PNW Acquainted

Confluence Music Festival – Issaquah
2026-08-30 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Confluence Park, Issaquah, WA
The 8th Annual Confluence Music Festival is a free five-hour celebration (2–7 PM) transforming downtown Issaquah’s Confluence Park into a music playground featuring jazz, blues, and rock from rising stars and fan favorites. The multicultural musical journey includes food trucks, a beer and wine garden for 21+, local artisan vendors, and a community Plein Air art program.
Dates: August 30, 2026
Cost: Free (reserve tickets online)
More Info: https://downtownissaquah.com/events/confluence-music-festival-2026/

Olympia Harbor Days Festival
2026-09-04 09:00 - 2026-09-06 17:00 | Percival Landing, Percival Landing, waterfront, Olympia, WA
A free, award-winning three-day Labor Day weekend festival celebrating South Puget Sound maritime heritage, featuring the world’s largest vintage tugboat races in Budd Bay, tall ships, tribal canoes, harbor cruises, live music, artisan vendors, and 300+ activities. Named Best Heritage Event by Showcase Magazine 2025 and Best South Puget Sound Event of 2022. Held rain or shine at Percival Landing since 1974.
Dates: September 4–6, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.harbordays.com

Washington State Fair
2026-09-04 09:00 - 2026-09-27 17:00 | Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup, WA
One of the largest state fairs in the country and the biggest event in Washington state, the Washington State Fair welcomes over 1 million visitors across its 20-day run each September. The fair features carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, rodeo, agricultural exhibits, competitive demonstrations, hundreds of food vendors, and nonstop entertainment for the whole family.
Dates: September 4–27, 2026 (closed Tuesdays and September 9)
Cost: Ticket required (prices vary by day; online discounts available)
More Info: https://www.thefair.com/washington-state-fair/

Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival
2026-09-05 09:00 - 2026-09-06 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Seattle’s flagship multi-disciplinary arts and music festival, celebrating 54 years on Labor Day Weekend. Features music headliners, local chefs, immersive art installations, comedy, dance, film, literary arts, theater, visual arts, and open-container sip & stroll under the Space Needle. Kids 12 & under are free.
Dates: September 5–6, 2026
Cost: Tickets on sale; subsidized pricing; kids 12 & under free
More Info: https://bumbershoot.com

Hridaya Northwest 3-Day Fall Silent Meditation Retreat
2026-09-11 09:00 - 2026-09-13 17:00 | Private lakeside home on Mayfield Lake, Mayfield Lake, Cinebar, WA (near Chehalis), Cinebar, WA
A 3-day silent meditation retreat in the Hridaya tradition held at an intimate lakeside home. Features 3–4 daily meditation sessions, Hridaya Hatha Yoga, walking meditation, Self-Inquiry practices, and spiritual teachings from multiple traditions. Organic vegan/gluten-free meals included; up to 10 guests in panoramic lakeside setting.
Dates: September 11–13, 2026
Cost: $995–$1,195 per person depending on room type; $300 deposit required
More Info: https://www.hridayanorthwest.com/sept2026retreat

Above & Beyond: Group Therapy 700 (ABGT700)
2026-09-11 09:00 - 2026-09-13 17:00 | The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Above & Beyond’s milestone Group Therapy 700 celebration returns to Anjuna’s North American home at the Gorge for a three-day electronic music festival. The weekend includes a Friday pre-party featuring Above & Beyond’s Deep Set live, Above & Beyond headlining ABGT700 on Saturday, and Anjunadeep Open Air with Ben Böhmer closing on Sunday.
Dates: September 11–13, 2026
Cost: Tickets vary; 2-day passes available
More Info: https://anjunabeats.com/events/abgt700

Autumn Equinox Yoga & Meditation Retreat (Fox Creek Falls / Hridaya)
2026-09-18 09:00 - 2026-09-20 17:00 | Fox Creek Falls Retreat Center, Fox Creek Falls, near Sedro-Woolley, WA (North Cascades foothills), Sedro-Woolley, WA
A 3-day autumn equinox yoga and meditation retreat at Fox Creek Falls on 88 forest acres beside the Skagit River. Celebratory programming aligned with the equinox season includes yoga, meditation, forest walks, and the property’s outdoor spa with sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge.
Dates: September 18–20, 2026
Cost: From $360 / 3 days (early pricing ~$450 regular)
More Info: https://retreat.guru/centers/10338-1/hridaya-northwest-llc

Cirque Series at Crystal Mountain
2026-09-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Crystal Mountain Resort, 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Crystal Mountain, WA
A mountain trail run covering 7.7–7.9 miles with 2,544 feet of elevation gain at Crystal Mountain ski resort, featuring rugged climbs up Kelly’s Gap service road, alpine lakes, panoramic ridgelines, and Mt. Rainier views. The race is capped at 500 runners and includes a vendor village with demos and music at the base area. Both Sport and Expert categories are available.
Dates: September 19, 2026
Cost: Free – $95.66
More Info: https://www.cirqueseries.com/crystal-mountain

