Fairs, Festivals & Parades

Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend

The Boeing Air Show during Seattle Seafair Weekend is a must see for all families and thrill seekers. For many across the Pacific Northwest, summer and Seafair reach their pinnacle as the pilots behind the yokes of the "Blue" Boeing F/A-18 Hornets make their thunderous and spectacular appearance over the … [Read more...] about Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend

Our big list of car shows and auto clubs

The Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region has its fair share of car shows, car clubs, and swap meets to satisfy car and motorcycle enthusiasts living or visiting the region. We've listed the key (get it?) events and organizations throughout the state. Find a calendar of upcoming car shows and related events … [Read more...] about Our big list of car shows and auto clubs

National Alpaca Farm Days

Alpaca farms all across the country welcome visitors for National Alpaca Farm Days every September to see and learn about these tranquil and majestic animals. There are several participating farms in Western Washington State. About the Alpaca Owners Association Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days

State and County Fairs in Washington State

Washington state has a rich agricultural heritage. A visit to a state or county fair is an excellent way to sample local foods and enjoy free and cheap entertainment. Fairs are a family-friendly activity. Fairs are also a way to see live local and headliner bands at a fraction of the typcial price (or even free). … [Read more...] about State and County Fairs in Washington State

Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood

SeafoodFest in Ballard started as a two-hour dinner in 1971. Today, it's an iconic three-day event that draws over 75,000 people, where you can enjoy food vendors, local music, arts and crafts, family entertainment, a beer garden, lutefisk eating (or not), giant fish, skateboarding competition, oceans of … [Read more...] about Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood

Italian food festival honors San Gennaro in south Seattle

Seattle’s San Gennaro Festival street fair brings the best Seattle Italian food and entertainment to the Georgetown neighborhood, located south of SODO and the Industrial District. About the Georgetown neighborhood One of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods, Georgetown is located west of I-5, and just north of Boeing … [Read more...] about Italian food festival honors San Gennaro in south Seattle

Seafair signature events and community festivals

Many people think that Seattle's Seafair summer festival is the hydroplane races on Lake Washington with the Blue Angels flying overhead during Seafair Weekend in August. Far from it. Seafair is a summer-long festival from June through August, with several signature events and many, many community events … [Read more...] about Seafair signature events and community festivals

Free Art Festivals in Bellevue

For the past several decades, the city of Bellevue has showcased local artists at several summer art fairs. More information about each festival is detailed below with links to information about all the activities, what to see and do, where to park, and more. 2021 Virtual Bellevue Arts Festivals BAM … [Read more...] about Free Art Festivals in Bellevue

Berry festivals in the Puget Sound region

Berries are synonymous with summer. Ripe, juicy, and delicious, who doesn't dream of berry shortcake, berry ice cream, fresh berry pie, berry scones, and more. Popular berries in Western Washington include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. June-July is the primary strawberry season around … [Read more...] about Berry festivals in the Puget Sound region

Chinatown-International District festivals

The Seattle Chinatown-International District (aka the “ID”, pronounced eye-dee), located south of downtown is a cultural hub of the Asian American community. Historically, it is the only area in the continental United States where several cultures—Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans, and Vietnamese—settled … [Read more...] about Chinatown-International District festivals

Make Music Day in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area

Make Music Day (MMD) is a free worldwide celebration of music always held on June 21 during the summer solstice (longest day of the year). Launched in 1982 in France as the "Fête de la Musique" (festival of music), MMD is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. Completely different from … [Read more...] about Make Music Day in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area

Juneteenth: Northwest African American Museum

Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle exhibits the history, art, and culture of people of African descent and the Black experience in America. The exhibits and events include roots in slavery and the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent, as well as more recent immigrants … [Read more...] about Juneteenth: Northwest African American Museum

