How to Find Festivals and Special Events in Seattle

Seattle has plenty to celebrate, including the sea, the city's diversity and the art and culture of the Northwest. All of these and more are highlighted in a variety of annual festivals and special events, many of them suitable for the whole family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Umbrellas
• Local Guidebooks
• Maps
• Local Newspapers
• Maps
• Umbrellas

Spring/Summer

1. Attend the Northwest Folklife Festival, held on Memorial Day weekend. You'll find music, dance, food, workshops and vendors - all honoring the diverse cultures of the Northwest. This is one of the country's largest free events and is always crowded.

2. Don't miss the Seattle International Film Festival, which runs for about three weeks in May and June. Cutting-edge films from all over the world make their debuts here, and the event is always attended by Hollywood stars, filmmakers and screenwriters.

3. Head down to the sea for Seafair, with more than 30 events held between July and August. One of the city's largest festivals, it includes a torchlight parade, an air show, hydroplane racing, a milk carton derby and a chance to win your own ski boat.

4. Soak up the culture at WOMAD, held in late July in nearby Redmond. Honoring cultures from around the world, WOMAD brings international music and dancers of renown to the Seattle area for live performances and workshops.

5. Make time to attend AT&T Summer Nights at the Pier, a Seattle tradition. Top-name performers such as the Gipsy Kings, Chris Isaak and the Indigo Girls perform on Pier 62/63 at the Seattle waterfront from June to August.

Fall/Winter

6. Take the whole family to Bumbershoot, dubbed "the mother of all arts festivals" by "Rolling Stone" magazine. Held on Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot features more than 2,000 musical, dance, literary and theater artists, an arts playground and a film festival.

7. Attend the Northwest Bookfest in late October. A free event for the whole family, Bookfest features author presentations, book signings, programs for children and more than 200 booths hosting booksellers and publishing companies.

8. Don't miss the Seattle Fringe Theatre Festival, held in March. Local, regional, national and international emerging artists present artistically and culturally diverse theater to a wide audience. The year 2001 marks the 10th anniversary of this popular annual festival.

Tips & Warnings

• Popular Seattle events may sell out, so buy tickets early if possible.