Free "Festál" ethnic festivals at Seattle Center

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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2022 Festal events via Seattle Center

In 2020 Virtual Festál was launched to hold space for community to gather in face of the loss, isolation and uncertainty brought on by the worldwide pandemic. Motivation arose from a love of culture and the need to celebrate the beauty of our humanity during these challenging times. It was a manifestation of the collective resilience, brilliance and commitment of the Festál producers, volunteers and loyal community sponsors. Virtual Festál offered new ways of celebrating traditions and cultural expressions, offering food, music, dance, art, language and history to digitally connect with our greater Seattle community, and now, a global community. For 2021 Seattle Center invites you to join Festál online.

In 2022, Seattle Center commemorates 25 years of the Festál series, ushering in a new era of hybrid (in-person & virtual) programs with an anticipated return to in-person festivals.

List of 2022 Seattle Center Festál events

February 12-13, 2022: Tet – Vietnamese Lunar New Year
March 12-13, 2022: Irish Festival
March 20, 2022: French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures
April 8-10, 2022: Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival
May 1, 2022: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
May 14, 2022: Spirit of Africa
May 21, 2022: A Glimpse of China – Culture & Arts Festival
Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30, 2022: Northwest Folklife Festival
June 4-5, 2022: Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
June 11, 2022: Indigenous People Festival
June 17-19, 2022: Festival Sundiata Presents Black Arts Fest
June 25, 2022: Iranian Festival
July 9, 2022: Polish Festival
August 13-14, 2022: Arab Festival
August 21, 2022: Brasilfest
August 27-28, 2022: Tibet Fest
September 11, 2022: Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival
September 17-18, 2022: Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias
September 24-25, 2022: The Italian Festival
October 2, 2022: Croatiafest
October 8-9, 2022: Turkfest
October 22, 2022: Diwali: Lights of India
October 29-30, 2022: Dia De Muertos Festival
November 5, 2022: Hmong New Year Celebration

More info: Seattle Center Festál

The Art of Gathering: 25 Years of Festál

Celebrating 25 years of Festál, Seattle Center has partnered with A/NT Gallery to host a free visual exhibit: “The Art of Gathering: 25 Years of Festál”, showcasing works of beadwork, calligraphy, painting, paper marbling, sculpture, textile, wood carving, wood pyrography and wycinanki from artists who contribute to the vibrancy of Seattle Center cultural festivals.

What: The Art of Gathering: 25 Years of Festál artwork showcase
When: September 3 – 23, 2022 | 11:00am – 6:00pm PT (Weds – Sun)
Where: A/NT Gallery at Seattle Center
Admission: In-Person | FREE
More info: Featured Events (seattlecenter.com)