PNW Acquainted

Issaquah Salmon Days Festival — 57th Annual
2026-10-03 09:00 - 2026-10-04 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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/
