SEATTLE — Halloween is in the rearview mirror, and the holiday season is fast approaching. Let’s check out what’s going on in the region this weekend!
Veterans parade and comic shows lead the weekend lineup
Veterans Day is Wednesday, but this weekend in Auburn, there will be the Veterans Parade and Observance on Main Street. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you will find one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the U.S., complete with nearly 4,000 parade participants, including 10 marching bands, military vehicles, veterans’ units, honor guards, and plenty more. There is also a variety of other Veterans Day activities and celebrations going on throughout Auburn, and you can find details on the City of Auburn’s website.
Comic book fans will want to head to Tacoma this weekend for the Grit City Comic Show at the Tacoma Convention Center. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll find an old-school comic book show complete with dealer tables packed with classic comics and collectibles, panels and workshops to learn more about the world of comics, plus areas for tabletop games and LEGO displays, cosplay and lots more. Make sure to get your $12 ticket online to save a couple bucks, and kids 12 and under get in free with an adult.
Georgetown is also putting on a comic book celebration, the Short Run Comix Festival, and this one is all about indie comic artists. This show has been running for 14 years and will be taking over the Seattle Design Center on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the event, there will be over 200 exhibitors representing small-press comics and book art from 27 states. There will also be special guest speakers and presentations, and a youth zone for young comic creators. The Short Run Comix Festival is free to attend.
Free Diwali celebrations, Polish treats and fall foliage fun
There are a couple of celebrations of Diwali this weekend, including the Diwali: Lights of India celebration at the Seattle Center on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. In Bellevue, there will be a celebration of the Festival of Lights at Bellevue Square, also on Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both of these events will feature live performances, activities, and booths highlighting Indian culture and food, henna, and more. Both of these events are free to attend.
The Polish Cultural Center will be hosting the Polish Fall Bazaar on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be all the Polish food you can eat, including pierogi, sausages, borscht, and pastries. Plus, there will be a whole area dedicated to vendors selling crafts, which might be a great way to get the holiday shopping started. The Polish Fall Bazaar is free to attend.
Check out the fall colors and enjoy all sorts of other fall-themed fun at the Fall Foliage Festival at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way. There will be 22 acres of woodland paths to explore while you enjoy the vibrant colors, smells, and sounds of fall. There will also be a shop for specialty plants and a selection of art and handmade goods. The Fall Foliage Festival is free to attend and runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ghost tours and a packed sports weekend
Hop aboard a ferry and take a trip to the Port Gamble Ghost Conference this weekend. Starting Friday and running through Sunday at the Port Gamble Theater in Poulsbo, you’ll find paranormal investigators, workshops and classes to help you learn about the paranormal world, ghost tours, and tons more. You’ll want to register ahead of time before you head to the event.
It’s a busy sports weekend as the Seattle Kraken take on the New York Rangers Saturday at 2 p.m., the Seattle Sounders go up against LAFC Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., and the University of Washington Huskies have a big game against Penn State at 12:30 p.m. On Sunday, the Seahawks look to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals, with kickoff at 1:25 p.m.
Are you getting ready for the holiday season? Let me know at paulh@kiroradio.com.