4 Seattle Area Fall Festivals You Just Can't Miss

Fall is the perfect time of year to explore Seattle and the surrounding area. Not only are the tourists gone, but festival season goes into full blast. Whether you love music, food, or art, you’re bound to find something to piqué your interest. This year, don’t miss out on some of the Seattle area’s stellar fall festivals.

1. The Day of the Dead Festival

In the past few decades, an influx of Latino immigrants has increased interest in the famed Day of the Dead celebration, which is one of the most popular events in Mexico and other Latin American countries. This year, the Day of the Dead festival, also known as Dia de Los Muertos, takes place on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Burien Community Center in Burien, Wash. Here, you can celebrate the cultural event with dance, food, stories, arts & crafts, and traditional music. If you love more bizarre festivals, this is one you can’t afford to miss.

2. Carnevolar

The spooky Halloween season always brings out some of the more macabre festivities, and in Seattle, it’s no different. At Carnevolar, you can see the Emerald City Trapeze Company put on a hair-raising show of acrobatics and showmanship. After you’re done watching the death-defying acts, you have the chance to shake your tail feathers at the costume dance party. Last year’s event sold out, so make sure to get your tickets early for this unique event that takes place the last weekend in October.

3. PNA Winter Beer Taste

If you love the taste of a beer on a cool fall evening, head over to the PC Blue Building in Phinney Ridge to sample some of the finest craft beers in the area. 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the event, and over 20 craft beer vendors have signed up to give you a taste of their signature or trademark beers. To beat the crowds, buy tickets for the preview tasting, which starts 45 minutes before the doors open to regular ticket buyers. Organizers donate half the proceeds to local charities. This year’s event takes place on Nov. 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and in addition to the brews, they also offer pub snacks, a silent auction, and outlandish beer paraphernalia.

4. The Ugly Sweater Run

While you could run an ordinary 5k race, it’s not nearly as fun and merry as the Ugly Sweater Run, which takes place in Marymoor Park in Redmond on Dec. 3. This event draws not only locals but also runners from around the country. You’ll get a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, burn some calories, and then absorb them once again with a hot chocolate and Kahlua cocktail. At the end of the run, there are awards for best/ugliest sweater, best kids’ sweater, best pet attire, and best real/fake beard.

No matter what you decide to do this fall, make sure to throw at least one of these exciting events on your calendar. You’ll have a great time and an experience you won’t soon forget.

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