Seattle is a city that never slows down, and there are exciting events and attractions year-round for both locals and visitors. There’s always something happening here, from major sports events to festivals and grand openings. If you’re looking for the best experiences in Seattle this year, get ready to mark your calendars; here are some top events and must-visit attractions nearby to add to your itinerary.
Seattle Waterfront Opening
Seattle’s waterfront has undergone a massive transformation over the last ten years, including planning & design, seawall construction, the Alaskan Way Viaduct removal, and project construction. Now, 2025 marks the grand opening of the reimagined 20 acres of waterfront area. With new parks, public spaces, art installations, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, the revamped waterfront will be a prime spot for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Elliott Bay on the Overlook Walk, dine at waterfront restaurants, or take a scenic stroll along the Promenade. Check out the events calendar regularly for details on live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. The new waterfront is truly a gem of a spot to visit where the city meets the sound.
Seattle Aquarium
To truly appreciate the new Seattle Waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is a must-see highlight. The Ocean Pavilion opened in 2024 and is integrated into the city of Seattle’s Overlook Walk, connecting Pike Place Market and Waterfront Park. A visit to the Ocean Pavilion will immerse you in the vibrant Coral Triangle, known as the “Amazon of the Ocean.” Marvel at the sharks, rays, schooling fish, mangroves, and nearly 30 species of coral. Through digital storytelling, you’ll learn how we are all connected by Earth’s one ocean.
While Ocean Pavilion features tropical species and habitats, Piers 59 and 60 are homes to local species you’d find in the Puget Sound, such as sea otters, harbor seals, river otters, northern fur seals, rockfish, jellyfish, puffins, and so much more. You can even get a closer look at the incredible marine life you’d find on the shore in our Life of the Edge habitat!
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Seattle is one of the 12 host cities for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, bringing top international soccer clubs to compete for the championship. The matches will be at Lumen Field, including 3 games with the host team, the Seattle Sounders. This is a rare opportunity to witness the electric atmosphere of elite-level soccer without traveling overseas. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an exhilarating sports experience, this tournament is not to be missed.
T-Mobile Park
In the Stadium District, you’ll find T-Mobile Park—home of the Seattle Mariners and a paradise for baseball lovers! But the excitement doesn’t stop on game days. Dive into the action with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour year-round, where you can step into the Interview Room, stroll on the Rooftop Boardwalk, and relive legendary moments in the Mariners Hall of Fame during a 75-minute Ballpark Tour.
If you’re catching a game, take the 90-minute Pregame Tour for early stadium access and a thrilling view of batting practice from Centerfield. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an unforgettable experience while in Seattle, T-Mobile Park delivers non-stop excitement on and off the field!
Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade
A staple of Seattle’s summer festivities since 1950, the Torchlight Parade is a dazzling spectacle that flows through the streets of downtown in the summer. Part of Seafair, a festival that celebrates Seattle, the parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and plenty of surprises. Families and visitors line the streets to show their community spirit and enjoy the festive atmosphere. You’ll want to scope out a good spot along the parade route, but get there early to be close to all the action or, better yet, purchase tickets for reserved seating sections online.
National Nordic Museum
Located in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, the National Nordic Museum is the only institution in the world dedicated to the five Nordic countries and the native Sámi people—with strong ties to the Pacific Northwest. Explore rotating special exhibitions and engaging displays on Viking history, Nordic design, and cultural innovation. Snap a pic in front of the oldest working Finnish sauna in the U.S., under the glow of Project Aurora, or with Frankie Feetsplinters, one of Thomas Dambo’s six giant trolls in the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the year, the Museum hosts beloved events like Julefest—a festive holiday market inspired by traditional European Christmas celebrations—and a trio of acclaimed Nordic film festivals.
The Museum is open late every Thursday until 8 PM, making it the perfect spot for an evening visit. Enjoy a coffee at Freya Café, browse Scandinavian goods in the Museum Store, and immerse yourself in a uniquely Nordic experience for all ages.
Woodland Park Zoo
Of course, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo is home to an amazing array of animals, but it’s also a venue for special events throughout the year. Its ZooTunes summer concert series brings big-name and up-and-coming musicians to perform in a beautiful outdoor setting. There are also various tasting events throughout the year, like Tasting Flight and OktoBEARfest, where you can visit the entire zoo in a kid-free environment. During the holiday season, make family memories as Woodland Park Zoo transforms into WildLanterns, a glowing wonderland of illuminated animal and nature lanterns. Any visit to the zoo is a fun and unique outing that’s sure to be part of awesome memories of Seattle.
