When the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, suddenly there are a lot of things to do in Seattle in June. This is one of my favorite times of year because the sun doesn’t set until after 9 PM, and the days rarely get higher than 70°F. It’s also the time of year when the city comes alive with patio dining, live events, and outdoor activities.
With precious few weekends of perfect weather, finding the best things to do in June can be overwhelming. To make sense of your options, I’ve put together a list of my favorite June activities in Seattle, whether you’re a visitor or a local.
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Things to do in Seattle in June
Save this list to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it every year with all the best Seattle June activities! For a even more Seattle events happening in June, check out my Seattle events calendar.
Go on a food crawl
One of my favorite fun summer activities in Seattle is going on a food crawl. It’s a chance to walk around different parts of the city and visit multiple restaurants in a single day that you might not otherwise.
My self-guided Seattle food tours offer thoughtful itineraries for exploring my favorite foodie neighborhoods in Seattle. I also have a free self-guided walking food tour of Pike Place Market for those wanting to experience the underbelly of the city’s most famous tourist attraction like a local.
Or take advantage of in-person tours. Here are some options:
Celebrate Juneteenth
To commemorate the freeing of enslaved people in America, Seattle hosts a variety of celebratory events all weekend. The largest Juneteenth celebration takes place at Jimi Hendrix Park, and features live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Juneteenth Jubilee June 15th is dedicated to honoring unity and freedom through good soul food, honest conversation, and live music.
Songs of Black Folk on June 16th at the Paramount Theater celebrates the music tradition that began in Africa and was brought over by slaves and celebrated in secrecy.
Shoreline City Hall will celebrate Black-owned small businesses alongside a mural stroll.
The MoPop will be honoring 50 years of hip-hop through history, fashion, and sound. You can also visit June 29 and 30 for Black Innovations in Pop Culture to be part of a workshop and hear a panel including Delbert Richardson of the “Unspoken Truths” American History Travel Museum.
Lastly, all national parks will be free to enter on Juneteenth, so it’s your perfect opportunity to explore a new park, be it Mt. Rainier, the Olympics, or the North Cascades.
If you can’t make it out to one of these events, you can still celebrate Black excellence by supporting Black-owned businesses. Check out my guide to the best Black-owned wineries and Black-owned restaurants in Seattle.
Let loose at the Fremont Solstice Festival
website | Fremont (get directions) | date: June 22-23 | price: free | best for: summer solstice parade
The summer solstice kicks off in June and the funky Fremont neighborhood celebrates with 60 ensembles of stilt walkers, floats, and naked bikers parading the streets. There are also food trucks, craft markets, a beer and cocktail garden, live music, and a host of kid-friendly activities.
Attend an arts fest
If you need a break from the festivities, it’s the perfect excuse to explore all the fun things to do in Fremont Seattle or grab a bite at my favorite Fremont restaurants.
Art festivals are the perfect chance to meet local artists and get pieces you won’t find anywhere else. They also typically have live music, beer gardens, and kid-friendly activities to make it a full-day event.
The two most popular June festivals are the Edmonds Art Festival from June 14-16 and the PhinneyWood Art Festival on June 23rd. Both are free to enter and promise fun for the whole family!
Snack at a food festival
The highlight of any event for me is always the food, and food festivals are even better. Here’s a list of some of my favorite food festivals happening in June:
- Bacon Eggs & Kegs (June 1-2, ~$55pp) – Brunch food, craft beer, and Blood Marys for 21+
- Crave! Lynnwood (June 21-23, ~$95pp) – Western WA outpost of the popular 21+ Spokane event
- Taste of the NW (June 28-30, free entry) – 150+ food and craft vendors, live music, chef cook-offs, and family-friendly activities
Stock your pantry at Gobble Up Market
website | South Lake Union (get directions) | date: June 29 | price: free | best for: food festival
The Gobble Up Market is one of my favorite fall events in Seattle, and they recently kicked off their summer market. Over 75 small-batch food vendors and trucks offer scratch-made goodies and free samples, all while overlooking Lake Union.
See a musical or theater performance
When you need a break from the heat, dip into a theater and savor the air conditioning. Seattle boasts a wide array of theaters with shows for every palate. Here are some of the best shows happening in June:
- Spring Awakening at 5th Avenue Theater (June 7-30) – Broadway music that’s won 8 Tony Awards
- Seattle International Dance Festival (June 8-16) – 9-day festival celebrating contemporary dance
- Festival of Shorts (June 27-30) – Annual playwriting festival by the Edmonds Driftwood Players
- Flamenco (June 28-30) – Authentic Spanish flamenco from the Royal Opera of Madrid
Perfect your shot at Glazer’s Photofest
website | South Lake Union (get directions) | date: May 31-June 2 | price: free | best for: photography convention
The popular camera store, Glazer’s, hosts their annual Photofest every spring featuring a variety of presentations and workshops from professional photographers. They have on-location shoots, photo walks, and great deals on camera essentials.
