Fall Foliage Festival @ Federal Way

Feast your eyes on the fireworks of fall at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden on Seattle’s Southside. This free festival in early November allows visitors to wander 22 acres of woodland paths bedazzled by Mother Nature’s golden palette, in addition to shopping for your new favorite plant finds and/or art and handmade goods inspired by nature and the great outdoors.

Plant enthusiasts can shop for specialty discoveries as knowledgeable vendors help curious folks pick out the perfect addition(s) to their garden. Whether you’re on the hunt for unusual plants or collector favorites, you’ll be able to enlist the help of friendly staff from establishments like The Green Gargoyle, Wanderlust Nursery, Celestial Dream Gardens and Hardy Fern Foundation.

The Fall Foliage Festival also includes a small selection of artists and makers selling works and art pieces that have been inspired by nature, the garden and the Pacific Northwest. Just in time to prep for the holiday gift-giving season, you’ll discover their enticing photography, handcrafted birdhouses, pottery, jewelry, artwork and other unique, handmade gems.

In addition to getting your retail and nature fix, enjoy food trucks serving up tasty refreshments, guided tours showcasing the garden’s autumnal landscape, a kids’ scavenger hunt prepared especially for young visitors and phytosanitary inspection services specifically designed for visitors who may be purchasing plants for international transport.