Seattle Summer Festivals

Summer in Seattle brings people outside and festivals galore. Here are some festivals that happen every summer (June, July and August) in our great city that you may enjoy:

Summer Festivals

Seattle Green Festival
The Seattle Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America. They celebrate what’s working in communities—for people, businesses and the environment. The event draws 125 renowned authors, leaders & educators. Along with 350 eco-friendly businesses, workshops, green films, kids’ activities, live music and delicious, organic, vegetarian cuisine. Dates: June

Washington Brewers Festival
The Washington Brewers Festival fittingly falls on Father's Day weekend. Rain or shine it's hosted in Kenmore, WA. There are over 200 beers on tap with live music to compliment the atmosphere. The crowd is 21 and over on Friday. Then all ages are welcome Saturday and Sunday where you can enjoy food and games. Dates: June

Seattle Pride Festival
Over 200,000 people gather in Seattle for the annual Seattle Pride Fest over Pride Weekend. It is one of the largest LGBT events in the area and it’s hosted at Seattle Center. The festival takes place immediately following the downtown parade. Then at Seattle Center enjoy local and national talent, beer gardens, DJs spinning and more. Dates: June

Family Fourth at Lake Union
The largest free fireworks show is at Gasworks Park in Seattle. Fireworks light up the Lake Union district with a huge Pyrotechnic Extravaganza. Gas Works Park Address: 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle. Date: July 4

Seattle International BeerFest
Come taste over 130 world-class beers from more than 15 countries. The outdoor event is hosted in the grass of the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater about 100 yards west of the Space Needle. Dates: July

Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival
The Seattle Chamber Music Society takes place in Seattle (Lakeside School, 14050 First Avenue). And then it takes place on the Eastside of Seattle (Overlake school in Redmond). It consists of 12 concerts each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings with 7:00 p.m. recitals and concerts starting at 8:00 p.m. Dates: July

Chinatown-International District Summer Festival
Located at Hing Hay Park in Seattle’s International District it is the largest Asian-American Streetfair in Washington. The free events offer Japanese drumming, Chinese martial arts, Filipino dancing, Lion and Dragon dances and live concerts featuring Jazz, New Age and Pop music. There’s even arts & crafts, authentic Asian cuisine and a Karaoke Stage for those that want to show off their vocal talents. Dates: July

Bite of Seattle
Since 1982 the Bite of Seattle has grown into one of Seattle's largest Summer Festivals, with more than 50 of Seattle's finest restaurants, 30 food product companies and five beer gardens on hand with live entertainment, including a comedy club, a piano bar, wine tasting and more. Head to Seattle Center for a weekend of food fun. Dates: July

Seafair
For a half century Seafair in Seattle has dazzled and delighted locals and visitors with an event steeped in tradition. Enjoy air shows featuring the Blue Angels, watch hydroplane races on Lake Washington, participate in arts & crafts or for sporty types enter the Seafair Triathlon. There is live music and parades throughout the almost month-long festivities. Dates: July

Torchlight Parade at Seafair
This is the Northwest's largest lighted parade through downtown Seattle. The family tradition includes Macy's-style helium balloons, local bands, drill teams, illuminated floats and Seafair clowns and pirates. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Seattle Center, and continues south down Fourth Ave. to Second Ave. and King Street. Dates: July and August

Shakespeare in the Park
Live theatre in Seattle area parks is a summer treat. GreenStage puts on the shows each year. Go ahead and enjoy a little Shakespeare in the Park this summer, best part is it's free. Dates: July and August

TibetFest
In the heart of Seattle Center the annual TibetFest is where the modern and ancient combine in an effort to preserve Tibet's unique cultural identity. The festival is free and the festival shares century old stories and legends through song and rhythmic movements, the wearing of symbolic masks and authentic costumes. Enjoy a Tibetan-style bazaar, children’s events and food. Dates: August

Photo: Jeff Strand Homes / Shakespeare in the Park Seattle

Tips for Visiting the San Juan Islands

As the seasons turn warmer, Pacific Northwest waters glisten and dance, and the inviting sea mist beacons travelers to the San Juan Islands. The ferry-serviced islands in Northern Washington are the biggest draw for locals and visitors: Orcas, San Juan (Friday Harbor), Lopez and Shaw. And each island offers something different.
Each June the ferries run on a summer schedule departing from Anacortes, WA. And when the summer schedules start the islands swell with visitors. The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October (January through March most boutique stores are closed on the islands for winter). July and August are the warmest months to visit the San Juan Islands and also the busiest. The summer months are peak prices for exploring the islands. To know how to visit the islands efficiently can help you enjoy your time there without draining your pocketbook. If you plan to take a car on the ferries to visit more than one island there are additional costs to consider depending on how you map out your stay, when you plan to visit and the length of your vehicle.

