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October preview: Fall festivals, Halloween events, concerts, and community events across the region

Publish Date

October brings crisp fall days, colorful community celebrations, Halloween festivities, live music, arts and culture, and plenty of reasons to explore the Puget Sound region. From food and drink festivals to concerts, film festivals, family-friendly events, and spooky seasonal attractions, there’s something happening throughout the region.  

Whether you're heading to a neighborhood celebration, enjoying a fall tradition, or getting into the Halloween spirit, Link, Sounder, and ST Express can get you there. 

Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: 

  • Northwest Chocolate Festival – Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue 
    Indulge in handcrafted chocolates, sweet treats, and delicious creations from chocolatiers and confectioners from across the region. 

  • U District Chow Down & Street Party – U District, Seattle 
    Explore local food, music, entertainment, and community fun during this annual U District community celebration.  

  • Halloween Pet Parade – Volunteer Park, Seattle 
    Dress up your four-legged friends and enjoy a festive Halloween parade filled with creative costumes and community fun. 

  • Seattle Greek Festival – Mountlake, Seattle 
    Experience Greek culture and hospitality with traditional food, music, dancing, and family-friendly activities. 

  • Great Pumpkin Beer Festival – Capitol Hill, Seattle 
    Celebrate fall with seasonal brews, pumpkin-inspired flavors, food, and festive entertainment. 

  • Jim Gaffigan – The Paramount Theatre, Seattle 
    Laugh along with one of comedy's most recognizable performers during an evening of stand-up. 

  • The Neighbourhood – WAMU Theater, Seattle 
    Enjoy an evening of alternative and indie-rock favorites from the band behind hits like “Sweater Weather.” 

  • Sip Puyallup – Downtown Puyallup  
    Sample local beverages while exploring food, entertainment, and community activities in downtown Puyallup. 

  • Tacoma Fall RV Show – Tacoma Dome, Tacoma 
    Explore recreational vehicles, camping gear, and everything you need for your next road trip or outdoor adventure. 

Oct. 5 – 11: 

  • Northwest Orchid Show – Volunteer Park, Seattle 
    Admire orchids and discover the artistry, variety, and craftsmanship of Northwest orchid growers. 

  • October Fest Northwest – Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup  
    Celebrate the season with German-inspired food, drinks, live entertainment, and festive fall activities. 

  • Tacoma Greek Festival – Tacoma  
    Enjoy Greek food, music, dancing, culture, and community traditions during this annual Tacoma celebration. 

Oct. 12 – 18: 

  • Water Lantern Festival – Seward Park, Seattle 
    Experience a memorable evening as glowing lanterns light up the water during this vibrant festival.  

  • Malcolm Todd – The Paramount Theatre, Seattle 
    Catch a live performance from the rising singer-songwriter known for his genre-blending sound and energetic performances. 

  • Shaboozy – The Paramount Theatre, Seattle 
    Enjoy an evening of country-inspired music and lively entertainment from the popular performer. 

  • Benaroya Hall Open House – Benaroya Hall, Seattle 
    Explore one of Seattle's premier performing arts venues with music, activities, and opportunities to experience Benaroya Hall. 

  • Finn Wolfhard – The Showbox, Seattle 
    See the actor and musician perform live during an evening of music at The Showbox. 

  • Jazz Jam – The Road House, SeaTac  
    Enjoy live jazz and an evening of music during this community jam session in SeaTac. 

  • Tacoma Holiday Festival – Tacoma Dome, Tacoma 
    Get a head start on the holiday season with festive activities, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. 

Oct. 19 – 25: 

  • EnduroCross Dirt Biking Racing – Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett  
    Watch professional riders tackle challenging obstacles, jumps, and technical courses during this action-packed racing event. 

  • Geese – The Paramount Theatre 
    Enjoy an evening of indie-rock from the Brooklyn-based band during a live performance in downtown Seattle. 

  • An Evening with Bill Nye – The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle  
    Join science educator and television personality Bill Nye for an entertaining evening exploring science, discovery, and curiosity. 

  • Dracula – The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle 
    A thrilling Halloween classic filled with ballet and contemporary dance styles  

  • GeekGirlCon – Seattle Convention Center, Seattle 
    Celebrate women and underrepresented communities in science, technology, gaming, comics, arts, and pop culture. 

  • Disney on Ice – ShoWare Center, Kent 
    Bring the family for an exciting evening of skating, beloved Disney characters, music, and magical performances. 

  • Horror Con – Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup  
    Celebrate all things horror with guests, vendors, entertainment, costumes, and spooky attractions. 

  • Boo Five Three Beer Festival – Tacoma Armory, Tacoma  
    Celebrate Halloween with seasonal brews, costumes, food, and festive entertainment. 

  • Tacoma Film Festival – The Grand Cinema, Tacoma 
    Discover independent films, emerging filmmakers, and compelling stories from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: 

  • Disney on Ice – Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett  
    Enjoy an evening of family entertainment featuring beloved Disney characters, music, skating, and spectacular performances. 

  • Dia De Los Muertos Celebrations 
    Honor Día de los Muertos with cultural traditions, art, music, community gatherings, and celebrations across the region. 

  • Dermot Kennedy – The Paramount Theatre  
    Experience an evening of soulful pop and powerful vocals from the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter. 

  • Boo Seattle – WAMU Theater, Seattle 
    Dance into Halloween weekend with music, costumes, and a high-energy night of entertainment. 

  • Halloween Spooktacular – Benaroya Hall, Seattle 
    Celebrate Halloween with festive music, costumes, and family-friendly fun at Benaroya Hall. 

  • Washington State Toy Show – Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup  
    Browse vintage and modern toys, collectibles, memorabilia, and unique finds from vendors and collectors. 

Multi-week events: 

  • Nile Nightmares – Mountlake Terrace, Seattle  
    Get your adrenaline pumping with haunted attractions, spooky surprises, and Halloween thrills. 

  • This is Halloween – The Triple Door, Seattle
    A burlesque musical, This Is Halloween is an original adaptation parody of the misadventures of Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king and most-acclaimed citizen of Halloween Town. 

  • Seattle Latino Film Festival – Multiple locations 
    Discover films and filmmakers from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and communities around the world. 

  • South Asian Film Festival – Seattle (multiple locations)
    Explore South Asian cinema and storytelling through a lineup of films and cultural programming. 

  • Georgetown Morgue – Georgetown, Seattle
    Get into the Halloween spirit with a staple Seattle haunted house.  

  • Fright Fest – Wild Waves, Federal Way  
    Experience Halloween thrills, haunted attractions, entertainment, and seasonal fun at the amusement park for the last time.

  • Frighthouse Station – Tacoma
    Tacoma's Ultimate Haunted House invites you to their not-your-typical-haunted-house horror experience! 

Other upcoming events: 

Ready to ride? 

From fall festivals and cultural celebrations to Halloween events, concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings, October offers plenty of ways to explore the Puget Sound region. Leave the traffic behind and let Sound Transit help you get to your next fall adventure. 

Have an event to share? Email us at lifestyle@soundtransit.org.