Summer’s winding down, but Grays Harbor County is just getting started. From a century-old lodge celebration to salmon bakes, Renaissance faires, and a gathering of gnomes, here’s everything happening around the Harbor this September and beyond.
Lake Quinault Lodge Centennial Celebration
Saturday, September 19, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Lake Quinault Lodge
After the original hotel burned in 1924, a new lodge rose in its place. Remarkably, it was built in 53 days during the summer of 1926. A century later, this rustic gateway to the Olympic National Forest is throwing a full day of celebration. Canoe races, a Quinault Pride salmon bake, live music, tribal songs and dances, a marching band, photo booths, and a champagne toast are some of the activities. Free to attend; food and activities are priced separately.
The Full September Lineup
First Weekend in Sept – AAOS Arts & Crafts Festival Ocean Shores Convention Center
Western Washington’s largest arts and crafts festival, packed with local handcrafted goods, art displays, and gifts. Great rainy-day option — it’s all indoors.
First Sat in Sept – 80th Annual Seafood Festival Westport Maritime Museum
A family feast of fresh local seafood, live music, and local vendors, now in its 80th year on the waterfront.
Second Weekend in Sept – Logger’s Playday Olympic Stadium, Hoquiam
A Grays Harbor tradition, local loggers show off traditional timber skills and compete, plus a community parade through Hoquiam.
Second Fri in Sept – GraysHaven Renaissance and Fantasy Faire 500 N Custer St, Aberdeen
Knights, magic, and medieval fantasy for a day. Costumes encouraged.
Second Sat in Sept – Gnome & Fairy Festival Seabrook
A whimsical, costumed afternoon for kids (and kids at heart) in the storybook town of Seabrook. Costumes welcome and encouraged.
Second Weekend in Sept – Welsh Fall Festival & Open Pony Show Grays Harbor Fairgrounds & Event Center
Northwest regional pony competitions and fall festival fun for the whole family.
Travel Tip: Looking for a weekend getaway?
The second weekend in September is the Harbor’s busiest stretch, with the Renaissance Faire, Gnome & Fairy Festival, Logger’s Playday, and the Pony Show all overlapping. It’s easy to combine everything into one weekend getaway.
Mid Sept to end of Oct – Boat Basin Salmon Derby Westport
Dockside salmon fishing and salmon bakes all fall, with locally donated prizes. Grab a rod any day the derby’s running. There’s no need to wait for a single event date.
More To Discover This Fall
Once the last salmon bake wraps up, the season is far from over. Fall in Grays Harbor County runs deep into November, and it’s one of the best times of year to visit. The season brings a quieter, more colorful side to life for visitors to experience. Storm watching is dramatic. Harvest season is celebrated with festivals which lead right into the holiday season.
Rainforest Color
The Quinault Rainforest and Olympic National Forest turn gold in September through October, with fewer crowds than during summer.
Storm Watching Season
Later in the fall, Pacific Beach, Westport and Ocean Shores become a front-row seat for dramatic Pacific storms and towering waves.
Harvest and Holiday Happenings
Local farmers markets, harvest festivals, and small-town holiday kickoffs continue from September through October and into the winter season.
Shoulder-season Quietness
Cooler days are perfect for hiking trails, beachcombing, and scenic drives. Local restaurants are noticeably less crowded. It’s a great trade if you don’t mind a jacket.
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re here for one weekend in September or planning a return trip once the leaves turn, fall in Grays Harbor County is a great time to visit. The area has a full season of events, food, and coastal charm waiting. For lodging, directions, and the full year-round events calendar, visit VisitGraysHarbor.com. Start planning your next trip to relish fall in Grays Harbor County.
By guest blogger Nikki Brown, Fairgrounds, Events & Tourism Director for Grays Harbor County
Cover photo courtesy of Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Explore our events calendar to see what else is happening this fall across the Olympic Peninsula.