The most cost-effective way to visit more than one island is to know how the ferry schedules and fees work. Ferries take off from Anacortes; plan ahead for a two hour drive north from Seattle and arrive at the ferries at least two hours before your ferry leaves, especially during the peak summer season. The quickest way to squelch your island trip is to miss a ferry and have to wait for the next one. Wait times in between can be long. Once at the ferries you have two options.

1. Pay to park your car and walk on the ferry.
2. Or pay to take your car on the ferry.

You are charged for you car on Westbound travel only. That means to keep your costs down you'll want to begin your stay as far west as possible. The two farthest islands west of Anacortes are San Juan Island and Orcas Island. San Juan Island (also known as Friday Harbor) is a foot friendly island. Meaning you can walk on interisland ferries from where you are staying and not need a car to explore downtown San Juan Island, saving you transportation money. The most cost-effective way to explore more than one island with a car is to pay the applicable fees to take your passengers and car on the ferry headed to Orcas Island first from Anacortes. By starting your island trip on Orcas you can then walk on an interisland ferry for free and do a day trip to San Juan Island (otherwise known as Friday Harbor) while staying on Orcas Island. After one or more nights on Orcas Island you can take a ferry from Orcas Island to Lopez Island without getting charged again for your car. This is because you will be headed Eastbound. After staying one night or more on Lopez Island you can then catch a ferry from Lopez back to the mainland at Anacortes to conclude your time in the islands on a ferry budget.

If you plan to go to any of the other ferry-serviced islands first then you will get charged again for your car every time you head Westbound with a vehicle. Just keep in mind after you initially pay to take your car on a ferry from Anacortes then as long as you stay Eastbound in your travels of the islands you won't be charged again on interisland ferries for taking your car around to the different islands. Then when you return to Anacortes from whatever island you are on the fee is covered since you are headed Eastbound. According to the Washington State Ferries for the San Juan Islands "Every time you go Westbound you pay and traveling Eastbound is free."

Visit their website: San Juan Islands

Go for a Boat Ride in Seattle

Seattle is surrounded by water and boats. If you want something new to do to celebrate an event consider renting a boat:

Seattle's Waterways Cruises

Enjoy a sunset dinner, brunch, happy hour or homes and history tour on a cruise on Lake Washington (photo shown above).

The Electric Boat Company

Rent an electric boat on Seattle's Lake Union. Go see the famous houseboats on the water and view the Deadliest Catch boats in the fishing off season.

Seattle Farmers' Markets

Seattle farmers' markets are open to the public who are looking to eat fresh and seasonally. If you go be sure to have cash on hand as most don't accept debit cards or credit cards. Here are our local farmers' markets by neighborhood:

Seasonal Farmers' Markets

• Capitol Hill
• Columbia City
• Georgetown
• Green Lake
• Greenwood / Phinney Ridge 
• Lake City
• Madison / Madrona
• Magnolia
• Queen Anne
• Wallingford

Year Round Farmers' Markets

• Ballard
• Fremont
• Pike Place Market
• University District
• West Seattle

Discover Jetty Island

Now that our local weather has decided to pour sunshine on us it makes a great time to head to one of our local islands that isn't crowded with tourists. Jetty Island makes a great family day trip. Here's information on how to explore the island and how to get there:

To get to the Jetty Island office and ferry dock, take Interstate 5 north to Exit 193 in Everett. Turn left onto Pacific Avenue and follow for about a mile to West Marine View Drive. Turn right and continue north for about two miles to 10th Street. Turn left into the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park. The ferry kiosk is at the far end of the park by water's edge. (From the north, take Exit 194, follow Everett Avenue west to Marine View Drive, then go north to 10th Street.)

