Street Fairs

The season kicks off with the Fremont Fair (June 22–23), known for its wacky Solstice Parade—think giant puppets, stilt walkers, and body-painted cyclists. Even if you miss the big event, the Fremont Sunday Market teems with handmade treasures, gourmet food trucks, and good vibes year-round.

West Seattle Summer Fest (July 12–14) jazzes up the Junction with exciting rides for kids, European-style outdoor seating at beloved restaurants, and so many arts, crafts, and other goods from neighborhood vendors, hearkening back to when this fest was the more modest Sidewalk Sale.

Taking live music to the next level, Capitol Hill Block Party (July 19–21) features six stages of nationally known radio regulars like Lizzo, RL Grime, and Phantogram and up-and-coming local acts like The Black Tones and Wild Powwers.

The South Lake Union Block Party (Aug 9) celebrates 15 years in 2019. Expect a few anniversary surprises in addition to the customary local bands, print-your-own-poster station, and Steamroller Smackdown, which turns letterpress into a competition.

Try the traditional alder-smoked salmon barbecue at Ballard SeafoodFest (July 12–14) or wander five South Lake Union blocks packed with food trucks and pop-ups during Seattle Street Food Festival (July 6–7). And at the Chinatown-ID Night Market (Sept 14), sample Asian street foods and shop handmade local good while oohing and aahing over live music and break-dance performances.

The crown jewel of street fairs is the Seafair Festival*, a tradition since 1950. A summer-long series of events—including the Milk Carton Derby at Green Lake (July 13) and the nighttime Torchlight Parade downtown (July 27)—culminates in Seafair Weekend (Aug 2–4), when the Blue Angels soar through the sky and hydroplanes race across Lake Washington.

*Visit Seattle Partner