of local food and sustainability at Marymoor Park. You can enjoy live music from Cat Power, Whitney, Mikey the Rad Scientist, and more, plus take part in activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, hands-on experiences, and the chance to meet Daniel Tiger. The whole family will love celebrating the community, food, music, and fun in the summer sun. 

Seattle Design Festival 

• Date: Saturday, Aug 15, and Sunday, Aug 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Location: Lake Union Park
• Cost: Free

The Seattle Design Festival Block Party is a free, two-day street fair celebrating the powerful ways design affects our lives. This fun outdoor event is an opportunity for the design community and the public to come together and interact through large-scale design installations, live performances, and design activities centered around the festival’s 2026 theme, IN[FLUX]. The installations are designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. Bring your creativity and join the fun! 

The 2026 Seattle Design Festival will be exploring the theme of IN[FLUX]. (Image: Seattle Design Festival)

Big Day of Play 

• Date: Saturday, Aug 15, from 12 to 5 p.m.
• Location: Rainier Community Center
• Cost: Free

Big Day of Play is a free festival for all ages at the Rainier Community Center and Playfields. You’ll get to watch live performances, jump in bounce houses, wander a wellness vendor fair with community opportunities, and check out food trucks, sports, games, and water activities. The event is free, but RSVP so you can be entered to win amazing prizes.

Big Day of Play. (Photo courtesy: Seattle.gov).

Celebrate Shoreline Festival 

• Date: Sat, Aug 15 from 12 to 9 p.m.
• Location: Cromwell Park
• Cost: FREE

The City of Shoreline is celebrating its birthday with a family-friendly celebration this Saturday. The festival has two stages with live music and shows, beer garden, pony rides, children’s theater, petting zoo, hands-on activities and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is free, but there may be a fee for some activities.

Celebrate Shoreline Festival. (Photo courtesy: Shorelinewa.gov).