The University District StreetFair is the kick-off event for the Seattle summer festival season, held on the third weekend of May each year. The TEN block-long arts and crafts fair takes over University Way (a.k.a. “The Ave”). The two-day event features free live music and performances, plus 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.
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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.
Pulled pork piled high is the kind of delicious food you’ll find at The StreetFair. Image via Depositphotos_87318814.
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 20-21, 2023. 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 the bus, light rail, your bike, or walk to StreetFair.
More info: U District Street Fair | U District Seattle
Upcoming community festivals
Listed below are upcoming community festivals on our calendar.
Friday, September 22, 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Friday, September 29, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Friday, October 6, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Friday, October 13, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Saturday, December 16, 2023
But wait, there’s more!
- Find more food festivals in the Puget Sound region.
- There are more festivals of all kinds on our big list of annual festivals, fairs, and parades.
- And here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
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