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Spring Festivals: March St. Patrick’s Day Parade - The St. Patrick’s 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 you’re 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 Skagit’s 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
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
people’s 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
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 won’t 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.
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.
Yulefest
- Many people
don’t 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.
About The
Author
Michelle Linden 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 Your Life Passion Website!
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