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SOCIAL IN SEATTLE: OCTOBER EVENTS

4 hours ago
4 min read

Film, Fashion, Glass Art, AI Innovation, Culinary Icons, and Fall Magic Across the City


Seattle’s cultural calendar comes alive in October, offering a dynamic mix of film premieres, runway glamour, glass-blowing artistry, Día de los Muertos traditions, and cutting-edge technology. This curated guide highlights the standout events shaping the season, each one easy to find, easy to skim, and easy to attend.



Witches’ Tea at the Hotel Sorrento

October 3–31 The historic Hotel Sorrento transforms into a whimsical Halloween retreat with its annual Witches’ Tea. Guests arrive in bewitching attire and settle into the famously haunted Fireside Room for an afternoon of vintage charm and seasonal magic.


Seattle Latino Film Festival

October 9–17 Celebrating its eighteenth year, SLFF brings films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. Latino community. Opening Night at the Frye Art Museum features a red-carpet reception, filmmaker meet-and-greets, and the Northwest premiere of De Tal Palo.


Women in Leadership Breakfast - Seattle Sports Commission

October 16 | Westin Seattle A high-energy morning spotlighting women shaping sports, business, and community impact. This year’s theme, “Upping Your Game,” features inspiring speakers, a multigenerational panel, special performances, and a marketplace of women-owned businesses.


Fashion at the Fairmont - Fairmont Olympic Hotel

October 16 One of Seattle’s most glamorous nights returns with a full runway showcase benefiting Seattle Children’s. Creative Director Andrew Hoge and producer Terri Morgan present a standout lineup of Pacific Northwest designers, including: Luly Yang Couture, Angeline Brunk, The Refind Studio, RA Nido, The Finerie, SSKEIN, J. Hilburn, and Hall Madden


Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience

October 15–18 A four-day celebration of Pacific Northwest glass art featuring open studios, demonstrations, exhibitions, and major anniversaries including Pratt’s 50th and Seattle Glassblowing Studio’s 35th.


Seattle AI Week -WTIA

October 26–30 A citywide exploration of artificial intelligence through panels, demos, founder meetups, and community events. Speakers include Sir Mix-A-Lot, Governor Chris Gregoire, and leaders from Read AI and OpenAI.


Seattle Catrinas Festival - Town Hall Seattle

October 31 – November 1 A vibrant two-day Día de los Muertos celebration featuring living Catrinas and Catrines, folklórico dancers, mariachi, a monumental altar, and a procession of more than one hundred Catrinas. The signature “Unforgettable” show blends fashion, art, and ancestral storytelling.


Taste America: Seattle- James Beard Foundation

November 1 | Four Seasons Hotel Seattle The James Beard Foundation’s national tour arrives with a walk-around tasting featuring Host Chef Jhonny Reyes and standout Seattle chefs. A celebration of the city’s culinary creativity and James Beard’s legacy.


ADDITIONAL OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS


Woodland Park Zoo - Seasonal Programming

A month of art, nature, and fall festivities.


A Brush with Nature (Oct 6 & 17) Outdoor art workshops set within the zoo’s lush landscapes.


Animal Ofrenda (Oct 27–31) A Día de los Muertos-inspired remembrance honoring beloved pets and animals.


For the Love of Bats (Oct 29) An evening exploring the world of bats with author Niki Desautels.


Pumpkin Bash (Oct 31) A family tradition featuring trick-or-treating and pumpkin enrichment for the animals.


Fairmont Olympic Hotel -Culinary & Spirits Events

Seasonal dinners and tastings for food and beverage enthusiasts.

Barrel & Brine: Pacific Northwest Salmon & Whiskey (Oct 1–31) A three-course dinner celebrating wild Coho salmon and Woodinville Whiskey.


Behind the Bottle: Beam Suntory (Oct 7) An intimate whiskey tasting featuring rare pours and chef-paired canapés.


Opus One Winemakers Dinner (Oct 20) A four-course harvest dinner paired with Overture and Opus One wines. Tickets: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/seattle/fairmont-olympic-hotel/special-events.html


Earshot Jazz Festival

October 1–14 Seattle’s premier jazz festival returns with two full weeks of concerts, workshops, and performances across the city. Earshot is known for spotlighting both local talent and internationally acclaimed artists, a cornerstone of Seattle’s fall arts season. Website: https://www.earshot.org


Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Three weekends in October A Bavarian escape just a short drive from Seattle. Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest brings beer gardens, live music, dancing, and mountain-town charm, a fall tradition for thousands of Seattleites.


Oktoberfest Northwest - Puyallup Fairgrounds

October 4–6 One of the region’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations, featuring beer halls, live entertainment, a marketplace, and family-friendly activities. A great option for readers looking for a big festival experience close to home.


HalloweenCon at Merchant’s Cafe

Halloween Weekend A quirky, spooky Seattle tradition- HalloweenCon blends costumes, themed entertainment, and historic Pioneer Square ambiance inside one of Seattle’s oldest bars. A fun addition for readers seeking nightlife-driven Halloween plans.


Haunted W Seattle Bash

Halloween Weekend The W Seattle hosts one of the city’s most stylish Halloween parties, complete with DJs, costumes, and a high-energy crowd. Perfect for readers looking for a modern, upscale Halloween night out.


Japanese Garden Maple Festival - Hatsumomiji

October 1–12 A serene, breathtaking celebration of fall foliage at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, family activities, and the garden’s iconic maple trees turning brilliant shades of red and gold.


Candlelight: Haunted Evening at the National Nordic Museum

October 30 Thousands of candles illuminate the Nordic Museum for a hauntingly beautiful concert featuring Halloween classics performed by a live string quartet. Atmospheric, elegant, and perfect for a fall night out.

 
 
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