If you’re new to the Seattle you’ll quickly learn that Summers in Seattle can be enchanting with their perfect weather and long summer days. If you’re looking for things to do around Seattle there are dozens of parks in and around the city that have big and small concert series that you can check out. Or depending on your new neighborhood you can stick around and walk with a blanket and a pair of flip flops to your favorite park. The summertime is festival season and anything goes, and the best part is that most most summertime events are child-friendly.

Marymoor Concert Series from July 14, – September 8, a jam-packed musical summer is about to begin at Marymoor with 13 bands playing; Cake, Slightly Stoopid, Death Cab for Cutie and Lionel Richie are just a few of the big names gearing up for a summer in Seattle. Kids aren’t left out of this concert series line up, Nickelodeon’s Jojo Siwa will be performing for the littles on August 18.

Jam Fest July 18, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. a full music fest with musicians peppered throughout the alleys and walkways will be playing throughout historic Chinatown Seattle. This area has a long and interesting history. Jam Fest is a great excuse to get out and experience the street scene, food and of course the variety of music. Come out for the tenth year in a row of Jam Fest and enter with only a suggested donation.

Darrington Bluegrass Festival July 19, – 21, if you love Bluegrass, it’s worth your time to take a lovely drive North to the incredibly beautiful town of Darrington. It’s a small town in the foothills with an unbelievable Cascade mountain backdrop framing every portrait for two and a half full days of bluegrass bands. This festival has been celebrated every year since the 1950s. Visitors camp out on the grounds for an around the clock weekend celebration.

Capitol Hill Block Party July 19, – 21, join thousands of others to enjoy a packed line up of over 100 local and international bands playing day and night on East Pike Street, 10^th, 11^th and 12^th Avenue This is the block party to end all block parties.

Zoo Tunes, from country music to 80’s rock, to Feist, check the Woodland Park calendar for dates. Shows play randomly throughout the week from July 21, – August 28, you and the animals can enjoy live music at the zoo. Buy tickets now; bands are selling out quickly. Proceeds go to fund conservation, animal care, and education.

Downtown Summer Sounds runs almost daily from July through August and could possibly be the most exciting of all the concert series. You might happen upon any of the concerts at any given time. The shows are free and unassuming, and they pop up regularly throughout downtown at parks across Seattle. Check the busy schedule all over the city. Seattle gets back to its musical roots as a city of local expression, and earthy love for the arts during this phenomenal concert series that is sure to surprise locals and visitors. Make sure to check the full line up and don’t miss a minute, bring your kids, dogs, and picnics so you can sit and stay a while.

Free Summer Concerts at the Locks, music is so prominent in Seattle that even the Army gets involved. June through September free, live music concerts are held on the lock’s grounds. Big brass, orchestras, and jazz bands play free on the green. Bring some snacks and get classy.

Concerts at Seattle Center Every Friday throughout August families and singles can appreciate shows located at the mural at the Seattle Center. Each Friday three bands play starting at 5:30 p.m. with free entry on a first come, first serve basis. Bring the kids, food trucks will be onsite, but there are no queues for a picnic.

South Lake Union Block Party August 9, this is a fun, well-rounded event for all ages for a good cause. Local businesses get involved with art, food, and of course live music. All the proceeds go to job training for the homeless.

North City Jazz Walk August 13, head up North to Shoreline for eleven jazz bands playing in businesses all over town, a church, a door store, an animal hospital, tap houses, and the water district are just a few of the venues. Several are open to the public. Street food and noshes are available at most of the sites.

Bumbershoot from August 30 – September 1, on Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot is an iconic Seattle festival and is a celebration of art, music, comedy and so much more. It’s an institution that’s been going on in Seattle for almost 50 years with dozens of artists. Check out the line-up and be sure to buy your tickets early, people come from far and wide every year to catch this festival.

No matter where you go, the common theme in Western Washington is to get outside. Bring out the family and enjoy art, culture, and the great outdoors. Happy Summer!