Travel Seattle
- Visit Seattle Festivals throughout the Year!
by Michelle
Linden
Seattle Area Festivals - If you are the kind of person who
enjoys a wide array of festivals, then Seattle is the place for
you. Whether you want to celebrate the summer solstice or Nordic
Yulefest, there is sure to be a Seattle Festival for you.
Summer Festivals:
June Solstice Parade - The Solstice Parade is the
official kick-off of the Fremont Fair. Over the past 20 years,
the Fremont Arts Council has been a non-profit organization
celebrating art and creative expression. The Solstice parade has
become popular not only with the locals in Fremont, but with
hundreds of people from Seattle and beyond. The parade
celebrates not only the beginning of summer, but a love of art
and community. Location: Fremont
Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival - The Wooden Boat
Festival is an annual event celebrating one of the most favorite
pastimes of Seattlites - Boating. The festival includes a
regatta and peoples choice awards. Location: Lake Union
July Summer Nights - Summer Nights at South Lake
Union Park is the relocated venue of Summer Nights at the Pier.
The park itself is 12 acres of waterfront with amazing sunsets
and views of downtown Seattle. These outdoor concerts are a
great way to celebrate summer. Location: South Lake Union Park
Seafair - Seafair has been celebrated in Seattle for over
50 years and has become part of the fabric of Seattle life.
Events begin in July and continue through August, including a
milk carton derby, marathon, triathlon, pirates landing, fleet
arrival, hydroplane racing, and air show. Most of the events
revolve around planes and boats - two Seattle staples - hence
the name, Seafair. Location: Lake Washington and throughout
Seattle
August Evergreen State Fair - While not located in
Seattle, the Evergreen fair is close enough for a visit. There
is all kind of entertainment available at this fair - dancers,
jugglers, animal shows, home ec contests, a rodeo, carnival and
more! There is plenty to do for everyone, whether you enter
yourself in a contest, ride a roller coaster, or watch the
dancers do their thing. Location: Monroe
Fall Festivals:
September Bumbershoot - Bumbershoot is the
festival to end all Seattle Festivals. For over 30 years,
Bumbershoot has been The labor Day weekend host to cutting edge
bands and artists. The Seattle Center becomes a meeting place
for artists, locals, and visitors. This four day festival offers
amazing music, art, and friends. Visit and you wont be
disappointed. Location: Seattle Center
Salmon Homecoming Celebration - Beginning with a Native
American canoe celebration, the Salmon Homecoming is an ancient
festival which has been slightly modified for modern times.
Historically, the local Native Americans would celebrate the
return of the salmon to their home and celebrate another
plentiful year. Take some time to enjoy watching the Native
American basket weaving, carving, canoeing, and a 1000 pound
salmon bake. Location: Piers 62/63
November
Green Lake Frostbite Regatta - Green Lake is a popular
destination year-round. Surrounded by parks and walking paths,
the lake is a great place for some outdoor exercise and fun. The
Frostbite Regatta is perhaps the last boating event of the year
at the Lake. Grab a scarf, some hot coffee, and enjoy watching
the races! Location: Green Lake
Yulefest - Many people dont realize that there is a
significant Nordic population in Seattle, particularly in
Ballard. This fact becomes evident annually at Yulefest. Every
year, Yulefest is held at Nordic Heritage Museum, celebrating
Scandinavian Holiday Celebrations including food, crafts, music,
and tradition. Location: Ballard
Winter Festivals:
December Christmas Ship Festival - For over 50
years, carolers on boats have been singing to Seattlites warming
themselves around huge bonfires. The decorated boats parade up
and down the Puget Sound, creating one of the largest holiday
flotillas. Warm yourself around the fire, and enjoy the carols.
Location: Puget Sound
February Chinese New Year - Seattles International
District is one of the most vibrant areas of Seattle, offering
all kinds of culture and entertainment. Traditionally, this
celebration has been one of the most popular events in
Chinatowns across the country - Seattle is certainly no
exception with its vibrant parade. Location: International
District
Spring Festivals:
March St. Patricks Day Parade - The St. Patricks
Day Parade on Bainbridge Island is one of the many popular
annual events. Take the ferry over to the island and celebrate
your Irish heritage - even if youre not Irish! Location:
Bainbridge Island
April Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - Believe it or
not , Washington is a larger producer of tulips than the
Netherlands. This is celebrated every year at the annual Skagit
Valley Tulip Festival. Not far from Seattle, the beauty of
Skagits tulip fields will amaze you. The festival runs the month
of April, but the tulip blooms depend on seasonal changes. Check
the weather before you go! Location: Skagit, Washington
May Seattle International Film Festival - This
film festival is actually the largest film festival in the
United States. Running for three weeks, this film festival
offers options for everyone. Buy a pass and see as many as
possible, or simply try out a few of the films. Location:
Throughout Seattle
Syttende Mai - This annual festival celebrates Norwegian
Independence Day. Imagine July 4th with a Scandinavian flair.
Location: Ballard
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Michelle is a travel, art, and architecture buff who has
recently moved to Seattle after living in Honolulu, Chicago,
Gloucester Massachusetts, and Delft Netherlands. In between
studying and working in design, she dreams travel and works to
help others compare and select vacation options via the <A HREF="http://www.yourlifepassion.com/">Your
Life Passion Website!
