Seattle knows how to do summer right, and July brings a packed calendar of music, food, and outdoor festivities across the city and in the greater Seattle area. Whether you’re into music, food and art festivals, or watching the sky light up with hot air balloons, here are some fun events to mark on your calendar.

West Seattle Summer Fest

Friday–Sunday, July 11–13 @ The Junction (West Seattle)

A beloved neighborhood tradition, West Seattle Summer Fest brings three days of free live music, local food trucks, a bustling beer garden, art and craft vendors, and a kids’ play area. The strong community vibe and performances from local and regional bands, it’s one of the city’s most laid-back and family-friendly summer festivals.

More information about West Seattle Summer Fest here.

Ballard Seafood Fest

Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14

Live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, seafood, and a craft beer showcase. Located in the heart of downtown Ballard, along NW Market St and Ballard Ave NW, our festival honors Ballard’s maritime heritage while offering so much more.

More information about Ballard Seafood Fest here.

Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow

Saturday, July 12 at Harvey Field in Snohomish

Watch the sky come alive with glowing hot air balloons, live music by Nite Wave, delicious food trucks, vendors, beer garden, and family-friendly fun! This is the kick-off event for the annual Kla Ha Ya Days Festival, which runs July 18-19.

More information about Balloon Glow here.

Capitol Hill Block Party

Saturday & Sunday July 19-20 @ Capitol Hill (21+)

Seattle’s iconic urban music festival returns for its 27th year, featuring over 45 performances across seven stages—including Thundercat, Porter Robinson, DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak), 100 gecs, Yaeji, and more. Held in the vibrant Pike/Pine corridor, the 2025 festival introduces a 21+ age requirement to enhance the attendee experience. Expect a dynamic mix of electronic, pop, and indie sounds, with performances at both outdoor stages and beloved local venues like Neumos, Cha Cha Lounge, and Barboza. It’s always a good, albeit, crowded experience. I like heading there earlier in the afternoon and always discover new artists, stay for some of the headliner, and then head out before it gets too wild.

More information about Capitol Hill Block Party here.

Bellevue Arts Fair

Friday–Sunday, July 25–27 in Downtown Bellevue

One of the Northwest’s largest and most beloved art festivals, the Bellevue Arts Fair showcases hundreds of artists working in painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Held throughout downtown Bellevue, the event also features live music, food vendors, hands-on art activities, and family-friendly programming all weekend long.

More information about Bellevue Arts Fair here.

Day Trip Festival

Saturday, July 26 @ Gas Works Park (21+)

Who doesn’t love a daytime dance party? I love that this is becoming a thin. From 12 PM to 9 PM, dance to a stacked lineup—including Chris Lake, Gorgon City, Max Styler, and more—set against the iconic post-industrial backdrop of Gas Works Park. With stunning views, high energy, and nonstop music, it’s the perfect event to capture the essence of summer in Seattle.

More information here.