What to Do in Washington in September

It’s easy to pig out in Spokane’s Riverfront Park thanks to dozens upon dozens of food booths and four beer gardens. Need a break from the eating? Free concerts run all weekend, and local vendors span the river banks. 

The tiny community is more than a launching pad for National Park adventures; since the 1970s, tiny Packwood has played host to one of the region’s largest flea markets, occupying over a mile-long stretch of real estate just south of Mount Rainier. Treasure abounds, from vintage clothing to household staples. 

Everett’s community-forward art house celebrates fall all month long. Annual highlights—a glass pumpkin patch of over 1,000 blown gourds and a silent auction—return, as do hands-on workshops where visitors make their own blown-glass pumpkin to bring Shacktoberfest home. 

Down on the Columbia River, the petite town of Bingen has been celebrating the huckleberry since 1962. The family-friendly weekend features a cornhole tournament and reptile show, plus local bands headlined by Nashville-inspired Messy Boyz. Huckleberry pies and ice cream predictably take culinary center stage.

The theme is glow in the dark at Burien’s annual arts fest devoted to light installations. The evening event stretches indoors and out, including a night market and several open-late museums, all centered around Town Square Park. Seasoned fans will know to bring their own lantern or other light-up doodad to join the fun. 

Held on the Long Beach Peninsula—garlic goes well with shellfish, remember—the festival gathers artisans, food vendors, and allium fanatics. Garlic-themed costumes abound, as do whipped, pickled, minced, and creamed versions of the plant. And the extra adventurous can grab a scoop of crowd-favorite garlic ice cream.

Like a fruitier precursor to next month’s Oktoberfest, Whidbey Island’s annual salute to cider has apple and pear varieties, many from local makers—plus some mead and classic spirits. Local bands play the event, including a group devoted to sailor songs.

It’s that time again. The annual fall fair is the state’s biggest, even though up until a decade ago it was known as the Puyallup Fair. This is the place for Fisher scones and the Skyride, big name performances and big rides. Kid-friendly “SillyVille lets the littlest fairgoers pretend play as a farmer in a make-believe dairy barn, chicken coop, and bee box. A daily “Do the Puyallup“ dance party initiates newcomers and inspires nostalgia.