As the temperatures turn colder, the leaves transition from green to gold, and the days get shorter, a previous chapter is replaced by a blank, fresh page. The new season is an opportunity to put a bow on the summer and begin to make new plans for your fall adventures. We’ve curated a best-of list to inspire your grandest plans of the season. From cozy to daring, this is the list that promises to create core memories this autumn.
October Musts | Seattle and The Eastside
October Musts | Seattle and The EastsideRestaurant Week | Seattle | October 18th-31st
Wine and dine yourself or a friend at some of the top-rated restaurants in the city. With a diverse range of cuisine and prices, there’s a delicious dish for everyone on the participating businesses list.
Wine Country | Woodinville
Toast to the start of a new season with new opportunities to savor delicious regional wines in Woodinville’s picturesque wine country.
Washington Park Arboretum | Madison Park
Spend an afternoon exploring the flora of Washington Park Arboretum and admire the changing hues of the grounds’ stunning trees.
Pumpkin Patch | Snohomish
Get lost in a corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin for carving, and dig into seasonal treats at one of Snohomish’s adorable pumpkin patches.
Farmers Market | Ballard | Sundays
Fresh produce, supporting local farmers and creators, and a cozy way to spend an autumn afternoon. What’s more to love? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner ingredients await at the Ballard Farmers Market.
Waterfront | Kirkland
October still has plenty of sunny, clear days on the forecast, so take advantage of the final days of sunshine before the rainy season sets in and go for a stroll along the Kirkland waterfront.
Autumn Bucket List | Quintessential PNW
Green Lake Loop | Seattle
Is there anything more satisfying than crunching fallen leaves underneath your boots? Green Lake turns into a vibrant fall forest during October. Grab a pumpkin spice latte from a nearby café and make an afternoon of it.
Seattle Art Museum | Seattle
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your indoor rainy days, head to the Seattle Art Museum and spend a slow weekend morning strolling the rooms, admiring your favorite pieces, and getting inspired.
Seahawks Game | Seattle
Throw a warm jacket over your jersey and make your way to Lumen Field to cheer on your home team with an exciting Seahawks game.
Kubota Garden | Seattle
Admire over 140 varieties of maples turning colors with the season, plus ponds, picture-perfect bridges, flowers, and more at Kubota Garden.
Restaurant Scene | Seattle
When making dinner seems like too big of a lift after a long day, treat yourself to a meal at one of Seattle’s many delicious restaurants. From steaming bowls of ramen to cozy hot pot, there are plenty of options to warm you up on a chilly day.
North Cascades National Park
Is there anything more iconic than the bright yellow larches in the fall? The North Cascades National Park might be a bit of a road trip from Seattle, but it’s completely worth it.
Don’t Miss | Festivals and Events Around the Region
Oktoberfest | Leavenworth | October 9th-10th & 16th-17th or Puyallup | October 9th-10th
Take in the Bavarian festivities with beer, live music, and dancing in Leavenworth or Puyallup.
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Wild Waves Fright Fest | Federal Way | Now-November 1st
An amusement park with a spooky twist? Sign us up.
Japan Week Public Festival | Bellevue | Now-October 10th
Celebrate the 10th annual Japan Week at Bellevue College, with cultural performances, exhibits, and contests. Plus, admission is free!
Earshot Jazz Festival | Seattle | Now-October 25th
The biggest jazz festival in the Pacific Northwest is keeping the genre alive with performances by some of the most talented performers in the region.
Día de Muertos | Seattle | October 31st-November 1st
Hosted in the Armory Food & Event Hall, this celebration honors those who have passed with music, vibrant displays, and cultural traditions.
Worth the Drive | October Adventures Beyond the City
Mount Rainier
Catch peak fall colors at Mount Rainier throughout early October. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike with good photo ops or something to get your heartrate up, Mount Rainier has plenty of trails to choose from. Pro tip: get there extra early to beat the lines and find parking.
North Bend
North Bend has some of the prettiest hikes in the state, from mountain views to stunning waterfalls. The fall foliage just makes the scenery that much more incredible.