Fairs, Festivals & Parades

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

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

Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

Festal is a year-long series of FREE cultural festivals that honor the richness and diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle Center Festál presents these free world festivals on weekends throughout the year. Each event highlights the distinct cultures and common threads of ethnic communities in the Puget Sound … [Read more...] about Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

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

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival April 1-30

The annual Skagit Valley tulip festival runs April 1-30 and is one of the favorite destination events for the Pacific Northwest. For over three decades, every spring hundreds of thousands of people from across the United States and from around the world come to enjoy the celebration of spring as millions of tulips … [Read more...] about Skagit Valley Tulip Festival April 1-30

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

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

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

Virtual New Years Eve 2020 fireworks in Seattle

You may not recall, but last years Space Needle fireworks show, scheduled for midnight on December 31, 2019 was cancelled due to high winds. Once again, circumstances have changed the plan for the annual Seattle Space Needle New Year's fireworks show. Although the live show is cancelled, the show will still go … [Read more...] about Virtual New Years Eve 2020 fireworks in Seattle

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 Winterfest activities at Seattle Center

Seattle Center is the scene for Winterfest--five weeks of free and affordable family activities and holiday-inspired fun. The festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and go until New Year's Eve. The Seattle Center grounds are open 365 days a year. The Armory, Fisher Plaza and other buildings are closed … [Read more...] about Free Winterfest activities at Seattle Center

Our Big Neighborhood family festivals in Seattle

Our Big Neighborhood family festivals area opportunities to share folk, ethnic and traditional arts. With events scheduled all year round, there’s always an opportunity to have fun and learn something new. Committed to Access for All, the suggested daily donation is $5 per day. About Our Big Neighborhood Northwest … [Read more...] about Our Big Neighborhood family festivals in Seattle

Auburn Veterans Day 2020 weeklong celebration

Auburn is designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for the celebration of Veterans Day. Auburn is also a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner. Auburn has hosted the Veterans Parade since 1965. The Auburn parade takes place the Saturday before … [Read more...] about Auburn Veterans Day 2020 weeklong celebration

Veterans Day parades and commemorative events

Here’s our list of Veteran’s Day parades and other commemorative events in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. For free Veteran's Day meals and freebies, see our list of Veterans Day free meals and shopping discounts. About Veteran's Day World War I unofficially ended when the Allied nations and … [Read more...] about Veterans Day parades and commemorative events

Virtual: Free Washington State Biz Fair

Join the annual Washington State Biz Fair -- for both new and existing small business owners. Biz Fair is the longest running all-government and non-profit-run small business fair in our state. The purpose of the fair is to provide a wide spectrum of information, in a non-sales environment, that small business … [Read more...] about Virtual: Free Washington State Biz Fair

Washington Cider Week events and tastings

The Northwest Cider Association celebrates Washington Cider Week for 10 days every September. The event brings together cider producers throughout the Pacific Northwest with cider lovers. It's an event to share knowledge, experience, and the Northwest cider culture. Members include cideries in Oregon, Washington, … [Read more...] about Washington Cider Week events and tastings

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

Oktoberfest beer festivals in the Puget sound region

The tradition of Oktoberfest began in Munich, Germany in 1810 when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Week-long nuptial festivities began on October 12 and ended on October 17, with a horse race concluding the celebration. And the wedding ceremony, of course. Why is … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest beer festivals in the Puget sound region

Virtual and drive-thru 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 Virtual and drive-thru events at Puyallup Fairgrounds

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 below. Most … [Read more...] about Our big list of car shows and auto clubs

Our big list of annual food festivals

Food festivals abound in the Puget Sound region. These popular events showcase food in Seattle as well as across agriculturally rich Washington State. All are well-established annual food festivals. Except where noted, they have free admission. Food and beverage (adult or otherwise) is, of course, extra. Current and … [Read more...] about Our big list of annual food festivals

Free events throughout the year at Seattle Center

Seattle Center is currently operating in a limited capacity according to restrictions mandated by Washington State and the City of Seattle. Event activities and official public gatherings are currently restricted . Seattle Center Armory and Artists at Play Playground are closed to the public until further … [Read more...] about Free events throughout the year at Seattle Center

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

Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend

Enjoy Seafair Virtually in 2020! Each week fine highlights, links, photos, & rebroadcasting videos of favorite TV shows of the past including past Seafair Summer 4th fireworks display, favorite moments of the Milk Carton Derby, rebroadcast link of a past favorite Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade, Virtual Fleet … [Read more...] about Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend