It’s summertime in Seattle which means a whole different feel to the city than we have from November through May. Summer is one of the best times to be in Seattle and there are a million things to do in Seattle in July and lately it feels like there are a million people here too with everyone on the Seattle Waterfront (the playground opens July 25th!) and in Pike Place Market too.
Mariner’s 80’s Fireworks Night July 18 2025
Have you been following all the Mariner’s excitement lately? And if you love Mariner’s fireworks night, there is one in July on July 18th and if you’re looking ahead to next month, there is one on August 1st too. The giveaway on August 2nd looks really cool-the first 15000 fans get Aloha shirts for “Aloha Shirt day”. Also, if you haven’t tried the ice cream nachos yet, they’re delicious and I don’t know why I haven’t seen them at more places.
The Seattle Art Fair: July 17-20 2025
Seattle Art Fair is an art festival that happens every year in July (the 25th-28th) and they haven’t posted the offerings yet for this year but you can buy your event passes here.
Pier 58 opening and the Playground too on July 25
Years ago when everything was still pretty much locked down we were asked to help send out a survey to get ideas about Pier 58’s new playground and I can’t believe it’s finally opening on July 25 this year. My guys are a little old for playgrounds these days, but we drive by every morning and the Seattle Waterfront is pretty perfect now for all ages.
& Juliet at the Paramount theatre July 29-August 3rd
After watching Duel Reality at Seattle Rep, I’m really looking forward to & Juliet at the Paramount this summer. This is the last play for Broadway in Seattle’s 2025 season but you can look forward to and check out the list of musicals for the the upcoming 2025/2026 season here as well.
Mariners Grand Slam Summer Challenge event for youth July 30th
Here is a youth program I didn’t know much about until recently. I think you might have to be part of the Free Mariners Kids Club program (find out how to get a membership through the link) but they also have a Grand Slam Summer Challenge and their event on July 30th is a partnership with Backpack Brigade and you can find more about this event and how to RSVP here.
Museum of Illusions
If you haven’t been to the Museum of Illusions yet, it’s pretty fun for families and a good way to stay cool indoors in the city. You can check out the Family Package on their site for a deal on tickets this summer as well as find it in a bundle package with the Space Needle and Museum of Glass with Seattle Top Tix.
Seattle Torchlight Parade
Our SeaFair nighttime parade is back starting at 7:30pm on the Waterfront. More details from what I know about Seattle Torchlight Parade in this blog post.
Free Seattle Waterfront Shuttle
The Waterfront Shuttle is back and it runs approximately every 20 minutes, 7 days a week from 10am-8pm and you can find more about it here. The Seattle Waterfront also has a bunch of fun and free activities on Pier 62 this summer.
Bite of Seattle July 25-27
I have not been to Bite of Seattle these past couple years, but it will be running July 25-27. You can read more about the food vendors here. It’s always a fun weekend in Seattle (it usually coincides with my guys’ birthdays too)
Summer at SAM on Thursday Nights in July at the Olympic Sculpture Park
Starting July 11th, there will be free live music on Thursday nights at the Olympic Sculpture Park with Seattle Art Museum. You can find more info through the link. Also this park isn’t too far from where the cruise ships come in so if you’re visiting Seattle on a cruise you might want to stop here too.
Free things in Seattle
For free things in Seattle in the summer I have a list of some of the things that caught my eye. If you have an event in Seattle to add to this list, feel free to email me or message via Instagram. And if you are looking for things to do in Seattle in August, I have a list here.
If you head beyond Seattle to Portland, you might want to know it’s home to the oldest tofu factory in the USA. Also, if you go up to Vancouver BC (it’s always a good time to go to Vancouver BC), here is my Vancouver list as well. And if you are traveling to Seattle with kids in tow, here are some Seattle Kid-Friendly Restaurants.
Terumi Pong is a Seattle-based family travel writer and mom of twin teenage boys. She loves coffee and pastries, shopping local and looking for greener ways to live. She is also known as Scout’s mom (Scout is a 5ish pound little black yorkie-poo)
This is such a great list. Thank you so much for putting it together.
Thank you so much for reading it:) I appreciate that a lot.