September brings cooler weather and school backpacks, but there’s plenty of free family fun around greater Seattle to enjoy. Make the most of this colorful season with story walks, museum visits, the Bicycle Weekend and more. Below is our round-up the best free things to do all month long.
Week of September 1
Tuesday, Sept. 1
StoryWalk at Lake Wilderness Arboretum | Sept. 1 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Maple Valley | Free | The Lake Wilderness Arboretum and Maple Valley Library partner to present StoryWalk®, installing children’s books along the Main Looping Trail to be read one page at a time as you walk along. The selected book for this StoryWalk is “One-Dog Canoe,” by Mary Casanova, about a girl and her dog on a canoe trip that doesn’t go as planned but turns out to be fun and memorable.
Concert at Lake Wilderness Arboretum | Sept. 1 | 6-7 p.m. | Enjoy the last concert of the season, featuring a local musician (TBA) in the Perennial Garden at Lake Wilderness Arboretum in Maple Valley. Check website for cancellations.
Wednesday, September 2
Mill Creek Summer Concert Series | September 2 | The Forum in Mill Creek Town Center | 6-8 p.m. | Free | This concert is a community event offering a fun family night out, paid for by local businesses and community sponsorships. This week’s music is by Hell on Heels, in a tribute to the queens of country music. Evenings are getting cooler – dress in layers and bring a blanket.
Thursday, September 3
Museum Free First Thursday | Sept. 3 | Many Puget Sound area museums | Specific times vary | Free | Participating museums have exhibits designed with kids in mind or with obvious appeal to children with certain interests (perhaps your daughter dreams of being an astronaut – how about the Museum of Flight?). For a complete list of participating museums and to learn about those offering other options at no cost, see the Seattle’s Child guide. And this: It’s not a typical museum, but the Seattle Japanese Garden is a lovely place to visit: a 3.5-acre sanctuary with paths that invite kids to discover birds, koi, water and abundant greenery.
Weekend September 4-September 7 (Labor Day)
Oak Harbor Music Festival | Sept. 4-6 | Whidbey Island | Times vary | Free | This three-day event hosts more than 40 acts across multiple stages in historic downtown Oak Harbor. Music genres include rock, folk, R&B, country and jazz. The musical lineup is available here.
Washington State Fair Kids’ Free Weekend | Sept. 4-7 | Times vary | Puyallup | Free | No, it’s not free for the entire family, BUT kids 18 and under enter free on the BECU Kids’ Free Weekend. Rides and food require money, but youngsters can roam through vendor booths, displays and many of the shows without cost. Special this year: America’s 250th Celebration; an expanded display of Washington agriculture: ‘Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington’; a Dog Stunt Show and other free entertainment; and Creative & Culinary Arts highlights.
Bremerton Blackberry Festival | Sept. 5-7 | 11 a.m. start, end times vary | Free | One of the juiciest parties of the summer takes place just steps from the Seattle-Bremerton ferry. Set against the backdrop of Sinclair Inlet, this waterfront bash offers blackberry everything: cobblers, pies, donuts, ice cream, wine, jams, and sauces. There’ll be more than 150 booths lining the Bremerton Boardwalk, with food and merch, plus a kids’ stage and craft area, a magician, STEM activities, face painting and more. A schedule and list of entertainment is here. https://www.blackberryfestival.org/fun
Bicycle Weekend | Sept. 5-7 | All Day | Lake Washington Boulevard | All ages | Free | The two-day bicycle weekend extends to three days with the addition of Labor Day, but this day marks the last of these particular fun times until next year. Take advantage: stroll, roll (non-motorized vehicles) or jog the scenic three-mile stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach and Seward Park.
Concerts at the Ballard Locks | Sept. 5-7 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Ballard Locks | Saturday/Sunday/Bonus Show Monday (Labor Day) | Free | Come to any or all of these outdoor summer concerts in the beautiful Botanical Gardens at the Locks. Bring chairs or a blanket, and enjoy Washington State Letter Carriers Band (Saturday), Pacific Cascade Big Band (Sunday) or Moondance, a Van Morrison tribute band (Monday). Enjoy a picnic or snacks from home or get pizza across the street.
