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2025 Summer Seattle Events & Area Fairs Calendar: Music, Food, Rides & More

summer seattle events and fairs

“You haven’t really done summer in the Pacific Northwest until you’ve eaten a deep-fried Snickers while listening to live country music next to a 4H sheep.”

Okay, maybe that’s not an official saying—but it should be. Because the season of Seattle events and area fairs is one of the best times to get outside, explore the community, and enjoy everything from vintage car shows to monster truck rallies. From the legendary Puyallup Fair to the charming Sultan Shindig, every weekend offers something fresh, festive, and totally unique.

This guide walks you through the biggest and best 2025 Seattle area fairs and events happening across King County and Snohomish County. Whether you’re a carnival ride fanatic, a local food enthusiast, or just in it for the fireworks, we’ve got the details you need to plan the perfect summer.

🎯 What’s Inside This Guide
  • Major county fairs in Puyallup & Monroe
  • Seafair flagship events: Air Show, Hydro Races, Torchlight Run & Parade
  • Foodie fest picks: The Bite of Seattle & Edmonds Block Party
  • Neighborhood festivals: PrideFest, FolkLife, Capitol Hill, Magnolia & more
  • Concert series & film fest highlights
  • Easy reference table + FAQs + takeaways

🎡 Major County Fairs

Two of the biggest summer celebrations in Washington are happening just a short drive from Seattle. The Washington State Fair in Puyallup and the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe offer everything from rodeos to roller coasters. Here’s everything you need to know.

Washington State Fair – Puyallup

  • 📅 Dates: August 29 – September 21, 2025 (Closed Tuesdays & September 3)
  • 📍 Location: 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA
  • 🎟️ Tickets & Info: thefair.com
  • 📞 Contact: General Info Line – (253) 845-1771

Why You Should Go
Known across the state as “The Puyallup Fair,” this is one of the largest and most celebrated state fairs in the country. With its world-class concert lineup, mouthwatering fair food, and endless activities, there’s something for everyone—from toddlers to thrill seekers.

Highlights

  • Grandstand Concerts: Big-name acts like Khalid, Darius Rucker, Ludacris, Rebelution, and AJR. Full lineup and tickets available at thefair.com/concerts
  • Fireworks Fridays: Every Friday night at 10 PM.
  • The Rodeo: Bareback bronc riding and barrel racing from September 5–8.
  • Agricultural Exhibits: Livestock shows, flower displays, and prize-winning pies.
  • Carnival Midway: Giant Ferris wheel, thrill rides, bumper cars, and more.

Pro Tip: Grab a Season Pass if you plan to visit more than once—it can pay for itself in just a couple of visits.

Evergreen State Fair – Monroe

  • 📅 Dates: August 21–26 & August 28–September 1, 2025 (Closed August 27)
  • 📍 Location: 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA
  • 🎟️ Tickets & Info: evergreenfair.org
  • 📞 Contact: Fair Office – (360) 805-6700 or email Fairgrounds@snoco.org

Why You Should Go
The Evergreen State Fair offers a down-home feel with big-city energy. From tractor pulls and log rolling to pony rides and evening concerts, it’s a true celebration of Snohomish County’s rich rural heritage.

Highlights

  • Grandstand Shows:
    • Monster Truck Mayhem – Aug 22–24
    • Wynonna Judd – Aug 25
    • Tommy James & the Shondells – Aug 26
    • Rodeo Finals – Aug 30 to Sept 1
    • Full lineup here: evergreenfair.org/187/Fair-Concerts
  • Morning of Dreams: Inclusive, low-sensory morning on Aug 26
  • Fireworks Opening Night: Aug 21 at 9 PM
  • Rides & Midway: From the Ferris wheel to classic games
  • Farm & Agriculture Displays: Livestock barns, 4-H animals, antique tractors

Pro Tip: Kids 5 and under are free every day. Look for themed discount days like Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day for savings.

