Seeking: October plans + spooky stuff
+ local gems, what's on my radar, & weekend events
At the beginning of every month, I sit down to browse all my favorite Seattle resources to see what’s happening and make note of all the events I want to attend and the activities I’d like to do. It’s a little over the top, but that’s why I started this newsletter - so this chosen labor benefits more than just me!
Side note: would you be interested in a toolkit of all my favorite local resources? (or do you prefer to have someone else handpick them for you?) Answer below ⬇️
This week I’m sharing what the fruits of that monthly process look like (minus the 50+ open tabs). Below that, you’ll still find local gems, what’s on my radar, and cool events happening this weekend.
And if you’re interested in picking up a new hobby this fall, check out a recent post from my other newsletter
which has some Seattle-specific callouts (Italian class on Capitol Hill, anyone?).
*The structure of this newsletter will evolve over time as I learn what interests you + me most. If you have any feedback or content you’d like to see featured - please drop me a note in the comments or at seekingseattle@substack.com
October Picks
🧑🌾 Farms
Bailey Family Farm | Snohomish | U-pick veggies, apples, + pumpkins
Piper’s Orchard | Carkeek Park | The “oldest orchard in Seattle” which is wide open to scavengers
Stocker Farms | Snohomish | Farm carnival vibes with lots of activities and fireworks (??) on Sundays | $16-27
Carpinito Bros. Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze | Kent | A farm stand where you can pick up veggies for dinner and walk through a corn maze | $5-11
🍁 Fall Festivals
Maple Festival | 10/5 - 10/15 | Capitol Hill | $6-10 (first Thursday is free!)
Fall Lantern Festival | Friday, 10/6 | Downtown | Free
CiderFest | Saturday, 10/7 | Vashon | Free
Water Lantern Festival | 10/7 | Green Lake | $37-56
CRUSH Harvest Festival | 10/14 | Woodinville | Free
Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival | 10/13 - 10/15 | Port Townsend | $0-30
👻 Spooky stuff
Georgetown Morgue | 9/29 - 11/4 | Georgetown | $35
Stalker Farms | 9/30 - 10/29 | Snohomish | $20-50
Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party | 10/1 - 10/31 | Capitol Hill | $68-99 (my sister did this last year and said it was really fun!)
Black Lagoon Halloween Bar Pop-Up at Rob Roy | 10/1 - 11/4 | Belltown | Free
Nightmare on Wall Street at Navy Strength | 10/1 - 11/4 | Belltown | Free
Georgetown Haunted History Tour | 10/5 - 10/14 | Georgetown | $18-30
💎 Local gems
Hoste | West Seattle
My friend Meg took me here on Saturday and I think it’s now the best vintage boutique I’ve been to in Seattle. They also have non-vintage items like cozy sweaters and giftable accessories, but the standouts to me were the vintage selection. Almost immediately after starting to browse, I found both the most perfect corduroy trousers and a sherpa jacket. If I’d been in there any longer, who knows how much damage I would have done. Want to copy our fall friend date? Take a walk through Lincoln Park before hitting Hoste and then happy hour at Mioposto across the street.
Kubota Garden | Rainier Beach
I know I mentioned the Maple Festival at the Seattle Japanese Garden above, but I actually prefer the Kubota Garden in South Seattle. Plus, it has no entry fee! The Kubota is almost 6x larger than the SJG and has several water features and little bridges hidden throughout the garden. It’s also a great endpoint for an urban hike or bike ride by taking the Chief Sealth trail from Jefferson Park to the Garden.
👀 On my radar
A handful of new restaurants have opened up recently or are planning to soon!
Tivoli - This new pizzeria in Fremont is a collaboration from the people behind Post Alley Pizza and Saint Bread (both favorites of mine)
Little Jaye - I haven’t yet been to Lady Jaye in West Seattle, but I definitely plan to check out their new bakery concept in South Park.
Sap Sap Lao Deli - Occasionally I’ll watch a Seahawks game with my family and this sports bar that serves Laotian food in White Center seems like my kind of spot.
Kilig - I’ve been waiting for this new casual Filipino restaurant from Melissa Miranda of Musang to open, and there’s finally a date: October 10th! Will report back after I give it a try
There’s a new exhibit coming to the SAM on October 19th called Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence. Hokusai’s “Great Wave” is instantly recognizable (example: 🌊) and this exhibit explores the artist’s legacy and impact. This is a must-see for me before we go on our trip to Japan early next year.
📆 This weekend’s events
Fall 2023 Exhibitions Opening Reception | Friday, 10/6 | First Hill | Free
Forever Reign: A Celebration of Megan Rapinoe | Friday, 10/6 | SoDo | $15 - 65
CiderFest | Saturday, 10/7 | Vashon | Free
Halloween Pet Parade | Sunday, 10/8 | Capitol Hill | Free
Ray LaMontagne | Sunday, 10/8 | Downtown | $55+
West Seattle Oktoberfest | 10/6 - 10/8 | West Seattle | Free
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival | 10/6 - 10/8 | Port Angeles | Free
Cascadia Poetry Festival | 10/6 - 10/8 | Capitol Hill | $66
OysterFest | 10/7 - 10/8 | Shelton | $10
Salmon Days | 10/7 - 10/8 | Issaquah | Free
🧰️ Seattle Toolkit
A few of my favorite resources to stay tuned in to what’s happening around the city:
What Do - Seattle’s aggregated event list
Everout - Events & things to do
SEAToday - Daily Seattle newsletter
The Nudge Seattle - Text-based event planner
The Intentionalist - Discover + support local small businesses
Your turn!
What’s on your calendar this month? Drop it in the comments so we can add it to ours ⬇️