The University District StreetFair is the kick-off event for the Seattle summer festival season, held on the weekend BEFORE Memorial Day Weekend. The blocks-long arts and crafts fair spreads along University Way (a.k.a. “The Ave”). The two-day event features free live music and entertainment, food trucks, and vendor booths. It is accessible by link light rail, which will transport visitors to the middle of the event at NE 43rd Street.
History of the University District StreetFair
The StreetFair was the brainchild of Andy Shiga (1919-1993), a Japanese American merchant in the U District and longtime pacifist, assisted by Safeco executive Ron Denchfield. In 1970, Andy advanced the idea for the event as a way to heal community divisions and promote better understanding and tolerance.
The success of the first University District Street Fair was remarkable given the social and political tensions of the time. Riots had divided the U District community on several nights the previous August. And only weeks earlier thousands of UW students had protested the United States invasion of Cambodia and the killings of four demonstrating students at Kent State on May 4, 1970.
The proposal to close University Way NE was greeted with much skepticism by area merchants. It was the first fair of its kind in the nation to close a large commercial avenue for the sale of art and crafts. The Fair was an immense success, attracting 50,000 visitors. Subsequent fairs have attracted a growing number of attendees and inspired other Seattle neighborhoods to stage similar events in their business districts.
Since 1970, the U District StreetFair has developed into a regional event featuring hand-made products by individual artists and craftsmen from across the USA, and international flavors provided by food vendors and local restaurants. Fairgoers are treated to an around-the-world experience.
Shiga passed away in 1993 at the age of 74. In 2004, the Greater University Chamber of Commerce took over sponsorship of the StreetFair.
U-District StreetFair Info
The U District Street Fair is a free community event always held the 3rd weekend in May (the weekend BEFORE Memorial Day weekend). It is a family-friendly event with kid’s activities and 21-only beer garden.
When: May 18-19, 2024. Saturday 11am – 7pm and Sunday 11am – 6pm.
Where: University Way NE (“The Ave”), from NE 42nd St to NE 52nd St, near the University of Washington Seattle campus. If you’re using a map service to find directions, use this address to reach the center of the fair: 4700 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
Parking and Transportation: There are several pay-to-park lots within a three block radius of StreetFair. However, these lots fill up quickly and can have high rates. It’s recommended to take public transportation, your bike, or walk to StreetFair.
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