Summer is finally in full swing here in Seattle and we are ready to soak up every bit of it. From exuberant Fourth of July festivities to laid-back weekend farmers markets, there’s always endless options for things to do in Seattle in July
The best part is that many of these events are cheap or even free. Make sure to take advantage of all the free events, dance parties, music festivals, outdoor recreation, and delicious food that Seattle has to offer this July
Here are exciting things you can do in Seattle in July 2013.
1. Be immersed in the Stranger Things Experience
When. select dates in July
Where. 1750 Occidental Ave S
Cost. Adult tickets from $29, youth tickets from $22
If you haven’t been to Stranger Things. The Experience in Seattle yet, you’re missing out. You get to experience Hawkins Lab in real life and unlock your powers, followed by time to have a cocktail, enjoy some food from the show, and shop for Stranger Things merch. Tickets are still available for July
2. Step into the art of Van Gogh
When. select dates in July
Where. 1750 Occidental Avenue
Cost. $45+
Due to ongoing demand, the Van Gogh Exhibition has returned to Seattle. If you missed this immersive exhibition the first time around, here’s your chance to explore Van Gogh’s life, his work, and his secrets as never before. Get your tickets now while the exhibition is back
Want to take your Van Gogh experience to the next level? You can now add on a one-of-a-kind VR experience or even take a yoga class inside the immersive exhibition
3. See The Empire Strips Back. A Burlesque Parody
When. select dates in July
Where. The Cornish Playhouse
Cost. $54+
Stars Wars and burlesque theater combine in this raunchy parody being performed in Seattle this summer. Get your tickets online
4. Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and more
When. Tuesday, July 4
Where. varies
Cost. varies [but most events are free. ]
There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Seattle during the weekend of the Fourth of July. You can use our guide to Seattle Fourth of July fireworks and also be sure to check out our round-up of all the Fourth of July celebrations in Seattle [many of which are cheap or even free. ]
5. Test your tastebuds at Dining in the Dark
When. July 14 and 25
Where. Lotte Hotel
Cost. $90+
If you love the movie About Time, you’ll love this dining experience in Seattle. Tickets are now available for Dining in the Dark, a blindfolded tasting experience at Seattle’s Lotte Hotel. You can choose a meat, seafood, or vegan course ahead of time so the menu won’t be a complete surprise. And who knows? You might just meet the love of your life [no promises that she’ll look like Rachel McAdams though]
6. Go to Concerts Under the Stars
This summer, you can enjoy a free cocktail while listening to talented musicians perform live atop one of Seattle’s most stunning rooftops. How dreamy does that sound? Tickets are still available for two concerts this July
- From Ella to Alicia Under the Stars at The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion on July 13
- Amy Winehouse Under The Stars at The Olympic Rooftop on July 27
7. Laugh it up at the Seattle Improv Festival
When. July 1-2
Where. Pike Place Market
Cost. $12-$15
The Seattle International Improv Festival wraps up at the beginning of July, and they’ll need a live audience for their final performances. Get tickets online
8. Attend a gorgeous Candlelight Concert
When. select dates in July
Where. various Seattle venues
Cost. $40+
Candlelight Concerts take place in Seattle venues that were chosen for their stunning atmosphere, such as the gorgeous Lotte Hotel and The Museum of Flight. Here the upcoming Candlelight Concerts this July
- Candlelight. A Tribute to ABBA on July 6
- Candlelight. Favorite Anime Themes at Town Hall on July 7
- Candlelight. The Best of Hans Zimmer at Sparkman Cellars on July 11
- Candlelight. A Tribute to Beyoncé at Sparkman Cellars on July 12
- Candlelight. A Tribute to Adele on July 18
- Candlelight. The Best of Joe Hisaishi at The Museum of Flight on July 20
- Candlelight. A Tribute to Stevie Wonder on July 25
Choose your Candlelight Concert experience here or gift the experience to someone with a Candlelight Concert gift card
9. Explore the Georgetown Flea Market
View this post on Instagram
When. Saturday, July 1, 10 a. m. – 4 p. m
Where. Georgetown
Cost. Free
If you haven’t explored the industrial-chic neighborhood of Georgetown yet then you’re missing out. You can find great food and cool vintage and handcrafted goods there at any time, but this flea market makes it extra-easy for you
10. Embark on a Little Mermaid scavenger hunt
This is a fun activity in Seattle for all ages. You and your group can get dressed up and use your phone to win a scavenger hunt around the city with a Little Mermaid theme. Tickets are available online
