October in Seattle is a vibrant time of year filled with festive fall fun, cultural celebrations, and unique experiences that capture the city's spirit. From spooky Halloween events and ghost tours to food festivals and art walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to sip on pumpkin beer, explore new films, or savor the finest Seattle cuisine, this guide will help you plan your perfect October. Read on to discover the top events happening this month!
1. Japan Week
- When & Where: September 30 - October 5, Bellevue College
- More Info: Japan Week
- What to Expect: Celebrate Japanese culture with workshops, performances, and delicious food. A great opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional and contemporary Japanese experiences.
2. Underground Tour of Seattle
- When & Where: Throughout October, Pioneer Square
- More Info: Underground Tour
- What to Expect: Explore Seattle's underground streets and learn about the city's hidden history on this fascinating tour beneath Pioneer Square.
3. Brew Review - Unemployment Law Project Fundraiser
- When & Where: October 2, Ballard
- More Info: Brew Review
- What to Expect: Sip craft beer while supporting a great cause. This event raises funds for the Unemployment Law Project, which provides legal aid to those in need.
4. Pike Place Chef Tour
- When & Where: All of October, Pike Place Market
- More Info: Pike Place Chef Tour
- What to Expect: Join a chef-led tour and discover hidden culinary gems at the iconic Pike Place Market, perfect for food lovers seeking a deeper connection to Seattle's food scene.
5. Halloween Pet Parade
- When & Where: October 6, Volunteer Park
- What to Expect: Dress up your furry friend and enjoy the fun at this Halloween-themed pet parade. Prizes for the best costumes!
6. Free Museum Day
- When & Where: October 5, Various Locations
- What to Expect: As part of the city's monthly free museum day, enjoy free entry to Seattle’s best museums, including the Burke Museum, Museum of Flight, and Nordic Museum.
7. SIFF DocFest
- When & Where: October 2-10, Various Locations
- More Info: SIFF DocFest
- What to Expect: At Seattle's iconic SIFF, watch a compelling lineup of documentaries exploring social issues, human stories, and powerful, real-world narratives.
8. Haunted History Ghost Tours
- When & Where: Thursday - Saturday in October, Pioneer Square
- More Info: Haunted History Ghost Tours
- What to Expect: Explore Seattle’s spooky side with these ghost tours. They take you through haunted spots and recount eerie tales from the city’s past.
9. Great Pumpkin Beer Festival
- When & Where: October 4-5, Seattle Center
- More Info: Great Pumpkin Beer Festival
- What to Expect: Indulge in pumpkin-flavored beers from local breweries while enjoying a fun, fall-themed atmosphere. A must-visit for beer lovers!
10. Men In Dance
- When & Where: October 4-6, Seattle
- More Info: Men In Dance
- What to Expect: A celebration of male dancers showcasing contemporary and classical pieces. Witness breathtaking performances from talented dancers across multiple disciplines.
11. Produce on Pike - Monthly Farmers Market Series
- When & Where: October 9, Pike Place Market
- More Info: Produce on Pike
- What to Expect: Sample the freshest local produce at this monthly farmers market event, perfect for grabbing seasonal fruits and veggies.
12. Tasveer Film Festival
- When & Where: October 15-20, Various Locations
- More Info: Tasveer Film Festival
- What to Expect: Dive into the South Asian experience through film with this festival featuring movies, documentaries, and shorts from South Asian filmmakers.
13. Seattle Queer Film Festival
- When & Where: October 10-20, Various Locations & Online
- More Info: Seattle Queer Film Festival
- What to Expect: Celebrate LGBTQ+ cinema with a wide range of films and events highlighting queer stories and creators.
14. Autumn Moon Night Market
- When & Where: October 12, International District
- More Info: Autumn Moon Night Market
- What to Expect: Savor street food, enjoy live performances, and explore unique vendors at this night market celebrating the Autumn Moon Festival.
