Seattle Family Calendar
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Adventure awaits! Pick a direction to head this weekend with the kids: north or south.
If you picked north, an easy island getaway awaits — no ferry required. The charming Camano Island is packed with family-friendly activities alongside delicious eats and scenic beaches. We have all the recommendations for a perfect weekend itinerary.
Rather head south? Grab your hiking boots and trail mix. These seven hikes in Mount Rainier National Park are short and sweet with big payoffs: gorgeous wildflowers, mountain views and even a plunging waterfall.
My top 10 weekend events offer fun in every direction, from a festive nighttime parade in Seattle to a beloved arts fair on the Eastside.
Auburn Party on the Plaza
Date: Friday, July 24
Cost: Free
Location: City Hall Plaza, 25 West Main St., Auburn
I have yet to play mini golf this summer, but it’s at the top of my to-do list. This fab fest brings a mini golf course, food trucks and live music to City Hall Plaza. Sounds like a perfect summer evening to me! And grown-ups, take note: There’s a beer and wine garden for the 21-and-older crowd.
Renton River Days
Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24–26
Cost: Free
Location: Multiple locations in Renton
This weekend festival is a 40-year-old tradition, but every summer brings something new. Grab a spot early on Saturday for the parade, let the kids burn off energy bouncing around inflatables, and even catch a circus performance. Staying up past bedtime? Don’t miss the live music and food trucks during River Nights at Legacy Square!
Bite of Seattle 2026
Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24–26
Cost: Free; food for purchase
Location: Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
More than 300 local vendors are setting up shop at Seattle Center this weekend, so you can indulge in everything from pizza and smashburgers to spicy wontons and cake in a can. Watch cooking demos, listen to live music and snap a few photos. Plus, you can stick around Friday night to catch “Wonka” on the big screen.
Kids Activations at Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend
Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24–26
Cost: Free
Location: Multiple Bellevue locations
The Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend showcases the work of more than 350 artists, along with live music and cultural performances. That should be reason enough to go, but the kids might need a little more convincing. Enter: interactive art projects, face painting, sidewalk chalk, Lego bricks and more family-friendly programming to keep them smiling. Activations can be found at Bellevue Arts Museum, Creative Corridor and Bellevue Square.
Seafair Torchlight Parade
Date: Saturday, July 25
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Waterfront along Alaskan Way, Intersection of Alaskan Way and Broad Street, Seattle
Seafair is just around the corner, and this epic waterfront parade is here to kick things off! Snag your seats early and wait for floats, marching bands and more surprises to make their way down the street. And if you’re wondering what to do during the day on the waterfront, I have you covered there too.
Tacoma Heritage Days: Music
Date: Saturday, July 25
Cost: Free
Location: Old Town Park, 2350 N. 30th St., Tacoma
An incomplete list of instruments my 4-year-old daughter has discovered she can play loudly: harmonica, kazoo, ukulele, kalimba, drums and piano. While I’d love a few moments of peace and quiet, I still can’t resist this musical celebration! Make your own instruments, join a musical parade and even experience an instrument petting zoo during this fantastic celebration. There will be crafts and games too.
Greenwood Games
Date: Saturday, July 25
Cost: Free
Location: Along Greenwood Avenue, North 65th Street to North 80th Street, Seattle
Game night takes on a new meaning during this neighborhood scavenger hunt. Grab a playbook and get to puzzle-solving as you walk along Greenwood Avenue. Clues will be posted in business windows, and local game designers will be stationed with their games at stops along the way.
Nubian Jam Community Fest
Date: Saturday, July 25
Cost: Free
Location: Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett
Celebrate African and African American culture this weekend with live music and entertainment, from gospel and R&B to reggae and rap. Experience African cuisine and fantastic fashion, shop from local vendors, and learn about local and national history. There will also be a basketball tournament, an open mic contest and special ceremonies.
Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival
Date: Saturday–Sunday, July 25–26
Cost: Free
Location: Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave. E., Seattle
I have yet to introduce my daughter to live theater, and this free outdoor theater festival is such a fantastic opportunity to do just that! Multiple theater companies bring the festival to life across several stages, with Shakespearean productions ranging from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to “Macbeth” and “As You Like It.”
Pista sa Nayon
Date: Sunday, July 26
Cost: Free
Location: Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
Pack your picnic blanket and head to one of my favorite parks for this celebration of Filipino culture and traditions. From delicious food to lively music and dance, this is a vibrant festival you won’t want to miss. Kids can expect games and activities, and parents can shop for handmade crafts and more.
More weekend activities
- Take advantage of the sunshine and let the kids splash around a local wading pool.
- Pick a pound (or two or three!) of blueberries at a fantastic U-pick farm.
- Check off a few more free activities from our epic summer bucket list.
Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
Editor’s note: Each week ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, updates The Weekender with her favorite weekend activities around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. It was originally published years ago and was most recently updated on July 22, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