Spartan Race Seattle North American Championship Weekend (Fall)
2026-09-19 09:00 - 2026-09-20 17:00 | Meadow Wood Equestrian Center, 18016 177th Ave SE, Monroe, WA
The prestigious Spartan North American Championship Weekend featuring Sprint 5K (20 obstacles), Super 10K (25 obstacles), Beast 21K (30 obstacles), and Kids Race in wooded evergreen forests beside the Snohomish River. Elite and Age Group athletes from across the Americas compete for the North American Championship title on the Beast course. Also includes an Obstacle Workshop and Hurricane Heat 4HR.
Dates: September 19–20, 2026
Cost: Sprint ~$149; Super ~$169; Beast ~$199; Kids Race additional
More Info: https://www.spartan.com/en/races/seattle

Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias
2026-09-19 09:00 - 2026-09-20 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias is a free two-day festival celebrating Latin American independence and heritage at Seattle Center, featuring folklórico dance, live música, traditional foods, artisan vendors, and cultural activities as part of the Seattle Center Festál series.
Dates: September 19–20, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.seattlecenter.com/connect/news/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule

Seattle SketchFest — Comedy Festival
2026-09-24 09:00 - 2026-09-27 17:00 | Various Seattle venues, Seattle, WA
The nation’s longest-running sketch comedy festival, established in 1999, returns for its 2026 edition. Features sketch comedy performances from regional, national, and international troupes across multiple Seattle stages over four days.
Dates: September 24–27, 2026
Cost: Tickets vary by show
More Info: https://sketchfest.org

Pacific Northwest Ballet — Fall Program
2026-09-25 09:00 - 2026-10-04 17:00 | McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA
PNB opens its fall season with a triple bill featuring Balanchine’s ‘Serenade,’ a new work by Jessica Lang, and ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ An exciting start to the new season from one of the premier ballet companies in the Pacific Northwest.
Dates: September 25–October 4, 2026
Cost: Tickets from approximately $30–$150+
More Info: https://www.pnb.org/season/

Sound Bath Training – Mind.Body.Hum (Fall 2026)
2026-10-02 09:00 - 2026-10-04 17:00 | Mind.Body.Hum Studio, 905 Western Ave, Seattle, WA (near Pioneer Square / Waterfront), Seattle, WA
A 22-hour weekend immersion into the art and practice of sound baths, led by Nicole Merat. Participants learn to lead their own sound bath using crystal bowls, gongs, and other instruments — no musical experience required. Includes 3 days of hands-on training at Seattle’s premier yoga and meditation studio.
Dates: October 2–4, 2026
Cost: $825 early (ends August 7) / $925 regular; BIPOC scholarship available at $625
More Info: https://www.mindbodyhum.com/trainings/sound-bath-training-fall-2026

Issaquah Salmon Days Festival
2026-10-03 09:00 - 2026-10-04 17:00 | Downtown Issaquah, Downtown Issaquah, Issaquah, WA
An annual two-day festival celebrating the salmon run in Issaquah Creek, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to downtown Issaquah. The event features arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food vendors, educational exhibits about local salmon habitat and conservation, and viewing of the live Chinook and Coho salmon returning to spawn. One of Washington’s most beloved fall outdoor festivals.
Dates: October 3–4, 2026
Cost: Free admission
More Info: https://www.salmondays.org

Issaquah Salmon Days Festival — 57th Annual
2026-10-03 09:00 - 2026-10-04 17:00 | Downtown Issaquah, Downtown Issaquah, Issaquah, WA
Washington’s largest two-day festival, celebrating the return of salmon to Issaquah Creek each fall. The beloved community festival features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, family activities, and the chance to witness spawning salmon in the creek. A staple of the Eastside’s fall calendar for over 50 years.
Dates: October 3–4, 2026
Cost: Free admission
More Info: https://www.salmondays.org

Fall 3-Day Mindfulness Retreat (Mindfulness Northwest)
2026-10-08 09:00 - 2026-10-11 17:00 | Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center, Samish Island Retreat Center, Bow, WA (Skagit River Delta), Bow, WA
A 3-day residential silent mindfulness retreat led by Tim Burnett, founder of Mindfulness Northwest. Held at the tranquil Samish Island site, the retreat includes sitting and walking meditation, mindful yoga, body scan, and teachings in the secular mindfulness tradition. Simple cabin accommodations and vegetarian meals included.
Dates: October 8–11, 2026
Cost: $325–$605 (sliding scale; 4-month interest-free payment plan; limited scholarships)
More Info: https://mindfulnessnorthwest.com/programs/retreats/

