Fall 2025 in Seattle

September 2, 2025: Visit Seattle is proud to unveil its newest campaign, Mother Nature’s City, rooted in the celebration of Seattle’s unparalleled access to the great outdoors - from shorelines and waterways to lush forests and expansive urban parks.  

Fall - the days are shorter and the air is a little crisper. The Emerald City shifts to hues of red, yellow and orange as the evergreens are punctuated by the changing hues of the deciduous trees scattered amongst them.

Seattle Centre | Photo Rachel Jones

There’s something about the quality of the light this time of year that makes golden hour even more vibrant as it reflects off the shining cityscape. This may just be the most beautiful time of year to visit Seattle.  Looking for more reasons to visit in the fall?  Click here to see the top five.

Whether it’s a family looking for family-friendly activities or a seasoned traveller on the hunt for the latest Instagram-worthy vista, the Emerald City has everyone covered. Meet artisan makers, shop indie boutiques and designer fashions, admire priceless works of art or belt out a favourite tune at a karaoke club. Explore like a local and find hidden gems, neighbourhood restaurants and can’t-miss events in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and enjoy nature ... all without ever having to leave the city. 

Seattle’s Restaurant Week returns for two weeks, running from October 26th through November 8th. Diners are invited to explore the diverse and innovative local food scene with curated menus at price points ranging from $20, $35, $50 and $65 in restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks, and pop-ups across greater Seattle.

Organized by Chihuly Garden and Glass and Visit Seattle, Refract is an annual glass art celebration bringing together hundreds of arts organizations and artists to host events throughout the region. Enjoy live demos, art parties, tours, open studios (free admission!), gallery shows, museum exhibitions and more.

Interest and experimentation with glass art have flourished, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. A recent study led by the Glass Art Society found the Pacific Northwest is the leading regional hub for glass art in the United States, with more than 700 glass artists, from emerging artists to master glassmakers, live in Washington, of which more than 100 glass art studios made their home in our region.

Enjoy exclusive hotel-package offers and visit extraordinary artists from October 16-19 as they open their studios to you.

Sport tourism is on the rise and Seattle is certainly a city that loves its sports. Chant, cheer and become a part of the action by experiencing any of the city’s five legendary men’s pro sports teams, two championship women’s pro sports teams, and the coolest college football team around do what they do best. Did you know that many of Seattle’s sports venues are walkable from downtown, making it easier than ever to add these unforgettable events to any itinerary.  Looking for assistance on group tickets? Elite Sport Tours offers great packages for groups including accommodation and tickets to the game.   

One of the most anticipated events in sports, the FIFA Men’s World Cup™ will be hosted across North America with games in the US, Mexico, and Canada and Seattle is super excited to host six matches, the first being on June 15, 2026.  Click here to register your interest in tickets today!

Art galleries abound in Seattle with several fine art galleries found throughout the city.  The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) will be presenting “Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism” from October 23, 2025 through January 18, 2026, showcasing over 50 works by noted Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Eva Gonzalès, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, whose works explore the intersections of art, gastronomy, and national identity in late 19th-century France. 

“The MiG-21 Project” at The Museum of Flight runs through to January 26, 2026, showcasing a multidisciplinary exhibit by South African artists Ralph Ziman. The project transforms a decommissioned Cold War-era, Soviet-designed MiG-21 fighter jet into a work of art covered in tens of millions of glass beads. The reclaimed jet turns a weapon of war into a symbol of resilience and collaboration.

Don’t be left sleepless in Seattle!  When planning a family vacation (4-legged family members, too!), a weekend away with friends or a romantic getaway, Seattle’s diverse lodging options range from historic and elegant accommodations in the heart of the city to on-trend hotels with urban art and sleek designs. Many feature fantastic on-site restaurants and bars, while others are steps from famous sights like the calm waters of Elliott Bay and the iconic Space Needle.

1 Hotel Seattle celebrated its grand opening earlier this year. Located in South Lake Union, the 153-room property is the city’s first nature-inspired, sustainable luxury hotel - perfect for a fall getaway!  Drawing inspiration from the region’s majestic landscapes, each space reflects the imperfections of nature, with reclaimed wood finishes, stone-clad millwork, moss-inspired art installations, and live-edge furniture showcasing the craftsmanship of Seattle’s artisans. 

Voted the “best hot air balloon ride in the northwest”, Seattle Ballooning is a great way to enjoy the peaceful scenery, fresh, crisp air and soothing wind from high above the treetops with breathtaking views of downtown Seattle, Tacoma, Lake Tapps, Auburn, the Olympics and the beautiful Cascade Mountains.  Fly directly over Mt. Rainier (exclusive!)

Seattle offers a full range of holiday merriment.  Explore all the festive happenings in the holiday-packed calendar featuring incredible light displays & timeless magic including local favourites such as the Seattle Great Wheel, Pick Place Market and Seattle Center – all decked out in the spirit of the season - Seattle truly has it all!

Are you a Seattle Destination Expert?  Created and managed by Visit Seattle, the new Seattle Specialist online training course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to sell the best Emerald City Experience as the expert you are in under 2 hours!

Start planning today! Official Visitors' Guide - Visit Seattle

Lake Union | Photo Alabastro Photography