As the air turns crisp and a brilliant palette of gold, crimson, and orange paints the landscape, Washington State transforms. The cozy sweater weather signals the start of a season packed with vibrant celebrations, spooky thrills, and rich cultural experiences. From bustling pumpkin patches and spirited Oktoberfests to captivating film festivals and festive holiday kick-offs, there’s an undeniable magic in the air.
We’ve curated a handpicked list of the must-see fall events in Washington 2025, ensuring your calendar is filled with unforgettable autumn adventures. Get ready to explore the best of the Evergreen State this October and November!
Top Fall Events in Washington this October–November 2025
Fall Festivals & Fairs
1. Oktoberfest Northwest
Image Source: The Fair
- Dates: October 3 – 5, 2025
- Location: Puyallup, WA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: This is the closest you’ll get to Munich without a plane ticket. Oktoberfest Northwest is a massive, three-day festival featuring authentic German beer, oompah bands, and delicious Bavarian food. The event is packed with non-stop entertainment, from the hilarious Wiener Dog Races to the Stein Dash 5K. It’s a perfect blend of high-energy party and family-friendly fun.
- Pro Tip: Friday and Saturday evenings are for the 21+ crowd, while Sunday is a designated Family Day. Purchase tickets online to skip the lines.
You can also find more Oktoberfest Events in Puyallup here.
Cultural & Festival Celebrations in Washington
2. Día de Muertos Festival Seattle
Image Source: Komo News
- Dates: November 1 – 2, 2025
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: Part of the Seattle Center Festál series, this beautiful and heartfelt festival honors the tradition of Día de Muertos. Experience stunning community altars (ofrendas), live music and dance performances, intricate face painting, and a grand procession. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about and participate in a rich cultural heritage.
- Pro Tip: This event is free and open to all ages, making it an accessible and educational family outing.
3. Seattle Day of The Dead Bar Crawl
- Dates: November 1, 2025
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: For a more spirited (and spirits-filled) celebration, this 21+ bar crawl takes the Día de Muertos theme through several of Seattle’s popular bars. Expect live DJs, exclusive drink specials, and a sea of participants with creative skull-face makeup and vibrant costumes.
- Pro Tip: Your ticket gets you entry to all participating venues and often includes drink vouchers. Don’t wait—these crawls sell out fast!
Explore more Day of the Dead events in Seattle
4. Tacoma Art Museum — Día de los Muertos Festival
- Dates: Tentatively November 1 – 2, 2025
- Location: Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: Experience Día de los Muertos through the lens of art. The Tacoma Art Museum hosts a community celebration featuring intricate altars created by local artists and families, special exhibitions, and hands-on art-making workshops suitable for all ages.
- Pro Tip: Check the Tacoma Art Museum’s official website closer to November for the final schedule and admission details.
Get complete details and updates on all Upcoming events at Tacoma Art Museum
Halloween Horrors & Spooky Fun
5. Howl-O-Ween
Image Source: pethelpers
- Dates: October 30, 2025
- Location: Jackson Street B, Seattle, WA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: One of the most charming Halloween events in Washington for pet lovers! Dress up your furry friend and enjoy a magical evening stroll along trails lit by beautiful luminaries. This event features light art, a great ambiance, and free treats for the dogs.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Arboretum’s event schedule for details on timing and any potential registration or fees.
6. Behind The Scream — Horror Movie Night + Q&A
Image Source: bloody-disgusting
- Dates: October 30, 2025
- Location: Multiple locations in USA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: Horror movie buffs, this is your night! Watch a screening of the classic slasher film Scream at a historic theater, followed by a live, in-person interview and Q&A session with one of its stars, David Arquette.
- Pro Tip: This is a special, one-night-only event. Purchase tickets directly through the Pantages Theater box office or its official ticketing partner.
7. Boos, Brews, & Views Halloween Party
- Dates: October 2025
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Why You Can’t Miss It: Take your Halloween celebration to new heights—literally. This rooftop party at the top of the Columbia Center offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle, a costume contest, themed drinks and treats, and interactive games.
- Pro Tip: Tickets are required and often include a complimentary drink. This is a great “date night” or group event to see the city’s spooky season sparkle.
Food, Wine & Arts Events in Washington
8. Crush Harvest Festival
- Dates: October 2025
- Why You Can’t Miss It: Celebrate the grape harvest season at Washington’s most iconic winery. The highlight is the grape stomping competition, but the entire festival exudes autumn charm with food trucks, live music, cozy fire pits, and, of course, world-class wine.
- Pro Tip: Grape stomping and other special activities require tickets, which sell out very quickly. Watch the Chateau Ste. Michelle website for the release date.
9. Tasveer South Asian Film Festival
- Dates: October 8 – 12, 2025
- Location: Various venues in the Seattle area
- Why You Can’t Miss It: As one of the largest South Asian film festivals in the country, Tasveer presents a compelling and diverse lineup of independent films, documentaries, and shorts. It’s a fantastic cultural event featuring panel discussions with filmmakers and vibrant receptions.
- Pro Tip: Festival passes offer the best value if you plan to see multiple films. The full schedule and venue list are usually announced in September.
Thanksgiving & Holiday Kick-Offs
10. Turkey Trot 5K Fun Runs
Image Source: runsignup
- Dates: Thanksgiving Week (around November 27, 2025)
- Location: Multiple cities including Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett
- Why You Can’t Miss It: Start your Thanksgiving with a healthy dose of community spirit! These family-friendly 5K fun runs are a beloved tradition across Washington. They are a great way to get active before the big feast, often supporting local charities in the process. This is one of the most popular Thanksgiving events in Washington.
- Pro Tip: Register early! These races are extremely popular and often have early-bird pricing. Plus, you’ll want to secure your spot and official race t-shirt.
Tips for Enjoying Fall Events in Washington
- Dress in Layers: Washington weather is famously fickle. A sunny afternoon can quickly turn into a chilly, rainy evening. A waterproof outer layer is always a good idea.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Popular events like the Georgetown Morgue, Oktoberfest, and special concerts sell out weeks ahead. Don’t risk disappointment at the door.
- Combine with a Fall Foliage Trip: Many of these events can be paired with a scenic drive. Head to a Kitsap County haunt after exploring the peninsula’s fall colors, or visit a Woodinville festival while the vineyards are golden.
- Know Your Vibe: Check if an event is family-friendly or adult-oriented. Daytime farm festivals and arboretum walks are great for kids, while bar crawls and late-night haunts are best for the 21+ crowd.
Your Ultimate Fall Adventure Awaits
From cultural deep dives and foodie delights to spooky thrills and festive runs, Washington in the fall offers a perfect blend of seasonal fun and memorable experiences. So grab your flannel, plan your itinerary, and get ready to make the most of this spectacular season.
Ready to plan your autumn adventure? Discover more Washington events happening near you on AllEvents.
