Fall is a great time of year no matter where you are. But it’s especially enjoyable in Bellevue, which has impressive natural scenery and a wide range of seasonal activities. Exploring the forests, lakes, and nearby mountains is an ideal way to view the brilliant fall foliage and savor the autumn weather, which brings warm, comfortable days and cool nights. The season is also brimming with not-to-miss activities, ranging from family-friendly pumpkin patches and farm-to-table dining experiences to trendy fashion festivals and wine tours.
Of course, Bellevue has a number of excellent hotels to use as a home base. If you haven’t booked lodging yet, consider a stay at the new InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue, which boasts luxury amenities and stellar views.
(Photo: Intercontinental Bellevue)
Guided Tours and Activities
There’s no better way to see the fall colors than from above. Try a scenic flight from Kenmore Air for a different perspective of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll take off from Lake Washington in a seaplane, soar above Puget Sound, and land safely back on the water.
Back at ground level, join the Waterfalls & Wine Tour, a new Saturday or Sunday excursion which pairs local flavor with outdoor adventure. The tour includes short hikes to see Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls — two of the region’s coolest natural attractions — a hearty meal at South Fork Restaurant, and wine tasting at Château NoElle, an intimate tasting experience complete with beautiful vineyards for strolling and views of Mount Si on clear days.
(Photo: Snoqualmie Falls)
Fall weather is perfect for a scenic cruise on Lake Washington. Bellevue Lake Cruises offers daily tours throughout fall. Seeing the mountains, skyline, and shoreline residences from a boat is one of the most memorable activities in Bellevue.
Thrill seekers may want to try the Snoqualmie Tunnel Mountain Bike Tour, a 20-mile downhill ride through the scenic Cascade Mountains. The highlight is a two-mile ride inside a former railroad tunnel. Don’t worry, you’ll have helmets and bike lights! The tour picks up guests from downtown Bellevue upon request.
(Photo Credit: Bellevue Lake Cruises)
Fall Favorites
One of the best activities this time of year for family fun is the classic pumpkin patch. From late September through October, several farms located within 30 minutes of Bellevue offer the chance to pick pumpkins and enjoy the crisp autumn weather. See farm animals and taste doughnuts and cider at Fall City Farms, ride the animal train and navigate the corn maze at Serres Farm, explore miles of winding trails through a six-acre sunflower field and select the perfect pumpkin at The Pumpkin Farm and Puzzle Patch, and attend the popular Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival with games and rides at Remlinger Farms.
For prime leaf viewing, visit the free Bellevue Botanical Garden or walking spots such as Mercer Slough Nature Park or Coal Creek Natural Area. Visitors can also find ziplining, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, golfing, and paragliding in Bellevue and its surrounding communities, so the options for outdoor recreation in the fall are almost endless.
Those with a sweet tooth should check out the Northwest Chocolate Festival at Meydenbauer Center, October 5–6, 2024. Watch some of the best artisan chocolate makers in the world present tastings, workshops, and live demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the Old Bellevue Fall Wine Walk on Main Street on September 12 gives attendees the opportunity to sip varieties from up to 12 local wineries. If you miss the walk, stop in to Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room on Main Street, open seven days a week, to sample locally created wines and spirits.
Ready for a taste of Madison Avenue in Bellevue? Watch designers showcase their trendiest looks for fall at the Hyatt Regency during Bellevue Fashion Week. Held the first week of October, the event features two professionally produced runway shows that resemble the famous ones in Paris or Milan, with outfits that are practical and stylish.
(Photo Credit: NW Chocolate Festival)
Sports in Session
Fresh off an appearance in the college football national championship game, the University of Washington joins the Big Ten conference this fall and welcomes powerhouse opponents like Michigan and USC to Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.
Did you know that it’s possible to “sailgate” on Lake Washington before Husky games? Take your pre-game experience to the next level by joining a charter cruise from Argosy Cruises, or hop on a private boat and drop anchor near the stadium to party before the game. Become a Husky fan for a day and tailgate on the lake to experience one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country.
The area’s professional sports are fully in swing during the fall. As the Major League Baseball Seattle Mariners, Major League Soccer Seattle Sounders FC, and National Women’s Soccer League Seattle Reign FC are all wrapping up their regular-season games, others teams are in full play. See celebrated franchises like the Seattle Seahawks, who are known for having one of the most dedicated fanbases in the NFL. And the Seattle Kraken have become one of the NHL’s hottest tickets since joining the league in 2021.
Seafood and Harvest
Fall is a great time to dine in Bellevue, as the abundance of Washington vegetables and herbs can go straight to your plate at farm-to-table restaurants. And, of course, the seafood is always fresh.
Start at the Bellevue Farmers Market, a perfect spot to find fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables like corn, cauliflower, and squash. Visit the market on Thursday afternoons on Bellevue Way through October.
As for dining options, Bake’s Place is a farm-to-table bar and bistro with a heated patio, live music, and creative plates such as sake-braised pork belly and chimichurri top sirloin.
At The Lakehouse, James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Wilson crafts inventive dishes from locally sourced ingredients, providing upscale farm-to-table food in a casual atmosphere. The menu features steak, pasta, and a large selection of oysters, scallops, and salmon.
Make a stop in Issaquah to enjoy the annual Salmon Days celebration, running October 5–6, 2024, at Veterans’ Memorial Field. Participate in the Salmon Run and enjoy salmon dishes from local restaurants to round out the visit.
For more great seafood, head to Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar and enjoy the renowned restaurant’s extensive menu of fish, oysters, and sushi, including a large number of shareable plates. It’s top-notch cuisine in a classy setting.
Savor locally produced food and wine with an autumn visit to Woodinville. On October 12, 2024, the Sammamish Valley Harvest Celebration offers a fun day at 21 Acers education center and farm with a cooking demonstration, apple pressing, live music, a pumpkin walk, and local vendors. Soak up the lively vibe of Woodinville’s Warehouse District during crush season — when the community comes together to turn the fall harvest into award-winning wines. The area holds more boutique wineries per square foot than any wine region in the world, making it a bucket-list-worthy spot to visit.
Combine these fall-centric events and activities with Bellevue’s many parks, museums, and shops to make your Bellevue visit an unforgettable experience!