🚤 Seafair Events & Waterfront Fun

Seafair is Seattle’s iconic summer festival—a month-long celebration packed with parades, fireworks, hydroplane races, air shows, and community vibes. It’s one of the most anticipated traditions in the Pacific Northwest and brings the city together with energy, excitement, and just the right amount of chaos (in a good way).

Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong local, Seafair offers something for everyone—from the adrenaline rush of the Blue Angels soaring over Lake Washington to glowing 5Ks and waterfront family fun.

🎆 Seafair 4th of July Fireworks Show

What to Expect
Seattle’s biggest Independence Day celebration takes place along the shores of Lake Union. The day kicks off with family-friendly games, music, and food trucks at Gas Works Park, all leading up to one of the best fireworks displays in the Northwest. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and claim your spot early—the park fills up fast!

  • Fireworks start at 10:15 PM
  • Live DJ and food vendors all afternoon
  • Kayak and boat views from the lake

👟 Seafair Torchlight Run & Parade

Torchlight Run (Neon 5K & 8K)
Start your evening with a colorful 5K or 8K run through the heart of Seattle. Participants dress in glow gear and run just as the sun sets, turning the city into a moving light show. Perfect for runners, walkers, and families alike.

Torchlight Parade
Immediately following the run, settle in along 4th Avenue for the illuminated parade. Expect marching bands, drill teams, Seafair pirates, floats, dance troupes, and more—all under the city lights.

  • Run begins at 6:00 PM
  • Parade starts at 7:30 PM
  • Best viewing spots near Westlake and along 4th Ave

✈️ Seafair Weekend Festival (Air Show & Hydro Races)

Seattle’s biggest summer weekend takes over Lake Washington with a mix of sky, water, and land excitement. From roaring jets overhead to vintage hydroplanes on the lake, it’s a weekend built for thrill-seekers, families, and festival lovers alike.

Highlights Include:

  • Blue Angels Air Show: The U.S. Navy’s elite flying team returns with thrilling stunts Friday through Sunday afternoons.
  • Hydroplane Races: The H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Series brings high-speed boat racing to the water—loud, fast, and unforgettable.
  • Classic Car Show: Featuring vintage rides and hot rods along the shoreline.
  • Kids’ Zone & Food Vendors: Interactive play areas, local food trucks, beer gardens, and shaded lounges.
  • Lakefront Seating: General Admission is free on Friday. Paid seating & VIP options available Sat–Sun.

Parking & Transit Tip: Genesee Park lots fill quickly—use shuttle services from Rainier Beach or bike in along the Lake Washington Loop Trail.

Seafair Links Recap:

🎪 Summer Festivals & Block Parties

From food fests to art shows, indie rock block parties to global cultural parades—Seattle’s summer lineup is stacked with festivals that celebrate everything from music and film to food and local pride. Here’s a look at the signature events lighting up the city and beyond.

🎸 West Seattle Summer Fest

  • 📅 Dates: July 11–13, 2025
  • 📍 Location: West Seattle Junction (California Ave SW)
  • 💻 More Info: westseattlesummerfest.com

What to Expect:
This is West Seattle’s biggest street party of the year. Three days of free live music on multiple stages, over 150 craft and food vendors, a kids’ play area, beer gardens, and local business specials along the Junction.

Highlights:

  • Free all-ages music stage
  • Skateboard demos, street art, and vendor tents
  • Family-friendly activities including a pet zone and inflatables
  • “Summer Fest Eve” party kicks off Thursday, July 10

🍔 The Bite of Seattle

  • 📅 Dates: July 25–27, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Seattle Center
  • 💻 More Info: biteofseattle.com

What to Expect:
A foodie’s paradise, The Bite features over 300 local restaurants, chefs, and beverage vendors. There are cooking demos, live music, family zones, and beer/cider gardens sprinkled throughout the park.

Highlights:

  • Tasting tents with food from all around the world
  • “The Alley” upscale dining experience
  • Live music from over 50 bands and artists
  • Free admission!

🎶 Capitol Hill Block Party

What to Expect:
Seattle’s grittiest, hippest music festival turns the streets of Capitol Hill into a multi-stage party zone. This one’s for the indie lovers, EDM fans, and hip-hop heads. The vibe is high energy, high fashion, and high volume.