11. Eat and shop at the South Lake Union Saturday Market
When. Every Saturday from 11 a. m to 4 p. m
Where. South Lake Union [139 9th Ave N]
Cost. Free
This Saturday market is always a good time, but if you go on the second Saturday of the month you’ll find Seattle’s favorite monthly food truck pop-up [next door to Denny Park]. Bring your appetite
10. See a discounted movie at AMC Theatres
When. any day
Where. AMC Theatres
Cost. $13
Planning to go see Barbie or Oppenheimer [or both] this summer? Save money on any AMC Theatre ticket with this deal. Get your AMC Black Ticket here
11. Catch a free summer concert at the Ballard Locks
When. Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p. m
Where. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks – Ballard Locks
Cost. Free
A visit to the Ballard Locks is always a fun and interesting summer activity, but their free summer concerts make for an excellent date that won’t cost you a thing. See their July concert schedule here
11. Browse the Fremont Sunday Market
View this post on Instagram
When. Every Sunday from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m
Where. Fremont [3401 Evanstone Ave N]
Cost. Free
You’ll find food trucks, music, handmade goods, and vintage treasures at this Sunday market. And while you’re there, take some time to explore the quirky neighborhood of Fremont
12. Enjoy free outdoor movies in Seattle parks
When. 6. 00 p. m. on select dates in July [see below]
Where. various Seattle city parks [see below]
Cost. Free
Center City Cinema is screening outdoor movies for free this summer in Seattle parks. Pre-movie activities begin around 6. 00 or 7. 00 p. m. and all of the movies will start around dusk
See the July 2023 movie schedule below
- Saturday, July 1. Beans at City Hall Park
- Friday, July 7. Life Aquatic at Denny Park
- Friday, July 14. The Changeling at Cal Anderson Park
- Friday, July 21. Some Like It Hot at Cal Anderson Park
- Friday, July 28. Rocky Horror at Cal Anderson Park
13. Make art for free in the park
When. Wednesdays in July from noon to 1. 30 p. m
Where. City Hall Park
Cost. Free
The downtown City Hall Park just reopened this June, and now you can go there to enjoy free art activities every Wednesday throughout July. No need to register; just drop in
14. See a live concert series at the zoo
View this post on Instagram
When. July 5, 6, 17, & 23
Where. Woodland Park Zoo
Cost. varies
ZooTunes is back for summer 2023 with performers such as The Flaming Lips, Tegan and Sara, and more. Most concerts are already sold out but you can try the official fan ticket exchange on the zoo website
15. Relax at a silent reading party
When. July 5 and 19
Where. Sorrento Hotel [900 Madison St]
Cost. $8-$40
Hosted in the cozy Fireside Room at Hotel Sorrento, this classic Seattle event invites you to bring something to read in companionable silence with strangers while relaxing piano music is played. Note that there is a $20 food/drink minimum in addition to your reservation fee. See more details here
16. See a free concert downtown
When. Friday, July 7
Where. Westlake Park
Cost. Free
The Downtown Summer Sounds concert series kicks off on July 7 with a free concert in Westlake Park from 4. 00 to 6. 00 p. m
17. Treat your sweet tooth at a baked goods pop-up in SLU
When. Saturday, July 8 from 11. 00 a. m. to 4. 00 p. m
Where. Denny Park in South Lake Union
Cost. Free
Enjoy delicious baked goods at this pop-up in SLU that aims to “highlight the culinary talents of our city through baked goods. ”
18. Level up your lunch break with downtown food trucks
When. July 8 and 26 from 11. 00 a. m. to 2. 00 p. m
Where. Westlake Park
On two Saturdays this July you can swing by Westlake Park downtown for food trucks plus free games and live music. It’s a great way to break up the day [much better than eating lunch at your desk. ]
19. See the Seattle Seafair Pirates storm Alki Beach
View this post on Instagram
When. Saturday, July 8
Where. Alki Beach Park
Cost. Free
Head to Alki Beach Park around 1. 00 to see the Seattle Seafair Pirates make their annual landing on the beach. This iconic summer event is free and family-friendly
20. Eat and shop at a free Polish festival
When. July 8
Where. Seattle Center
Cost. Free
Head to Seattle Center for the annual Polish Festival this July. This family-friendly festival has free admission and lots of fun activities, games, performances, food, and shopping
21. Attend the Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival
When. July 8-9
Where. Volunteer Park
Cost. Free
This free theater festival will have multiple performances spread out over two days in Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. Donations are very welcome to help keep theater alive. See more details on the GreenStage website
