Festivals

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

The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is an annual week-long kite celebration and competition in breezy Long Beach, WA. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, WSIKF is presented by the World Kite Museum and the City of Long Beach, Washington. Kitelife … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)

98118 Fest

Celebrate Southend arts, music, and culture at SEEDArts’ second annual 98118 Fest on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2 until 8 p.m. in Columbia Park: free and open to everyone! SEEDArts presents this free festival featuring live music, artist demonstrations, local artisans, food trucks, kids' … [Read more...] about 98118 Fest

ShoreLake Arts 6th Annual Battle of the Bands

Get ready for a summer night full of music, energy, and local talent! ShoreLake Arts presents the 6th Annual Battle of the Bands, a free, dynamic showcase of emerging and developing bands from across Washington State on August 22 beginning at 5 p.m. on the lawn of Pfingst Animal Acres Park in Lake Forest Park. This … [Read more...] about ShoreLake Arts 6th Annual Battle of the Bands

Cambodian Cultural Celebration 2026

Enjoy a day of traditional dance, martial arts, and live music at the 17th annual Cambodian Cultural Celebration on August 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., in Saltwater State Park. This free event will feature: Traditional Performances: Watch classical and folk dances by Cambodian Classical and Folk … [Read more...] about Cambodian Cultural Celebration 2026

Seattle Design Festival 2026

Discover how design shapes our world at the 16th Annual Seattle Design Festival, August 15-20 at Lake Union Park from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The weeklong celebration kick-offs with the Seattle Design Festival Block Party on August 15 and 16, a free two-day street fair featuring large-scale installations, performances, … [Read more...] about Seattle Design Festival 2026

Festival Sundiata Black Arts Festival

Festival Sundiata Black Arts Festival is back for its 46th year at Seattle Center! This free, family-friendly festival highlights all art forms from the African diaspora and will run from 1 until 8 p.m. on August 22 and August 23, 2026. Festival Sundiata not only celebrates the arts, but educates the community about … [Read more...] about Festival Sundiata Black Arts Festival

Encanto Music Festival

Feel the rhythm and mark your calendars for a vibrant celebration of Latino music, culture, dance, and community on Seattle’s beautiful waterfront. The Encanto Music Festival arrives at Pier 62, Waterfront Park (1951 Alaskan Way, Seattle) on August 22, with the free, family-friendly party going all day from 1 until … [Read more...] about Encanto Music Festival

15th Annual Beat Masters Beat Battle

Get ready to vibe with the best beat makers as the Beat Masters drop their freshest beats live! (Say that three times fast...) The 15th Annual Beat Masters Beat Battle is a free, all-ages event where hip-hop beat makers compete for thousands of dollars and bragging rights on August 27 and 28, 2026. Hosted … [Read more...] about 15th Annual Beat Masters Beat Battle

Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend Festival

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 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 skies of … [Read more...] about Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend

Seafair signature events and community festivals

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

Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

In 2026, head to Seattle Center for these 25 FREE Festál cultural festivals. Each event highlights the distinct ethnic communities of people living in the Puget Sound region. The festivals showcase the traditional and contemporary art, music, foods, youth activities, workshops and more. The origins of the Festál … [Read more...] about Free “Festál” ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

Washinton State berries and summer berry festivals

Washington State is one of the nation's largest producers of many types of berries. Listed below are descriptions of popular berries, followed by a list of berry festivals. Western Washington berry season peaks June through August, followed by cranberries, which come later in fall. In order of appearance, popular … [Read more...] about Washinton State berries and summer berry festivals

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 thousands, who enjoy food vendors, local music, arts and crafts, family entertainment, a beer garden, lutefisk eating (or not), giant fish, skateboarding competition, oceans of seafood, and loads of fun all … [Read more...] about Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood

Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)

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 Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)

Northwest Folklife: FREE Memorial Day Weekend festival

Northwest Folklife Festival is the annual free Memorial Day weekend celebration of ethnic, folk, and traditional arts on the grounds of Seattle Center. It is Seattle's unofficial leap into summer. Since 1971, NW Folklife's work has been rooted in the shared humanity of connection and creative expression. The festival … [Read more...] about Northwest Folklife: FREE Memorial Day Weekend festival

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