Highlights:

  • Local and national headliners on three outdoor stages
  • Nightclub afterparties across Capitol Hill
  • Art installations, food trucks, and local brand pop-ups
  • Mostly 21+ with some all-ages access

🎈 Magnolia Summerfest

What to Expect:
A charming small-town festival feel with parades, classic cars, and a full-on kids zone. Magnolia Summerfest is perfect for families and folks who enjoy neighborhood vibes with a creative twist.

Highlights:

  • Seafair Parade through the village
  • Art vendors and crafts
  • Outdoor movie night
  • Dog parade and live performances

🍻 Edmonds Block Party (formerly Taste Edmonds)

  • 📅 Dates: August 8–9, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Civic Field, Edmonds
  • 💻 More Info: edmondsblockparty.com

What to Expect:
Live music, local brews, food trucks, and tons of community fun. Friday is for the grown-ups (21+), while Saturday brings a full family-friendly experience.

Highlights:

  • Two days of concerts
  • Craft beer & cider garden
  • Kids play zone and vendor village
  • Admission is limited to 5,000 people per day—get tickets early!

🎤 Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival

  • 📅 Dates: August 30–31, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Seattle Center
  • 💻 More Info: bumbershoot.com

What to Expect:
A cultural institution since 1971, Bumbershoot is a two-day celebration of big-name music, immersive art installations, comedy, dance, film, and fashion.

Highlights:

  • Acts like Weezer, Janelle Monáe, Sleater-Kinney, and more
  • Interactive art and fashion zones
  • Comedy shows, indie film screenings, and panel discussions
  • Ticketed event (passes usually go fast)

🌎 Seattle Center Festál Series

What to Expect:
Seattle’s most inclusive festival series celebrates cultures from around the world, one weekend at a time. Expect traditional music, dance, food, and fashion from countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

Highlights:

  • Free admission
  • Dozens of cultural events including Dia de Muertos, Tet Festival, and Irish Fest
  • Family activities, crafts, and live performances

🏳️‍🌈 Seattle PrideFest + Capitol Hill Pride

  • 📅 Dates: Late June
  • 📍 Location: Capitol Hill and Seattle Center
  • 💻 More Info: seattlepridefest.org

What to Expect:
Seattle’s vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration spans two weekends, with a street fair on Capitol Hill and a massive Sunday celebration at Seattle Center.

Highlights:

  • Pride Parade down 4th Avenue
  • Live DJ stages and dance parties
  • Food vendors, drag shows, and community booths
  • Family Pride area with crafts and games

🎻 Northwest Folklife Festival

  • 📅 Dates: May 23–26, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
  • 📍 Location: Seattle Center
  • 💻 More Info: nwfolklife.org

What to Expect:
One of the largest folk art festivals in the nation, featuring thousands of performers, dancers, poets, and artisans. It’s a true community-driven event, 100% free and donation-based.

Highlights:

  • Over 6,000 artists across 20+ stages
  • Jam tents and dance halls
  • Cultural exhibits and workshops
  • Food vendors representing world cuisine

🎬 Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)

  • 📅 Dates: May 15–25, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Seattle theaters + online
  • 💻 More Info: siff.net

What to Expect:
SIFF is a world-class celebration of international and independent cinema, showcasing everything from thought-provoking documentaries to animated shorts.

Highlights:

  • 200+ films, including 83 features and 122 shorts
  • Screenings at SIFF Cinema venues and online
  • Director Q&As, panels, and afterparties
  • Industry networking for filmmakers and critics

🌲 Regional Events & Community Fairs

Not every great event in the Seattle area happens at the big-name venues. These regional festivals and community fairs bring out the heart and soul of their towns—with parades, music, local food, and a big helping of small-town charm. They’re perfect for day trips or discovering a new favorite neighborhood.