22. See Shakespeare in the Park for free
When. select dates in July
Where. various Seattle parks
Cost. Free [donations encouraged]
GreenStage and Seattle Shakespeare Company are two organizations providing free Shakespeare plays in Seattle’s parks this summer. The latter will be performing The Tempest on these dates at these locations
- July 8 at 2. 00 p. m. in Volunteer Park
- July 9 at 7. 00 p. m. in Volunteer Park
- July 28 at 7. 00 p. m. in Columbia Park
- July 30 at 2. 00 and 6. 00 p. m. at Seattle Center
GreenStage will be performing Romeo & Juliet, Henry VI, The Comedy of Errors, and Cymbeline at various Seattle parks this summer. You can see their full performance schedule on the Greenstage website
23. Go to an ice cream festival
View this post on Instagram
When. July 8-9
Where. Seattle Center
Cost. $35
What’s more summery than an ice cream festival? Scooped is a two-day festival at Seattle Center that features over 75 flavors of all-you-can-eat ice cream. Get tickets and more info
24. Take a free fitness class in the park
When. Mondays and Tuesdays
Where. Freeway Park
Cost. Free
No room for the gym in your budget? Head to downtown Freeway Park for free Zumba and yoga classes this July. Mondays starting on July 10 are free Zumba classes at 5. 30 p. m. and Tuesdays starting on July 11 are free yoga classes at noon
25. Catch a Mariners game
When. select July dates
Where. T-Mobile Park
Cost. $16+
There’s nothing like catching a baseball game in the summer. Be sure to treat yourself to a Seattle dog [yes, cream cheese and all. ]. See the Mariners’ full July schedule here
26. Get swept up at a Sounders match
When. July 1, 15, & 30
Where. Lumen Field
Cost. $32+
If you’ve never been to a Sounders match at Lumen Field, be prepared to be swept up in the fans’ excitement. It’s always a blast. Get more information on the Sounders’ upcoming schedule
27. Cheer on the OL Reign
View this post on Instagram
When. July 1 and 28
Where. Lumen Field
Cost. $15+
The OL Reign is Seattle’s professional women’s soccer team. Cheer them on at Lumen Field during two exciting home matches this July
28. Take a free dance class
When. 6. 00 to 9. 00 p. m. on select dates in July [see below]
Where. Hing Hay Park and Freeway Park
Cost. Free
Dancing Til Dusk is a fun dance series that starts with a free hour-long lesson at 6. 00 p. m. No need to bring a partner. The dates and locations are July 11, 18, and 25 in Hing Hay Park and July 13, 20, and 27 in Freeway Park. See the full summer schedule on the Dance for Joy website
29. Go to a Jungle Party at the zoo
When. July 14
Where. Woodland Park Zoo
Cost. $150+
Support Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo at their annual Jungle Party. The lowest-tier ticket will get you entry to the reception which includes beverages, light bites, and guided zoo tours. Get tickets on the Woodland Park Zoo website
30. Have a blast at the West Seattle Summer Fest
When. July 14-16
Where. West Seattle
Cost. Free. [vendor prices vary]
The neighborhood of West Seattle will come alive for their annual summer festival this month. There will be live music, a beer garden, a kids area, shopping, food, and more. See more on the festival website
31. Bring your appetite to Ballard SeafoodFest
View this post on Instagram
When. July 14-16
Where. Ballard
Cost. Free. [vendor prices vary]
If you love seafood then you can’t miss this summer festival in Ballard. Read more about it here
32. Attend Seattle’s Black Arts Festival
When. July 14-16
Where. Seattle Center
Cost. Free
Festival Sundiata’s Black Arts Fest is a free festival at Seattle Center that celebrates African American culture with food, performances, activities, and more
33. Join free outdoor yoga classes at Gas Works Park
When. Every Thursday
Where. Gas Works Park
Cost. Free
Another great option for a free outdoor workout this summer is Yoga in the Park. You don’t have to register. just show up at Gas Works Park every Thursday at 6. 30 p. m. with your water bottle and yoga mat. All levels of experience are welcome
34. Go to an outdoor movie night
View this post on Instagram
You can catch movies every week at Marymoor Park this summer; read our guide to Movies at Marymoor for more information
35. Enjoy free fun at Summer at SAM
When. Thursdays and Saturdays, starting July 13 through August
Where. Olympic Sculpture Park
Cost. Free
Seattle Art Museum’s summer events at Olympic Sculpture Park are free and open to all ages. Expect food trucks, arts and craft workshops, live performances, and more. See the full schedule of events
36. Celebrate Halloween in July at a parade
When. July 15
Where. Wallingford
Cost. Free
