Free family program "Our Big Neighborhood" at Seattle Center

Our Big Neighborhood is an exciting new program for kids to replace the 30-year-old Whirligig family festival at Seattle Center. Inspired by the Northwest Folklife’s Children’s Festival, this new programming builds on a long history of community-focused cultural programming that combines live music, storytelling, dance and other multi-cultural art forms. Each event is designed to spark curiosity and deeper appreciation and understanding for the uniqueness and differences that make our region so vibrant. $5 suggested donation per day.

2019 “Our Big Neighborhood” programs

February 16-22, 2019. Movin’ Around the World: Winter. Experience the cultures of the world through seeing and doing! Through a unique combination of performance and interactive lessons, you can fully immerse yourself in the variety of folk customs and cultures of the Seattle region. Presented during the week of Seattle Public Schools’ winter break, music, dance, and hands-on activities will be available that celebrate the diversity and traditions of Our Big Neighborhood with a new focus each day.
April 6-12, 2019. Movin’ Around the World: Spring. Experience the cultures of the world through seeing and doing! Through a unique combination of performance and interactive lessons, you can fully immerse yourself in the variety of folk customs and cultures of the Seattle region. Presented during the week of Seattle Public Schools’ spring break, music, dance, and hands-on activities will be available that celebrate the diversity and traditions of Our Big Neighborhood with a new focus each day.
August 3, 10, & 17, 2019. Global Playground. The perfect urban summertime activity, Global Playground mixes cultural connectivity with outdoor play. Set in Seattle’s most unique playground, this series celebrates outdoor fun through coordinated playground games and interactive dance and movement workshops rooted in cultural traditions. Local bands will provide a musical backdrop to keep you moving, playing, and learning!
September 21-22, 2019. Seattle Children’s Festival. Seattle Children’s Festival is a full weekend for the whole family to play, dance, sing, learn, and try something new! All are invited to this intergenerational celebration of the dynamic arts, cultures, and traditions that thrive here in the greater Pacific Northwest community with five stages of lively performances, three ‘Discovery Zones’ packed with hands-on activities, interactive dance workshops, multicultural arts and crafts, and more!
November 29, 2019. Our Big Neighborhood at Winterfest. Continuing the tradition of Seattle Center’s Winterfest, Northwest Folklife will support the initial launch event with student and cultural performances and activities. This is the perfect event to help usher in the holiday season!