Friday, 1 July 2011

Washington State Events and Festivals

Summer in Washington is the most exciting time of the year. The names of Seattle events like Bumbershoot and Seafair give you just a hint of the excitement you will experience when you visit Washington. Regional events like the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival draw visitors from all across the country to the colorful fields of flowers in bloom.

Seattle Events

Seafair has been held for over 50 years in Seattle, and has become a welcome annual tradition for visitors and locals alike. One of the top ten events in the whole country, this is the largest Northwest festival and is worth checking out if you like the city of Seattle. Outdoor stands featuring arts and crafts, live Seattle concerts, a parade, and an air show featuring the Blue Angels make this a great reason to come to Seattle. The races on Lake Washington by the incredibly fast hydroplanes also add the Seafair"s reputation as one of the most exciting Seattle events.

Bumbershoot

This is the biggest of all the Seattle concerts, lasting four days. Celebrate the approach of the last of the summer with the incredible live music and Seattle concerts showcasing the talents of over 2,500 artists. Held at the Seattle Center, Bumbershoot is one of the biggest Seattle events, and Bumbershoot also plays host to a Film Festival and lively Parades.

Fourth of July

From Myrtle Edwards Park at Pier 70 down to Ivars fish bar further south, the waterfront is filled with spectators who come here to see the enormous fireworks displays, parades, picnics and live Seattle concerts. Definitely one of the top Seattle events, Fourth of July in Seattle is a non-stop party. Gasworks Park will feature a massive display of pyrotechnics over Lake Union at 10pm, so you can understand why this and many other free Seattle events draw crowds of over 300,000.

Puyallup Fair

The Puyallup Fair is the largest annual event in the state of Washington, with a four-day fair in April and a massive 17-day even in September. The town of Puyallup is south of Seattle, located near Mount Rainier, and thousands of people come here each year to hear the concerts, see the rodeo, ride the rides, and try some of the famous fair food, especially the scones and funnel cakes.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

While the bloom dates may vary, this month long event held in April is in its 22nd year, and is a serene alternative to the crowds at events like Bumbershoot. Rows upon rows of colorful tulips, daffodils, lilies and irises bloom with brilliant color. Set in a tranquil valley, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a place to experience nature's beauty. March is when the daffodils make their first appearance, and the Tulips come to life in April.

The blooming lasts well into May, when irises and lilies make their appearance. La Conner and Mount Vernon are two towns that are filled with visitors who come here for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the accompanying events, such as the Street Fair, the Tulip Parade, Art Shows, a Quilt Walk, and a salmon barbeque. Aside from all the fun, you can add to the main industry of Skagit Valley and purchase some tulips bulbs, or just take pictures of the display gardens and the colorful fields.

Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town about two hours' drive from Seattle, and for three weekends each fall, it holds an Oktoberfest celebration. There are great beers to try and plenty of traditional German music and food, plus the occasional pop concert. Surprisingly, this event is one of the great things to do with kids in Washington, as the Kinderplatz area has craft booths and other fun activities for the younger set.

Northwest Flower and Garden Show

Nature lovers will also enjoy the Northwest Flower and Garden show. For 17 years, this event has featured flora from the northwest. Thirty top designer gardens are on display, transforming the convention center in downtown Seattle into a mecca for garden and nature lovers. Organization and nurseries will give you advice and resources on how to beautify your own garden.

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