This weekend marks the official beginning of Fall. Visit the Project Nature Activities page to discover events happening this weekend in and around the Greater Seattle area. Keep reading below to learn more about events happening outside this weekend. Go outside today and everyday! Happy Fall!
Sunday, September 23rd, 2018 at 1010 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109
Take the fam to The Center for Wooden Boats to sail around Lake Union in classic wooden boat! Before or after your sail take a walk on the docks and discover the unique boats, watch the volunteer crews rigging the boats, get your questions answered, and if you’re lucky–help with the rigging!
Boats sail rain or shine, but wind conditions may keep the boats at the dock. Reservations are taken day-of-sail only at the CWB front desk. This is a popular activity, so please arrive early to reserve a spot.
Note: The Center for Wooden Boats opens at 10 a.m. Rides take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Salmon SEEson in Issaquah
Saturday, September 15 – Sunday, November 11 at 125 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027
Fall is here, and the salmon are returning to streams and rivers around Puget Sound. Watch for these natural beauties at viewing sites listed here – and cheer them on if you see them!
Daily viewing will take place from the bridge or through viewing windows. Trained docents from Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) will lead drop-in guided tours on weekends from Sep. 15-Nov. 11, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Other tours are available by appointment by calling 425-392-8025, or schedule online. For more information, contact volunteer@issaquahfish.org, education@issaquahfish.org or execdir@issaquahfish.org.
The Washington State Sea Turtle Race
Saturday, September 22 at 5808 Lakemont Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
Did you know that leatherback sea turtles forage for jellyfish just off the cost of Washington state? Join a Bellevue park ranger at the Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center to learn about their biology and play a fun sea turtle migration game outside. This is an indoor/outdoor program.
Luminata
Saturday, September 22 at 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
Celebrate the autumnal equinox at Green Lake with the Fremont Art Council’s Luminata event. The celebration of light begins with a ceremony at the Aqua Theater where families are invited to bring lanterns, glowing umbrellas and luminous costumes to join in. Take in the whole part to find art installations, live music, performances and a secret banquet.
The Fremont Solstice Parade floats are stowed away, and the summer days have begun to shorten. It’s time for Luminata! The Fremont Arts Council celebrates the autumnal equinox on September 22nd at Green Lake Park to bid farewell to summer and move gently into autumn with our annual illuminated celebration.
Full participation is open to the public! Many traditions around the world recognize the last days of the productive summer are about to shift into the dark and introspective time of winter. Lanterns are a beautiful symbol of our spirit as a community that will sustain us through the cold months.
We begin our celebration with a ceremony at the Aqua Theater at the south shores of Green Lake. Everyone is invited to bring lanterns, glowing umbrellas, luminous costumes, or other beaming creations to parade around the lake. Hand-decorated lanterns created at workshops by your friends and neighbors will be available for sale at the Luminata Lantern Shoppe to complement your ensemble and keep you glowing through the long nights to come. Throughout the park you will encounter magical art installations, music, performances, and a secret banquet!
Free Entrance Day at National Parks
Saturday, September 22 at 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
The National Park Service is over 100 years old! Celebrate the start of our second century by visiting a park in 2018. During several days of the year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.
Mark your calendars and get out and explore with your kiddos. Find a park here. If you are in the Greater Seattle area, consider visiting Mt. Rainer National Park
2018 Dates:
January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
April 21: First day of National Park Week
September 22: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Washington State Park Free Days- National Public Lands Day!
Saturday, September 22 at 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah, WA 98027
Visit a Washington State Park for free! On the days below, visit any Washington state park by vehicle for the day without a Discover Pass. If you are in the Greater Seattle area, consider checking out:
This is the perfect excuse to stretch your legs, plan a picnic, head to the beach and enjoy Washington State’s beautiful parks.
Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
March 19 — State Park’s 105th birthday
April 14 — Spring day
April 22 — Earth Day
June 2 — National Trails Day
June 9 — National Get Outdoors Day
June 10 — Fishing Day
Aug. 25 — National Park Service 102nd Birthday
Sept. 22 — National Public Lands Day
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Nov. 23 — Autumn day
http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/
Sammamish Valley Harvest Celebration
Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23 at 13701 NE 171st St, Woodinville, WA 98072
Celebrate fall with a visit to the farms and businesses in the Sammamish Valley between Redmond and Woodinville. Local food, artists, demos, kid activities and farm exploration. All ages are welcome and the event is free. Each location has its own schedule of events during the Celebration weekend; days ad hours vary at each. Visit sammamishvalley.org for details. Participants include 21 Acres, Molbaks, Off the Branch Farm, Tonnemaker Family Farm, VIva Farms/SAgE, Sammamish Valley Grange, Woodinville Arts Alliance and the Crop Walk for Hunger. Dress for the outdoors with farm friendly footwear.
The Sammamish Valley Alliance (SVA) table will be located along the River Trail on Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Walk, skate, or bike the trail to join us; the farm gate will be open or use the farm road access at 16215 140th Pl. NE in Woodinville (Classic Nursery entrance.)
PARK(ing) Day
Friday, September 21 at 1932 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
PARK(ing) Day happens once a year in September and is an opportunity for Seattleites to rethink how streets can be used. Seattle has participated in this international event since 2007 and has given people the opportunity to temporarily turn on-street parking spots into public spaces. The program is intended to encourage creative placemaking, particularly in places where access to parks is limited, as well as raise awareness about the importance of walkable, livable, and healthy communities.
PARK(ing) Day is also a great opportunity to celebrate the parklets and streateries that have opened in Seattle. Parklets and streateries are an outgrowth of PARK(ing) Day and provide a way for businesses and community groups to convert on-street parking into open space on a longer-term basis.
View the website for this year’s parklets and streateries in Seattle, including Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, West Seattle, U-District, Lake City and Rainier Beach.
The Good Garter Snake
Friday, September 21 at 15416 SE 16th Street, Bellevue, WA 98007
Garter Snakes are the only native snake in Bellevue. Nearly harmless, they slither through the wetlands hunting insects, frogs, and other small creatures. Join us at the Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station as we learn about this awesome snake, who was recently named the master naturalist species of the year! Ages 3-8, FREE. Please preregister by calling us at 425-452-7225.