Summer days are long in Seattle, where the sun stays up until 8:30 or even later. If you are lucky enough to be around to enjoy a Seattle summer, here are some fun and budget-friendly things to do in the city.
Visit the Express Farmers Market
Every Thursday until Aug. 31, area farmers will bring fresh produce, flowers, and more to South Lake Union’s Van Vorst Plaza from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Attend South Lake Union’s Saturday Market ice cream social pop up
Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stop by South Lake Union’s Saturday Market (9th Avenue North, next to the South Lake Union Discovery Center and Denny Park) for their Ice Cream Social Pop-up. While you’re there, catch your favorite food trucks and browse the artwork and vintage goods from local makers. (Saturday Market takes place every week through Sept. 16.)
Take an art walk around the city
Have you sat in the Island Treehouse on Harrison Street? Played table tennis in the outdoor room of the Ping Pong Plaza? Walked below the glass canopy of “There is Another Sky”? There is public art located all around the city to explore. Dozens of these pieces have been commissioned by the late Paul Allen’s firm, Vulcan Real Estate. Here’s a guide to two dozen pieces located in South Lake Union alone.
Play lawn games for free at the Woodland Park Lawn Bowling, Bocce, & Croquet Club
Located just 4 miles north of downtown Seattle between the Woodland Park Zoo and Green Lake, you’ll want directions from their website since navigation devices miss this one.
The club is open to the public for lawn games on this schedule:
Bocce: Every Friday, 6 p.m. until they turn off the lights
Lawn Bowling: Every Wednesday, 6 p.m. to dusk
Croquet: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to dusk
Learn (for free) how to dance the tango or the West Coast swing this summer at Seattle’s downtown parks.
Thursdays in Westlake Park. 6 – 9 p.m.
Aug 10: Mark DuFresne Band featuring Billy Stapleton | Blues & Swing
Aug 17: The Buckaroosters | Swingin’ Country
Tuesdays in Ballard Commons, 6 – 9 p.m.
Aug 15 — Elnah Jordan | Blues
Tuesdays at Pier 62, 5 – 8 p.m.
Aug 22 — Ben Thomas Tango Quartet | Tango
Aug 29 — Jacqueline Tabor Jazz and Blues | Swing & Blues
Every summer, the Seattle Art Museum hosts free programs for the public.
Saturday, Aug. 12,
Yoga: Vinyasa (all levels) 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Reconnect with your body and mind after a busy week with a 60-minute vinyasa flow led by Take Care Yoga.
Community Partner Activities
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Play with adoptable puppies from Washington-based nonprofit Dog Gone Seattle and support them in their mission to save homeless dogs in high-kill shelters in Washington and beyond through rescue, foster, and adoption. Then, fashion a wearable dog bandana with Seattle ReCreative to take home to your own four-legged friend.
Free Zumba® class, 1 – 2 p.m.
Fusing Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves, free Zumba® Latin dance-fitness classes are a great way to spend the afternoon. Tennis shoes and water bottle recommended. Rain or shine! Class led by Dan Flores and Venessa Mackie.
Nothing says summer like watching movies under the stars. There are several fun flicks showing all around the Seattle region this month:
After switching to drive-in during the pandemic, Movies at Marymoor is back to old-fashioned picnic-style fun. Tickets are $10, and kids 5 and under are free. There are food trucks on site. Dogs are welcome.
Aug 17: Up
Aug 23: The Princess Bride
Movies start at dusk at Seneca Plaza on Friday evenings through Sept. 8. It’s a chance to watch a classic on the big screen in the heart of the city, with free popcorn, snacks, and drinks provided!
Aug 11: Moonrise Kingdom
Aug 18: Everything, Everywhere All at Once
Aug 25: Nope
Sept. 8: The Mitchells vs. The Machines
Unless otherwise noted, these free outdoor screenings kick off at 9 p.m. and are preceded by a short film from students at Cornish College of the Arts. The Armory will be open alongside a fleet of food trucks on the Seattle Center grounds.
Aug 18: Dreamgirls
Aug 25: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
