Annual Events

There’s fun to be had any time of the year.

January

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: If you’re brave enough, take part in the annual New Year’s Day tradition on Angle Lake! Join hands and hightail it through the water to the swim platform and back for prizes and bragging rights. Details about this event are usually posted closer to the date and will be updated once available. You can often find similar events throughout the region as well by searching for "polar bear plunge" in December.

February

LUNAR NEW YEAR: Each year, celebrations throughout the region commemorate Lunar New Year. Our favorite is a festive, family-friendly event at Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila. The date and details are unique each year; in the past, it has included dazzling lion dances, astrology readings, and traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Check our Event Calendar and the Westfield Southcenter website for details closer to February. There are also festivities in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, Tacoma, and Bellevue.

Pictured: Lunar New Year at Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Washington.

March

TASTE WASHINGTON: The nation's largest single-region wine and food festival takes place in Seattle each year. More than 200 wineries and 75 restaurants converge to showcase their finest vintages, share samples, and do demonstrations. It's a whirlwind of tastes and pairings.

EMERALD CITY COMICON: Seattle’s one-of-a-kind Comicon is getting bigger by the year. With celebrity guests, panels, gaming, exhibits and more, this is one awesomely nerdy event that must be seen to be believed. Take the light rail from Seattle Southside to the Washington State Convention Center to partake in the festivities.

April

TULIP FESTIVAL: Experience the beauty of Mother Nature’s handiwork at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It’s an easy day trip to see thousands of bright, blooming tulips of all colors, all April long.

NATIONAL PARK WEEK: Each year, a week in April is devoted to celebrating National Parks! Join in by taking a day trip to Mt. Rainier, the North Cascades, or Olympic National Park.

May

OPENING DAY OF BOATING SEASON: Des Moines is known as the "Boating Capital of the Northwest." Ring in the season by heading down to the Des Moines Marina to see hundreds of boats, or ride up in your own.

In May, there are also many Mother's Day events, such as an annual festival at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, the world's most extensive collection of rhododendrons. Admire hundreds of rhodys and azaleas in full bloom, grab lunch at a food truck, and shop for plants.

June

FARMERS MARKETS: With June comes the opening of many local farmers markets in SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. Enjoy global bites, locally made wares, fresh flowers and produce, and live music on select dates. Read our blog for details.

THE MEN IN BLACK BIRTHDAY BASH: This week-long festival celebrates the anniversary of a famed UFO sighting in Seattle Southside. Join the fun at one of many events (browse the ticket page for times and details).

PRIDE EVENTS: Pride events occur throughout the region in June, including Waterland Pride in Des Moines - a welcoming, all-day event with both family-friendly events and a 21+ party at a local bar.

BURIEN STRAWBERRY AND ARTS FESTIVAL: This community celebration brings out the best in Burien, with a carnival, world music, and lots of food to try.

Pictured: Fresh produce at the Des Moines Farmers Market

July

4TH OF JULY: Ring in Independence Day with a festive celebration at the Des Moines Marina, which includes food trucks, live music, and a spectacular drone show.

WATERLAND PARADE: Enjoy vibrant floats, lively bands, Seafair Pirates, clowns, boats, and an array of exciting entries at this annual tradition. Winding through the heart of Des Moines along Marine View Drive South, the parade creates the perfect setting for a festive and unforgettable day.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK: All summer long, cities in Seattle Southside host free, family-friendly concerts in local parks such as Angle Lake, Riverton Heights Park, and Des Moines Beach Park. Browse our Event Calendar for details!

August

SEAFAIR: The quintessential Seattle summer festival, Seafair is a historic-laden, month-long celebration featuring the Torchlight Parade, hydroplane races, and the Blue Angels airshow. Events are held all over the region, including the Jet Blast Bash at the Museum of Flight, where visitors can enjoy air shows, live music, and a beer garden.

POVERTY BAY BLUES AND BREWS FESTIVAL: Nothing beats singing the blues with an ice-cold brew at Des Moines Beach Park. This outdoor festival features some of the best local craft beers and blues musicians in the Pacific Northwest. The best part: 100% of the net proceeds raised from the 2025 Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Fest go to the causes powered by Rotary of Des Moines/Normandy Park, WA.

September

WASHINGTON STATE FAIR: The signature fair of the Evergreen State is a classic for locals and visitors alike. Head to Puyallup and ride the “Extreme Scream,” see prize-winning animals, and don’t forget to try one of the famous scones!

BUMBERSHOOT: Seattle’s groundbreaking music and arts festival takes over Seattle Center, rain or shine. Since 1971, Bumbershoot has showcased the talent of musicians, comedians, and artists from Seattle and throughout the world.

October

MUSEUM OF FRIGHT: Who knew aviation could be so spooky? For one day a year, the Museum of Flight turns into the Museum of Fright. Kids will have a blast making candy corn airplanes and ghost parachutes, all while seeing dozens of historic spacecraft and aircraft.

November

VETERANS DAY AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT: The Museum of Flight hosts a special program on Veterans Day featuring patriotic music and keynote speakers. Veterans and active-duty military are given free admission.

SQUID-A-RAMA: It’s a celebration of squid! Visit the Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center Aquarium to see and learn about the squid in Puget Sound, all while keeping warm with hot drinks and treats.

December

SANTA PHOTOS AT WESTFIELD SOUTHCENTER MALL: Every year, Santa posts up at Westfield Southcenter for family photos! Pay him a visit, then get all your holiday shopping in at more than 140 stores throughout the mall.

WINTERFEST IN BURIEN: This winter festival captures the best parts of the season in one place. With free carriage rides, hot chocolate and plenty of in-store shopping specials, this is one holiday event you won’t want to miss.

Ongoing

FREE FIRST THURSDAYS AT MUSEUMS: At many museums throughout the Puget Sound region, the first Thursday of each month is free for all guests. The Museum of Flight, the Museum of History and Industry, and the Seattle Children’s Museum are among those participating.

Explore Seattle Southside

Food & Drink

Whether you’re in search of a restaurant near you, seafood restaurants, a quaint café, Indian restaurants, family-friendly restaurants, Italian restaurants or fine dining, with over 100 places to choose from you’ll find…

Details

Plan Your Trip

Only 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle and 20 minutes north of Tacoma, Seattle Southside is a happening hub that’s perfectly situated between urban attractions and natural wonders (not to mention near…

Details

Sightseeing

New to town? Looking for something cool to do? Here’s a list of places new (and old) that are worth exploring. Or, see it all with a guided tour.

Details

Attractions

When you make Seattle Southside your home base, you’ll be in the center of all the fun, whether you want to explore the outdoors, go indoor skydiving, hit the largest shopping center…

Details