Calendar Alert: Spring to Summer in Seattle Southside: From Earth Day Explorations to UFO Festivals

Earth Day at Saltwater State Park, April 18
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., join Friends of Saltwater State Park for amazing displays and interactive activities to celebrate Earth Day. Discover and learn about the incredible wildlife on the Puget Sound shoreline, in McSorley Creek, and in the enchanting forest! Note that a Discover Pass is required to park at Saltwater State Park on this day.

Viking Evening Market – April 24 and every third Friday of the month
Viking Evening Market, offers a chance to shop local at Oppegaard Meadery’s Viking Evening Market in Des Moines, Washington, where artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment come together for an evening celebration of community and creativity. Select evenings throughout the season.

International Sculpture Day – April 25
Celebrate creativity at International Sculpture Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at George C. Scott Studios in Des Moines. This free, family-friendly event features hands-on sculpture activities, special glass art projects led by acclaimed artist George C. Scott, an exhibition of three-dimensional works by Snohomish tribal member Mike Evans, and live music from jazz guitarist Ron Peters. Find more details on the Facebook event page.

Seattle Boss Market – Sunday, April 26, recurring every second and fourth Sunday through December
Support local entrepreneurs at the Seattle Boss Market in Tukwila, a recurring pop-up event spotlighting small businesses and makers with a focus on uplifting BIPOC women-owned brands. Shoppers can browse unique products, discover local talent, and enjoy a vibrant community-centered marketplace experience throughout the season.

Crypticon Seattle, May 1-3
A cult favorite for horror fans and pop culture enthusiasts since 2008, Crypticon brings an energetic, niche community of about 5,000 people together for a weekend of panels, costumes, and unforgettable visuals.

Vintage Computer Festival Pacific Northwest – May 2-3
Vintage Computer Festival Pacific Northwest is held at the Tukwila Community Center and this two-day festival brings together vintage computing enthusiasts, collectors, and curious visitors for a hands-on look at the evolution of technology. Guests can explore 25+ interactive exhibits featuring retro computers, attend expert-led talks on computing history, and connect with a passionate community preserving digital heritage. Presented in partnership with the Interim Computer Museum, the event runs 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily; a suggested $10 donation supports programming. 

May the Fourth at The Museum of Flight, May 2
Celebrate all things Star Wars on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.at The Museum of Flight! Enjoy a galaxy of family-friendly fun, including live performances, costumed characters, interactive activities, and more. From lightsabers to droids, it’s the perfect day for fans of all ages—costumes encouraged!

Mother’s Day at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, May 9-10
Celebrate mom with a fun outing for Mother’s Day at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. Experience the garden at peak bloom as you explore 13 unique garden features. Shop from local and international artists, dine on delicious cuisine from a food truck, or browse rare and beautiful botanicals for purchase from the onsite nursery.

Second Annual Roper Romp at the Des Moines Theatre, May 9
Channel your inner cowgirl at the Second Annual Roper Romp at Des Moines Theatre. Inspired by the beloved TV character Helen Roper, this playful community event invites guests to don caftans, red wigs, and retro flair for a lively gathering full of laughs, photo ops, and themed fun. Costumes highly encouraged.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Copperleaf, May 10
Celebrate Mom on Sunday, May 10, with a beautiful brunch buffet at Copperleaf Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious spread of seasonal favorites, fresh pastries, made-to-order omelets, and honey-glazed ham—plus plenty of sweet treats to make her day extra special. Seatings are at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Seattle Seawolves 5K & Kids Dash – May 16, 2026
Lace up for a high-energy morning with the Seattle Seawolves at the Seattle Seawolves 5K & Kids Dash on Saturday, May 16 at Tukwila Family Fun Center. This all-ages community event features a flat, family-friendly 5K run, jog or walk along the Interurban Trail, plus a fun Kids Dash for younger participants ages 14 and under. Expect music, vendors, player appearances, and a lively finish-line atmosphere. Proceeds benefit youth programs including Rugby in Schools, Run With the Pack, and the Washington State Rugby High School State Championships. Registration includes a race bib and finisher medal. Advance registration required

Northwest Astrology Conference, May 21 
Astrology enthusiasts gather for the Northwest Astrology Conference, featuring lectures, workshops, and expert discussions on astrology, celestial cycles, and personal chart interpretation. The conference brings together astrologers and learners from across the region. 

