Food festivals abound in the Puget Sound region. These popular events showcase food in Seattle as well as across agriculturally rich Washington State. All are well-established annual food festivals. Except where noted, they have free admission. Food and beverage (adult or otherwise) is, of course, extra. Current and past festivals are listed below in date order. We update this list throughout the year, pending an update of festival information–which is sometimes less than 30 days prior.
These food festivals include “Taste” and “Bite” events showcasing Puget Sound food vendors, as well as summer festivals, and themed events featuring international cuisines, seafood, garlic, mushrooms, and more. In this list of free food festivals, we are after big food and big fun for the least possible cost. This means no admission free (or very, very small like $5), and lots and lots of food, plus other activities as a backdrop to the food (such as crafts, music, and kid’s fun).
Whether or not there is an admission charge, if the cost of attending a food festival is too steep, consider becoming a volunteer. Most community festivals and events have volunteer opportunities. In fact, most couldn’t run without a large number of people willing to help with setup and help with a slew of tasks. Most volunteers at a food festival can work a few hours, get a free meal, and usually a volunteer’s a t-shirt. Free food and free clothes–what’s not to like? To sign-up as a food festival volunteer, check their website menu for “volunteer” and get yourself signed up.
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Street food – image via Depositphotos_87318814
How to get the most out of food festivals
A great way to approach a food festival, that is spend less and enjoy more, is to go with one or more people. Two to four people sharing a plate can power through more variety and try some of everything. Note that you may not spend less money overall with this approach. But if food sampling is your goal, then plate sharing is the ideal strategy.
Personally, I find it hard to devour $20 (pun intended) and usually fill up before my Jackson is spent. Your needs may be vastly different, of course.
Pets are usually prohibited at food festivals, due to the food nature of the event. Before you go, it’s a good idea to check their website for these and other details (such as where to park for free).
Plan to have a whole day of food fun, family fun, adult fun, free entertainment, more food and more fun.
Upcoming Food & Beverage Events in the Puget Sound region
The calendar below includes all kinds of food and beverage festivals, tastings, and many other food-related events on our calendar in the next 90 days.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Monday, October 2, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Friday, October 6, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Monday, October 9, 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Friday, October 13, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Monday, October 16, 2023
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Friday, October 20, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Monday, October 23, 2023
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Friday, October 27, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Monday, October 30, 2023
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Friday, November 3, 2023
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Friday, November 10, 2023
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Friday, November 24, 2023
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Friday, December 22, 2023
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
But wait, there’s more!
- Food tours and more on our Our big list of free & cheap tours.
- More festivals on Our big list of annual festivals, fairs, and parades.
- More always free things to do: 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- More ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.
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