Summer Festivals
Seattle Green Festival
The Seattle Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America. They celebrate what’s working in communities—for people, businesses and the environment. The event draws 125 renowned authors, leaders & educators. Along with 350 eco-friendly businesses, workshops, green films, kids’ activities, live music and delicious, organic, vegetarian cuisine. Dates: June
Washington Brewers Festival
The Washington Brewers Festival fittingly falls on Father's Day weekend. Rain or shine it's hosted in Kenmore, WA. There are over 200 beers on tap with live music to compliment the atmosphere. The crowd is 21 and over on Friday. Then all ages are welcome Saturday and Sunday where you can enjoy food and games. Dates: June
Seattle Pride Festival
Over 200,000 people gather in Seattle for the annual Seattle Pride Fest over Pride Weekend. It is one of the largest LGBT events in the area and it’s hosted at Seattle Center. The festival takes place immediately following the downtown parade. Then at Seattle Center enjoy local and national talent, beer gardens, DJs spinning and more. Dates: June
Family Fourth at Lake Union
The largest free fireworks show is at Gasworks Park in Seattle. Fireworks light up the Lake Union district with a huge Pyrotechnic Extravaganza. Gas Works Park Address: 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle. Date: July 4
Seattle International BeerFest
Come taste over 130 world-class beers from more than 15 countries. The outdoor event is hosted in the grass of the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater about 100 yards west of the Space Needle. Dates: July
Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival
The Seattle Chamber Music Society takes place in Seattle (Lakeside School, 14050 First Avenue). And then it takes place on the Eastside of Seattle (Overlake school in Redmond). It consists of 12 concerts each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings with 7:00 p.m. recitals and concerts starting at 8:00 p.m. Dates: July
Chinatown-International District Summer Festival
Located at Hing Hay Park in Seattle’s International District it is the largest Asian-American Streetfair in Washington. The free events offer Japanese drumming, Chinese martial arts, Filipino dancing, Lion and Dragon dances and live concerts featuring Jazz, New Age and Pop music. There’s even arts & crafts, authentic Asian cuisine and a Karaoke Stage for those that want to show off their vocal talents. Dates: July
Bite of Seattle
Since 1982 the Bite of Seattle has grown into one of Seattle's largest Summer Festivals, with more than 50 of Seattle's finest restaurants, 30 food product companies and five beer gardens on hand with live entertainment, including a comedy club, a piano bar, wine tasting and more. Head to Seattle Center for a weekend of food fun. Dates: July
Seafair
For a half century Seafair in Seattle has dazzled and delighted locals and visitors with an event steeped in tradition. Enjoy air shows featuring the Blue Angels, watch hydroplane races on Lake Washington, participate in arts & crafts or for sporty types enter the Seafair Triathlon. There is live music and parades throughout the almost month-long festivities. Dates: July
Torchlight Parade at Seafair
This is the Northwest's largest lighted parade through downtown Seattle. The family tradition includes Macy's-style helium balloons, local bands, drill teams, illuminated floats and Seafair clowns and pirates. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Seattle Center, and continues south down Fourth Ave. to Second Ave. and King Street. Dates: July and August
TibetFest
In the heart of Seattle Center the annual TibetFest is where the modern and ancient combine in an effort to preserve Tibet's unique cultural identity. The festival is free and the festival shares century old stories and legends through song and rhythmic movements, the wearing of symbolic masks and authentic costumes. Enjoy a Tibetan-style bazaar, children’s events and food. Dates: August
Spring Festivals
Moisture Festival
The Moisture Festival features a Comedy/Varietè. It's an assortment of entertainment with highly skilled performances, bizarre talents and of course all with a humorous twist. It’s presented as a variety show with routines ranging from three to 15 minutes. The Moisture Festival includes a live show band, aerialists, jugglers, comedians, dancers, rope and bubble acts, clowns, acrobats, can-can girls, strong men and women, tap dancers and drill teams. Dates: March and April
Whirlagig!