Youth Nature Journaling Club | Sept. 5 | Noon-1:30 p.m. | Bellevue Botanical Garden | Free | This program introduces kids 6-14 (those 6-11 attend with a chaperone) to nature journaling, inspired by John Muir Laws. The exploration starts indoors with a prompt, then heads out to journal before regrouping to share discoveries. Those interested may attend without registering (though it helps them plan if you do). Please be on time for noon start, bring pen and notebook, and dress for the weather.
Saturdays at SAM | Sept. 5 | Noon-3 p.m. | Seattle Art Museum, downtown | Free | The SAM entry gathering spaces are brought to life with hands-on artmaking, concerts, and community—all inspired by the museum’s permanent collections and exhibitions. If yours is a family of art enthusiasts, curious newcomers, or just in search of a weekend recharge, you can learn about art through interactive activities, meet new friends, or enjoy the atmosphere before exploring the galleries.
Burien Arts-A-Glow Art Light Festival | Sept. 6 | 7-10:30 p.m. | Downtown Burien | Free | Enjoy this unique opportunity to discover art all around Burien. Head downtown to see light installations and performers, visit a night market and museum, and participate in hands-on experiences for people of all ages. Come in costume and bring your favorite lantern!
(Photo courtesy Blackberry Festival)
Week of September 8
Tuesday, September 8
Concert at Lake Wilderness Arboretum | Sept. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Lake Wilderness Arboretum, Maple Valley | Free | Presented in partnership with Maple Valley Creative Arts Council, the concert in the Perennial Garden features local musicians, singers, songwriters and spoken word performances. Dress in layers and bring a blanket.
Wednesday, September 9
Mill Creek Summer Concert Series | Sept. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | The Forum in Mill Creek Town Center | Free | The concert series is a community event offering a fun night out, paid for by local businesses and community sponsorships. This week’s concert features yacht rock from Point of Sail.
Weekend September 11-September 13
Edmonds Oktoberfest Family Festival | Sept. 11-12 | Noon-10 p.m. | Edmonds Civic Center Park | Free | Join the Edmonds Rotary Club at Oktoberfest, a two-day festival that features live bands, vendors, a Kids Korner activity area, games, and a pet parade. They’ll be serving up some hardy brats and beers (Beer Garden $10 per person, over 21 only). Check the schedule and event times here.
Sunflower Saturday | Sept. 12 | Tolt Commons, Carnation | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Part of the Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival, this event features a Vendor Village, food trucks, raffle, lively music, local art and “Where’s Sunny” Scavenger Hunt. And with a backdrop of sunflowers, there’ll be plenty of family photo opportunities.
Fair on 44th in Lynnwood | Saturday, September 12 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Civic Campus Lynnwood | Free | Join this Community Health and Safety Block Party for free activities, demonstrations and tours. Each year they close 44th Avenue from 188th Street SW to 194th Street SW and fill the road with City Departments and the community partners. Activities include a variety of public vehicles on site for tours and photos, games, craft programs and more. Youth may participate in a Bike Rodeo, Soccer Shots soccer lessons, demonstrations from police k-9, drum bands, musical performances, and much more. Also, families may get information on health insurance coverage, dental care, blood pressure checks, and health & wellness programs. See the full list of activities here.
Muz Fest | Sept. 12 | 5-11 p.m. | Victory Hall | Free | Muz Fest is the Pacific Northwest’s largest cultural festival celebrating creativity, community, and connection. Held annually in Seattle, it brings together thousands of people from diverse backgrounds to honor the rich cultural fabric of the region through live music, food, art, storytelling, and local business showcases. Families are welcome; best suited for early evening visits.
Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival | Sept. 13 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Several locations at Seattle Center | Free |This festival celebrates Hawaiian roots and contemporary influences through music, dance, food, marketplace, workshops and more. There’ll be a “Keiki (children) korner” as well, with activities that focus on Native Hawaiian culture.
Columbia City Beatwalk | Sept. 13 | 4 p.m.-Midnight | Ferdinand Festival Street, Columbia City | Free | This is the last of this summer’s Beatwalk events — family-friendly art walk style concerts featuring live music in venues and on the streets. The event aims to create inclusive spaces where people can share experiences of various musical traditions. The theme of this evening’s concert is “Anything Goes.”
(Image courtesy Edmonds Oktoberfest Family Festival)
Week of September 14
Wednesday, September 16
Mill Creek Summer Concert Series | Sept. 16 | The Forum in Mill Creek Town Center | 6-8 p.m. | Free | The concert series is a community event offering a fun night out, paid for by local businesses and community sponsorships. This week enjoy classic rock from Davanos.
