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Washington State offers something for every season, but March and April, as well as the fall, are some of the best. In March, the state is adorned with cherry blossoms, while April brings the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the opportunity to ride the Rocky Mountaineer Train. If you still decide to visit Washington in the summer, be sure to catch the 4th of July events, Seattle Pride and the Washington State Fair. In the fall, the state's foliage transforms into a vivid display of colors, which can be enjoyed at Tipsoo Lake, Lake Wenatchee, or Mount Pilchuck.

102 things to do in Washington

Fire Rainbows

late March–September Nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

Pacific Crest Trail

May–September Activity

From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors

Rocky Mountaineer Train

April–October Activity

This is more than just a train!

4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks Shows

July 4 Event

The Emerald City celebrates America's independence with festivals, fireworks, and picnics

Boeing Factory

all year round Activity

Visit the largest building in the world by volume—the Everett Boeing Factory

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

April 1–30, 2024 Event

Nestled in the mountains, the amazing, colorful​ valley attracts visitors from all over the Northwest

Boating and Cruising

April—October (all year round ) Activity

Seattle is called the boating capital of the US for a reason

Seattle Pride

June 29-30, 2024 Event

Celebrate LGBT Pride at one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in America

Whale Watching around Seattle

mid-May to mid-October Activity

The San Juan Islands is the best spot to observe orca whales in the American Northwest

Birdwatching

March–May | September–October Activity

The Seattle area offers plenty of birdwatching spots and trails for both migrating and resident species

Deception Pass Bridge and Park

June–September (all year round) Activity

Discover the iconic Deception Pass by boat, foot or bike

Beach Season

May–September Activity

With beautiful lakes and proximity to the ocean, summer in Seattle means lots of sunbathing and swimming

Seaplane Flight

all year round Activity

Bird's-eye views of Seattle and the fantastic nature of the Northwest

Capitol Hill Block Party

July 19–21, 2024 Event

The annual three-day music festival and block party

Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls

May–September Activity

A fantastic hidden lake in between two peaks with an impressive waterfall

Wildflowers Bloom

March–August Nature

With the arrival of spring, valleys and mountain slopes get covered by wildflowers

Christmas Lights in Seattle

mid-November–late January Event

Get into the holiday spirit with beautiful light displays

Whitewater Rafting

April–August Activity

Pump your adrenaline levels on some of the fastest Washington rivers

Seattle Macy's Holiday Parade

November 29, 2019 Event

Come and see giant floats and marching bands during the Seattle Macy’s Holiday Parade

Olympia Arts Walk

October 4–5, 2024 Event

This vivid street art festival gathers thousands of people in downtown Olympia

Kayaking

April–October Activity

Enjoy exploring the city and nature of the Pacific Northwest from the water

Washington State Fair

August 30–September 22, 2024 Event

Check out the largest and most popular event in the Pacific Northwest

Evergreen State Fair

August 22–27, 2024 | August 29–September 2, 2024 Event

Visit the most prominent county fair in the Pacific Northwest

Central Washington State Fair

September 20–29, 2024 Event

One of the major entertainment events of the Northwest

The Seattle Marathon

December 1, 2024 Event

The major long-distance race of the Pacific Northwest

TreeHouse Point

September–June (all year round) Activity

Wake up your inner child and have fun on the trees in a lush green forest

Christmas Ship Festival

December 23, 2024 Event

Whether you are on board or watching from the shore, this parade is a lovely Northwest holiday tradition

Snowflake Lane in Bellevue

November 29–December 24, 2024 Event

Magical snow and dazzling lights in the heart of Bellevue make this the most popular event in the Northwest

Leavenworth Village of Lights (Christmastown)

November 29–December 24, 2024 Event

A favorite Bavarian village of the Pacific Northwest welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy the Leavenworth tree lighting festival