Whirligig! is offered at Seattle Center and it’s a carnival for kids. Your kids can bounce, slide, glide and ride on super-sized inflatable rides. There is a special Toddler Zone too. Primary colors are the theme of the décor; includes roaming clowns and face painters. Dates: March and April
Washington Cask Beer Festival
Head to Seattle Center at Fisher Pavilion and taste more than 60 beers from Washington breweries. Each beer is handcrafted and served without carbon dioxide (from a cask). Experts are on hand to answer your questions too. Dates: March
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
For 25 years and counting now Mount Vernon, WA has celebrated the sprouting of their colorful tulip fields. The tulips are available for viewing every April in Skagit county. Be sure to take your camera and wear your rain boots as the fields can be muddy. Dates: April
The Daffodil Festival
The Daffodil Festival is an annual event in Pierce County. It includes a parade through the cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting; all in one day. There are activities for the whole family too. Dates: April
Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival
This is a free event for the senses. The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival celebrates Japanese culture and America’s relationship with Japan. The three day event includes arts and crafts booths, traditional cuisine, exhibits and special performances. Enjoy the booms of taiko drums, discover ikebana flowers, taste delicious Japanese food, experience tea ceremony demonstrations. The event commemorates Japan’s gift of 1,000 blossoming cherry trees to Seattle in 1976. The trees were planted along Lake Washington Boulevard, in Seward Park and other places around the city. Dates: April
Passport to Woodinville
The Passport to Woodinville is for wine enthusiasts. They start selling tickets in February each year for their popular wine country tour season. This special event happens every April and is very popular with Seattle area locals. It's one of the only days in the year that all participating wineries in Woodinville are open at the same time. Dates: April
Seattle Maritime Festival
The Seattle Maritime Festival takes place each May on the Seattle waterfront. Check out the world’s biggest tugboat races, experience the Waterfront Chowder Cook-Off, go on free harbor tours, see a boat building competition, watch a sea-air rescue demonstration. There are kid’s events featuring Stories of the Sea, survival suit races and a container ship full of family fun. Dates: May
Seattle International Children's Festival
The Seattle International Children's Festival is a performing arts festival for all ages and is hosted each year the week after Mother's Day at Seattle Center. The festival features professional adult companies from around the world performing "globalicious" music, circus, theater, puppetry and more. Dates: May
University District StreetFair
The University District StreetFair dates back to the late 1960s. It’s popular, attracting more than 50,000 people and nearly 400 craft and food booths. The StreetFair is an energetic and exciting celebration of arts and crafts, community, music and food. It includes two music stages, a special children's area, a live theatre stage and a medley of street performers. The StreetFair is a free event. Dates: May
Seattle Cheese Festival
Cheese lovers flock to The Seattle Cheese Festival each year. The annual event is for the general public and the foodservice industry to taste, celebrate and better understand artisanal cheese made locally and around the world. The spring festival takes place at Pike Place Market along the cobbled streets between Pine and Virginia. Dates: May
Northwest Folklife Festival
Held over Memorial Day weekend since 1972 this is one of the largest and free folklife celebrations in North America. It’s produced by Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center and hosts more than 7,000 participants, 27 stages and venues, roughly 1000 performances, and an audience of approximately 250,000. Immerse yourself in four days of music and dance performances, visual arts and folklore exhibits, workshops, craft and cooking demonstrations and films. Dates: May
Seattle International Film Festival
The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is the largest festival in the U.S. and is considered one of the most influential film festivals in the world. Attendance in the past has topped 160,000. Since the 1970s it has played 25 days straight screening over 400 feature and short films from over 60 different countries. Each year SIFF attracts directors, actors, and critics from around the globe, who participate in special events, post-film Q&A sessions, and provocative forums. Dates: May through June
Fall Festivals
Bumbershoot Festival
Bumbershoot is a three day party at Seattle Center with more than 2500 artists from eclectic to cultural masterpieces from around the world. Enjoy live music performances, a film festival, learn new dance steps, meet authors & artists and watch fun parades. Dates: September
Italian Festival
Festa Italiana is celebrating 22 years. It is the second largest ethnic festival in Seattle. Come celebrate the Italian culture with authentic presentations of art, food and live entertainment. There’s even a Bocce tournament. The Italian Festival is free and takes place at Seattle Center. Dates: September
Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
Produced by Three Dollar Bill Cinema the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival features American and International films including short films about the LGBT community. This festival is well-respected in the Seattle area and lasts for a week in October. Films are shown at the Egyptian Theater and the Little Theater on Capitol Hill. Dates: October
Seattle Home Show
There’s no better place to get ideas for your home. The Seattle Home Show is offered two times a year at the Qwest Field Event Center (in February and October). The Home Show can help you get inspiration for your kitchen, bath and more with over 500 displays of home and garden products. Dates: October
Earshot Jazz Festival
The annual Earshot Jazz Festival runs two weeks from October to November. It features notable Jazz musicians from around the world. Venues vary and include concerts, jam sessions, master classes, lectures and workshops. Dates: October through November
Seattle International Auto Show
Discover new and soon-to-be automobiles available at the Seattle International Auto Show. Every make and model of new vehicles, foreign and domestic are on display. Dates: November
Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon
The Seattle Marathon is run every year on the last Sunday of November (right after Thanksgiving). The certified course is 26.2 miles for the marathon and 13.1 miles for the half marathon. There is also a 5K race and a kids' 1.2 mile run the day before the Seattle Marathon for those not interested in a holiday long-distance event. Dates: November
Winter Festivals
Bellevue Wedding Expo
January is wedding show time in the Seattle area. The Bellevue Wedding Expo is held each year in January at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Find wedding vendors, see a fashion show of gowns and meet wedding specialist that can help plan that special day. Dates: January
Seattle Wedding Show
Getting married or do you know someone who is? The Seattle Wedding show is held at the Washington Convention Center each January. Find wedding vendors, see a fashion show of gowns and meet wedding specialist that can help plan that special day. Dates: January
Seattle Chamber Music Society Winter Festival
The Seattle Chamber Music Society presents its Winter Festival in late January each year at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. It consists of four main concerts, three pre-concert recitals, a family concert and preview lecture. Dates: January
Seattle Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show is held at Qwest Field in late January and features over 1,000 boats and a wide-variety of boating accessories. It also represents the latest in technological marine innovations. There is a high-tech section, a sailing center, 30 sailing related exhibits and free seminars hosted by authors and experts on boating topics ranging from fishing to cruising. Dates: January through February
Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show
The Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show is the largest indoor RV Show in the Pacific Northwest and it’s hosted at Qwest Field in Seattle each year. It offers daily seminars, exhibits and the latest in RVs and other outdoor recreational gear and equipment. Dates: February
Seattle Home Show
There’s no better place to get ideas for your home. The Seattle Home Show is offered two times a year at the Qwest Field Event Center (in February and October). The Home Show can help you get inspiration for your kitchen, bath and more with over 500 displays of home and garden products. Dates: February
Northwest Flower & Garden Show
The Northwest Flower & Garden Show is held at the Washington State Convention Center each winter in downtown Seattle. It gives visitors the opportunity to see 30 landscaped gardens at full scale, all created by top designers, with the help of local nurseries. There are over 300 vendors on hand too. Dates: February
Seattle Golf Show
Golf enthusiasts won't want to miss this. The largest consumer golf show on the West Coast is hosted at the Qwest Field Event Center in downtown Seattle. Dates: February
Christmas / Holiday Festivals (All in December)
Seattle Youth Symphony
The country's largest youth symphony organization performs sounds of the season for the traditional opening of Seattle Center Winterfest and the Student Showcase Series, for free at the Seattle Center House.
Macy's Holiday Parade
A longstanding Northwest tradition it's presented by The Seattle Times and KING 5 TV; co-sponsored by STAR 101.5. Watch the parade march to Macy's doorstep. The parade starts on 7th Avenue, heads west down Pine Street, then south onto Fifth Avenue, and finally west to 4th Avenue. You can also watch the parade live on KING 5 TV and on NWCN TV or on KONG TV. There is also a Holiday Star Lighting and Fireworks in the early evening at Westlake Park. Questions? Call 206-506-4FUN.
Winterfest
Enjoy a winter wonderland of music and fun at Seattle Center's Winterfest. Most activities and events are free or low cost on a welcoming Seattle Center campus illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker
For over 20 years the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score has dazzled audiences.
Zoolights
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium features a magnificent light display. Take a stroll through the paths and discover the twinkling lights, then enjoy live entertainment, go on a carousel ride, drink hot cocoa or get a family photo. Purchase tickets at Bartell Drugs, at the zoo kiosk or online.
Garden d' Lights
Stroll through the pathways of Bellevue Botanical Garden and enjoy thousands of tiny twinkling lights. Hundreds of volunteers create three dimensional flowers with bundles of string lights bringing the garden to life.
Magic in the Market
For a span of five hours famous Pike Place Market comes alive with fun for the whole family. Santa hands out candy canes and poses for photos. Your kids can make crafts near Rachel the pig (at the front of the market). Enjoy the harmonies of Dickens Carolers. And sit and enjoy the Seattle Brass Quintet as they treat you to the delightful sounds of music in preparation for thousands of lights to turn on at once illuminating the market.
O'Christmas Trees Treeview
Join Santa and watch dozens of decorated trees auction off at the O'Christmas Trees Gala Dinner & Auction.
Community Hanukkah Celebration
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights during one of the largest community Hanukkah Celebrations in Seattle. Anyone who wants to come is invited. Events include, arts and crafts, festive food and music. Stroum Jewish Community Center; 3801 Mercer Way.
Festival of Trees
The Mary Bridge Festival of Trees is organized by community volunteers and benefits the Children's Hospital and Health Center. Enjoy decorated trees, shopping and more at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Those in the Seattle / Tacoma area can take the Light Rail as it stops directly out front of the convention center.
Ivar's Clam Lights Illumination
Gather along the waterfront at Gene Coulon Beach Memorial Park in Renton for the lighting of the clams. Ivar's turns the park into a spectacular winter wonderland with bright lights, covered wagon rides, community sing-alongs, and there will even be a special appearance from Ivar's famous clams. Ivar's Clam Lights are on display through the New Year. Gene Coulon Beach Park is located at 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. North in Renton.
Holiday Events at Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo offers holiday events from time to time.
Christmas Cruise
This has been a holiday tradition in the Seattle area since 1941. Come experience the dazzling site of floating Christmas lights. Decorated boats sail around Lake Union and the Puget Sound.
Green Lake Pathway of Lights
Seattle Parks and Recreation teams up with the Green Lake Community Center Advisory Council to present the Pathway of Lights where you can watch Green Lake light up.
Seattle Santa Lights Tour
Santa is on hand for a 2-1/2 hour tour of Seattle's best Christmas lights.
Night of the Elves
Bring your kids. Seattle's Imagine Children's Museum hosts a funfest exclusively for your children, featuring dinner with the elves, Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Kringle's Kitchen.
Museum of Flight
Come celebrate the Wright brothers' very first flight. Santa arrives by helicopter and then he and Mrs. Claus greet children in the Great Gallery. The Seattle Lutheran Bell Choir sings and the Boeing Employees' Orchestra of Flight plays too.
Three Best Seattle Christmas Light Displays
There are a few places you can drive through that consistently put up grand displays each year, here are the top three drive through Christmas light displays in Seattle.
1. Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna (December 15 to New Year's)
This is by far the best one to drive through in Seattle for charming Christmas light displays. It's a free light display that you can walk or drive through in a loop put on by the neighbors of Park Road and Ravenna Boulevard. The neighborhood has been putting on this community light show since 1941. (December 15 through New Year's Day from 4 p.m to 11 p.m.; on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve the lights are on until midnight). Address: Northeast Park Road, off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98105.
Map it.
2. Olympic Manor near Greenwood (Mid-December)
The Olympic Manor neighborhood in Seattle has it in their homeowners association rules that they are encouraged to decorate for Christmas each year. Dozens of homes are decorated and it's a longtime holiday favorite in Seattle. Don't be surprised to see limos driving through. Address: Start at Northwest 85th Street and 23rd Avenue Northwest.
3. Kerry Park Viewpoint on Queen Anne Hill (Month of December)
After driving through to see the Christmas displays of the picturesque homes on Queen Anne Hill head to the Kerry Park Viewpoint for the best view in town of the lighted tree a top the Space Needle. It's free too. Address: 211 W. Highland Dr. Seattle, WA.