Passenger ferry
While the Jetty Island foot ferry is free, boarding passes are required. Everett residents with proof of residency may reserve ferry passes, as well as any group of 12 or more (residents and nonresidents alike); call 425-257-8304 at least one week in advance to reserve. All others must acquire passes at the ferry dock kiosk on a first-come basis. Donations suggested: $2 adults, $1 for children.

Through Sept. 6, the Jetty Island ferry runs about every half-hour during these hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:50 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6:50 p.m. Note: No ferry service on rainy days.

Parking
Friday through Sunday, May 1-Sept. 30, the Port of Everett charges $3 for parking at the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park. Parking machines accept credit cards. Parking is free Monday-Thursday.

Special programs
The ferry service is part of Jetty Island Days, which also includes free wildlife walks, puppet shows, campfires and more. Guided nature walks are at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. daily.

See Yelp's website for details.

Visitor rules and tips

• No pets, alcohol or glass containers on the island.
• Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Campfires allowed in designated areas only.
• Swimming allowed on west shore only, at your own risk (there are no lifeguards).
• No overnight camping.
• The island's sand paths are not suitable for strollers and other wheeled conveyances.
• Take jackets, sunscreen, drinking water, food and snacks, shoes and changes of clothing for everyone in your group. There are no concessions or drinking-water sources on the island.

Story and photo credits: Mike McQuaide

Shop Local: Seattle Boutiques

For those that like to shop boutiques this is our recommended list of boutique shops in the Seattle area by neighborhood (a map of neighborhood locations is featured at the bottom of this post):


Queen Anne

Peridot Boutique
A dress shop with pops of color ranging from mini to maxi; sassy to conservative. A great place to find a dress for an upcoming event.

Meadow
A beautiful store (situated on the corner of West Crockett ad 6th Avenue) for all ages known for its affordable prices and feminine clothing designs as well as jewelry, home decor and lovely perfumes.

Pink Ginger
Just around the corner from Meadow is Pink Ginger. They offer a wide range of sizes (from size 0 to 24) a perfect local store for curvy women.


South Lake Union (SLU)

Opal
If you like labels then Opal is your place. They carry designer names with trendy looks.

Clover House
Across the street from Opal is a great store for hard to shop for women. Clover House features oilcloth wallets, purse holders, cards, wrapping paper, lotions, jewelry and more.

Tottini
Trendy parents and their little tots love the modern selection of kids goods at Tottini from furniture to books and more.

Feathered Friends
Since 1972 the family-owned Feathered Friends has been and outdoor clothing and accessories anchor in the SLU area.

REI
The outdoor brand, REI, is considered a candy store for outdoor enthusiasts.


Capitol Hill

SPUN Collective
A collection of different local designers all in one place as well as the green clothing of Choose Spun.

Pretty Parlor
Located on Capitol Hill, Pretty Parlor, offers vintage clothing and accessories for women with a small section for men.

Le Frock
A vintage shop with clothes and accessories. Le Frock also features designer sales.


Downtown Seattle

Anthropologie
Pennsylvania-based Anthropologie has two stores in the Seattle area. One downtown Seattle the other at University Village in the University District. Anthropologie offers vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, jewelry and home accessories.

Betsy Johnson
The designer dresses by Betsy Johnson are super-feminine and popular in Seattle.

Sway and Cake
Offers cutting-edge fashions for women. Sway and Cake also offers up-and-coming designs.

Watson Kennedy
A home accessories store with a Parisian touch. Watson Kennedy is located near Pike Place Market with another store in the Financial District of Seattle near Pioneer Square.

Sur la Table
A kitchen lover’s dream with top-of-the-line kitchen supplies and gadgets. Sur la Table even offers easy to learn cooking classes.


Belltown

Isadoras
High-end vintage fashion and accessories are found at Isadoras.

Paperhaus
Features binders, stationary and more with a modern edge. Paperhaus is the king of trendy office supplies.

Patagonia
The eco-friendly outdoor company offers clothing for men, women and children. Patagonia is big on designing clothes from hemp and natural materials.

Shoefly
Fun, flirty footwear and accessories are the name of the game at Shoefly.


Ballard

Horseshoe
Features cowgirl clothes with a modern flare. Horseshoe is a popular store in Ballard.

