Out and About: September Events in Seattle

Bumbershoot:It wouldn’t be Labor Day Weekend in Seattle without mentioning Bumbershoot. Since it started in the early 70s, Bumbershoot has been a multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing the best of comedy, dance, film, literary arts, music, performing arts, theatre, visual arts and more. Passes are still available online–kids under 7 and seniors over 70 are free.

Ghostbusters at Cinerama: The 70mm Film Festival runs through the 6th, but you’re gonna watch this classic on the biggest screen imaginable. Slimer’s never looked so awesome. Tickets are $16 and can be bought online. For the full festival listing, click here.

Michael Clune & Sleep till Noon Band: Continue to celebrate the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Centennial with a free, live performance at the Locks. This contemporary blues and rock outfit starts at 2pm.

Lionel Richie + Mariah Carey: If Bumbershoot’s not really your thing, perhaps hitting up Key Arena while Lionel sings his greatest hits, alongside his special guest, Mariah Carey, is more your speed. Maybe this unlikely duo knows something we don’t? Tickets range from $40 to $500

Cider Summit Seattle: Head to South Lake Union’s Discovery Center Lawn (near the Whole Foods) for the 8th Annual Cider Summer. This 21+ event features over 150 ciders including regional favorites and cider cocktails. Tickets are $25-$45, depending on type of ticket and when it was purchased. $5 designated driver tickets are also available (only at the gate).

San Gennaro Festival of Seattle: Spend the day in Georgetown celebrating St. Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples. This free, family friendly street festival runs all weekend and features delicious Italian food, activities, live music, cooking demonstrations, and a beer and wine garden.
Wooden Boat Festival: With over 300 boats on land and water, live music, interactive exhibits, and plenty of food and drink for everyone, the 41st Annual Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend is a sight to be seen. Sail on a Tall Ship, tour modern schooners, or just drool over vintage wooden boats. Tickets are $20-$40. Plan a bit ahead and stay the night and explore all Port Townsend has to offer.
Bacon Eggs & Kegs: This boozy, brunchy festival features tons of local eats, a whole host of breweries, the craziest bloody marys you’ve ever seen, and more mimosas than you can likely handle. Pick your session for 4 hours of eating and drinking (and playing games like Cornhole or Bacon Bingo) at Century Link Field. $35 early-bird tickets (available now) will get you 12 drink tickets, souvenir tasting cup, and live entertainment.

Seattle Design Festival Block Party: This awesome street fair serves as the kickoff to the two-week Seattle Design Festival and serves as a chance for the design community and public to come together through large-scale installations, performances, and activities. This year’s theme is Design POWER and all installations are created to be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and sizes. Admission is free and the festival is at Occidental Park in Pioneer Square.

An American Dream: Inspired by true stories from our region’s history, this Seattle Opera commissioned opera explores the lives of two Puget Sound women during World War II: a Japanese American forced to leave her home and a German Jewish immigrant preoccupied by those she left behind. Tickets are $45 and the show is being presented at the historic Washington Hall.

Federal Way Blues Festival: Head a little south of the city for a local blues and beer festival, featuring 20 local brews (beer, wine, and cider), 4 local blues musicians, and a variety of food trucks. Tickets are $25.
Protégés Take Stage: Visit Emerald City Trapeze for an incredible show featuring the high flying trapeze, aerial arts, and other circus acts. Admission is free: doors open at 7pm, the show starts at 7:30pm.

Sunday Public Sail: For over 25 years the Center for Wooden Boats on South Lake Union has been taking passengers out for free on any matter of boat: sprit boats, schooners, ketches, yawls, steamboats, electric boats…rain or shine. Sign-ups begin in person at 10am every Sunday (so it pays to be early to get your first choice, especially if it’s a lovely day). Since this is a first-come, first-served volunteer run opportunity, please know that they are not always able to accommodate everyone.

Luminata: Celebrate the autumnal equinox with a lantern parade around Green Lake. Meet at 7pm (near dusk) at the Aqua Theater. Handmade lanterns will be available to purchase, but are not required. Participants are encouraged to bring drunks, instruments, lighted costumes, lighted umbrellas, etc. Visit the Fremont Arts Council for more information.

Fremont Oktoberfest: Fremont Oktoberfest is Seattle’s largest fall beer festival. This three-day even celebrates the best in craft beers from here in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The festival includes indoor screens to watch the Seahawks, chainsaw pumpkin carving, and your four-legged furry friends are even welcome to visit alongside you on Sunday . Tickets range in price from $20-$50.

Museum Day Live: An annual celebration hosted by Smithsonian magazine, participating museums and cultural institutions provide free entry to anyone with a Museum Day Live! ticket (available for download). Choose from any number of participating museums in the Seattle area, like the SAM, MOHAI, MoPop, the Frye, and more.
29th Annual Fishermen’s Fall Festival: The festival celebrates the return of the North Pacific fishing fleet to the terminal and provides festival-goers with hands-on fishing experiences, arts and crafts, delicious seafood, and demonstrations. Admission is free, but proceeds from all activities are donated to the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation which assists families of fishers lost at sea.
The Shins at Marymoor Park: Head on out to the lovely Marymoor Park and listen to the indie music darling, The Shins, and their latest album release Heartworms. Tickets are $40-$45 and it’s an all-ages show.

Janet Jackson State of the World Tour: Janet (Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty) makes a stop at Key Arena for her State of the World Tour. Decent seats are still available for under $100 per ticket.

6 Dynamic Laws for Success in Life, Love, & Money: Nab your tickets for this film’s Seattle premiere at the Local Sightings Film Festival. This comedic noir creates a charming fusion of genres. Tickets are $12.

The Seattle Blind Cafe: This pop-up event fosters “positive social change in the dark.” More than just eating in the dark, this community experience encourages the audience to connect, learn, and grow. As a participant, you’ll indulge in a vegetarian ‘sensory tasting experience’ prepared by a local check, participate in a Q & A with your blind wait staff and enjoy a concert of original music, all in complete darkness. Two seatings are held each night; tickets start at $85.