Monday, 4 July 2011

Seattle Events and Festivals

Seattle events are the perfect excuse to plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the year—but mostly in the summer—there are festivals in Seattle that attract people of all different hobbies. From film festivals to art festivals, food festivals to children’s festivals, every type of traveler can find an event that will inspire them to book a ticket to Seattle Washington. If you do plan on attending one of these popular events, you will want to make reservations in advance for flights and hotels to avoid disappointment. Any weekend where a significant number of people will be heading to Seattle means less affordable options for travelers, so book fast!

One of the most popular Seattle events is Seafair. This traditional summer festival is one month long and includes parades, boat races, athletic events, fireworks, and more. Unlike other festivals in Seattle, Seafair lasts longer than one weekend, allowing you to enjoy the attractions with whatever weekend or time frame fits your schedule. From mid-July through the beginning of August, Seafair provides free entertainment including hydroplane races, a beauty competition, and an air show that hosts the Blue Angels. This family-friendly event will provide great summer memories for your kids.

If you’re looking for Seattle events that are centered on culture, check out the Folklife Festival. Taking place over Memorial Day weekend, the Folklife Festival includes arts, dance, and more forms of cultural expression. The event is free to the public and features over 300 performers. Another summer festival is Bite of Seattle. This food and entertainment festival held each July features more than 60 restaurants, and offers eight stages along with plenty of family-friendly activities too. This free event is considered the premier food event of the Northwest. Live music and cooking demonstrations round out the list of things to do at this event.

Bumbershoot is one of the city’s biggest draws when it comes to music. This three-day festival is held annually over Labor Day weekend at Seattle Center. The festival has been going on for 40 years, attracting artists specializing in film, dance theater, and visual arts, but it’s best known for the bands it attracts. With several stages dedicated to live performances, visitors can choose among local and independent acts or the headliners, which in the past have included Neko Case, Bob Dylan, and Weezer. Tickets can be bought for single days or the whole weekend.

The Seattle International Film festival is another of the top festivals in Seattle. Every year during the end half of May and early June, the film festival brings feature films from across the country and around the globe to Seattle. Packages are available which make this an affordable event. Another arts based festival is the Bellevue Festival of the Arts, located outside of Seattle. Taking place the last weekend in July, this festival features an arts fair and a street fair. Head across Lake Washington from Seattle to Bellevue to enjoy the beautiful summer weather at the Bellevue Festival of the Arts.

If you’re planning a trip with the kids, you might be interested in the Children’s Film Festival held every January. Every May the Seattle International Children’s Festival features arts event, theater, and music specifically for families. There are also great events that coincide with holidays. For example, Seattle has a fun Irish Festival leading up to the St Patrick’s Day Parade. The 4th of July also features excellent fireworks displays. Whatever festival brings you to Seattle, you are sure to enjoy the fantastic local dining, shopping, and a stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

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