The Weekender: Family Fun Ideas for Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

I think September might be my favorite month. It starts with the long, sunny days of summer and transitions into the crisp, cozy days of fall. The leaves are starting to change color, apples are ripe for picking and (whether you’re ready or not) pumpkin spice lattes are on offer. 

This weekend brings the start of fall festivals, which celebrate all the joys of the upcoming season. Take a wagon ride with the kids, indulge in an apple fritter or two, and even cozy up to farm animals. 

And if the weekend plans keep you out past dinnertime, add one more destination. These waterfront spots are ideal for catching the golden hour (while the sun still sets at a reasonable 7 p.m.). 

My top 10 weekend events make the most of the transition from summer to fall too, with the triumphant return of salmon and more. 

World Rhythm Festival

Date: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 11–13
Cost: Free
Location: Multiple locations

This festival has a captivating weekend lineup. Bring (or borrow!) a drum to join Friday night’s opening drum circle, then come back Saturday and Sunday for traditional performances and engaging workshops. The festival takes place at the Rainier Arts Center, Southside Commons and Columbia Park — all within walking distance of each other. 

Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival

Date: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 11–13
Cost: Free
Location: Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, 609 Front St., Mukilteo 

Bounce into the weekend on giant inflatables at this beloved annual fest. It celebrates local history and (objectively speaking) one of the cutest lighthouses in the region. Saturday brings a parade, fireworks, and special appearances from the Reptile Lady and Bubble Man. On Sunday, you can catch performances from Thee Balloon Guy and Savanna Woods.

Venardos Circus Presents ‘Far Beyond’ 

Date: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 11–13
Cost: Starting at $19.95 
Location: Stocker Farms, 8705 Marsh Rd., Snohomish 

Step under the big top and prepare to be amazed by the high-flying aerial acts of Vernardos Circus. In this all-new production, you can expect theatrical music and exciting performances including juggling and acrobatics. From what I’ve heard, there’s not a bad seat in the house. 

Salmon on Sunset Celebration

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Cost: Free
Location: Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, 125 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah 

At the very top of my fall bucket list this year, you’ll find salmon viewing. I am so looking forward to cheering on these triumphant fish as they swim upstream. This seasonal celebration is the perfect place to do just that, with family-friendly activities including arts and crafts. Come for the salmon, stay for the rubber duck derby.

Emily’s Science Lab Live

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Cost: Included with admission ($21-$29; ages 4 and younger free) or membership 
Location: The Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle

Excuse me while I fangirl out for a moment: The Space Gal, Emily Calandrelli, will be bringing her science lab to The Museum of Flight this weekend. Watch as she experiments with slime, bubbles and more. And stick around to purchase her bestselling book and get your copy signed. Note that there is limited seating for the show, and it is first come, first served. Get there early! 

Touch-A-Truck 

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Cost: Free
Location: Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St. S., Tacoma 

Beep, beep! Big trucks are coming through. Kids can explore a fire engine, semi trucks, search and rescue vehicles, a garbage truck and more, all while chatting with the truck operators. There’s a special no-horns time scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. You’ll also want to plan for extra time on the rec center’s thrilling playgrounds — it’s one of my favorites. 

Burien Arts-A-Glow Festival

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Cost: Free
Location: Town Square Park, 480 S.W. 152nd St., Burien 

Spend a night out on the town and see Burien in a new light during this glowing art festival. You can expect light installations, projection mapping on buildings, wandering performers and special hands-on activities. There will also be a night market. 

Tacoma Moon Festival

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Cost: Free
Location: Chinese Reconciliation Park, 1741 N. Shuster Pkwy., Tacoma 

This fantastic event is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. There will be stage performances, crafts and more family-friendly activities, all in a beautiful local park. Kids will especially love the legend of the Chinese Moon Princess — she leads a lantern parade at the end of the festival.

BrickCon 2026

Date: Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 12–13
Cost: $19–$24 per person; children 4 and younger are free 
Location: Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue 

BrickCon is the longest-running Lego fan convention in the world, and it’s celebrating its 25th year! There will be hundreds of creations on display this weekend, from trains and spaceships to full cities. You can even check out new Pokémon Lego sets, learn how to build robots and add to the mosaic wall. Buy your timed tickets in advance and prepare to be amazed. 

Free Day at Wing Luke Museum

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
Cost: Free
Location: Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St., Seattle 

Wing Luke Museum is offering free admission in honor of Grandparents Day, but you don’t have to be a grandparent to enjoy it! You’ll get access to the museum’s incredible exhibits, take a guided museum tour, and join special programming with “Ten Thousand Things” curator, Shin Yu Pai.  Note that advance registration is required.

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. 9, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.