Blackbird
Urban store for men. Blackbird offers jeans, T-shirts, messenger bags and more.

Clover
European style clothing and non-battery toys for kids are found at Clover.

The Field House
Clothing and housewares that harken back to the good old days are the norm at The Field House (pictured above).

RE Store
A popular salvage shop in Ballard. The RE Store offers vintage pieces galore.

Jax Joon
Fun home decor store (with hand built bars) peppered with cool retro menswear gear.


Fremont

Lambs Ear
Offers unique shoes for those that like something different than the mainstream. Lambsear loves edgy shoe styles.

Bliss
Super affordable, Bliss, offers girly fashions for women.

Deluxe Junk
Retro-inspired vintage pieces for the home and more are offered at Deluxe Junk.

Day Trips: Mountains of Washington State

In the spring, summer and early fall months our mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. Here are a few worth noting for hikes and day trips in Washington State:

Diablo Lake (pictured above)  in the Washington Cascades; Viewpoint is located right off Highway 20 in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It's a popular recreational area with campers, hikers, and boaters. The Diablo Lake Adventure Tours run Friday through Sunday in July and August and weekends only in June and September. Call 206-684-3030 for more information. Note: Highway 20 is closed usually November to April during snow season.

The Big Four Mountain and Ice Caves in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are off the Mountain Loop Highway outside the town of Verlot (where you must pick up a trailhead parking pass for $5 at the Verlot Public Service Center). The ice caves are a nice short hike with the help of the new aluminum bridge that gets you across the river. Questions? Call the Darrington Ranger District 360-436-1155.

Mount Pilchuck is popular with intermediate to experienced hikers. It's a steep three-mile hike up through loose rock and scree to the fire lookout at the top. It's very crowded in the summer so plan accordingly. On a clear day you'll see a panoramic view of the Cascades, Olympics, & Puget Sound from the top. There is usually still snow on the trail through midsummer. Requires a parking permit.

The Olympic National Park is located a short ferry ride from Seattle across the Sound to Bainbridge Island. It is also accessible by U.S. Highway 101. It's popular with hikers, backpackers, and campers.
Mount Baker in Bellingham, WA is very popular with skiers and snowboarders in the winter and hikers in the summer and fall. It's also the start of the annual Ski-to-Sea race; a seven-leg adventure race involving teams from recreational to competitive. The photo of Mount Baker shown above was taken from a ferry boat headed to the San Juan Islands.

At 14,410 feet Mount Rainer National Park beckons mountain climbers May through October; find a Mountainering Guide. It's also popular with hikers in the summer and fall and for those interested in scenic drives or camping. Most hikes offer breathtaking views of lakes, landscapes, and floral fields. Entrance fees are applied when you drive into the park. Be sure to consult their Web site before going to make sure you are aware of all applicable fees and passes needed to use the park.

Seabrook Vacation Homes: Get a Free Night Stay

Tucked away on the Olympic Peninsula is a quaint beach town called Seabrook. It's an idyllic town featuring vacation rentals and vacation homes for sale just a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

When you arrive at Seabrook you step into a time where life is much simpler. The town is a wonderful place to re-energize and enjoy a family vacation with several amenities for kids and it's just across the street from the Pacific Ocean. For those wanting to know what the old 1940s-1950s beach life was like you'll experience it at Seabrook. If you've ever wanted to ride a beach cruiser you can do that too. Once you start pedaling you'll feel just like a kid again.

If you are in the market to buy a vacation home, broker Jeff Strand, can arrange for you to get a free night stay at Seabrook, feel free to contact him to experience, firsthand, the peaceful town of Seabrook, WA.
Photo: Seabrook

Seattle Parks

Seattle area parks are teeming with outdoor enthusiasts. The following links will help you narrow down the best park for you and your family (photo shown above is Counterbalance Park):

Counterbalance Park

Located at 2 Roy Street on Lower Queen Anne. The park is best viewed at night to get the full effect of the lights that shine off the surrounding walls. At Christmas time the lights turn red and green.

Volunteer Park

Located on the north end of Capitol Hill features a free indoor conservatory for exploring rare and tropical plants and flowers.

Cal Anderson Park

Head down the south end of Capitol Hill to Cal Anderson Park. The park features a fountain, texture pool and reflecting pool, promenade paths and more.

