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 more. These free cultural festivals are presented by Seattle Center and the generous support by the City of Seattle, Seattle Center Foundation, and many sponsors.
The origins of the Festál program date back to the 1962 World’s Fair exhibits showcasing international cultures. In 1988, then Seattle Mayor Charles Royer and Seattle Center Director Virginia Anderson encouraged development of a series of cultural festivals. In its inaugural year, 11 festivals were presented. At last count there were 24. It’s a free, fun way to spend a weekend in the city, whether you are celebrating your roots or exploring a culture new to you.
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2023 Festal events at Seattle Center
Embrace our ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of our region at Seattle Center Festál. Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership between Seattle Center and the 24 cultural organizations, with support from 4Culture, the City of Seattle, and Seattle Center Foundation. Festál is also part of the ArtsFund Cultural Partners Network.
The 2023 theme, “Where the World Gathers” links together the series of 24 free festivals presented throughout the year, each with a unique cultural focus, identity, and range of engaging activities. Share in holistic experiences rooted in age-old and contemporary traditions and enjoy culture through food, music, dance, art, film and more.
All events are in-person except as noted below.
- January 14-15, 2023: TET IN SEATTLE
- March 11-12, 2023: IRISH FESTIVAL
- March 19, 2023: FRENCH FEST
- April 14-16, 2023: CHERRY BLOSSOM
- May 6, 2023: (Hybrid) ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE
- May 13, 2023: SPIRIT OF AFRICA
- May 20, 2023: A GLIMPSE OF CHINA
- Memorial Day Weekend: NW FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
- June 3-4, 2023: PAGDIRIWANG
- June 10, 2023: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE FESTIVAL
- June 24, 2023: IRANIAN FESTIVAL
- July 8, 2023: POLISH FESTIVAL
- July 14-16, 2023: FESTIVAL SUNDIATA
- August 12-13, 2023: ARAB FESTIVAL
- August 20, 2023: BRASILFEST
- August 26-27, 2023: TIBET FEST
- September 10, 2023: LIVE ALOHA
- September 16-17, 2023: FIESTAS PATRIAS
- September 23-24, 2023: ITALIAN FESTIVAL
- October 1, 2023: CROATIAFEST
- October 14-15, 2023: TURKFEST
- October 28-29, 2023: DÍA DE MUERTOS
- November 4, 2023: HMONG NEW YEAR
- November 11, 2023: DIWALI
More info: Seattle Center Festál
Image: Depositphotos.com
Upcoming cultural heritage events
Listed below are upcoming cultural heritage events on our calendar.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Thursday, February 1, 2024
But wait, there’s more!
- Our big list of live music gigs & concerts – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- And here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.
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