🎉 Kla Ha Ya Days – Snohomish

  • 📅 Dates: Third Weekend in July (July 19–21, 2025)
  • 📍 Location: Downtown Snohomish
  • 💻 More Info: klahayadays.com

What to Expect:
A historic Snohomish festival over 100 years old, Kla Ha Ya Days offers a fun mix of tradition and family fun. There’s a carnival, classic car show, parade, food truck alley, baby crawl race, and more.

Highlights:

  • Pancake breakfast and kids fair
  • River Run 5K/10K
  • Ice cream eating contest
  • Beer garden with live music

⛵ Aquafest – Lake Stevens

  • 📅 Dates: July 26–28, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Downtown Lake Stevens (along the waterfront)
  • 💻 More Info: aquafest.org

What to Expect:
Aquafest is all about life on the water—and in the Lake Stevens community. The multi-day festival includes water sports, races, carnival rides, and live entertainment with a lakeside view.

Highlights:

  • Grand Parade and Torchlight Parade
  • Aquafest Idol singing competition
  • Ironman Triathlon
  • Boat parade, circus, vendor market

🎆 Tour de Terrace – Mountlake Terrace

  • 📅 Dates: July 26–28, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Evergreen Playfield Complex, Mountlake Terrace
  • 💻 More Info: tourdeterrace.org

What to Expect:
This hometown party blends energetic Mountlake Terrace community pride with big festival fun. You’ll find food booths, carnival rides, live music, and even a 5K fun run through the streets.

Highlights:

  • Seafair-sanctioned Parade
  • Friday night fireworks show
  • Classic car show
  • Beer garden and live bands

🪓 Sultan Shindig – Sultan

  • 📅 Dates: July 12–14, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Downtown Sultan
  • 💻 More Info: sultanshindig.com

What to Expect:
Celebrate Sultan’s logging roots with this uniquely Pacific Northwest fair. Expect sawdust, axes, and lots of good eats with a scenic mountain backdrop.

Highlights:

  • Logging show with axe throwing and log rolling
  • Street fair and kids zone
  • Food vendors, carnival, beer garden
  • Live music and talent show

🎨 Wedgwood Art Festival – Northeast Seattle

  • 📅 Dates: July 12–13, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Our Lady of the Lake School Grounds, 35th Ave NE
  • 💻 More Info: wedgwoodartfestival.org

What to Expect:
A favorite among art lovers and locals, this two-day juried Wedgwood art fair features over 70 local artists. There’s also live music, food trucks, and a kids’ art corner for creative fun.

Highlights:

  • Fine art, ceramics, woodcrafts, and jewelry
  • Acoustic music stage with local performers
  • Artisan food and beverage vendors
  • Hands-on activities for children

🎶 Concert Series Worth Knowing

Seattle summers are made for live music under open skies. From winery lawns to zoo stages and waterfront piers, the region is packed with weekly concert series and special festivals that bring the rhythm all season long.

🎼 Ballard Locks Summer Concerts

  • 📅 Schedule: Weekends through September
  • 📍 Location: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Ballard
  • 💻 More Info: ballardlocks.org/events

Vibe: Sit on the lawn by the botanical gardens and enjoy a laid-back lineup of jazz, folk, and classical music. It’s family-friendly, free, and the Ballard scenery can’t be beat.

🎸 Marymoor Live! – Redmond

2025 Headliners: Iggy Pop, Smokey Robinson, Indigo Girls, Shakey Graves
This popular Eastside series combines open-air lawn seating with top-tier musical acts. Bring a blanket or rent a chair, and enjoy food trucks and local beer tents.

🎤 Oodalalee Summer Series – Pier 62

  • 📅 Dates: Select evenings June–August
  • 📍 Location: Pier 62, Seattle Waterfront
  • 💻 More Info: waterfrontparkseattle.org

Seattle’s newly revamped waterfront hosts this free concert series with a focus on emerging talent, community artists, and multicultural performances—right on the edge of the Sound.

🎧 Downtown Summer Sounds

Catch lunchtime and happy hour sets from local bands in public plazas across downtown Seattle. It’s part live music, part block party, and always a fun excuse to get outside.

