Labor Day Transit Tips: Your guide to getting to weekend events using public transit
The Seattle Great Wheel overlooks Pier 57 with the Seattle skyline in the background.
We’ve reached the symbolic end of summer: Labor Day! As always, there’s plenty to do while the weather is still warm, and public transit is your key to long-weekend events in Kitsap County or Seattle. Read on for our guide to weekend fun!
Due to increased traffic over the holiday weekend, lines and wait times could be longer, so plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. Sign up for rider alerts to stay informed, and please be patient with transit workers!
If you have questions or need help planning your trip, call Kitsap Transit customer service at 360-377-2877. Our Customer Service Office is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends and Labor Day.
Transit Tips
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Tap to Pay is here, and it’s the easiest way to pay your fare on most forms of transit. Simply tap your credit card, debit card, or device with a digital wallet on the bus or ferry reader. Tap to Pay isn’t accepted on Washington State Ferries, the Seattle Monorail, or a few other services, which you can find here.
An ORCA card is still a convenient way to pay your fare. Learn how to get a card and add value on ORCA’s website.
If you’re traveling with a large group, the TransitGO Ticket app will let you buy tickets for multiple riders.
Don’t forget: Transit is free for everyone 18 and under!
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Plan before you ride! Use one of the transit planners below to help make your trip seamless. If you’re riding the bus in Kitsap County, you can text your stop ID to 360-800-3433 for real-time arrival information.
KTTracker.com: Real-time location and arrival estimates, trip planner
Google Maps & Apple Maps
Ride Pingo app | App Store | Google Play
Transit app | App Store | Google Play
Citymapper | App Store | Google Play
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View Kitsap Transit’s Rider Alerts page for details about our bus service on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. You can also use our interactive system map to find bus stops, schedules and track buses or ferries in real time.
Bremerton Blackberry Festival
Walk the Bremerton waterfront, enjoying blackberries in any form it's possible to enjoy them in! This annual festival pays tribute to all things blackberry with dozens of vendors, live music, food, drinks and more.
Bumbershoot
A “full-spectrum arts and music experience” that’s been held over Labor Day weekend in Seattle for more than 50 years, Bumbershoot has something for everyone.
While there are several ways to get to Seattle Center via transit, the most straightforward might be the newest: King County Metro’s free Waterfront Shuttle, which operates through Sept. 7.
PAX West
The originator of a series of gaming conventions that has spread across the world, PAX West is a hub for video games and gaming culture. Browse the expo floor, play demos, attend panels, compete in tournaments, and more.
Apple Cup: UW vs WSU season-opener
Husky Stadium on UW's campus. Credit: IanDewarPhotography - stock.adobe.com
The 118th Apple Cup kicks off at 1:00 PM on Sunday, Sept. 6, marking the first time ever that UW and WSU have met in a season opener. Getting to Husky Stadium is as easy as hopping on Sound Transit’s light rail, with the Pioneer Square station being the closest station to the ferry terminal.
Waterfront events: Aquarium programs, book sale, Seahawks party, and more
Seattle’s Waterfront has no shortage of events happening over Labor Day weekend, including a Seahawks’ season kickoff party, free Seattle Aquarium programming, and an Overlook Walk book pop-up sale.
Seattle Mariners games vs Athletics
The Seattle Mariners are at home over Labor Day weekend, taking on their AL West division rival Athletics. T-Mobile Park is a short walk from Seattle’s ferry terminals, making this an easy car-free activity for Kitsap baseball fans.