10 Things to Do in Seattle in Fall

The city of Seattle, located in the state of Washington, is one of the most interesting cities in the United States. In autumn, the reddish and yellow tones dress its parks to offer a unique spectacle. In this article I have selected for you the top 10 activities you can't miss during your visit to this incredible city.

While there is much to see and do in Seattle at any time of the year, autumn is paradoxically the time of year when popular activities, events and festivals flourish. From the Chinatown ID Night Market to the Italian Community Festival to a massive event for Lego collectors, the city of Seattle has everything for you to have a great time. Are you ready? Here we go!

Put yourself to the test in one of Seattle's and the area's most traditional races. The Seattle Marathon is one of the most anticipated events for locals, every year thousands of people sign up for the oldest marathon in the region, which has been running since the 1970s.

A great way to warm up and at the same time run through much of the city, where you can enjoy incredible views of some of Seattle's most interesting landmarks, bridges, architecture, green spaces.

The marathon has different options, full marathon, half marathon and even a short option for the little ones. It takes place every year on Thanksgiving weekend. You can register for the Seattle Marathon online.

Useful facts

• When: Thanksgiving weekend
• Price: from around 140 Euros
• Location: starts at Gas Works Park

Enjoy a night out in one of Seattle's most charming neighbourhoods. While every Chinatown in every city in the world has its own magic, Seattle's Chinatown is truly picturesque. Every year on September 25th, the neighbourhood dresses up for an open-air market.

You can enjoy a wide variety of international foods, live music, and a large number of shops where you can find handmade goods, oriental flower arrangements and much more. There is also an important dance party open to anyone who wants to participate, the All Ages Dance Party.

The Chinatown-ID Night Market is an ideal event to enjoy with the whole family if you are on holiday in Seattle. Since its beginnings, this neighbourhood has not only welcomed the Chinese community, but also many others, mostly of Asian origin, so there is a very interesting cultural mix.

Interesting facts

• When: 25 September
• Price: Free
• Location: Chinatown, International District, Seattle

If you're a Lego fanatic (or if you're travelling with kids who are), you can't miss this annual Lego convention, where you'll be able to enjoy the impressive sets made of the famous blocks, play games, buy products, and much more.

Seattle's Brick Con is originally aimed at the adult audience of Lego fans and collectors, although, of course, no little one is going to be denied entry. This convention takes place every year from September 29th to October 2nd at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Throughout the week you will be able to see the most gigantic sets imaginable, with tens of thousands of pieces each.

Ideal to let your inner child out and enjoy one of the most important collectors' conventions in the United States. You'll also have your chance to pick up an exclusive set at the Brick Bazaar.

Interesting facts

• When it takes place: 29 September to 2 October
• Price: approximately 20 Euros per person
• Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St., Seattle.

Delight your senses with one of the tastiest and most picturesque festivals in all of Seattle. Since the late 1980' s this event has been held in honor of the Italian community in Seattle.

The Italian Festival is held to celebrate all things Italian. With over 25,000 people attending each year, it is the largest Italian festival in the northwestern United States.

It is a completely free event that allows you to enjoy typical Italian food and flavours, along with the most enchanting traditional live music. Ideal to enjoy with the whole family, as there are also games and competitions, and the overall atmosphere is very friendly.

An ideal place to savour the best Neapolitan pizzas, the most delicious artisan pasta dishes and amazing cannolis. An event to enjoy with a good appetite. Definitely one of the best things to do in September in Seattle.

Interesting facts

• When: 24 and 25 September
• Price: free
• Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.

Tour one of Seattle's most enchanting places in autumn, the monumental Arboretum. With over 93 hectares of green space, this is a must-see and one of the things to see and do in Seattle in 3 days if you enjoy walking in the middle of nature and are on holiday in the city.

Why tour the Washington Park Arboretum in autumn? It's worth walking the trails in autumn, because that's when the green tones give way to layers and layers of reds, ochres and yellows. A spectacle that will leave you in awe, and which does not occur at any other time of the year. If you go on one of the Seattle bike tours you can get close to this incredible place and enjoy riding along its trails.

The place is truly immense and freely accessible, so you can spend the whole afternoon here, bring some snacks, a blanket, and organise a picnic in the middle of nature. Definitely an ideal place to enjoy with children in Seattle, or also as a couple, as it can be a very romantic plan, considering this majestic backdrop.

Interesting facts

• Price: free
• Location: 2300 Arboretum Drive, Seattle

Live a Latin experience in the heart of Seattle. Every November 6th is celebrated around the world as Day of the Dead, a holiday that has its origins in the Latin tradition, more specifically Mexican, of honouring those who have left this world.

