Seattle Family Calendar
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It’s officially fall, y’all! The gorgeous colors of autumn are starting to show, and it’s the perfect time to take a family hike. Walk the trails and look for signs of the changing season.
If you’ve peeked at the weather forecast and you’re feeling a little more indoorsy, I have a weekend plan for you too. Duck out of the rain and into one of these unique art studios where the whole family can craft to their heart’s content. My daughter’s new favorite hobby includes Decoden cream and many, many charms.
And of course, my top 10 events are at the ready for the weekend ahead. Celebrate the iconic Dolly Parton, play all day at one of my favorite children’s museums, and even try on an opera costume.
Downtown Puyallup Dolly Day
Date: Friday, Sept. 25
Cost: Free; items for purchase
Location: Multiple locations in downtown Puyallup
My daughter’s introduction to Dolly Parton was through the incredible Imagination Library, and the books we’ve gotten from it are in regular rotation at bedtime. Friday is Dolly Parton Day, and downtown Puyallup is celebrating with special activities and deals from local businesses. Put on your sparkliest getup to honor the icon herself, then enjoy treats, crafts, a scavenger hunt and more. (Psst … keep the celebration going with these nine Dolly-inspired ideas you can do anywhere.)
Talipapa Market Cultural Festival
Date: Friday–Saturday, Sept. 25–26
Cost: Free; items for purchase
Location: Filipino Community Center, 5740 Martin Luther King Junior Way S., Seattle
Get a head start on celebrating Filipino American History Month at this community festival with plenty of fun activities and special games. Try delicious Filipino food and shop for unique artwork from more than two dozen vendors. Plus, live music and DJs will keep the party going!
Umbrella Fringe
Date: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 25–27
Cost: Free; some performances require a ticket
Location: Multiple locations in Kirkland
Art is everywhere, and it’s taking center stage this weekend in Kirkland. Umbrella Fringe puts a spotlight on art with live music, dance workshops, ballet performances and more. You can even play a competitive game of Rock, Paper, Scissors! On Saturday, head to the Umbrella Fringe Festival at Kirkland Urban for hands-on activities, custom pet drawings and plenty of photo ops.
Worldwide Day of Play
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Cost: Included with admission ($22.50; ages 24 months and younger are free)
Location: Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett
Imagine Children’s Museum is one of my family’s favorite spots year-round, but it’s even more fun on Worldwide Day of Play! This year brings a Nickelodeon theme with obstacle courses, a collaborative art project and (you guessed it) slime stations.
2026 Washington State Martial Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Cost: Free
Location: Crossroads Park, 999 164th Ave. N.E., Bellevue
My daughter has been asking about martial arts classes, and this festival is the perfect introduction. Families can watch demonstrations, meet local schools and organizations, and learn more about martial arts traditions.
Sustainable Ballard Festival
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Cost: Free
Location: Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 N.W. 77th St., Seattle
Apple cider pressing, cornhole and hula hooping, oh my! You can expect all of that and more at this free festival. Sustainability is at the heart of it, with stewardship workshops, games and community-building activities that will inspire the whole family. Bring plants and puzzles for the community swap!
Opera Center Open House
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Opera Center, 363 Mercer St., Seattle
I am so curious about the Seattle Opera, and this is an incredible peek behind the scenes! Take a tour of the costume shop, props department and broadcasting studios. You can even try on costumes. There will also be opera performances, kid-friendly crafts and more activities to enjoy.
Fright Fest at Wild Waves
Date: Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 26–27
Cost: $41.99–$69.99; discounts available online (free with season pass)
Location: Wild Waves Theme Park, 36201 Enchanted Pkwy. S., Federal Way
It’s the final Fright Fest before Wild Waves closes for good. Families can get a head start on the season’s festivities because Booville is opening early! Head to the theme park for trick-or-treating, face painting and more entertainment geared toward the 12 and younger crowd. (If you’re looking for more scares, Fright by Night starts Oct. 2.)
The Italian Festival
Date: Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 26–27
Cost: Free
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
Ready to toss a pizza in the air? Kids can do that and more at this lively fest! Decorate Venetian masks, get your face painted and cheer on teams in the bocce tournament. There will also be an art exhibit, an Italian marketplace, live music and grape stomping. Don’t miss Saturday’s Italian car show by the International Fountain.
Pickle at the Palms Grand Opening – Family Play Day
Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
Cost: $20–$30
Location: Pickle at the Palms, 3435 15th Ave. W., Seattle
Ready to check out a new indoor pickleball facility? Head to Pickle at the Palms for a grand opening celebration and a full day of family play. You can expect junior-focused clinics for age 5 and older, plus open play sessions. Fuel all that playtime with a smoothie or soft serve ice cream from the on-site café.
More weekend activities
- It’s the last weekend for the Washington State Fair. Don’t miss your chance to get a scone!
- Spot salmon spawning and learn more about their incredible life cycle.
- Head to an amazing kid-friendly lodge for a memorable staycation.
Our Greater Seattle Family Calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
Editor’s note: Each week ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, updates The Weekender with her favorite weekend activities around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. It was originally published years ago and was most recently updated on Sept. 23, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
