From Farmers Markets to Festivals: Your Seattle Southside Summer Guide

The sun’s out, and Seattle Southside is here as a one-stop shop for all season fun. Read on for key happenings throughout the region this summer. We’ve also unveiled a brand new Microadventure tool to easily discover locally loved experiences based on your travel style.

Pictured: A vendor selling fresh produce at the SeaTac Farmers Market.

Microadventures, Major Fun: Create a Custom Seattle Southside Outing
Looking for something fun to do without spending hours planning? Our microadventures are snackable, off-the-beaten-path experiences you can stack together—whether you have an hour or a whole weekend—and our new Microadventure Maximizer Tool makes it easy to find the perfect itinerary tailored to your travel style.

Choose from three explorer types—Curiously Carefree, Self-Guided Globetrotter, or Wondering Wanderer—and the tool will instantly recommend outings perfect for a spontaneous day trip, weekend adventure, or quick escape. Just tap your adventure selections on the site and watch as your customized itinerary is generated!

Some popular picks include live music at 13 Coins, a beloved SeaTac spot with great food and classic vibes, and Des Moines Beach Park, ideal for a peaceful waterfront walk. Food lovers can head to The Eatery at Lam’s Seafood for diverse Asian cuisine or enjoy wine tasting at Bacovino. For a more upscale lunch, try Rendition, offering globally inspired dishes.

Try it out today and uncover hidden gems with ease: seattlesouthside.com/microadventures

Can’t miss events in Summer 2025
We keep a comprehensive list of upcoming events on our website here and have curated a highlight reel below. From shark lovers to culinary travelers, read on to find happenings that suit your style.

Farmers Markets:
Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, Des Moines Marina: Every Saturday through September 27
Enjoy fresh produce, artisan goods, food trucks, and live music at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market. Located at the picturesque Puget Sound, the market is a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with something for everyone.

Summer Market, Highline Botanical Gardens: Saturdays, June-August
A warm-weather favorite featuring local vendors, handmade goods, and community spirit, it is a great spot to browse and shop on a sunny afternoon.

Tukwila Farmers Market & Weekend Concert Series, Tukwila Community Center: Select Sundays July -September
Visitors can explore a variety of offerings, including fresh produce, seasonal flowers, baked goods, and an assortment of handcrafted items. Each market is complemented by live music.

SeaTac Farmers Market, Matt Griffin YMCA: Wednesdays, July-November
This vibrant community event celebrates cultural diversity, promotes food justice, and fosters local entrepreneurship. Established in 2024 by the African Community Housing & Development (ACHD), a Black women-led nonprofit, the market operates on the first Wednesday of each month from July through September.

Club World Cup Watch Party at the Roadhouse
June 15–22
Catch all the Club World Cup action with fellow fans at this lively Roadhouse watch party. With drinks, snacks, and big screens, it's a festive way to cheer on your favorite teams.

Museum of Flight MiG-21 Opening
June 15
The Museum of Flight unveils its new MiG-21 exhibit, exploring Cold War aviation history through one of the world’s most iconic fighter jets. The new exhibit for 2025 is the world premiere from South African artist Ralph Ziman’s 5-year, multidisciplinary project transforming a decommissioned Cold War-era, Soviet-designed MiG-21 fighter jet into a stunning work of art entirely covered in tens of millions of colorful glass beads. Opening day features special activities and talks.

Men in Black Birthday Bash + Pre-Party Events
June 13–22
Beam yourself into Seattle Southside this June as the galaxy’s quirkiest festival returns! Men in Black Birthday Bash lands Saturday, June 21 at Quarterdeck at 6:00 p.m., anchoring a weeklong lineup of hilarious, interactive, and conspiracy-laden events during MIBBB Fest 2025.

New quirky, extraterrestrial-themed events have been added to the lineup, including:

  • A Colleen Rafferty lookalike contest at Marina Mercantile, June 13
  • "Alienvitation" experience & scavenger hunt at Westfield Southcenter, June 13
  • A Saucers and Sass drag-hosted trivia night and movie screening of The Maury Island Incident at AMC Southcenter 16, June 20
  • A retro afterparty following the Birthday Bash at Waterland Arcade, June 21
  • Debut of Sparky's Revenge, a flying disc dog tournament honoring a local UFO legend, June 22

    Juneteenth, Centro Sullivan in Tukwila Village
    June 19
    Celebrate Juneteenth with performances, food, and community at this annual Seattle Southside gathering. It’s a meaningful day of reflection and joy honoring Black history and culture.

