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Autumn is coming

Explore all things Washington during 2019’s fall festival season

Enjoy beer, brats, games and music at Oktoberfest Northwest Oct. 4-6. Photo courtesy oktoberfestnw.com

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As summertime fun-in-the-sun gives way to fall rainy-day-play, feelings of discontentment may arise at the sudden whirlwind of seasonal change. Fear not! Though saying au revoir to sweet sunshine can cause minor heartache, folks can rest easy as the fall festival season emerges -- providing a plethora of opportunities to celebrate the autumnal season with a fervor as unique and varied as the events themselves.

To wrap up September on a high note, consider checking out the Refuge Outdoor Festival in Carnation Sept. 27-29. This diversity-centered three-day event prides itself on building a sense of community and connecting people from all walks of life with resources for continued engagement. Expect food and fun, but also unique to-do's, such as nightly concerts, camping, and a community service project. Admission is $45-$110 for weekend passes, $20 for camping field space; bring your own tent.

Movie lovers can rejoice from Oct. 3-10 by attending the 14th annual Tacoma Film Festival, hosted at the Grand Cinema in downtown Tacoma. In addition to showcasing over 100 films, attendees with VIP passes can also participate in workshops, opening and closing night parties, and other private events. VIP passes cost $175, though individual tickets can be purchased a week prior to the event for $11 for general admission and $9 for military with ID.

Appreciate German culture at Oktoberfest Northwest, Washington's largest Munich-style Oktoberfest celebration at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. From Oct. 4-6, enjoy German-style beer, brats, games and entertainment for free before 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $15 after 3 p.m., and only $7.50 on Sunday. Kiddos attend free all weekend before 21+ only, which begins at 6 p.m.

Celebrate nature's candy with the annual Steilacoom Apple Squeeze, Sunday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event offers the chance to press apples into fresh cider, browse handmade arts and crafts, watch spinning and weaving demonstrations, and of course, try apple-centric foods and beverages!

For all things seafood, calendars should be marked for Oct. 11-13 for the 18th annual Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival at the Port Angeles waterfront. Active military members and their families are invited to receive a special crab dinner for the reduced price of $26, as well as 10 percent off all merchandise at information booths when they show military ID.

Get a head start on holiday gift shopping at the Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival, Oct. 17-20, at the Tacoma Dome. For $15.50, check out over 500 exhibits that feature specialty and gourmet food options, handmade items and crafts, and seasonal décor.

For a spook-tacular time, grab the munchkins and head to Halloween Fright Fest, hosted at the International District/Chinatown Community Center in Seattle, Friday, Oct. 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. This carnival-style event includes fun and games for an admittance fee of only $2 per child.

What's better than a great burger? Perhaps burgers, beer, and live music! To enjoy all of the above, visit Cheney Stadium Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1-6 p.m. for the 2019 Battle of the Burger Washington event. Sample a smorgasbord of delicious and unique burgers from all over the region and vote for the best in a variety of categories. Though free to attend, guests can purchase a flight of six burgers for $30-$40, depending on the date of purchase. Need a reason to bring the kiddos? This event will also feature a free trick-or-treat event. 

Honor loved ones who have passed at the Día de Muertos: A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed event at the Armory in Seattle Nov. 2. Free to attend and open to the public, patrons can expect a lively, colorful day-long celebration meant to preserve the sacred traditions of Mexican culture.

With so many events geared towards a wide variety of interests, hobbies and just a plain ol' good time, there's countless reasons to explore the happenings of Washington during the fall festival season. With a fun-filled calendar on the horizon, autumn says "Hello, and welcome."

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