Bite of Seattle
Foodies, rejoice! The Bite of Seattle is one of the city’s largest food festivals, with a lot to experience this summer: 250+ local vendors, beer and wine gardens, cider tastings, local artisans, musical performances, and cooking demos. Held at the Seattle Center, The Bite offers everything you crave and more! It’s always a blast and a perfect summer weekend activity for visitors looking to explore Seattle’s dynamic food scene. Grab your friends and go hungry!
Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
Conveniently located in Seattle Center next to the Space Needle, MOPOP offers a unique, fun, and nostalgic experience that’s perfect for tourists and locals alike. It’s a place where you can dive into pop culture you love in an unforgettable way. This isn’t your typical museum; it’s an interactive adventure through music, film, fashion, and video games. Imagine exploring exhibits filled with iconic costumes, rare memorabilia, and immersive displays dedicated to legends like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix alongside thrilling horror and sci-fi icons. MOPOP truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious. Get hands-on with engaging exhibits, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and see legendary artifacts up close – think original guitars and famous film costumes! Plus, MOPOP celebrates Seattle’s own rich cultural history, placing you right in the heart of the city’s creative spirit.
Pacific Science Center (PacSci)
Pacific Science Center (PacSci) is a fantastic spot for families and anyone who loves to learn! Imagine walking into a warm, lush, tropical plant-filled room with colorful butterflies fluttering around you – that’s their Tropical Butterfly House! Or, feel like you’re traveling through space in their planetarium, watching stars and planets come to life.
PacSci has lots of cool exhibits about everything from how your brain works to the wonders of space. They also have live shows where you can watch fun science experiments happen right in front of you. Head to the giant IMAX screens for a mind-blowing viewing experience of incredible documentaries and feature films. Whether you’re a kid who loves to explore or an adult who’s curious about the world, PacSci is a place where you can have fun and learn something new every time you visit.
Climate Pledge Arena Tours
Unlock the secrets of Seattle’s iconic Climate Pledge Arena with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. This isn’t just a walk through a building; it’s a journey into the heart of a cutting-edge entertainment and sports venue. Hear legendary stories about famous concerts and games and take pictures in spots most people don’t get to see, like the locker rooms where your favorite athletes prepare and the dressing rooms where world-renowned performers get ready to take the stage.
Climate Pledge Arena has a fascinating story. It was built as a part of the 1962 World’s Fair and has since been transformed into a modern, sustainable venue. The name, ‘Climate Pledge,’ reflects a real commitment to environmental responsibility. This is shown in features like rainwater harvesting and efforts to reduce single-use plastics. You’ll see how the arena incorporates these sustainable practices. Plus, it’s right by the Space Needle and MoPOP, so you can visit a few spots in one trip to Seattle Center.
Washington State Fair Event Center
The Washington State Fair Event Center is a year-round hub of activity, hosting five signature events annually. 2025 is the 125th Anniversary of our namesake, the Washington State Fair! Join us August 29 – September 21 for the state’s biggest party, with carnival rides, can’t-miss concerts, the Puyallup Rodeo, agricultural exhibits, and delicious fair food. Don’t forget the 8-day Spring Fair (April 10 -20) that offers another opportunity for fair-time fun as we welcome Spring to the PNW.
That’s not all you’ll find at the Washington State Fair Event Center! Enjoy an epic weekend of food, drinks, and entertainment at our summer food festival, The Taste Northwest (June 28 – 30, free admission); head to Oktoberfest Northwest (October 3 – 5) for Washington’s largest Munich-style Oktoberfest celebration; and of course, Holiday Magic (December 5 – 23). It’s 13 days of festive cheer, a unique winter experience that’s also a great value. Enjoy lights, rides, ice skating, a holiday market, seasonal treats, a live animal manager, and so much more. The Washington State Fair Event Center also hosts over 125 events each year, including car shows, swap meets, and sports tournaments. There’s always something happening at the WSFEC!
The Wrap Up
Seattle offers a vibrant calendar of events and attractions with something for everyone. Whether you’re a sports fan, a food lover, a museum enthusiast, or eager to explore the city’s unique culture, you’ll find a lot to enjoy. Instead of a random itinerary, consider building your trip around a key event. Then, add in those must-see attractions that are conveniently found nearby. This way, you’ll get to see and do more and have a great time in the city.