Little Si

March–November Activity

A picturesque and short hike for the whole family

Gothic Basin

July–October Activity

A scenic area with several lakes to explore

Colchuck Lake

June–October Nature

A gem in the Alpine region of the state of Washington

Hidden Lake Lookout

July–October Activity

One of the best hikes in the Northwest

Tipsoo Lake

June–October Activity

The most scenic spot for a stunning view of Mt. Rainier

Mount Pilchuck

June–October Activity

A great hike with panoramic views of the Cascade range and the Puget Sound

Diablo Lake

May–September Nature

Turquoise lake in North Cascades surrounded by peaks and lush forests

St. Patrick's Day

March 16–17, 2024 Event

The largest Irish celebration in the Northwest

Big Four Ice Caves

all year round Nature

A wonderful natural site, but also very dangerous

Cherry Blossom

late March–early April Nature

From the University of Washington campus to city parks the pink bloom is everywhere

Memorial Day Weekend

May 9–27, 2024 Event

A busy weekend full of ceremonial and musical events

Washington State International Kite Festival

August 19-25, 2024 Event

One of the largest kite festivals in the United States

Spokane Pig Out in the Park

August 28-September 2, 2024 Event

The favorite end-of-summer festival in Spokane

North Cascades Highway

early May–late November Activity

Take the most northern route through the Cascade Mountain Range

Shi Shi Beach

April–October Activity

A beautiful spot with tidal pools and bizarre rock formations

Jade Lake

June–September Activity

Beautiful Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of Washington's most beautiful hiking destinations

Sequim Lavender Festival

July 19–21, 2024 Event

The largest lavender festival in the United States

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

July 19–August 18, 2024 (weekends) Event

One of the largest theatrical events in Washington

Park Butte Lookout

July–October Activity

A fairy-tale cabin on top of a hill provides stunning views

Three Fingers Lookout

July–October Activity

A historic fire observation lookout built on one of the most prominent peaks in Washington

Royal Basin

late June–mid-October Activity

A heavenly spot in the Olympics surrounded by the Rocky Mountains

The Enchantments

late July–early October Activity

One of the most beautiful spots in the Cascade Range

Lake Valhalla

June–October Nature

A scenic lake tucked between Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland

Anderson & Watson Lakes Hike

July–October Activity

An easy hike to two fantastic sub-alpine lakes

Gray Whales near Everett

March–May Nature

Go on a wildlife-packed cruise just 30 minutes from Seattle

Blanca Lake

July–October Nature

A beautiful turquoise lake near Seattle

Seattle to Portland (STP)

July 13–14, 2024 Event

The largest multi-day bike ride of the Pacific Northwest

Kiteboarding & Windsurfing

all year round Activity

Lots of great spots on lakes or open water

Halloween in Seattle: Fests & Haunted Events

late September–early November Event

The best fall-themed activities and festivals of Pacific Northwest

Lake Chelan Winterfest

January 17-26, 2025 Event

A favorite event for the Chelan community

Pacific Rhododendron

early May–late June Nature

The state flower of Washington colors the slopes pink every spring

Lupine Bloom

April–May Nature

The main attraction of vast subalpine meadows and mountain slopes

Winthrop Balloon Roundup

February 28-March 2, 2025 Event

Washington's premier hot air balloon roundup

Labor Day Weekend in Seattle

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

Take advantage of an extra day-off to discover the Emerald City and to take part in its festive attractions

Seattle Fall Colors

October Nature

Stunning landscapes make Seattle irresistible during fall

Washington Fall Colors

October Nature

Despite being called the Evergreen State, Washington has plenty of beautiful fall foliage

Skiing and Snowboarding

late November–mid-April (best in February) Activity

The snowiest state is heaven for winter sports fans

White Pass Winter Carnival

March 2-3, 2024 Event

One of the most popular winter events in the Cascades

Fairhaven Winterfest

November 30–December 21, 2024 Event

Possibly the best time to be in a historic village south of Bellingham

Winter Karneval in Leavenworth

January 1–31, 2024 (weekends) Event

A cozy Alpine village celebrates all things winter

Whale Watching near Olympic National Park

April–May | October–November Activity

Few experiences compare to catching a glimpse of some of the largest mammals on earth

