Summer is one of the best times to enjoy dates, especially here in Seattle. Whether you just met someone or have been with your SO for years, we have some ideas on how you can make this summer’s dates the best yet. And the best part, these are free! Here are 14 romantic summer date ideas in Seattle.
Free 1st Thursday Public Tour
The Washington Park Arboretum hosts free public tours on the first Thursday of each month. So kick off your month walking hand and hand through seasonal themes, collections plants, and learn about the history of the organization.
When: Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Where: The Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East
Cost: Free
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
On six days this year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone! One of those days is coming up this August so plan ahead, and have an epic outdoor adventure!
When: Sunday, August 4th
Where:National Parks
Cost: Free
Dancing ‘til Dusk
Back for another year, Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting Dancing ‘til Dusk for several evenings this summer. The lessons take place at parks across Seattle, and begins with a dance lesson for the first hour. No experience is needed, and bring your partner to the lesson!
When: July 11th to August 27th, 2024
Where: Various parks in the city
Cost: Free
South Lake Union Block Party
Now in its 18th year, the South Lake Union Block Party is described as “the largest and longest running festival focused on celebrating and showcasing our neighborhood.”
This year, the party will take place on Friday, which aligns with our fave date nights!
When: Friday, August 9th, 2024
Where: 101 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free to attend
Summer at SAM
SAM is hosting a ton of different free events this summer. Expect activities and performances that combine visual art, music, and community. There will also be evening concerts with food trucks and art making, daytime movement classes, tours, and community partner activities. You can plan one date night there or a couple!
When: Select dates from July 11th to August 11th, 2024
Where: 2901 Western Ave
Cost: Free
Public Peapod Program
Ready to treat your date to a cute water experience? You can rent a boat for FREE from the Center for Wooden Boats. If you’ve been looking for a chance to cruise Lake Union, this is it. If you’d like to get in on the Center for Wooden Boat’s free program you’ll need to be on top of booking. The spots open 2-3 weeks in advance and fill quickly.
When: Wednesday-Sunday all year long
Where: The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley Street
Cost: Free
Stroll through the Spheres
You can stroll through the Spheres indoor gardens this summer, but you will need to plan ahead! The Spheres are open to visitors by reservation during the first and third Saturday of each month free of charge. Wondering when to book next? Upcoming dates include:
- August 3 | Registration opens 10am July 19, closes 12pm August 2
- August 17 | Registration opens 10am August 2, closes 12pm August 16
Where: 2111 7th Avenue
When: 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month
Cost: Free
Center City Cinema
Summer is all about being outdoors with our loved ones, and being romantic cuddling while watching movies under the stars. Center City Cinema will be screening FREE movies in the park at 12 locations across the city. There will be food trucks on site for those snacks!
When: On now until September 14th, 2024
Where: Locations across the city
Cost: Free
Movies at the Mural
Another outdoor movie series to check out on a date or several! Starting in July, the Mural Amphitheatre lawn will transform into an outdoor theatre with a 40-foot screen and the iconic Space Needle in view. The series takes place on Fridays and feature popular movies that include classic and contemporary films. A perfect Friday night!
When: Friday, July 26th to Friday, August 16th, 2024
Where: 305 Harrison St
Cost: Free
CID Block Party
Another summer celebration returns, and it’s a perfect way to spend a date! The Chinatown-ID Block Party is a daylong celebration of Asian American food, arts, music & culture, and it all takes place on August 17th.
When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Where: 900 S King St.
Cost: Free to attend
Sail In Cinema
From July 26th until August 30th, you can visit the Port of Everett’s Boxcar Park for the 9th annual Sail-In Cinema, which is said to be the only waterfront movie series in Snohomish County! It’s a perfect reason to head to Everett for a date on a summer evening.
When: Friday, July 26th to August 30th, 2024
Where: 1200 Millwright Loop West, Everett, WA
Cost: Free
Summer Series Presents Yerbana Yoga in the Park
Do you and yours love yoga? On Thursday nights, you can join 1,000 Seattle yogis as part of the “largest yoga event series in the country!” This is a summer experience not to miss, especially if you’re looking to work out under the sun, for FREE!
When: Select Thursdays until September 26th, 2024
Where:Gas Works Park, 2101 North Northlake Way
Cost: Free
Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is a performance not to miss this summer, and what a romantic way to spend an evening. On now and running until Sunday, August 4th, the Seattle Shakespeare Company hosts free, outdoor performances of classical plays in parks throughout the Puget Sound region.
When: Thursday, June 27th to Sunday, August 4th
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Seattle Waterfront Block Party- 2024
Looking to close out summer with your date at a block party? Seattle’s Waterfront Block Party will be the place to be, and the best part is, it is a free celebration!
When: Friday, August 30th, 2024
Where: Along Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
Downtown Summer Sounds
From hip-hop and folk-pop to psychedelic punk rock and bluegrass, there’s something for everyone at Downtown Summer Sounds this year! Concerts take place at different locations including Westlake Park, Occidental Square, Bell Street Park, Union Square, Harbor Steps and more! Head to one or all on a daytime date!
When: On now until September 10th, 2024
Where: Various parks in the city
Cost: Free
Enjoy the summer!
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