Be an ally at Seattle PrideFest
website | Downtown (get directions) | date: June 1-30 | price: free | best for: LGBTQ+ parade
Celebrating Seattle PrideFest should be at the top of your Seattle bucket list if for no other reason than it’s a month long of parades, parties, and fun for the whole family. A lot of the events are held at the Seattle Center or in Capitol Hill, and to kick it off, environmentalist and drag queen Pattie Gonia is playing at the Showbox. MoPop is also hosting a Queer Visions party on June 22.
If you’re keen on exploring Capitol Hill, AKA Seattle’s most LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood, take this tour to visit all the trendiest spots in Cap Hill.
Dive deep into the sports world at the Sports Trading Card Convention
website | Lynnwood (get directions) | date: June 1 | price: ~$5pp | best for: sports collectors
Hosted by the Washington State Sports Collectors Association, this is the longest-running sports collectibles show in the country. With rare sports items and dealers nationwide, you’ll find unique pieces across all sports.
Live the yacht life at Shilshole Boatfest
website | Ballard (get directions) | date: June 8 | price: free | best for: boating festival
The Shilshole Boatfest is a chance for current and wannabe mariners to immerse themselves in all things boating. Attendees can engage with maritime exhibits, go on a sailboat or powerboat ride, or take part in kids’ activities.
Bond with fellow car heads at Wekfest
website | Downtown (get directions) | date: June 9 | price: ~$30pp | best for: custom-built car show
If you or someone you know loves car shows, you’ll want to check out this event. It’s essentially an exhibit highlighting the best custom-built cars from around the world.
Partake in Seafair
website | various locations around Seattle | date: June 29-August 4 | price: mostly free | best for: seeing the Blue Angels
Seafair is one of the quintessential things to do in Seattle in June. This summer festival used to be only over a weekend, but it’s since expanded to include multiple air, land, and sea fairs all summer long. However, the most popular event is always when the Blue Angel military jets do their annual performance on Seafair Weekend. It’s Aug 2-4 this year, so you’ll have plenty of time to experience the events taking place in June and July to build the excitement!
Gawk at classic rides at the Greenwood Car Show
website | Greenwood (get directions) | date: June 29 | price: free (donations accepted) | best for: classic car show
The Greenwood Car Show is one of the most popular Seafair kickoff events. The car show runs from 9 AM to 5 PM and features classic cars alongside food vendors and an evening parade.
Use the Anacortes Festival as an excuse to explore Skagit Valley
website | Anacortes (get directions) | date: June 1-2 | price: free | best for: maritime festival
I’ll use any excuse to visit the Skagit Valley, whether it’s to check out the best restaurants or, come June, visit the Anacortes Festival. Set against the Puget Sound, this maritime festival features live music, local cuisine, and boat tours. Make a weekend of it so you can explore all the fun things to do in Skagit Country, including right in Anacortes.
Attend a flower and garden festival
website | Tacoma (get directions) | date: June 1-2 | price: varies (free & paid events) | best for: garden tours & family activities
If you’re a budding gardener (sorry, I had to!), you’ll love the Flower and Garden Festival. Hosted at Point Defiance Park between the Japanese Pagoda and Rose Garden, there are lectures from horticulturalists, guided garden tours, paint and sips, wine tasting, and kids’ craft activities. Since you’ll be in Tacoma, it’s the perfect time to explore the best things to do in Tacoma and eat at my favorite Tacoma restaurants.
Experience something new at a cultural festival
Every year the city hosts a collection of cultural festivals from around the world. Each is free to the public and offers a range of activities that highlight each country’s heritage. In June, there’s the Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival (June 1-2), the Indigenous People Festival (June 8), and the Seattle Iranian Festival (June 22).
Attend an orchestra concert by candlelight
If your favorite performers aren’t coming to Seattle, you can catch a cover band by candlelight. Whether you’re in the mood for Pink Floyd (June 4), Dua Lipa (June 5), or Taylor Swift (June 25), it’s the makings of a perfect date night.
See a band
Washington is the birthplace of grunge, and Seattle has some excellent music venues to show for it. Not to mention many outdoor concert series and festivals usually kick off in June, like the Ballard Locks concert series and Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge.
If you want to see a specific band instead of partake in the music festival scene, here are a few concerts that caught my eye:
- Taking Back Sunday (June 5)
- Third Eye Blind with Yellowcard (June 13)
- Vampire Weekend (June 20)
- Cage the Elephant (June 22)
If your favorite band is coming in June, you can see a cover band performing Frank Sinatra (June 12) or Billy Joel and Elton John (June 26) at a concert under the stars.
Catch a game
No summer in Seattle is complete without joining the masses and heading to the stadiums to catch a Mariners baseball game, Sounder, or OL Reign soccer match. Or better yet, support charity and watch the Champions of Change All-Stars basketball game on June 28th.