Winter Activities at Hurricane Ridge

December–March Activity

At over 5,000 ft (1,524 m) in elevation, Hurricane Ridge is the premiere spot for winter fun in the Olympic Peninsula

Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula

October Nature

Discover hidden life in the Olympic Rainforest

Salmon Crossing the Road

late October–early December Nature

Have you ever seen fish block traffic? Such phenomenon is not unusual in Washington

Whale Watching

mid-February–November Nature

The waters surrounding the Evergreen State are teeming with a variety of whale species

Ozette Triangle Loop Trail

April–October Activity

Set out on an adventure in one of the Pacific Northwest's wildest places

Stand Up Paddleboarding

May–September Activity

Take a stand for summer adventure with this unique watersport

Kayaking and Canoeing

May–October Activity

The lakes of the Olympic Peninsula are sure to make a splash on your next float trip

Snow Goose Migration

October–early March | best November Nature

More than 50,000 birds stop over at Skagit Valley in western Washington every fall

Hike to Big Trees

April–August Nature

Immerse yourself in the primordial forests of the Olympic Peninsula

Olympic Peninsula Off-Season Day Hikes

November–February Activity

Come find your winter dose of green with these three stunning day hikes

Hot Springs

November–February Activity

Come relax at one of the hot springs on the peninsula

Wallace Falls

all year round | best: April–October Nature

A spectacular waterfall located on the west side of the Cascade Mountains

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

May 9–12, 2024 Event

Visit the third oldest hot air balloon event in the United States

Prosser Balloon Rally

September 27-29, 2024 Event

View a magical spectacle at sunrise when dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky

Moses Lake Airshow

June 15-16, 2024 Event

A fun aviation event for the whole family

Hummingbirds

March–August Nature

Every summer, the smallest birds in America nest in the mountains and in the coastal valleys of Washington

Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle

March 6-9, 2025 Event

Four days of fun for creators, exhibitors and fans

Stargazing

all year round (best May–September) Nature

From towering Cascades to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington offers plenty of starry sky views

Great Pumpkin Beer Festival

October 4-5, 2024 Event

A vibrant pumpkin-themed fall festival in Seattle

Vancouver Craft Beer & Wine Fest

August 9-11, 2024 Event

Not your typical beer festival

Tumwater Brewfest

August 17, 2024 Event

Sample over 100 different beverages at Tumwater Brewfest

Oak Harbor 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

July 3–7, 2024 Event

A vibrant celebration on Whidbey Island

Kitsap County Fair & Stampede

August 21-25, 2024 Event

An annual event full of family fun and traditional entertainment

Lake Wenatchee Fall Colors

late September–mid-October Nature

Absorb magnetic autumnal vibes on scenic hikes and drives in the heart of the state park

Liberty Lake Christmas Lights

November 23, 2024-January 1, 2025 Event

Grab your camera to spot millions of dazzling Christmas Lights at this holiday celebration

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airshow

July 15-16, 2023 (will not be held in 2024) Event

Get a rare glimpse into the world of military aviation

Tri-City Water Follies Columbia Cup & STCU Over the River Air Show

July 26-28, 2024 Event

Aerial demonstrations and fun activities on the shores of the Columbia River

Boeing Seafair Air Show

August 2-4, 2024 Event

Best aerobatics by military and civilian performers

Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze

June 28-30, 2024 Event

One of the largest pirate festivals in the Pacific Northwest

Arlington Skyfest

August 16-18, 2024 Event

Hot air balloons, aerial displays, and World War II-era aircraft to explore

Kitsap Medieval Faire

June 15, 2024 Event

Step back in time and embrace the spirit at this resplendent Rennaissance festival in Bremerton, WA

Spokane Renaissance Faire

October 5–6, 2024 Event

A place where the line between real and magic blurs

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