The official start of autumn may be on September 21st, but the season has been in full swing in Seattle since Pumpkin Spice Lattes made their much-anticipated return to Starbucks. With fall equinox just days away, Seattleites can break out their flannel shirts and Ugg boots, light those pumpkin candles they’ve been dying to use since they arrived at Bath and Body Works, and enjoy the many activities Seattle has to offer this fall.
1. Washington State Fair
Whether you call it the Washington State Fair or the Puyallup Fair, Seattleites and residents of Washington can all agree this is a must-do event every year. This traditional fair has everything for the shopper, livestock lover, food connoisseur, and even the green thumb. From enjoying delicious Fisher Scones to riding the classic wooden rollercoaster, the state fair has activities for all to enjoy.
2. Visit Leavenworth for Oktoberfest
Nothing says celebrating this classic German festival by spending a weekend in Washington’s very own Bavarian village. Nestled in the heart of the Cascades, Leavenworth is a quaint town known for their “Bavarian charm and Northwest hospitality.” Just a short (and scenic) 2-hour drive from Seattle, spend a weekend in early October enjoying live music, traditional German fare, and, of course, beer!
3. Georgetown Morgue Haunted House
Grab some friends and prepare to scream your way through Seattle’s most popular haunted house. Formerly the Kube 93.3 Haunted House, step into the halls of the Georgetown Morgue with its colorful (and haunted) history. After closing its doors in 1983, the mortuary made the list of "Most Intriguing Historic Urban Morgues" by the Historic Morgue Society. Suitable for everyone 12 and older, this attraction runs to the end of October.
4. Attend a sporting event
With Seattle’s rich sports environment, fall is a great time to spend an evening at a sporting match. Scarves up! With the season coming to a close in late October, now is your chance to watch a Sounders match at CenturyLink Field with the wildest fan base in the MLS. If the Mariners aren’t mathematically out of playoff contention come September, visit the SODO neighborhood to watch a game at one of the best ballparks in baseball, Safeco Field. And if you can’t get your hands on a coveted Seahawks ticket, head over to the University of Washington to cheer on the Huskies and their rising football program under head coach Chris Petersen.
5. Fright Fest at Wild Waves/Enchanted Village
Come to Wild Waves this October to see the popular summer amusement park transformed into a dark and spooky adventure. All park rides run in the dark during Fright Fest; be sure to check out the 2 feature haunted houses.
6. Capture the changing colors of the Emerald City
Washington may be called the Evergreen State, but there are plenty of deciduous trees to capture when their leaves change color. Seattle has plenty of parks such as Kubota Garden and Bellevue Botanical Garden for your viewing pleasure. One thing is for sure, you won’t have to go far to get a stunning image this fall.
7. Pick some apples
8. Go hiking
Fall is a great time to get in those last few hikes before the rainy weather rolls in! There are several picturesque hikes just outside of Seattle where you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant trees and increased wildlife activity. So grab your fleece, pack along a thermos of cider, and take in the crisp autumn air during a hike.
9. Go to a corn maze
What better way to spend an afternoon than getting turned around in a corn maze? There are several corn mazes just outside of Seattle that are often family-ran. And where there’s a corn maze, there’s often a pumpkin patch, bonus!
10. Thanksgiving Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate Turkey Day by heading downtown for the Macy’s Holiday Parade. The parade features floats, community groups, and even Santa Claus. Head back downtown the following day to ring in the holiday season with the lighting of the famous Macy’s Star and Christmas tree.
10 ½. Explore the Emerald City and find a new tradition of your own this fall
Accompanied by your flannel shirt and Pumpkin Spice Latte!