    4th of July in Seattle Southside, Des Moines Marina
    July 4
    Celebrate Independence Day with dazzling drone displays at the Des Moines Marina. Families can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and a festive, patriotic atmosphere. Arrive early for a good spot and stay for the spectacular show.

    Shark in the Park, Redondo Beach & Wooten Park
    July 6
    Celebrate National Sixgill Shark Day on July 6 in Des Moines, now recognized as the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World. Hosted by Highline College and the MaST Center, this family-friendly event features hands-on discovery, food, and fun. Redondo is one of the only places on Earth to reliably see these deepwater sharks—some reaching up to 18 feet. Listed as “Near Threatened,” Sixgill Sharks are a vital species in need of protection. Come learn more about these elusive giants and why they matter.

    Royal Flush Drag Brunch, Great America Casino
    July 7
    This brunch isn't just about the mimosas—it’s a full-blown drag extravaganza. Royal Flush brings big personalities, bold performances, and brunch favorites to the table.

    Waterland Parade, Downtown Des Moines
    July 19
    The Waterland Parade brings the streets of Des Moines to life with colorful floats, marching bands, and community pride. It's a long-standing summer tradition that brings out crowds of all ages. Enjoy the hometown charm and celebratory spirit of this beloved local event.

    Des Moines Waterland Pride Fest, Downtown Des Moines
    July 20
    Celebrate love, identity, and community at Des Moines' vibrant Waterland Pride Fest. Featuring live music, drag shows, vendors, and more, this inclusive event brings out the best of summer.

    Summer Night Markets     in SeaTac
    July 9 (Angle Lake Park) and July 30 (Riverton Park)
    The Summer Night Market series throughout SeaTac is a vibrant community event that brings together local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.

    Music in the Park, SeaTac
    Wednesdays, July–August
    SeaTac’s Music in the Park series brings live performances to neighborhood parks throughout the summer. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of local bands in an easygoing, outdoor setting.

    Music in the Garden Series, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
    Friday evenings in August
    This intimate summer concert series offers a chance to enjoy live music surrounded by the lush beauty of the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. Held in August, it's a charming way to wind down the season with family-friendly tunes and garden vibes.

    Jet Blast Bash, The Museum of Flight
    August 2–3
    Held at the Museum of Flight during SeaFair weekend, Jet Blast Bash is part airshow, part street festival. Expect jets, live music, vintage planes, and a whole lot of aviation energy.

    R2D2 Builder Club Expo, The Museum of Flight
    August 2–3
    Star Wars fans won’t want to miss this expo featuring R2D2 replicas built by passionate fans and engineers. Held at the Museum of Flight, it's part cosplay, part maker fair.

    Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival, Des Moines Beach Park
    August 23
    Sip on local craft brews and sway to the rhythm of top-tier blues bands at the Des Moines Beach Park. This festival combines award-winning music with a mission—raising money for Music4Life, which supports local school music programs. It’s an afternoon of great taste for a great cause.

    SeaTac BMX Gold Cup Finals, SeaTac BMX Track
    August 24–25
    Watch elite riders race for regional glory at the SeaTac BMX Gold Cup Finals. This high-energy event draws competitors and fans from across the Northwest.

    Live Music at the Quarterdeck
    Fridays and Saturdays, Summer 2025
    Soak in the waterfront views and enjoy weekly live music at the Quarterdeck. With a lineup of rotating local artists, it's a laid-back way to experience Des Moines’ marina scene.

    Saltwater State Park Beach Exploration
    Summer 2025
    Explore the tidepools and natural wonders of Saltwater State Park during this recurring event led by beach naturalists. Ideal for families and nature lovers, it's an educational adventure right on the Puget Sound.

    Marina Mercantile Events
    Summer 2025
    From wine tastings to trivia nights, Marina Mercantile offers a rotating lineup of casual community events. It’s a cozy neighborhood spot with something happening almost every weekend.