A guide to Seattle’s Labor Day long weekend festivities

Labor Day festivities kick off today through the three-day weekend, and King County has become a huge tourist destination this time of year. Seattle is the No. 1 domestic destination for Labor Day weekend, according to AAA Bookings.

“A lot of it speaks to the resurgence of the cruise industry. That’s because a major portion of Alaska cruises depart from Seattle,” said Kelly Just, Public Relations Manager for AAA. “Friday and Monday are the busiest days for travel.”

Here are some events to check out and explore through the holiday.

Washington State Fair — Sept. 2-25

The Washington State Fair, also called the Puyallup Fair due to its location, is situated not far from picturesque Mount Rainier. The largest attraction in the state, the fair has made it to the top ten largest fairs in the United States. The 21-day Washington State Fair employs over 7,500 people and hosts over one million visitors annually. Daily hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays. General admission at the gate is $14, and concert tickets are purchased separately.

The 85-year-old Washington State Fair Rodeo is among the biggest highlights. It features the Wrangler Pro Rodeo Tour Finale, presented by Justin Boots.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Bellevue Marathon — Sept. 3-4

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington is back this Labor Day Weekend, starting and ending at the Bellevue Downtown Park with runners and walkers alike taking on an action-packed course filled with music, stunning skyline views, and the spirit of the Pacific Northwest in every mile.

St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington features a two-day Health & Fitness Expo prior to the race, which all participants must visit to pick up their race packets. Free and open to the public, this expo features the latest running technologies, fitness apparel, health and nutritional information, and interactive displays. All runners must visit the expo to pick up their race number, gear bag, and t-shirt.

Olympia Harbor Day Festival — Sept. 2-4

The Olympia Harbor Days Festival, a free event offered every Labor Day Weekend since 1974, is full speed ahead for 2022 to showcase the vintage tugboats with a walk-aboard show at the docks and races in the bay. Tall ships, steamships, and other historic vessels of 20th century commerce on Puget Sound are also on display.

On land, festival attendees can enjoy great food, great music, and great artisans, plus nautical and marine-themed attractions and hands-on activities, including Olympia’s tugboat heritage, tribal history, and the working waterfront with Port of Olympia tours.

On water, maritime fans can enjoy tours of historic tugboats and vessels, cruises on Budd Bay, and vintage tugboat races when they can be offered.

Woodpalooza — Sept. 3-5

In 2001, the Whidbey Island Woodworkers Guild was formed to bring together the woodworking community of Whidbey. The Guild includes makers of furniture, cabinetry, architectural woodwork, tuners, clock makers, sawyers, carvers, restorers, musical instrument makers, boat builders, and refinishers.

Each monthly meeting, typically hosted by a different member, provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, tips, solutions, business practices, and insight into the various respective fields.

Woodpalooza seeks to support professional woodworkers as well as inspire and educate the budding amateur and provide awareness to the general public of the skills available locally from its talented members.

Pax West 2022 — Sept. 2-5

The most-attended gaming convention on the West Coast returns to the Seattle Convention Center this weekend.

Attendees can go hands-on with demos for the most-anticipated unreleased games, rock out at lively musical performances, watch esports pros compete in adrenaline-rushing tournaments, and attend panels featuring industry icons as well as fan-favorite YouTubers and streamers.

September Fly Day — Sept. 3

Heritage Flight Museum hosts a Fly Day with flight demonstrations of historical military aircraft, Apollo 8 exhibits, Brando’s BBQ truck, and family fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $12/adults, $10/seniors, $5/military and kids ages 5-17, free/kids under 5 and members.

Pier Sounds — Sept. 3

Friends of Waterfront Seattle present the second annual Pier Sounds concert series at Pier 62 on the downtown Seattle waterfront from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

With featured artists Shaina Shepherd, Fly Moon Royalty, NighTraiN, and Breaks and Swells.

There will also be a beer garden, food trucks, and more as a part of the show.

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