Oktoberfest Northwest
2026-10-09 09:00 - 2026-10-11 17:00 | Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup, WA
Washington’s largest Munich-style Oktoberfest celebration returns for another year at the Washington State Fair Event Center, featuring authentic German food, craft beers in traditional steins, oompah and polka music, Wiener Dog Races, the Stein Dash 5K, Hammerschlagen, and nonstop family-friendly entertainment including a Kinderfest Zone. Friday noon–3 PM is free admission.
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Cost: Free noon–3 PM Friday; ticket required other times
More Info: https://www.thefair.com/oktoberfest/

Seattle Latin Dance Festival — 8th Annual
2026-10-16 09:00 - 2026-10-18 17:00 | Renaissance Hotel, Downtown Seattle, Seattle, WA
A three-day celebration of Latin dance featuring world-class instructors from across the globe, high-level social dancing, workshops, and spectacular live performances. Focuses on salsa, bachata, and other Latin styles, welcoming dancers from beginner to professional level in an energetic international atmosphere.
Dates: October 16–18, 2026
Cost: Tickets/passes TBA
More Info: https://seattlelatindancefestival.com

Seattle Wellness Summit 2026
2026-10-18 09:00 - 17:00 | 7400 Woodlawn Avenue NE, 7400 Woodlawn Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, Seattle, WA
A full-day wellness experience for women and allies, running 10:30am–4pm and organized by YERBANA. The summit is rooted in education, movement, and community, covering mental, physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Includes fitness classes (yoga, pilates, boxing), wellness brand showcases, and community-building activities.
Dates: October 18, 2026
Cost: Check event page for ticket pricing
More Info: https://sweatpals.com/event/seattle-wellness-summit-2026/2026-10-18

Tacoma Film Festival — 20th Annual
2026-10-22 09:00 - 2026-10-25 17:00 | The Grand Cinema, Tacoma, WA
The 20th annual Tacoma Film Festival, celebrating two decades of independent and international cinema at The Grand Cinema. Submissions are currently open; the festival screens a diverse range of short and feature films for the Tacoma community.
Dates: October 22–25, 2026
Cost: Tickets/passes TBA
More Info: https://www.grandcinema.com/tacomafilmfestival

Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair
2026-10-24 09:00 - 2026-10-25 17:00 | Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle, WA
Dealers from across North America and beyond descend on Seattle offering thousands of collectible books, prints, maps, autographs, photographs, posters, manuscripts, broadsides, fine bindings, and ephemera. A beloved annual event for book lovers, collectors, and bibliophiles of all levels, with guided insider tours available.
Dates: October 24–25, 2026
Cost: $10 at the door (cash, check, or digital); good for both days
More Info: http://www.seattlebookfair.com

Día de Muertos Festival Seattle
2026-10-31 09:00 - 2026-11-01 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Día de Muertos Festival Seattle is a free two-day cultural celebration honoring the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead at Seattle Center, featuring colorful ofrendas (altars), traditional music and dance, face painting, artisan vendors, and community remembrance activities as part of the Seattle Center Festál series.
Dates: October 31–November 1, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.seattlecenter.com/connect/news/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule

Seattle Center Festál — Día de Muertos Festival Seattle
2026-10-31 09:00 - 2026-11-01 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
A two-day free celebration of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) featuring traditional altars (ofrendas), live music, dance performances, cultural vendors, family activities, and community remembrances. Part of Seattle Center’s Festál series honoring the heritage and traditions of Latin American communities.
Dates: October 31–November 1, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2025/11/21/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule/

Seattle International Comedy Competition — 45th Annual
2026-11-01 09:00 - 2026-11-30 17:00 | Multiple Seattle venues + Mount Baker Theatre (Finals in Bellingham), Seattle/Bellingham, WA
North America’s biggest touring comedy festival, now in its 45th year. A multi-week, judged stand-up comedy contest featuring over 32 comedians competing across Seattle-area venues. The finals are hosted at Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, featuring the top 5 comics competing for the championship.
Dates: November 2026 (exact dates TBA; Finals in Bellingham)
Cost: Finals tickets from ~$29.75
More Info: https://seattlecomedycompetition.org

Diwali: Lights of India
2026-11-07 09:00 - 17:00 | Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Diwali: Lights of India is a free one-day festival at Seattle Center celebrating the Hindu Festival of Lights, featuring classical and folk dance performances, traditional music, rangoli, cultural food, and artisan vendors as part of the Seattle Center Festál series.
Dates: November 7, 2026
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.seattlecenter.com/connect/news/seattle-center-festal-announces-2026-schedule

Issaquah Reindeer Festival
2026-12-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah, WA
The most unique annual holiday celebration in the Northwest, the Issaquah Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mountain Zoo offers up-close encounters with live reindeer, holiday-themed activities, entertainment, and festive family fun. A beloved Issaquah tradition for the whole family.
Dates: December 13, 2026
Cost: Ticket required (zoo admission)
More Info: https://www.visitissaquahwa.com/event/issaquah-reindeer-festival-2/2026-12-13/
