From Waterfront Block Party to Pandafest: How to spend August’s final weekend around Seattle

August is coming to a close, and even though fall is on the horizon, the summer events continue to roll on!

I’ve compiled a list of fun activities going on around the Seattle area this weekend.

Free events downtown: Waterfront Block Party, Pike Place Night Shift, and a vigil for Dolly

Take one more trip down to the Waterfront this weekend for live music, dancing, parades, crafts, and activities for you and the family, plus lots more during the Waterfront Block Party. This event is free to attend and spans across the Waterfront, including Pier 62, the Salish Steps, and Pier 58. Businesses near the Waterfront will also be participating. The Waterfront Block Party is Saturday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Also downtown this weekend is The Night Shift at Pike Place Market. This started last month and runs on the fourth Friday of the month until October. According to the event’s website, The Night Shift is a free monthly evening series that celebrates local art, music, food, and creativity. You will be able to wander the market looking at art galleries, enjoy food and drinks, plus live music under the iconic Public Market Clock and Sign. Keep your eyes out for the pop-ups that will spring up throughout the event. The Night Shift is Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be a celebration of the legendary Dolly Parton this weekend at Capitol Hill Station Plaza tonight. Fans will be holding a vigil from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and encouraging folks to honor her life by singing along with songs and connecting with fellow fans.

Dress in white and dance at Golden Gardens this Sunday

Get outside and dance as part of Dancing Till Dusk, which is celebrating 19 years of free dancing in Seattle parks. This is an all-levels dancing event that focuses on beginners during the first hour, but all are welcome on the dance floor. Some dances do involve a partner, so either bring your own or be prepared to meet some fellow dancers. This weekend’s dance will be at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse and will feature a variety of music and a DJ Battle. There’s no dress code, but it is a Ball Blanc, meaning you should come dressed in white. The dancing starts Sunday at 6 p.m. at Golden Gardens Bathhouse

Pandafest brings hundreds of Asian street food options to Seattle Center

Pandafest is billed as one of the largest outdoor Asian Food festivals in the United States. It’ll be taking over the Seattle Center this weekend with hundreds of Asian Street food options, dozens of handicraft vendors, and live entertainment. Pandafest starts today and runs through the weekend. Get tickets and details at the event’s website.

Sunflower season is here: Farms across the region are open for picking

Sunflower season is underway as you can walk through fields of flowers as we begin the shift towards fall. Some farms that are up and running this weekend include the Schliter Family Farm in Nisqually, the Rutledge Family Farm in Olympia, Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm in Snohomish, Lora Lee’s Family Farm in Duvall, and plenty more. Check out what other activities each farm has to offer, as sunflowers won’t be the only fun to be had.

Sounders, Reign, Storm, and Rainiers all in action this weekend

It’s a busy sports weekend. The Sounders will take on the Chicago Fire on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at Lumen Field. Then on Sunday, the Seattle Reign take on the Houston Dash at 4 p.m., also at Lumen. The Seattle Storm have a 2 p.m. tipoff on Sunday afternoon. They take on the Los Angeles Sparks at Climate Pledge Arena. It’s also the second-to-last homestand of the regular season for the Tacoma Rainiers. They are hosting the Salt Lake Bees over the weekend and have fireworks tonight, R Grateful Dead Night on Saturday, and the dogs will be taking over the ballpark on Sunday.

School is right around the corner. If it hasn’t already started, how are you spending the rest of your summer? Let me know at paulH@kiroradio.com.