Here's an insider tip: Fall is actually one of the best seasons to visit the Pacific Northwest.
Yes, it is true that the northwest is known for our nearly perfect summers. As the seasons change and the fall foliage arrives with hues of reds and oranges, Bellevue begins to indulge in sweater weather. Autumn brings crisp and cool air, misty days, and the allure of fog cascading over the wild northwest. Keyword: Hygge. It's all about the cozy fall days and...
1. Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches
Around here, the Fall calendar of events is jam packed with activity. Kicking off the month of October, Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music series returns October 2 - 6.
Bellevue Fashion Week, the Northwest Chocolate Festival, the Kelsey Creek Farm Fair, and the Issaquah Salmon Days events coincide on the first weekend. Mark your calendars, it's a busy fall!
Explore the agricultural bounty of nearby farms that offer classic American fall activities. Grab the crew and head 20 miles east of Bellevue for Remlinger Farms' massive annual Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival & Fun Park, complete with wagon rides, a free corn maze, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, an apple cannon and pony rides. For one of the most exciting corn mazes around, head to Woodinville Wine Country just 10 miles north of Bellevue for JB Family Growers' Pumpkin Farm & Puzzle Patch. Enjoy three different trail systems in the corn maze, find your perfect pumpkin and snap autumnal photos in the 10 acre patch, and enjoy the delights from local vendors and eateries on site.
2. The Food Scene
Bellevue's food scene has been growing at an exciting pace with cuisines from around the world, and fall is a beautiful time to visit for culinary escapades.
Start your journey with the new Bites of Bellevue walking food tour, which takes you throughout Old Main Street and parts of downtown.
A wet fall in the Pacific Northwest means it's peak time to enjoy the foraged wild mushrooms on seasonal menus across town. Watch Chef John Howie of John Howie Steak and host Chef Shota Nakajima in our new culinary series, Bellevue Eats.
Eat your way through the local hot pot scene, try the acclaimed dumplings at Supreme Dumplings or Dough Zone, and the Vietnamese catfish stew at Monsoon Bellevue is to die for.
The new Banaras Indian Restaurant brings something brand new to the culinary space, serving vegetarian cuisine inspired by the ancient city of Banaras. The executive chef hails from India and has cooked in kitchens around the world. Here, he brings food made from scratch and made from the soul. In downtown, the highly anticipated Tendon Kohaku made its debut this year, pulling in crowds from around the region. Fall is a great time to visit the new DaeHo Kalbijjim, where you'll enjoy a satisfying tableside cheese melt over a massive sizzling short rib stew, perfect for groups.
At The Shops at The Bravern, enjoy elegant Japanese cheesecakes and treats at the new LeTao, and the Hokkaido Milk soft serve is a must. Across the way, HeyTea opened recently with lines out the door. Get the drinks with the cheese foam. Thank me later.
3. Craft Beer
Bellevue and its surrounding areas are becoming a hot spot for craft beer enthusiasts. With several local breweries and taprooms, it's a great destination for beer lovers.
Located in Bellevue, Resonate Brewery is known for its community-driven atmosphere, fresh craft beers, and wood-fired pizza. A staple in Bellevue’s craft beer scene, Bellevue Brewing Company focuses on creating high-quality, small-batch beers. Their large taproom also serves food, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Nearby, Cascadia Pizza & Brewery is a beloved spot for pizza and beer - and it's no joke.
For taprooms and beer halls, head to the new Redd Dog and Tapster Bellevue for pour-it-yourself experiences. Redd Dog is dog-friendly and a great place to spot neighborhood pups. Try Paddy Coynes for a true Irish Pub experience and Tavern Hall to sip on a wide variety of brews while enjoying sports on the screens.
4. Sports in Session
It's the season to cheer on the Seahawks and Kraken as the Mariners and Sounders wrap up their regular-season games, and it really doesn't matter if you're a sports fan. The energy throughout the region comes alive.
You can "sailgate" on Lake Washington for the University of Washington Husky games - and the team just joined the Big Ten conference this fall, so cheer on! You can join a charter cruise from Argosy Cruises, or hop on a private boat and drop anchor near the stadium to party before the game.
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.
Don't forget to grab a Seattle Dog and enjoy the cream cheese.
5. Seaplanes & Fall Foliage
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.
For the ultimate fall foliage adventure, head to Kenmore Air and book yourself a seaplane over Lake Washington. Fall is one of the best times for these flights as the forests surrounding the lake and nearby mountains explode into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Choose Bellevue as your base camp
Big city amenities. Easy access to mountains, evergreen forests, and beaches. Countless adventures. Stay the weekend.
