landscape view of seattle in the summer

SpotHero Summer Picks: Our Top 9 Things to do in Seattle This Summer

Summertime is just around the corner! Looking for things to do in Seattle this summer? Whether you’re a lifelong local or just stopping by, there’s tons of fun to be had in the city.

Seattle summer doesn’t truly begin until early July. The rainy season lasts through June, meaning you can usually plan to begin your summer fun around Independence Day. The mild summertime temperatures make for beautiful, breezy days. Check out SpotHero’s hand-picked activities to celebrate summer in Seattle!

Pride in the Park

Dates: Saturday, June 3, 12-7 p.m.

Location: Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill

Price: Free!

Details: This year is Seattle’s 49th Annual Pride in the Park celebration. This theme for this year’s family-friendly event is Galactic Love, featuring the Supernova Space Station, an immersive, gravity-defying extravaganza. You can also check out the new Milky Way Marketplace, which features LGBTQIA+ vendors. Kids can enjoy Drag Story Time and a dedicated space designed by Seattle’s LGBTQ Center and Seattle Pride. For more info, click here.

Pride Parade

Dates: Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: 4th Ave between Pike St. and Denny Way (step-off will be at Westlake Park)

Price: Free!

Details: The 49th Annual Seattle Pride Parade is an inclusive, joyful gathering that embraces diversity, fosters unity, and advocates for LGBTQIA+ causes. This free event is open to everyone and designed to raise consciousness about LGBTQIA+ matters while championing respect and equal rights for everyone. For more information, click here.

Capitol Hill Block Party

Dates: Friday, July 21, 3-11 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 1-11 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 1-10 p.m.

Location: 1122 E. Pike St. (East Pike Street & 12th Avenue)

Price: Tickets, start at $90, learn more and purchase here.

Details: The Capitol Hill Block Party is a 3-day music festival spanning the streets of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This year’s lineup includes headliners Sofi Tukker, Denzel Curry, and Louis the Child. Check out all the acts here.

capitol hill block party july 21-23, 2023 flyer with weekend lineup of artists and location

Day in Day Out Festival

Dates: August 12-13, 12-11:30 p.m.

Location: Fisher Green Pavilion at Seattle Center

Price: Tickets start at $105, purchase here.

Details: This weekend music festival takes place at Seattle Center’s Fisher Green Pavilion and has a stacked lineup this year. Featured artists include Leon Bridges, Bon Iver, Dominic Fike, and Willow as well as DJ sets. For more information, click here.

day in day out music festival august 12-13, 2023 flyer with weekend lineup of artists and location

Bumbershoot

Dates: September 2-3

Location: Third Stone at Seattle Center

Price: $65 Single Day Pass, $110 Weekend Pass, purchase tickets here.

Details: Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary this year! Bumbershoot is a weekend-long visual arts, performance, and arts festival recognizing the talent of the Pacific Northwest community of creatives. From roller skating to vintage clothing to double Dutch, there’s something for everyone. Check out the list of creatives and purchase tickets here.

Farmers Markets

Farmer’s markets are a long-standing Seattle staple. The iconic Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States and one of Seattle’s most popular attractions for both residents and visitors alike. This summer, you can explore neighborhood markets from Wednesday to Sunday each week. Get your fix of farm-fresh produce, ground coffee, blooming bouquets, and an array of Seattle’s finest vendors. Check out our chart below for seasons, dates, times, and parking at each of the summer seasonal markets!

MarketSeasonLocationDayTimeParking
Columbia City Neighborhood Farmers MarketMay 3 – October 1137th Ave S & S Edmunds St, just off Rainier Ave S. in South Seattle, 98118Wednesday3-7 p.m.Zoned 2-hour street parking is also available surrounding the market. Non-zoned parking is available 3 blocks west and 3 blocks south of the market.
Lake City Neighborhood Farmers MarketJune 8 – October 5NE 125th & 28th NE, next to the Library off Lake City Way, 98125Thursday3-7 p.m.Available (free) in the underground garage at the library (enter at NE 127th and 28th Ave NE). Street parking is available.
Phinney Neighborhood Farmers MarketJune 2 – September 296532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, in the upper PNA lotFriday3-7 p.m.Free parking is available in the lower lot of the PNA and on the street.
Magnolia Neighborhood Farmers MarketJune 3 – October 14W McGraw Street & 33rd Ave W in the Magnolia VillageSaturday10 a.m.-2 p.m.Ample free street parking is available nearby.

Day Trip to Mt. Rainier

Dates: July-August

Location: GPS address is 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304

Price: $15-$25 entry fee or $55 annual pass

Details: If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, a trip to Mount Rainier is a must. July and August are peak park times for visitors, as this is when Seattle experiences its dry season and the wildflowers begin to bloom. Mount Rainer is an active volcano, known for being the highest mountain in the state at 14,410 feet, and its stunning landscape features glaciers, flowing rivers, and epic hiking trails. Whether you’re looking to camp, hike, or whitewater raft, the park is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature.

Entry fees cost $15 per person walking or biking into the national park and single vehicles cost $30. If you’re a frequent park-goer, you can opt for the annual pass.

Bonus: You can get free entry on August 4, 2023, which is the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act!

Head out on the Water

Seattle’s bustling waterfront is adorned with shops, sites, and so many things to do! You can spend the day exploring the Seattle Aquarium, taking a spin on the Seattle Great Wheel, or sticking a hunk of gum on the infamous Gum Wall. After exploring what’s on land, consider taking a cruise around the harbor. The Argosy Cruise is a one-hour narrated tour. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and push off at sunset. Check out all of the aquatic activities in Seattle here!

Cheer on the Mariners

Dates: The last regular season game is October 1, view the full schedule here.

Location: T-Mobile Park

Price: Ticket price varies based on opponent and season

Details: Nothing says summer quite like a day at the ballpark. Grab your friends and head over to T-Mobile Park to cheer on the home team!

Check out Visit Seattle for more information on all the things to do in Seattle this summer. And don’t forget to book parking at all your favorite destinations with SpotHero!