The Wallingford Family Parade is a fun neighborhood event for all. This year’s costume theme is Halloween in July. The parade starts at 11. 00 a. m. See more on the Wallingford website
37. Go to a summer beer tasting
When. July 15 from 4. 00 to 7. 00 p. m
Where. Phinney Center Lower Parking Lot
Cost. $10-$35
Ages 21 and up can enjoy this annul beer tasting event featuring over 30 local breweries and cideries. Get tickets on the Phinney Center website
38. Eat, drink, and dance at this annual Japanese festival
When. July 15 and 16 from 2. 00 to 8. 00 p. m
Where. Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
Cost. Free
The 91st annual Bon Odori Festival will have Japanese folk dancing, food, shopping, a beer garden, and more
39. Take the ferry to the Vashon Strawberry Festival
When. July 15 and 16
Where. Vashon Island
Cost. Free
This annual festival—featuring music, a parade, and all things strawberry-flavored—is worth the 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle. See the festival schedule
40. Run for ice cream [and a good cause]
When. July 16
Where. Genesee Park
Cost. $50-$55 for adults; $10-$20 for kids
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with this 5K run that benefits Seattle Children’s. At the end of your 5K run [or two-mile walk] there is an ice cream sundae bar. Register online
41. Experience a Japanese Garden Party
When. July 20 at 6. 00 p. m
Where. Seattle Japanese Garden
Cost. $150+
Get tickets on the Seattle Japanese Garden website
42. Enjoy a Bite of Seattle
When. July 21-23
Where. Seattle Center
Cost. Free general admission
Get more info and VIP tickets on the Bite of Seattle website
43. Celebrate Indigenous culture at a free festival
When. July 21-23
Where. Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
Cost. Free [donations appreciated. ]
The annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow returns this July with three days of food, performances, music, and more. See more info on the United Indians website
44. Take a day trip to the Lavender Festival
View this post on Instagram
When. July 21-23
Where. Sequim
Cost. Free
This festival is worth the trip to nearby Sequim. There will be a street fair, lavender farm tours, live music, and plenty of opportunities to pick your own lavender to bring home. See more info on the Lavender Festival website
45. Go to a family-friendly art fair on the beach
When. July 21 to 23
Where. Alki Beach
Cost. Free
For a slightly more relaxed affair, check out the Alki Art Fair. This free, family-friendly event in West Seattle will have live music, a kids’ zone, and [of course] tons of artist booths. See their website for details
46. Dance at the Capitol Hill Block Party
When. July 21-23
Where. Capitol Hill
Cost. $95+
One of Seattle’s biggest summer events, the Capitol Hill Block Party is back this July for another three days of incredible live music and partying. This year’s lineup features Sofi Tucker, Denzel Curry, and Louis the Child. Get more info here
47. Cool down at the annual Fountain Festival
When. July 22 from 11. 00 a. m. to 2. 00 p. m
Where. Freeway Park
Cost. Free
“Celebrate the return of Freeway Park’s greatest architectural feature, the gorgeous Canyon and Cascade fountains. Cool off with a variety of water games, sprinklers and sweet summer treats. ”
48. Watch a live art battle
When. July 22 at 6. 00 p. m
Where. Leif Erikson Hall
Cost. $15+
Watch talented artists compete in this exciting live art battle
49. Go to the West Seattle Grand Parade
When. July 22
Where. West Seattle
Cost. Free
The annual West Seattle Grand Parade starts at 11. 00 a. m
50. Bring your pup to Bark by the Bay
When. July 22 from 10. 00 a. m. to 4. 00 p. m
Where. Chambers Creek Regional Park
Cost. $10 per vehicle
You and your furry best friend can enjoy “dog activities and games, an art project, treat hunting, vendors, and food trucks plus adoptions, live demos, off-leash zones, a parade, and a costume contest. ”
51. Sell your soul for Taylor Swift tickets
View this post on Instagram
When. July 22-23
Where. Lumen Field
Cost. $1,200+
If you didn’t manage to get tickets for Taylor Swift’s upcoming visit to Seattle, you may not want to pay the staggering price that resale tickets are going for on StubHub [understandably]. Instead, head to Neumos on July 7th for a dance party celebrating the re-release of Speak Now. It’ll only cost you $10. [Ages 21 and up only. ]
52. Watch the Chinatown Seafair Parade
When. July 23 from 7. 00 to 9. 00 p. m
Where. Seattle’s Chinatown-International District
Cost. Free
53. Discover a one-of-a-kind artwork at the Seattle Art Fair
When. July 27-30
Where. Lumen Field Event Center
Cost. $35+
Whether you’re an experienced art collector or just interested in casually browsing, this multi-day event is a must for anyone who loves art and supporting artists. You can get more info at their website
