Summer is coming to an end, but before you mourn the loss of warm weather and sandals, consider all the events coming up next season. Here are just a few fall festivals worth checking out around Seattle.

St. Demetrios Greek Festival

A Seattle tradition since 1960, the St. Demetrios Greek Festival in the Montlake neighborhood immerses you in Greek culture, food, and dancing. This year's festival takes place Sept. 22, 23, and 24, and will offer Greek wine tasting, docent-led church tours, a children's game booth, and even shopping opportunities. Browse the booths for Greek imports, religious artifacts, and food staples such as phyllo dough, spices, breads, and olives. The Taverna bar features a great selection of Greek wine and beer, while the St. Demetrios Cultural Center will have a sampling of Greek wines and a wine tasting station. A la carte food items are served on the church grounds under a tent and include falafel, Greek salad, souvlaki, and roasted lamb sandwiches. Best of all, you'll have a chance to experience St. Demetrios Church's active Greek Folk Dance program, which includes more than 120 dancers and singers dressed in authentic costumes. Whether you come for the music, the food, or the shopping, the St. Demetrios Greek Festival is a delight for the senses!

Renton Oktoberfest

Held in downtown Renton at the Pavilion Event Center and the adjacent Piazza starting Sept. 25, Renton Oktoberfest is a two-day event celebrating the best of Bavarian culture. The event stays true to its German roots by serving a large selection of German beer in full-sized steins, just like the real Oktoberfest. Enjoy live entertainment, including German bands and traditional Bavarian games. There's also an outdoor biergarten, so come and discover your new favorite drink!

OysterFest

Held Oct. 7 and 8 at the Port of Shelton, OysterFest is Washington state's most anticipated seafood festival. Not only can you experience the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship, but you'll discover a gigantic food pavilion with more than 100 items on the menu, including fritters, garlic shrimp, spring rolls, fresh cider, barbecue oysters, and more! Each year, OysterFest features numerous exhibits, including hands-on activities, which showcase the Puget Sound's ecosystem. Learn about tidal zones, mudflats, oyster habitats, and how you can help protect the local waters in your own family. Admission for the 36th annual OysterFest is just $5, and proceeds from food sales go to support 100 local nonprofit organizations.

Steamposium Seattle

Don your top hat and goggles for a weekend at Seattle's steampunk festival! Steamposium Seattle celebrates the best of steampunk culture, art, and literature with an all-star burlesque show, a murder mystery, a fashion show, entertainment, and vendors that bring out the mad scientist in all of us. Featured guests include creator and steampunk artist Charles Mason II, costumer Tobias McCurry, and comedian Thee Bluebeard. This year's event takes place Oct. 27-29, so be sure to reserve your tickets early to secure your spot. Don't let the waning summer give you the blues. Start marking your calendars for these must-see fall festival experiences! Image via Pixabay