Green Lake

Green Lake is a very popular recreation area with paths around the lake for biking, skating, jogging, bird watching or pushing strollers. Or hang out at a grassy knoll and picnic and watch volleyball and baseball games. Address: 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, Seattle, WA; 206-684-4075.

Discovery Park

Go for a run, hike or enjoy a picnic with views of the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains at Discovery Park. Address: 3801 E Government Way, Seattle, WA; 206-386-4263.

Ballard Locks

The official name is Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and it's popular with locals and tourists. Hang out or picnic in the grassy park and watch sailboats, motorboats, tugs, barges and yachts pass through. Check out the fish ladder. Or visit the nearby and free Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. Address: 3015 NW 54th St., Seattle, WA; 206-783-7059.

Carkeek Park

Hang out at the Carkeek Park beach, watch the sun rise or set, enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains and beachcomb for treasures. Address: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd., Seattle, WA; 206-684-0877.

Alki Beach Park

The long beach strip that runs from Alki Point to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay offers a 2.5 mile path to walk, run, bike or rollerblade any time of year. In the summer people sunbath on the beach and play volleyball. Address: 1702 Alki Ave. SW, West Seattle; 206-684-4075.

Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll hangs out under the Aurora bridge and is near Gas Works Park. Fremont Troll Address: located under the north end of the Aurora Bridge at N. 36th St., Seattle, WA. Gas Works Park Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA; 206-684-4075.

Marymoor Park

Marymoor Park in Redmond offers tons of outdoor recreation (640 acres) including outdoor climbing walls (you must know how to lead climb and set anchors or else you'll only be able to boulder). Bike, run, walk, roller blade, play soccer, baskeball or cricket. Check out the Velodrome bike track. Or find out concert schedules in the park. Address: 6046 W Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, WA; 206-205-3661.

Kerry Park Viewpoint

Kerry Park on Queen Anne hill offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline including the Space Needle. Address: 211 W. Highland Dr. Seattle, WA.

Burke Gilman Trail

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs about 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in Seattle to Bothell (it intersects the Sammamish River Trail). The trail is paved and popular with bike riders. The trail runs through Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District and View Ridge in Seattle to Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell.

Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden

The free rose garden at the Woodland Park Zoo is located at the zoo's South Entrance at the intersection of N. 50th Street and Fremont Ave. N. (750 N. 50th Street). It opened in 1924 and it's a 2.5 acre garden with 280 varieties of roses. Open 7:00 a.m. until dusk every day of the year, free of charge. Parking: $4.50 in zoo lots during zoo hours; free during non-zoo hours.

Ebey's Landing

Ebay's Landing is the nation's first historical reserve with two state parks on Whidbey Island. Fort Ebey St. Park: 360-678-4636 and Fort Casey St Park: 360-678-4519.

Washington Park Arboretum

The Washington Park Arboretum is a an urban green space near Lake Washington. It features woody plant collections on 230 acres. Admission is free and the park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr. E, Seattle, WA; 206-325-4510.

Klondike Gold Rush-Seattle Unit

Explore Seattle's Klondike Gold Rush with the park's free exhibits, audiovisual and ranger programs. Address: 117 S Main St., Seattle, WA; 206-553-7220

Seattle Shopping Malls

If you are new to the area we have some great shopping malls around the area. Here are a few worth noting:

Westlake Center
Located in the center of downtown Seattle it is a four-story, glass enclosed retail pavilion with a food court on the upper level (popular with work lunch crowds) and the monorail that runs from Westlake to Seattle Center and back.

Pacific Place
Downtown Seattle’s premium shopping mall, it offers restaurants upstairs and movie theaters.

Pike Place Market
From fish flingers, fresh produce and huge flower bouquets to Pacific Northwest gifts the famous Pike Place Market has been in service since 1907.

University Village
Located near the University of Washington (known as the University District). It is upscale, outdoor shopping offering popular American brand names.

The Bravern
A new upscale shopping mecca with luxury shops, restaurants and residences. Stores include: Hermes, Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Anthropologie, Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa, Trophy Cupcakes, Wild Ginger restaurant and more.

Seattle Premium Outlets
Upscale outlet shopping offering designer brands, including couture, with more than 100 outdoor stores (think Stanford Shopping Center on an outlet scale).