Soak up the end of summer during the following Labor Day weekend events in Washington (taking place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1), from fairs and pool parties to festivals galore.
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1: FarmJam Festival
Colville
Perfect for music lovers, FarmJam Festival in Colville is a three-day music festival featuring a lineup of local and regional bands. These include performances by Brit Taylor, War Hippies, Jackson Dean, Brandon Jackson, Drake Milligan, and many more. These artists play everything from bluegrass and country to good ol’ rock n’ roll. When guests aren’t dancing and singing their hearts out during this Labor Day weekend event in Washington, they can fuel up from an assortment of food trucks and browse art and craft vendors. FarmJam Festival doors open at 3 p.m. daily.
Cost: Single-day admission starts at $50. The event is open to all ages.
Tickets: farmjamfestival.com.
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1: Olympia Harbor Days
Olympia
Experience one of Washington State’s most beloved annual events as Downtown Olympia transforms into a hub of nautical excitement with tugboats, workboats, tall ships, steamships, dragon boats, and other historic vessels of 20th-century commerce. Visitors can savor eats from 22 different food vendors and tunes from 30 talented bands and musicians. One hundred art and craft vendors, sand sculptures, stone etching, and dedicated kids’ activities are also on tap at Olympia Harbor Days. And don’t miss the drone show the evening of Aug. 29 over the East Bay.
Cost: Free to attend, but subject to purchases.
For more information: www.harbordays.com.
Aug. 30 to Sept. 22: Washington State Fair
Puyallup
One of the largest celebrations taking place in Puyallup, the Washington State Fair has returned for another year of fried favorites, live music performances, and thrill rides. The massive celebration, highlighting the state’s agricultural and community achievements, will feature an assortment of fun all weekend long, including concerts from tribute bands dedicated to Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and The Cranberries; petting zoos with bunnies, llamas, goats, and roosters; and brand-new programs including Popnology, a celebration and look into pop culture’s impact on science and technology. During Labor Day weekend, the fair is open Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: General admission is $14 per child, ages 6 to 12, and $15 for those over 13, Monday to Friday. From Saturday to Sunday, general admission is $14 per child, ages 6 to 12, and $18 for those over 13.
Tickets: thefair.com.
Aug. 31: Redmond Pride
Redmond
Celebrate diversity and inclusion this Labor Day weekend at Redmond Pride. Returning for its third year at Redmond Downtown Park, this event will feature a vibrant array of activities from noon to 5 p.m. These include 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses networking, live performances, over 50 vendors to browse, and more fun for all ages.
Cost: Free entry, but subject to purchases. Free shuttles will also be available to help make the celebration accessible to all.
For more information: prideacrossthebridge.org.
Aug. 31: Labor Day Run 5K/10K/13.1
Lace-up those running shoes and get ready to get active this holiday weekend with the Labor Day Run 5K/10K/13.1. Taking place from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., this fun run will take participants around the stunning grounds of Lincoln Park as runners celebrate the hard work of laborers in Washington State. Once the race has concluded, runners will be awarded a running T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, a towel, a race bib, and a free trial with Runna’s Coaching Program.
Cost: $37 for the 5K race and $42 for the 10K race.
Tickets: eventbrite.com.
Aug. 31 to Sept. 1: Bumbershoot Festival
Seattle
A celebration of music, art, and culture, Bumbershoot Festival showcases a diverse array of performances from local and national artists, including Payment, Cypress Hill, Marc Rebillet, James Blake, Thee Sacred Souls, Kim Gordon, Aly & AJ, and many others. In addition to these live concerts, an assortment of visual artists will also take the stage, showcasing pole dancing, cheerleading, fashion shows, skateboarding tricks, short film screenings, and more. Various local food vendors will be available to explore and indulge from, including American Donut Makers, Ballard Pizza Co., Dirty Dog, Jack’s BBQ, and more. Bumbershoot Festival will take place at the Seattle Center with hours to be announced.
Cost: $85 per person, ages 10 and up.
Tickets: bumbershoot.com.
Aug. 31 to Sept. 2: Blackberry Festival
Bremerton
Get ready for a berry good three-day weekend during Blackberry Festival, a staple Labor Day weekend event in Washington taking place in Downtown Bremerton. This annual event celebrates everything about blackberries, with over 15 themed dishes, live music, a marketplace with over 150 vendors, blackberry wine tastings, a beer garden and, of course, plenty of blackberry-themed treats. The delicious event will take place on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Monday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are free, though the event is subject to purchases. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the community of Bremerton.
Tickets: blackberryfestival.org.
Sept. 1: Labor Day Weekend Splash Party
Auburn
Make a splash this Labor Day weekend during Platinum Plush Fashions’ Labor Day Weekend Splash Party, taking place from 4 to 11 p.m. Don your favorite red, white and blue threads and get ready to celebrate the three-day weekend with DJ HOV spinning R&B, hip-hop and Afro beats; fare from Lloyd House of Mac; a full bar (one free drink is included with ticket admission); local vendors and community resource tents; flat-screens; heated pools; and more.
Cost: $40 per 21-plus adult.
Tickets: eventbrite.com.