54. See free movies under the Space Needle
When. July 28 onwards
Where. Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre
Cost. Free
55. Enjoy food, beer, and free music on the pier
When. July 28-29
Where. Pier 62
Cost. Free admission
56. Watch the Seafair Torchlight Parade
View this post on Instagram
When. July 29
Where. Westlake Center
Cost. Free
A Seattle summer tradition since the 1950s, Seafair is a multi-week festival with events running from June to September. The most well-known events are Seafair Summer Fourth—featuring fireworks for the Fourth of July—as well as the Seafair Torchlight Parade, but you can check out the full list of summer events here. Most of the events are free
57. Go to Seattle’s first Afrobeats festival
When. July 29
Where. Seattle Center
Cost. $70+
58. Attend a Filipino festival
When. July 30
Where. Seward Park
Cost. Free
59. Camp out at a summer music festival
In addition to the Capitol Hill Block Party, there’s no shortage of summer music festivals in the Seattle area this year—and there’s something for everyone. See our guide to this summer’s music festivals, several of which are taking place in July
60. See a summer concert at a winery
When. select dates in July
Where. Chateau Ste. Michelle
Cost. $50+
Although each night of this summer concert series sells out quickly, you can still get tickets to see bands perform at this nearby winery. See the details on their website
61. Check out a new museum exhibit
Seattle has many incredible museums that you can visit to cool off on a hot day. See our guide to the most exciting exhibitions in Seattle this summer, as well as free museum admission days
62. Go on a hike—no car needed
When. weekends and Tuesday, July 4
Where. various bus stops in Seattle
Cost. $2. 75
If you want to get out and hike this summer but can’t [or don’t want to] drive, you can take advantage of the Trailhead Direct service which will pick you up in Seattle and drop you off at the trailhead. Get more details about the service here
63. Participate in the library’s adult summer book bingo
Challenge yourself to complete this summer’s book bingo, presented by the Seattle Public Library. In addition to the satisfaction of completing every square, you’ll also be entered to win prizes. Read more about it on the library’s website
64. Treat yourself to ice cream
Looking for a sweet way to cool down this summer? Check out our list of places to get an ice cream sandwich in Seattle and our guide to the best soft serve in Seattle
65. Enjoy weekend brunch al fresco
The only thing better than Sunday brunch is Sunday brunch outside on a patio when it’s 75 and sunny. We put together a guide to some of the best outdoor brunch spots in Seattle
66. Spend happy hour on a rooftop bar
Rooftop bar season is in full swing once July arrives. Happy hour on a roof is one of our favorite things to do in Seattle in July. One of our favorites is mBar, pictured above, but you can check out our full list of rooftop bars in Seattle
67. Cool off in a pool or at the beach
It doesn’t typically get too hot in Seattle even in the summer, but when it does you’ll be glad to have plenty of options for taking a cool dip. Seattle has several public pools, a few popular beaches including Golden Gardens and Alki Beach, and plenty of lake-side beaches as well
68. Go camping
July is the perfect time to go camping in Seattle and the surrounding areas [yes, you can camp in the city. ]. For inspiration, you can read our guide to some of the best camping spots in and around Seattle
69. Take a trip to a nearby destination
There are many stunning destinations nearby that can be experienced in a weekend getaway or even a single day trip from Seattle. Here are some ideas
- Tacoma day trip
- Easy day trips from Seattle
- Charming small towns near Seattle
- 5 adorable beach towns near Seattle
- Visiting Vashon Island
- Scenic train trips from Seattle
70. Explore the many Seattle farmers markets
Seattle is blessed with an abundance of farmers markets [and we’re not talking about Pike Place Market, although that’s always fun to visit too]. Chances are there’s a weekly farmers market in your neighborhood or close by. See our guide to Seattle’s farmers markets and stock up this summer on fresh fruit, flowers, artisan goods, and more
71. Ride an alpine rollercoaster in Leavenworth
The just-opened Leavenworth Adventure Park is fun for all ages. The biggest thrill is definitely the alpine coaster but there’s other activities as well, such as a climbing wall and a bungee trampoline. You can spend a whole weekend exploring the charming Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, WA while you’re at it
You may also like. The 45 Most Underrated Spots In Seattle According To Locals
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