Hey, got plans for the long weekend? If you’re around, there’s some really fun stuff happening in the city. Did you know that Seattle once banned underaged dancing? There’s a podcast that digs into that wild story. Plus, whale watching here isn’t just about spotting orcas — it’s boosting the local economy while keeping conservation in mind. Sadly, high retail theft throughout Washington is causing big problems, and Goodwill is closing both its Lake Union and University District stores because of it. And on a lighter note, Sue Bird’s getting a Seattle street named after her, which is pretty great. 

 

Waterfront Block Party 2024

Friday, Aug. 30, noon-8:30 p.m.
Free
Pier 62

Friends of Waterfront Park are throwing down with the fourth annual Waterfront Block Party, setting the stage for the big 2025 Grand Opening of Waterfront Park. Expect a downtown takeover — from Olympic Sculpture Park to Pier 62 and Occidental Square — with live music, dance, parades, and food trucks. Bring the bikes, the dogs, the kids, the neighbors, and all your friends. Make it a day.

 

Washington State Fair

Aug. 30-Sept. 22
$10+
Washington State Fair Events Center

For more than 20 days, the Washington State Fair cranks up the fun with everything you crave — fair food, carnival rides, baby animals, art shows, and live performances.

 

Pax West 2024

Aug. 30-Sept. 2
$66-$250
Seattle Convention Center

PAX West has been a mecca for gamers from day one, with expo halls packed with everything from indie game demos to sneak peeks of blockbuster titles. There are panels with industry bigwigs and tabletop showdowns. It’s the place where fans and creators meet and celebrate the games they love.

 

Bumbershoot 2024

Aug. 31-Sept. 1
$85+
Seattle Center

Bumbershoot throws every flavor of art and music into the mix — there’s ballet, wrestling, performance art, pole dancing, roller skating, and a lot of music. It’s an all-out celebration of creativity with every kind of artistic expression you can imagine. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s everything this city is.

 

Jaws:
Free Outdoor Movies in Seattle Parks

Aug. 29 at 8:30 p.m.
Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave. N.)

Bobbing on your tube, watching Richard Dreyfuss lose his mind, while young Roy Scheider, with those eyes that scream “I’m in control, even if I’m quietly freaking out,” attempts to rein in Captain Quint, who’s not just salty but flirty, all while that theme music plays? Honestly, it’s either the best idea or the worst. Float in anything — just no motors allowed. Good luck.

 

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.