Rainier Symphony: Symphonic Pops! – May 30–31
Enjoy an evening of crowd-pleasing favorites as Rainier Symphony presents Symphonic Pops! on May 30 and 31. This popular annual concert typically features beloved film scores and recognizable classics—from space epics to cinematic adventures—performed live in an accessible, family-friendly setting.

Farmers Markets, June through October

• Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, Des Moines Marina: Every Saturday June through September 10 :00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  Enjoy fresh produce, artisan goods, food trucks, and live music at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market. Located at the picturesque Puget Sound, the market is a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with something for everyone.
• Tukwila Farmers Market & Weekend Concert Series, Tukwila Community Center: Select Sundays July - September
  Visitors can explore a variety of offerings, including fresh produce, seasonal flowers, baked goods, and an assortment of handcrafted items. Each market is complemented by live music.
• SeaTac Farmers Market, Angle Lake Station Plaza, Wednesdays, June 3 – October 28
  This vibrant community event celebrates cultural diversity, promotes food justice, and fosters local entrepreneurship. Established in 2024 by the African Community Housing & Development (ACHD), a Black women-led nonprofit, the market operates on the first Wednesday of each month from July through September.

Free Fishing Weekend at Saltwater State Park, June 6
Enjoy outdoor recreation without a Discover Pass during this statewide free day at Saltwater State Park. Coinciding with Washington’s Free Fishing Weekend, visitors can fish without a license and explore the park’s beaches, trails, and tidepools. 

Waterland PrideFest, June 20
Celebrate love, inclusion, and community at Waterland PrideFest on June 20 in Des Moines! This vibrant annual event brings people together to uplift and support the LGBTQIA+ community with a day full of connection and celebration. From local vendors and community resources to music, art, and more, PrideFest is a joyful space where everyone is welcome to be exactly who they are.

Men in Black Birthday Bash, June 20
Celebrate the anniversary of the iconic sci-fi film Men in Black with a themed birthday bash featuring special screenings, trivia, and extraterrestrial fun inspired by the movie’s famous UFO-themed storyline. Held each year in Des Moines, Washington, MIBBB Fest commemorates history’s first encounter with Men in Black, the infamous 1947 Maury Island Incident, and the top-secret government intervention that followed. This local festival was founded in 2022 by Des Moines residents who are passionate about sharing the fascinating stories of their hometown’s history. 

Shark in the Park, July 10
Celebrate National Sixgill Shark Day in Des Moines, now recognized as the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World at the Redondo Waterfront and Wooten Park for Shark in the Park. This event is hosted by Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium, featuring live music, marine science talks, shark-themed art, food vendors, and dive meetups. It’s a quirky, family-friendly event that celebrates both ocean conservation and the city’s unusual underwater residents.

Des Moines Summer Concert Series, July 15 – August 19
Mark your calendars for Wednesday nights, July 15 – August 19 as the Des Moines Summer Concert Series returns to Des Moines Beach Park! Enjoy six weeks of live music from local favorites, plus food trucks and a beer garden for the perfect summer evening. From classic covers and country to 80s hits and tribute bands, there’s something for everyone—free and family-friendly all season long.

Des Moines Historical Society South Puget Sound Cruise, July 19
Set sail with the Des Moines Historical Society on a special 3-hour South Puget Sound cruise! Departing from the Des Moines Marina aboard the Lady Mary, this unique event marks the first public cruise of its kind since 1989. Enjoy scenic views, onboard refreshments, and engaging narration from marine experts as you explore the region from the water.

Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden Concert Markets – August 7 and 14
Enjoy two special summer evenings at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden during Concert Markets on August 7 and August 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. These festive community events combine live music, local vendors, and the beauty of the garden in bloom—offering a relaxing way to shop, stroll, and enjoy a summer night outdoors. Check the events calendar for more fun happenings, ranging from plant sales to ice cream socials.

Camp Craftaway – August 14–16
A creative summer getaway, Camp Craftaway brings a weekend of hands-on workshops, community connection, and artistic inspiration to the Seattle Southside region August 14–16. Guests can explore maker classes, craft experiences, and immersive programming designed for adults looking to unplug, create, and connect. Learn more and register at the event website.

Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival – August 29
The Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival brings four standout blues acts to a scenic Puget Sound beachfront stage at Des Moines Beach Park. Enjoy tastings from 15+ regional craft breweries, ciders, wines, and cocktails, with all tasters included in your festival admission. All proceeds support local Rotary charitable causes in Des Moines and Normandy Park.