What might sound like a dreary and sad event is instead one of the brightest and most colourful celebrations you can imagine. Everyone, adults, young people, men, women and children dress up as flower-filled skulls, and dress up in colourful costumes to take to the streets and present offerings to their most beloved dead.

Enjoy dancing, live music, games and parades at Seattle's Day of the Dead Festival. A spectacle not to be missed, which is suitable for the whole family. All the joy of Mexico and Latin candour takes over the streets of Seattle for an entire day. Definitely one of the best things to do in Seattle in November.

Interesting facts

• When: 6 November
• Price: free
• Location: Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle.

Two of the most important autumn holidays in the United States are Thanksgiving and Halloween. For some time now, this day is not only for the little ones, in Seattle the bars welcome for 3 nights a crowd eager to celebrate Halloween with a drink or a mug in hand.

The tradition of the bar crawl has a very particular attraction at this time of year. The traditional Trick or Treat is replaced by Trick or Drink, there are competitions and contests for the best costumes, and much more.

You can experience the authentic American party atmosphere at one of the most fun-filled celebrations of the autumn. Please note that this type of event is not permitted for children and young people under 21 years of age.

Interesting facts

• When it takes place: 28, 29 and 31 October
• Price: from 15 Euros per person approx.
• Location: Stage Seattle and surrounding area, 172 S. Washington St.

Few holidays are as representative of the American spirit as Thanksgiving. So if you're visiting Seattle this fall, you can experience it like a local.

Every year on the fourth Thursday in November, family and friends gather to give thanks for freedom, bonds and affection around a big table laden with goodies. Of course, there are many who decide to enjoy this great dinner outside, which is why many restaurants offer options ranging from the most traditional to variants that seek to break with tradition.

If you are looking to experience an authentic Thanksgiving dinner, you can't miss The 5 Point Café. At this tavern you can enjoy a traditional smoked turkey and potatoes, accompanied by green salads, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings of a good Thanksgiving dinner. The 5 Point Café is one of the most classic places in town. Its history dates back to 1929, when it opened its doors. Definitely one of the places to visit in Seattle.

Interesting facts

• When: 4th Thursday in November
• Price: from around 30 Euros per person approximately.
• Location: 415 Cedar Street, Seattle

If you love shopping, you can't miss one of the most anticipated events of the year: Black Friday. Every year, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, shops offer some truly amazing deals. Whether you're looking for electronics, phones, clothing, decoration or whatever you can think of, you'll find that everything is reduced by up to 60 or 70%. That's why no one misses out on Black Friday.

There are many places in Seattle to indulge in this shopping frenzy, but Downtown is one of the most popular. With shops like the popular Macy's, Vans, Nordstrom, Toys R Us, Apple store, Best Buy or Zara, you can buy your gifts for Christmas. Black Friday is taken as the start of the holiday shopping season.

If you're planning to stay for the holidays, there's plenty to see and do in Seattle at Christmas.

Experience one of Seattle and the Puget Sound region's most popular festivals. Oktoberfest is without a doubt one of the most classic celebrations around the world. It originally hails from Munich, Germany, but has gradually been adopted by beer lovers everywhere.

It's worth noting that if you're in Seattle you can't miss Oktoberfest on Fremont Street, one of the most fun-filled in the area. With three straight days of events, live music, parties and the best varieties of beer (over 80 in total), this is one of Seattle's busiest festivals and one of the events you can't miss if you love beer.

Interesting facts

• When it takes place: September 16, 17 and 18
• Price: from around 15 Euros per person approximately
• Location: 3503, Phinney Ave, Seattle

Temperatures in Seattle during autumn are pleasant, especially during September, when you can expect days of 20 degrees Celsius, ideal for walking around the city. By the end of October and the first few weeks of November, it starts to gradually drop to an average of 7 degrees Celsius. Be sure to check the weather in Seattle before you leave.

Autumn is an ideal time to visit the city of Seattle, as the school break in the United States is over and there are fewer people on the streets. Also, tourists tend to opt for the summer months, so you'll be able to enjoy the city much more without the crowds.

Accommodation prices in autumn in Seattle are usually lower than in the warmer months, so you can get a very good hotel for less money. In terms of the price of things, Seattle is not a particularly expensive city. Remember that the fourth Friday in November is Black Friday, an excellent opportunity for shopping.

Packing a suitcase is always very particular, however, according to the temperatures in Seattle in autumn (with an average of 12 degrees Celsius during the three months) it is not superfluous to include a jumper, a warm jacket and a mackintosh, as Seattle is famous for its constant rain. Another essential item in your suitcase is comfortable clothing and footwear, as Seattle is an ideal city for walking.