Fun Summer Events & Activities in Columbia City

Photo Credit: Columbia City Night Market

1. The Columbia City Farmers Market

seattlefarmersmarkets.org/ccfm

What & When is it?
A lively weekly neighborhood market that brings Washington farmers, food producers, and local chefs together. Held along S Edmunds Street near 37th Ave S, the market fills the street with fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, and small-batch goods from across the region. With the Columbia City light rail station just a block away, it’s an easy place to stop and shop local.

• Wednesdays
• May through early October
• 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Look forward to:

• Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from Washington farms
• Ready-to-eat foods from local chefs and food vendors
• Artisan foods like bread, cheese, honey, and small-batch pantry goods
• Local meat, seafood, and dairy producers
• Flower bouquets and occasional farm-based goods like soaps or plant starts
• A relaxed atmosphere perfect for strolling and sampling

2. BeatWalk

beatwalk.org

What & When is it?
Columbia City’s long-running neighborhood music night, when live bands and DJs perform across bars, restaurants, and small venues throughout the historic district. During the summer months, the event adds outdoor performances and themed music nights, creating a lively street-festival atmosphere along Rainier Avenue and nearby.

• Second Wednesday of the month
• Year-round, with larger events during the summer
• Evening hours (typically around 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Look forward to:

• Live bands and DJs performing across multiple Columbia City venues
• Outdoor performances and expanded programming during summer months
• Themed music nights featuring genres like jazz, funk, world music, and more
• Pop into venues and hear different sets
• A chance to discover Seattle musicians and local talent
• Restaurants, bars, and cafés participating throughout the district

3. Columbia City Night Market

peacepeloton.com/night-market

What & When is it?
A lively evening street market that transforms several blocks of the neighborhood into a festival of food, music, and local makers. Organized by Peace Peloton, the event brings together food trucks, artists, small businesses, and performers. During the summer, the market takes on an especially festive atmosphere as warm evenings keep the streets full.

• Third Saturday of the month
• Year-round
• 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Look forward to:

• Vendor booths featuring handmade goods and local businesses
• Food trucks and ready-to-eat street food
• Live music and performances throughout the evening
• A beer garden near the main stage (21+)
• A lively outdoor street market atmosphere spanning several blocks
• A diverse mix of artists, makers, and community groups

4. Summer Events at Ranier Arts Center

rainierartscenter.org

What is it?
Southeast Seattle’s multicultural performing arts venue, hosting concerts, theater, dance, film screenings, and community cultural events throughout the year.

When is it?

• Summer often brings additional outdoor programming to nearby Columbia Park
• Check their events calendar to learn more.

Look forward to:

• Live music, dance, theater, and film events
• Cultural festivals and community gatherings
• Workshops and youth arts programs
• Past events have included the SEEDArts Summer Series and the 98118 Fest, bringing live music, food trucks, and more to Columbia Park.

5. Lakefront Fun & Events at Seward Park

seattle.gov/parks/parks/seward-park

What is it?
One of Seattle’s most beautiful lakefront parks is located right next to Columbia City, along the shores of Lake Washington. While it’s technically outside the neighborhood, it’s truly close enough to treat it as your go-to summer park. During the warmer months, Seward Park becomes a hub for outdoor recreation and community gatherings, including movie nights, lake activities, and relaxed days spent along the water.

Look forward to:

• Swimming and beach days along Lake Washington
• Kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities
• Performances at the Seward Park Amphitheater
  
• The scenic Seward Park Loop, a paved 2.4-mile trail around the peninsula for walking or biking through one of Seattle’s largest old-growth stands
  
• Expansive lake views and sunset spots along the shoreline
• Picnics and barbecues at lakeside lawns and shelters

6. Seattle Seafair

seafair.org

What is it?
Seattle’s biggest summer festival on Lake Washington, held at Genesee Park and Stan Sayres Memorial Park. Part of the citywide Seafair celebration that dates back to 1949, the weekend brings hydroplane racing, the Blue Angels air show, and huge crowds to the lake. For Columbia City residents, it’s one of the most dramatic moments of the summer, when jets roar overhead and boats fill the water just minutes from the neighborhood.

When is it?

• Early August
• Three-day weekend festival

When is it?

• Early August
• Three-day weekend festival
• Air shows and races typically run throughout the weekend

Look forward to:

• High-speed hydroplane races on Lake Washington
• The Blue Angels air show flying low over the lake
• Boats gathering on the famous Seafair log boom
• Festival crowds, food vendors, and live entertainment
• Easy viewing spots along the Lake Washington shoreline near Columbia City

7. Summer Strolls & Sidewalk Cafes along Ranier Ave

What is it?
Rainier Avenue South is the main street running through Columbia City’s historic business district, and in summer it becomes one of the neighborhood’s best places for an evening stroll. The stretch between S Alaska Street and S Edmunds Street is especially lively, with historic brick storefronts, restaurants, cafés, and small local shops lining the sidewalks. Warm weather brings patio dining, open windows, and people lingering outside.

Look forward to:

• A great selection of places to eat along Rainier Avenue
• Patio tables and/or roof decks at Geraldine’s Counter, Island Soul, Taproot Cafe & Bar, Empire Roasters, and more
• Frozen treats at Full Tilt Ice Cream
• Independent shops, bookstores, and boutiques mixed among restaurants and cafés