Thursday, September 17
Free Entrance Days at National Parks | Sept. 17 | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. | National Parks that charge admission | Free | All national parks that charge admission, which includes those located in Washington state, will offer free entrance today. Sept. 17 is National Constitution Day.
Artists at the Center Summer Concert Series | Sept. 17 | 6 p.m. | Cornish Playhouse Courtyard | Free | Join Path with Art as they introduce established and emerging artists in various disciplines. Path with Art is “driven by a vision of a world where arts engagement is recognized as transformative.” Take your young aspiring artist — or the whole family.
Weekend of September 18-September 20
Duvall Movie & Games in the Park | Sept. 18 | 8-11 p.m. | Dougherty Farm, Duvall | Free | It’s almost fall, so dress in layers and bring a warm blanket, a lawn chair and snacks for a fun evening of movie and games. Tonight’s feature is “McFarland, USA” (PG).
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias | Sept. 19-20 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Seattle Center Armory Food and Event Hall | Free | This Festál event commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, while taking pride in the new generations of Latinos who call the U.S. home. On offer here: traditional Latin America food and cooking demonstrations, live music, traditional folkdance performances, art exhibitions, free health screenings, children’s activities and more.
Salmon Homecoming | Sept. 19 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Piers 58 and 62 | Celebrate Indigenous culture and conservation at Waterfront Park with a Native vendor market, canoe welcoming, and coastal songs and dances.
Tilth Alliance Farm Fest | Sept. 19 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands | Free | Join Tilth Alliance for a celebration of urban agriculture and the Southeast Seattle community. Explore Seattle’s largest urban farm: enjoy food from a variety of local vendors, dance to musical performances, visit with llamas and chickens, learn from community partner organizations, get creative with nature crafts, try your hand at giant games, stop by for story time in the orchard. Parking is limited; please take alternative transportation if possible.
Columbia City Night Market | Sept. 19 | 6 to 10 p.m. | 4850 37th Ave S, Seattle | Free | This after-dark celebration lights up four city blocks with food, music, art and local makers. Organizers spotlight talent, prioritizing Black-owned businesses while keeping the vibe inclusive and creative.
Sculpting with Light: A Family Workshop | Sept. 20 | Frye Art Museum, downtown | Free | This workshop, inspired by Tom Lloyd, invites kids and their adults to explore the intersection of art, design and technology through hands-on making. Ages 8 and up.
Salmon Homecoming (Photo by Jo Cosme)
Week of September 21
Wednesday, September 23
Mill Creek Summer Concert Series | Sept. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | The Forum in Mill Creek Town Center | Free | The concert is a community event offering a fun night out, paid for by local businesses and community sponsorships. This week’s music comes from Heart to Heart, with members of the original band, Heart.
Weekend of September 25-September 27
Festa Italiana | Sept. 26-27 | begins 10 a.m., end times vary | Seattle Center | Free | Benvenuto to Seattle’s 39th Annual Festa Italiana, an all-volunteer community event celebrating the cultural roots of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The festival includes popular bands, a cooking stage, a grape stomp, an Italian car show (Saturday only) and much more that is uniquely Italian.
State Parks Free Day | Sept. 26 | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. | All Washington State Parks | Free | Once a month, state parks offer free-to-park (no Discovery Pass required) days. Appropriately, this month’s free day (day use only) is also National Public Lands Day. Take the family for an impromptu outing at a park near you, or farther afield.
Artists at the Center Summer Concert Series | Sept. 26 | 2-4 p.m. | Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre | Free | Have a budding young artist or musician in the family? Join The Rhapsody Project as they introduce emerging and established artists, offering performances that include music, dance, theater, demonstrations, and multidisciplinary works.
Toy Boat Building | Sept. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Center for Wooden Boats, South Lake Union | Free | Let your imagination set sail by assembling your very own toy boat before testing it out in the model boat pond in Lake Union Park.
Where We Live: Youth Arts Exhibition and Call for Art | Sept. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Zamarama Gallery, Everett | Free | Join Spark! Creativity’s Youth Arts Council for a free youth arts exhibition celebrating the people and places that call Western Washington home. Youth grades 6 to 12 are invited to submit artwork here.
Toy Boat Building (Photo courtesy Center for Wooden Boats)
