Free CroatiaFest at Seattle Center

CroatiaFest is returning to the Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Rooftop for its 22nd annual celebration.

As part of the Seattle Center Festál series, this cultural festival is completely free to attend and family-friendly. 

Event Details

• When: Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: Seattle Center Armory & Fisher Rooftop (305 Harrison St, Seattle)
• Cost: FREE (Bring cash or card if you want to sample the food or browse the marketplace)

What to Expect

Non-Stop Live Music, Dance & Audience Participation

The Armory main stage will host performances all afternoon, where you can catch traditional kolo dancing and tamburitza music. This year’s highlights include Rakija Bend, from Chicago, and a 42-student youth ensemble from Cleveland. Local favorites, including KlapaDooWopella and the Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, will also take the stage.

You don’t have to just sit back and watch: At 4:30 p.m., you can become part of the show during the Kolo Za Sve. This special event is a free invitation for the audience to jump onto the main floor, learn the traditional dance steps and join in the fun with live music by Kišobran.

Guest Appearance

Keep an eye out for author, podcaster, and comedian Kristina Kuzmic (winner of Oprah’s “Search for the Next TV Star”), who will make a special stage appearance and host a book signing.

Photo: CroatiaFest, photo by Susan Fried

Exhibits & Art Galleries

On the Mezzanine level, the ACAP Gallery will feature watercolors by local artist Allie Woods. You can also explore historical panels loaned by the Croatian Embassy honoring Croatian Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Taste of Croatia & Marketplace

While admission to the festival is free, you will definitely want to bring a few dollars to treat yourself to authentic old-world cuisine. Outside the Armory, you’ll find spit-roasted lamb and grilled salmon prepared in honor of the region’s historical Croatian fishing community. Adults can stop by the Konoba wine cellar for tastings, and everyone can browse the budget-friendly marketplace filled with handmade crafts and gifts.

Official CroatiaFest Performance Schedule

The event features performers on multiple stages. Here is the schedule

Afternoon Lineup

• 12:25 p.m. Tamburaški Orkestar Kardinal Stepinac | Main Stage
• 12:45 p.m. Dunava | Main Stage
• 1 p.m. Gorani (21+ Only) | Big John’s PFI “Konoba” (3rd Floor)
• 1:05 p.m. American Zagreb Jr. Tamburitzans | Main Stage
• 1:25 p.m. KlapaDooWopella | Main Stage
• 1:45 p.m. Tamburaški Orkestar Kardinal Stepinac (Second Set) | Main Stage
• 2 p.m. Bonaca (21+ Only) | Big John’s PFI “Konoba” (3rd Floor)
• 2:05 p.m. Rakija Bend of Chicago, IL | Main Stage

Late Afternoon & Evening Lineup

• 3:15 p.m. Rakija Bend (21+ Only) | Big John’s PFI “Konoba” (3rd Floor)
• 3:25 p.m. Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, Ruže Dalmatinke, and Bonaca | Main Stage
• 4:15 p.m. Tamburitza Orkestar Kišobran | Main Stage
• 4:30 p.m. Kolo Za Sve (Audience Participation Dance!) | Main Floor
• 4:45 p.m. Radost Folk Ensemble | Main Stage
• 5 p.m. Seattle Jr. Tamburitzans | Main Stage
• 5:25 p.m. Community Performance “Ladarke” (Grand Finale Joint Ensemble) | Main Floor
• 5:50 p.m. Radost Folk Ensemble (Final Set) | Main Stage

Seattle Center Parking and Transit

You can save cash parking fees by riding the Seattle Center Monorail from downtown, or take one of the many King County Metro buses that drop off right at the park.

Official Seattle Center Garages

Seattle Center operates three main parking facilities. Standard self-service rates typically range from $6 to $30 depending on your duration, but special event rates between $20 and $45 may apply if there is a major conflict at the nearby Climate Pledge Arena.

• 5th Ave N Garage: Located at 516 Harrison St. This is the absolute closest and most convenient option for the Armory and the Fisher Rooftop. It features entrances on both Harrison Street and Republican Street, just east of 5th Avenue N. It also includes 6 Level 2 EV charging stations.
• 1st Ave N Garage: Located at 220 1st Ave N. This garage sits between John Street and Warren Avenue and offers a secure underground parking option on the west side of the campus.
• Mercer Street Garage: Located at 650 3rd Ave N. This facility sits on the north side of the campus, with an adjacent Theatre Commons ADA lot located at 2nd Avenue and Mercer Street that offers a flat rate of $15 for up to 12 hours.

Budget-Friendly Parking Tips

• Street Parking: Paid street parking meters can be found along the perimeter of the complex on 1st Avenue, 3rd Avenue, and Harrison Street. While spaces are highly competitive on the weekend, paying the city meter rate via the posted parking apps is often significantly cheaper than garage flat rates if you only plan to stay for a couple of hours.
• Pre-Book Online: If you prefer the security of a garage, check online parking reservation platforms ahead of time. Pre-paying for a guaranteed spot at neighboring private lots or official garages can sometimes unlock lower promotional rates compared to drive-up pricing.

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