Where: Issaquah, Washington, for the Salmon Days Festival (10/5–10/6. Downtown Issaquah; 425.392.0661; salmondays.org). What: For the 44th time, Issaquah throws its annual welcome for returning salmon with a street party featuring hundreds of artisans and musicians, playing everything from bluegrass to rhythm and blues. Graze: The more than 60 food vendors include Greek-American fusion, New York–style Italian and boatloads of fresh salmon, not to mention the perennial favorite, Biringer Farm’s strawberry shortcake. New this year, an intriguing offering from Blazing Bagels called a “salmon bagel dog,” which is a hot dog made of wild, smoked salmon, wrapped in a bagel. (Seattle innovation!) Witness the circle of life: In all the Front Street excitement, don’t miss the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery—the only urban hatchery in the state—where thousands of spawning salmon complete their big trek. Cheer them on (before you eat them up). Getting there: Take I-90 east to Issaquah.