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
Fairs, Festivals & Parades
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
Lunar New Year 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 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
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
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 “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
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
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
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
Kirkland Oktoberfest: largest authentic München-style biergarten in the Seattle area
Kirkland Oktoberfest is the Seattle area's largest authentic German Oktoberfest and München-style biergarten serving the best imported German and NW craft brews. It is NOT a tasting event—so there are no tasting glasses at this event. Enjoy a full liter or half liter of your favorite imported German biers or local … [Read more...] about Kirkland Oktoberfest: largest authentic München-style biergarten in the Seattle area
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
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
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
CANCELLED: 2021 Seattle Bumbershoot Arts Festival
One Reel and Seattle Center are pleased to announce a new collaborative effort to sustain Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival long into the future. Moving outside their long-established arrangements, next steps for the two will be formation of a Bumbershoot Exploratory Committee to inform and advise the Seattle … [Read more...] about CANCELLED: 2021 Seattle Bumbershoot Arts Festival
CANCELLED 2021: Greek Festival at St. Demetrios in Seattle
There unfortunately will not be a St. Demetrios Greek Festival in 2021. But will plan for 2022! A Seattle tradition since 1960, the St. Demetrios Greek Festival features savory Greek foods and sweet pastries. Everything is freshly prepared by members of the church community and served outdoors under a large tent … [Read more...] about CANCELLED 2021: Greek Festival at St. Demetrios in Seattle
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
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
TBD 2021: Seattle Hempfest all things cannabis festival
Seattle Hempfest is held the third weekend in August each year in Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks on the Seattle waterfront.. For over two decades it has been the largest gathering of speakers on cannabis policy reform in the world, as well as a sophisticated and socially responsible cannabis rally, and perhaps the … [Read more...] about TBD 2021: Seattle Hempfest all things cannabis festival
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