Free Alki Art Fair supports community artists

The annual Alki Art Fair on one of Seattle’s most scenic Puget Sound beaches is a showcase for the work of over 100 artists. Find a variety of media including painting, pottery, glass, textiles, metal, jewelry, and more. Alki Beach in West Seattle comes alive during the art festival with street food, beer & wine … [Read more...] about Free Alki Art Fair supports community artists

Father’s Day Classic Car Cruise in Burien

This annual event features lean, mean machines and has become a perfect date with dads of all kinds. Classic cars will line SW 152nd Street in Downtown Burien from 4th Ave SW to 10th Ave SW. Car judging categories are: Peoples Choice, Stock to 56, Stock 57 to 65, Stock 66 and up, Modified to 50, Modified 51 and up, … [Read more...] about Father’s Day Classic Car Cruise in Burien

Northwest Folklife: annual Memorial Day Weekend festival

Northwest Folklife Festival is the annual free Memorial Day weekend celebration of ethnic, folk, and traditional arts. Folklife is Seattle's unofficial leap into summer, with four days of jam-packed excitement all day and into the night. About Northwest Folklife The Memorial Day Weekend festival is … [Read more...] about Northwest Folklife: annual Memorial Day Weekend festival

Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

Seattle Center Festál presents free cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year. Each event highlights the distinct cultures and common threads of ethnic communities in the Puget Sound region through traditional and contemporary art, music, foods, youth activities, workshops and more. Festal was founded in … [Read more...] about Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend

Seafair Weekend is the culmination of Seattle's summer festival. It's an exhilarating rite of summer, complete with thundering hydroplane boats on the water and an air show overhead. One of Seattle's favorite traditions at Genesee Park in south Seattle on Lake Washington, the day features the U.S. Navy Blue … [Read more...] about Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend

Daffodil Parade marches to four south Sound cities

Second only to the summertime Washington State Fair in Puyallup, the Daffodil Festival is an annual celebration of the history and traditions in four Pierce County cities: Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting. The Daffodil Festival is made up of many smaller events and parades. The Daffodil Parade includes … [Read more...] about Daffodil Parade marches to four south Sound cities

Solstice events, lantern festivals, and light shows

The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning sol (sun) and stitium (to stop). The solstice occurs twice a year, when it reaches the northernmost point (summer in the norther hemisphere) and southernmost point (winter in the northern hemisphere). Each solstice indicates the stop of the sun before it … [Read more...] about Solstice events, lantern festivals, and light shows

Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds

Located south of Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, the Washington State Fair Events Center comprises over 160 acres. The facilities are available for rent during the year. The Washington State Fair hosts two annual events, the 20-day Washington State Fair every September, and … [Read more...] about Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds

Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)

The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is a week-long kite celebration and competition held annually in breezy Long Beach, WA about 170 miles southwest of Seattle. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, Kitelife Magazine calls … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)

Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area

Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area include conservation, recycling, and other activities designed to educate us on the benefits of protecting our natural resources through mindful living. Many events are free, but many require that you register in advance. We might also include events that have a small … [Read more...] about Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area

Lunar New Year 2021 events around Puget Sound

Seattle is home to a diverse community of Asian cultures who celebrate the Lunar New Year. These celebrations welcome the return of spring and chase out the dark days of winter (and the evil spirits who lurk there) with the lion dance, firecrackers, special foods, and other traditions. Although the Lunar New … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year 2021 events around Puget Sound

Black history month in Seattle

February is Black History Month, making it the perfect time to highlight African American culture and the black experience in Seattle. A calendar of local events celebrating black history is listed below. This is also the perfect occasion to learn more about the civil rights movement in Seattle. Civil rights movement … [Read more...] about Black history month in Seattle

Here’s how and where you can celebrate Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras translates from French as "fat Tuesday" and has roots in the Christian liturgical calendar. The Epiphany is January 6, 12 days after Christmas when the Magi or Wise Men from the East, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh followed the star to the Christ child in Bethlehem. Epiphany marks the end … [Read more...] about Here’s how and where you can celebrate Mardi Gras