’Tis the season for revelry, and in Seattle, there’s never a shortage of fun events. Here are some of the best fests to put on your calendar.
NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
Powered by donations, this annual event at Seattle Center celebrates the stories, music, dance, crafts, and traditions of the people who call the Pacific Northwest home. Memorial Day Weekend; nwfolklife.org
SEAFAIR
It’s not summer without Seafair, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Over several weeks, experience the Torchlight Parade, 4th of July fireworks at both Gasworks Park and Lake Union Park, and Seafair Weekend featuring the US Navy Blue Angels and hydroplane races on Lake Washington. Seafair includes a wide array of smaller community events too, such as Greenwood Car Show and the Alki Art Show. June–Aug; seafair.org
PRIDEFEST & PRIDE PARADE
Celebrate Pride with food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, performances, and a colorful parade through Downtown. June; seattlepridefest.org, seattlepridel.org
DAY IN DAY OUT
Watch The Head and the Heart, Carly Rae Jepsen, Bleachers, and dozens of other big-name acts take the stage during this spirited festival at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion. July; dayindayoutfest.com
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST
Live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, activities for kids, and a beer garden are some of the ingredients that make this community fest in the West Seattle Junction a fan favorite. July; westseattlesummerfest.com
CAPITOL HILL BLOCK PARTY
Dozens of performers—including Kaytranada, Kim Petras, and Still Woozy—headline this year’s three-day music and arts party in one of Seattle’s most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods. July; capitolhillblockparty.com
Courtesy Jim Bennett
SEATTLE ART FAIR
Art lovers rejoice: every July, Lumen Field Event Center transforms into a giant gallery of contemporary and modern art, complemented by installations, events, and performances. July; seattleartfair.com
BUMBERSHOOT
This Labor Day weekend staple at Seattle Center always boasts a can’t-miss musical lineup, along with experiences that amplify local art, tech, food, and culture. Labor Day Weekend; bumbershoot.com
REFRACT
Glass art shines at this festival held in locations across the region. Enjoy live demos, gallery events, private tours, art parties, museum exhibitions, and more, all showcasing creative uses of glass. October; refractseattle.org
PIER 62
Shake, stretch, relax, and learn with Zumba, yoga, meditation, Native Coast Salish storytelling, performances, and more on the waterfront. Ongoing; waterfrontparkseattle.org
FESTÁL
Seattle Center plays host to this year-round series of 24 different festivals that highlight the international diversity that makes the region so vibrant. Ongoing; seattlecenter.com/events
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