Fall in Seattle: When it starts, weather outlook & free things to do in the city

Fall is a beautiful time of year in Seattle. And with the forecast stating “uncertain” temperatures expected through the season in Washington, we’re ready to get cozy, and still enjoy the season to its fullest. Ready to explore and enjoy the season? Let’s check out what to expect this fall, and the best things to do around Seattle as the leaves hit the ground.

When does fall start?

This September, we’re going to experience a Harvest Moon, which will soon after be followed by the Autumn Equinox. So mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd at 8:44 am, and get excited for the changing leaves. But perhaps not the coolest of days… yet.

When does Daylight Saving end in 2024?

With the new season comes new time. This year, the dreaded daylight saving time started on March 10th and gave us more time to enjoy the sun.

Now that leaves have started to change color, however, we can anticipate another stove clock update.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, we will be “falling back” as Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, at 2 AM.

What to expect for fall weather?

As per the Office of the Washington State Climatologist, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), September is looking like “above normal, equal to, or below normal temperatures for a majority of the state.”

“In other words, average September temperatures are uncertain. There are slightly higher odds of above normal temperatures in an isolated area of southeastern Washington. The September precipitation outlook indicates higher chances of above normal precipitation across western Washington. Eastern Washington has equal chances of below, equal to, or above normal September precipitation,” they state.

October through November has a similar outlook, although there are higher chances chances of above normal precipitation for the western two-thirds of the state including the Olympic Peninsula, western Washington, and central Washington, according to the CPC.

FREE things to do in Seattle to enjoy the season

There are lots of ways to enjoy fall in Seattle for free, so let’s get into that! Here are 10 free things to do this fall in the city.

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 through seasonal themes, collections plants, and learn about the history of the organization.

When: First Thursdays through the season
Where: The Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East
Cost: Free

U District Chow Down & Street Party

The U District Chow Down & Street Party is scheduled to return next month, bringing an end of season celebration to the area. According to U District, “The U District celebrates the end of summer with a neighborhood-wide food walk and street party celebration.” Organizers say you can expect to find affordable small bites from over 70 businesses, which will give you a “true taste of the U District.”

You can try everything from ice cream, noodles, bubble tea, fried chicken, sliders, pretzels, and more!

When: Saturday, September 28th, 2024
Where: Along Univeristy Way / The Ave
Cost: Free to attend/ $5 bites

2024 Discover Pass Free Days

On these select days this year, visitors can access state parks without requiring a Discover Pass, which is usually required for vehicle access to state recreation lands. This allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the parks at no cost! One of those days is on September 28th, for National Public Lands Day. Following that it is applicable on October 10 for World Mental Health Day, November 11 for Veterans Day, and November 29 for Autumn Day.

When:  September 28th, October 11th, November 11th, and November 29th
Where: Any Washington State Park
Cost: Free

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Similar to Washington State Parks, National Parks is celebrating National Public Lands Day by offering free entrance on September 28th, as well it is free on November 11th for Veterans Day.

When: September 28th, and November 11th, 2024
Where: National Parks
Cost: Free

Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana is back and taking over the Seattle Center with its 37th annual festival for a full weekend in September. It’s a celebration of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s free to attend.

When: Saturday, September 28th, and Sunday, September 29th, 2024
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street
Cost: Free to attend

Stroll through the Spheres

You can stroll through the Spheres indoor gardens this fall, 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:

• September 21 | Registration opens 10am September 6, closes 12pm September 20
• October 5 | Registration opens 10am September 20, closes 12pm October 4
• October 19 | Registration opens 10am October 4, closes 12pm October 18
• November 2 | Registration opens 10am October 18, closes 12pm November 1
• November 16 | Registration opens 10am November 1, closes 12pm November 15

Where: 2111 7th Avenue
When: 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month
Cost: Free

Halloween Bounce and Swim

Head to Green Lake Community Center and Evans Pool this October 25th as they co-host a haunted celebration!

According to the City, this event has it all from carnival games and bouncy houses, as well as two public swims.

When: Friday, October 25th, 2024
Where: Green Lake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle
Cost:Free

Pumpkin Palooza

Another City supported fall event is the annual Pumpkin Palooza!

There will be games, food, face painting, costume contest, pumpkin decorating, arts & crafts activities, and cookie decorating. You can also expect candy and prizing.

When: Friday, October 25th, 2024
Where: International District/Chinatown Community Center, 719 8th Ave S, Seattle
Cost: Free

Fall Foliage Day

The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting a festival to celebrate the change of season. Fall Foliage Day takes place on October 26, and it’s free to check out!

When: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Where: 2515 S 336th Street, Federal Way
Cost: Free

29th Annual Magic in the Market

This may feel far, but fall leads to the holiday season! And there’s no better way to kick that off than at Pike Place Market as they celebrate our 29th Annual Magic in the Market! You will find holiday spirit across all 9 acres on this unforgettable day, and it’s free to attend.

When: Saturday, November 30th, 2024
Where: Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St
Cost: Free

Happy fall, Seattle!

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