Check out an Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy
website | Capitol Hill (get directions) | date: June 20-22 | price: ~$55pp | best for: cocktail-loving poets
Immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe at this pop-up speakeasy. You’ll get four craft cocktails inspired by Poe’s most beloved stories. Poe historians will also be present to regale you with stories during this unforgettable experience.
Go swimming
Public pools usually start opening around June, and with eight indoor and two outdoor pools, there’s one for whatever amenities you’re looking for. For a complete list, you can find that here.
Take a day trip on the ferry
One of the most fun things to do in Seattle is hop on a ferry for a romantic and fun-filled day trip. Some of the closest islands are Vashon, Bainbridge, and Whidbey. If you go to Whidbey, you can even take a second ferry to Port Townsend to experience one of the best Washington coast attractions.
Visit a museum on one of their free days
Most museums offer free admission days during their off-season, giving you and your family a perfect chance to check out a new museum without breaking the bank. These museums offer free admission on the first Thursday of every month (June 6):
- Seattle Art Museum
- Seattle Asian Art Museum
- National Nordic Museum – Must be reserved in advance
- Museum of History and Industry – 5-8 PM
- Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Henry Art Gallery – Also has free admission every Sunday
- Museum of Flight – 5-9 PM, plus all day for dads on Father’s Day (June 16)
- Volunteer Park Conservatory – Also on the first Saturday
- Washington Park Arboretum free walking tour – 11:30 AM-1 PM
- Seattle Japanese Garden
These museums offer free admission every day:
- Frye Art Museum
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Center for Wooden Boats
- The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
- Klondike Gold Rush Museum
- Center on Contemporary Art
Enjoy a beer tasting at a festival
Seattle’s craft beer scene really takes off in the warmer months, and a lot of events take place to showcase the local breweries. For example the Pacific Science Center host a beer tasting June 7 with some of Washington’s top brewers.
On June 1, Bothell Block Party & Brewfest will have 25+ local breweries, plus wineries, cideries, food trucks, and live music.
The Washington Beer Fest is June 22-23 at the Seattle Center. It’s the largest beer festival in the state, featuring dozens of breweries from across the state.
Can’t make it to one of these events? Check out my guide to doing your own self-guided tour of Ballard’s best breweries.
Prefer wine? Check out my guide to the best Seattle urban wineries or how to spend a day in Woodinville.
Get your geek on at the NW Pinball and Arcade Show
website | Tacoma (get directions) | date: June 7-9 | price: ~$40-60pp, kids under 12 free | best for: pinball & arcade aficionados
With 400+ pinball and arcade machines on free play, guest speakers, adults’ and kids’ tournaments, and a dedicated kid’s zone, this is the perfect family-friendly activity for gamers and families.
Visit a park on National Get Outdoors Day
June 8th is National Get Outdoors Day, so celebrate with one of Seattle’s best activities and explore a new park. My favorites are Discovery Park, Gas Works, Magnuson, and Seward. Check out the best hiking spots in Seattle for even more ideas.
Explore the largest cat painting in the world
website | Bellevue (get directions) | date: June 15-July 21 | price: free | best for: art lovers
Artist Anita Wong holds the record for painting the largest cat painting in the world, and she’ll be exhibiting her work at the Yuan Ru Art Center starting in June. The piece is the focal point of the Cat Art Show, the first fine art cat show in Washington. The Emerald Ballet will even perform in front of it for the show’s opening reception.
Cast a line on Free Fishing Day
On June 8-9, fishing licenses and Discover Passes aren’t required to fish, so if you’re looking to catch rainbow trout, lingcod, or rockfish, now’s your chance!
Go crabbing
You can technically crab fish year-round in Washington, but most spots close through the winter and start opening up in mid-June. Here’s a breakdown of when and where crabbing is permitted.
Go strawberry picking
The second berry season starts, you better believe I’m beelining to my nearest u-pick farm. Here’s a list of u-pick farms by county, but some of my favorite u-pick farms near Seattle are Blueberry Glenn and Harvold Berry Farm.
The Marysville Strawberry Festival is June 18-23 and features a carnival, grand parade, adult trike races, a beer and wine garden, and a host of kid-friendly fun.
Check out an edible garden tour
website | Ballard (get directions) | date: June 22 | price: ~$15pp | best for: getting inspo for your own garden
Each year, Sustainable Ballard hosts an edible garden tour where Ballard locals can highlight their edible gardens and teach strategies for growing a sustainable home garden. I usually go every year as a fun way to get some exercise and ideas for my own backyard.
You can also visit the Beacon Hill Food Forest, which hosts free monthly tours and classes on planting a food garden.
Attend Party in the Park
website | Belltown (get directions) | date: June 27 | price: ~$500pp | best for: dinner party fundraiser
The Seattle Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser takes place at Olympic Sculpture Park in June. Tickets cost a pretty penny, but you’re rewarded with gorgeous scenery, incredible food, and interactive art displays that promise a fun-filled evening.
More things to do in Seattle
After you make it through this list of fun things to do in Seattle in June, check out my guides for other ideas of how to spend summer in our beautiful city.
