Fairs, Festivals & Parades

Where to see fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area

Here’s our list of where to see free public fireworks show in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and other cities and communities around the Puget Sound region. At the end of the list of fireworks shows, we offer tips for photographing fireworks. And, if you are planning a private show, we offer links to fireworks … [Read more...] about Where to see fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area

Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend

The first Wooden Boat Festival (WBF) in North America in 1978 at Port Townsend eventually joined with Northwest Maritime Center in 2005 to continue to engage and educate people in traditional maritime culture and to inspire people to adventure on the sea--the most powerful teacher you may ever know! Today, the Port … [Read more...] about Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend

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

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 typical price (or even free). … [Read more...] about State and County Fairs in Washington State

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. Bellevue Arts Festivals Bellevue Arts Museum … [Read more...] about Free Art Festivals in Bellevue

Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day

Seafair, Seattle’s consummate summer festival, began in 1950 as Sea Fair, a 10-day "water festival". The first festival was organized by a committee of businessmen from the community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city*. Seafair is primarily about community, civic pride, affordable fun, and of course, the … [Read more...] about Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day

Father’s Day Classic Car Show in Burien

Burien's annual Classic Car Show is held during the Strawberry Festival, which features games, food, vendors, and live music all weekend in Town Square Park. On Sunday, check out hot rods, classic and vintage cars with fellow gear heads at SW 152nd Street. Cars will line SW 152nd Street in Downtown Burien from 4th Ave … [Read more...] about Father’s Day Classic Car Show in Burien

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

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

Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

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

Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade

Fremont Solstice Fair & Solstice Parade every June coincides with the Summer Solstice. The funky, friendly Fremont neighborhood celebrates all aspects of community: art, spirit, sharing, and working together to help each other. During Fremont Fair weekend, people from all walks of life come together to shop, eat, … [Read more...] about Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade

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, includes four days of jam-packed excitement all day and into the night. About Northwest Folklife The Memorial Day Weekend festival is presented … [Read more...] about Northwest Folklife: annual Memorial Day Weekend festival

Memorial Day Weekend events

Memorial Day is a National holiday observed annually on the last Monday in May. The holiday honors men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. To observe Memorial Day, many military cemeteries and war memorials hold commemorative events to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for … [Read more...] about Memorial Day Weekend events

Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend

Seafair Weekend is the culmination of Seattle's summer festival. One of Seattle's favorite traditions at Genesee Park in south Seattle on Lake Washington. It's an exhilarating rite of summer like nowhere else in the country. The 3-day festival features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels highlighting the Boeing Air Show … [Read more...] about Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend

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. Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair) is the largest single attraction held … [Read more...] about Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds

Free things to do in April

Listed below are the free things to do in April from our calendar. Holidays and special events with free things to do include the Daffodil Parade (April 9, 2022) in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting, Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022), Earth Day (April 22, 2022), National Arbor Day (April 29, 2022). We’ll continue to … [Read more...] about Free things to do in April

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 celebration at the Bellevue Collection

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). Festivities include a virtual presentation of a lion dance, performances, crafts and more. The Chinese calendar … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year celebration at the Bellevue Collection

Online: National Math Festival 2021

National Math Festival brings together some of the most fascinating mathematicians of our time to inspire and challenge participants of all ages to see math in new and exciting ways. The Festival features juicy talks, hands-on demos, art, films, performances, puzzles, games, children’s book readings, and more for all … [Read more...] about Online: National Math Festival 2021

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Northwest African American Museum

Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle embraces the important histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent. NAAM exhibits the history, art, and culture of people of African descent and the Black experience in America, including roots in slavery as well as recent immigrants from Somalia, … [Read more...] about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Northwest African American Museum

Free Snowflake Lane Christmas parade in Bellevue

Since 2005, Snowflake Lane has strived to be the region's most festive free holiday show. Presented by The Bellevue Collection, it has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite holiday traditions. The Snowflake Lane parade runs nightly from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Join the festivities every … [Read more...] about Free Snowflake Lane Christmas parade in Bellevue

FREE Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other holiday events

Any day of the week during the long holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, you can find FREE things to do that put you in a festive mood. Some events are short-lived, but some begin on Thanksgiving Weekend (or before) and some continue through New Year's Eve. Some of the popular events include Festival … [Read more...] about FREE Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other holiday events

Chanukah “festival of lights” commemorates a miracle

Chanukah, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. Because it occurs close to Christmas, many non-Jews think of this holiday as the "Jewish Christmas". However, as you must know, the holiday has nothing to do with Jesus or Santa. In fact, … [Read more...] about Chanukah “festival of lights” commemorates a miracle

Oktoberfest beer festivals in the Puget sound region

Beer-themed Oktoberfest celebrations are held in many other cities around the world, some in October and some in September, which has more predictably favorable weather. The largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany is "Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest" in Ontario, Canada. The largest in the United States "Oktoberfest … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest beer festivals in the Puget sound region

Free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound

Our list of free and cheap Halloween events includes fun things to do for kids, families, teens, and adults in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. From daytime family fun to night time adult entertainment, there's a little something for everyone. History of Halloween traditions The meaning of … [Read more...] about Free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound