6 Summer Festivals to Add to Your Calendar
Art! Food! Dragons?! Whatever it is, Seattle has a summer celebration for it
By Jim Demetre June 20, 2016
This article originally appeared in the July 2016 issue of Seattle magazine.
» July, with its warm weather and late sunsets, is the height of festival season in the Seattle area. While the major event remains Seafair, with its downtown Torchlight Parade on 7/30 and numerous neighborhood satellite events, the month is full of music and cultural celebrations.
» The West Seattle Summer Fest, at the West Seattle Junction 7/8–7/10, is a jam-packed weekend of food, music and vendors in one of the city’s most family-friendly neighborhoods. Besides the music on the California Stage, there’s a beer garden and kids’ play area. Times vary. Free. West Seattle, SW Alaska Street & California Avenue SW; 206.935.0904; wsjunction.org
» Ballard SeafoodFest celebrates this Northwest borough’s historic connection to the fishing industry and the neighborhood’s Nordic roots. From 7/9–7/10, enjoy a traditional salmon barbecue, local music, arts and crafts, family entertainment, a beer garden, a skateboard event and more seafood. Times vary. Free. Ballard, Ballard Avenue NW & NW Market Street; 206.784.9705; seafoodfest.org
» The United Indians of All Tribes hosts the 29th annual Seafair Pow Wow 7/15–7/17 at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. Enjoy traditional Native American cooking, jewelry making, music and especially dancing. Throughout the event, tribes from across the United States and Canada dance in full tribal regalia. Times and prices vary. Magnolia, Discovery Park, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way; 206.285.4425; unitedindians.org
» At the Pan-Asian Seattle Dragon Fest, 7/16–7/17, enjoy dragon and lion dances, Japanese taiko drummers, Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team and other live performers, along with dishes ($2 each) from the numerous Asian food vendors. Stay for the Night Market, with its international wares and art from local businesses. Times vary. Chinatown/International District; 206.382.1197; cidbia.org
» The 70th annual Bellevue Arts Museum Artsfair takes place 7/29–7/31. Shop at booths with wares from more than 300 inspiring artists, showcasing unique, handmade crafts and art representing modern, traditional and emerging work. Programming also includes BAM exhibitions, Kidsfair, the Sound and Movement Stage, food trucks and site-specific artwork. Times vary. Free. Bellevue, Bellevue Arts Museum and Bellevue Square; 425.519.0770; bellevuearts.org
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