🎷 Admiral Music in the Parks – West Seattle

This community-supported series brings acoustic sets, jazz ensembles, and folk singers to shady park spaces—perfect for a relaxing summer evening with a picnic blanket.

🍷 Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Concerts

The most elegant venue of them all, this vineyard stage has hosted legends. For 2025, look for The Beach Boys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Brandi Carlile, and Norah Jones. Bring a picnic or reserve wine-and-dining options.

🐾 ZooTunes – Woodland Park Zoo

  • 📅 Dates: June–August
  • 📍 Location: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
  • 💻 More Info: zoo.org/zootunes

ZooTunes is Seattle’s favorite family-friendly summer music tradition. Each ticket helps support animal care and education. 2025 acts include Japanese Breakfast, Indigo De Souza, and more.

🌀 Psychic Salamander Festival

  • 📅 Dates: September 13–14, 2025
  • 📍 Location: Seattle Center
  • 💻 More Info: psychicsalamander.com (Coming Soon)

This quirky newcomer combines alt-rock royalty with interactive art and oddball fashion. Expect a creative, wild ride with Modest Mouse, Sleater-Kinney, and The Flaming Lips on the roster.

✅ FAQs

When is the biggest event of summer?
Seafair spans mid‑June to early August, but the peak action is in late July–early August with fireworks, air shows, and parades.

Which events are family-friendly?
Most festivals—especially Seafair, Bite, Festál, Folklife, and Aquafest—are ideal for all ages.

Do I need tickets?

  • Free local events: 4th of July, Torchlight, downtown concerts, Festál
  • Paid events: The Bite, Bumbershoot, SIFF, Capitol Hill, Magnolia Fest
  • Ticketed fare: Concert series, Monster Trucks, specific shows at fairs

Best way to get around?
Transit, shuttles, and biking are wise choices—especially for Seattle Center events. Parking fills fast.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Summer in Seattle (June–Sept) is packed with free celebrations, food fests, music, fairgrounds fun, and special traditions.
  • Seafair, with its jets, boats, races, and fireworks, is the flagship civic celebration.
  • Mix of citywide festivals and local events creates a comprehensive and vivid community experience.

Final Thoughts on Seattle Events & Area Fairs

This full-color Seattle events and area fairs calendar captures the essence of the season—from roaring hydroplane races and neon parades to food adventures and cultural celebrations. It’s a roadmap to summer’s brightest moments in King and Snohomish counties.

Whether you’re floating on Lake Washington or wandering Capitol Hill with coffee and tacos, this guide ensures you won’t miss a beat of Pacific Northwest summer magic.

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About the Author

Jason Fox

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"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Gandhi [ Recognized as a top 3.5% agent in the United States. ] [ Jason Fox was born in Everett, WA currently lives in the Meadowdale neighborhood in Lynnwood and has lived in different parts of the Puget Sound area in between. He has been in the real estate industry for 20 years in many different capacities. From General Manager of a real estate CRM engagement business, Founder of 2 real estate marketing agencies, nationally recognized blogger with the Jason Fox Real Estate Marketing Blog, Marketing Manager for a top title and escrow service. ] [ Jason is now an award winning residential real estate sales agent, Co-Founder of The Madrona Group, Co-Owner of John L. Scott Ballard and John L. Scott Westwood. ] [ Active in the community, Jason is a proud part of the Autism Speaks effort to raise awareness for autism. This project is very dear to him as he has an 8 year old son, Hudson, diagnosed ASD. Jason is also involved with Neighbor's in Need, the Forgotten Children's Fund, WELD Seattle and the Union Gospel Mission assisting the homeless population in the greater Seattle area. ] [ "My passion is being able to give back to the community that has given so much to me." ] [ When he is not assisting his friends and family with the services of home ownership he loves being a dad to his 4 children, Carter, Rowen, Tyler and Hudson and being a husband to his amazing wife Sarah. Hiking, working around the house, cheering for the Seahawk's, Mariners and Huskies and golfing. ]

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