15. TurkFest
- When & Where: October 13, Seattle Center
- More Info: TurkFest
- What to Expect: Experience Turkish culture through food, art, music, and dance at this vibrant celebration of all things Turkish.
16. Lit Immersive Halloween Experience
- When & Where: Thursday-Sunday in October, Various Locations
- More Info: Lit Immersive Halloween Experience
- What to Expect: A unique, spooky adventure with themed rooms and live performances designed to immerse you in a Halloween experience like no other.
17. Bizarre Run at Bizarre Brewing
- When & Where: October 9 & 23, Bizarre Brewing
- More Info: Bizarre Brewing
- What to Expect: Join fellow runners for a fun 5K, followed by a well-earned craft beer. This event is perfect for combining fitness and fun.
18. Seattle Chocolate Haunted Factory
- When & Where: October 17-20 & October 24-27, Tukwila
- More Info: Haunted Chocolate Factory
- What to Expect: Tour the Seattle Chocolate factory with a spooky twist. Enjoy chocolate treats while navigating haunted halls.
19. Ballard Wine Walk
- When & Where: October 20, Ballard
- More Info: Ballard Wine Walk
- What to Expect: Sip on local wines while exploring Ballard’s charming neighborhood shops and galleries.
20. Oddities & Curiosities Expo
- When & Where: October 19-20, Seattle
- More Info: Oddities & Curiosities Expo
- What to Expect: Explore the bizarre and unusual at this expo featuring taxidermy, odd art, and curiosities worldwide.
21. Earshot Jazz Festival
- When & Where: October 17 - November 3, Various Locations
- More Info: Earshot Jazz Festival
- What to Expect: Enjoy live jazz performances from acclaimed artists in venues across the city at Seattle’s premier jazz festival.
22. Entre Hermanos Día de Muertos Gala
- When & Where: October 26, Seattle
- More Info: Día de Muertos Gala
- What to Expect: Celebrate the Day of the Dead with music, food, and traditional Mexican celebrations at this lively gala.
23. Black Lagoon at Rob Roy
- When & Where: October 2 - November 2, Rob Roy, Seattle
- More Info: Black Lagoon
- What to Expect: This Halloween-themed bar offers creepy cocktails and spooky décor, perfect for a night out with friends.
24. Taste America by the James Beard Foundation
- When & Where: October 26, Various Locations
- More Info: Taste America
- What to Expect: Savor dishes from renowned chefs while supporting the James Beard Foundation’s mission to celebrate culinary excellence.
25. Boo Seattle
- When & Where: October 25-26, Downtown Seattle
- More Info: Boo Seattle
- What to Expect: A fun, family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating, live performances, and spooky surprises.
26. Harvest Fest at The Junction
- When & Where: October 27, West Seattle
- More Info: Harvest Fest
- What to Expect: Celebrate fall with games, pumpkin decorating, and trick-or-treating at this family-friendly festival in West Seattle.
27. Seattle Restaurant Week
- When & Where: October 27 - November 9, Various Locations
- More Info: Seattle Restaurant Week
- What to Expect: Sample special menus at some of Seattle’s best restaurants during this two-week celebration of the city’s diverse culinary scene.
28. New Works NW
- When & Where: October 30 - November 3, ACT Theatre
- More Info: New Works NW
- What to Expect: Discover new theatrical works from up-and-coming playwrights and performers in this exciting showcase.
29. Feast at the Market
- When & Where: October 30, Pike Place Market
- More Info: Feast at the Market
- What to Expect: Enjoy a progressive dinner at Pike Place Market, sampling dishes from some of the area’s best eateries while supporting a good cause.
As the autumn leaves fall, October in Seattle is a perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and community. With so many events to choose from, you can explore the city’s rich cultural diversity, dive into Halloween thrills, or indulge in the local culinary scene. No matter your interests, this month offers a chance to connect with the community and enjoy all that Seattle offers. If you're considering making Seattle your home or want to learn more about this fantastic city, contact me. Let's explore Seattle together and make this October unforgettable!
