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Greater Seattle
Annual Events

Greater Seattle has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Seattle area.

January: College Baseball; From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what’s oft called America’s favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.; Washington Huskies; Pike Place Market; Started in 1907 as a farmers market, Pike Place Market, with shops, dining, and more is open 361 days a year within the nine-acre historic district. Call (206) 682-7453 for more information.; Paramount Theater Tours; On the first Saturday of each month, Seattle Theatre Group offers free tours of the historic Paramount Theatre. Call (206) 467-5510 for more information.
February: Chinese New Year's Celebration and Dragon Dance; Early in February, the Wu Hsing Tao School celebrates Chinese New Year with an open house for prospective students interested in healing through Five Element Acupuncture, featuring caligraphy demonstrations, a Dragon Dance by Master Mak, a Lion Dance for all to join, raffles and prizes, at Talaris World Campus, Building D, Suite 1 in Seattle. Call (206) 324-7188 for more information.; Seattle Roadster Show; Some 150 of the region’s hottest rods and imports are displayed at this special event adjacent to the Portland Rod & Custom Show at the Seahawks Stadium and Exhibition Center. Call (206) 381-8000 for more information.
March: Spree at the Summit; Early in March, registered skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and onlookers gather at the summit of Snoqualmie Pass to enjoy breakfast, a barbeque lunch, all-day lift ticket, t-shirt, a chance at door prizes, and an apres ski party sponsored by Pyramid Brewery, with proceeds benefiting Outdoors for All. Call (206) 838-6030 for more information.; Quilters Anonymous Annual Quilt Show; The Evergreen fairgrounds showcases more than 400 quilts created by Quilters Anonymous, the Puget Sound region’s oldest, largest quilting guild. Techniques shown include appliqué, patchwork piecing, embellishments and fused materials. Call (360) 805-6700 for more information.; Small Farm Expo; At the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, the Small Farm Expo is a casual, day-long event to assist small acreage landowners in livestock and crop production, land management, and rural landscaping. Call (206) 296-8892 for more information.; Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza; In mid-March, and again in early November, the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society and the Robb Report present a tasting which features 60 rare single malt Scotch whiskies hosted by representatives from premium distilleries, a buffet dinner and a selection of premium cigars. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call (800) 990-1991 for more information.; Whirligig!; Seattle Center's annual carnival, Whirligig! lets kids bounce, slide, glide and ride on super-size inflatables. Clowns, face painters and free entertainment transform the Center House into an amusement kaleidoscope. Call (206) 684-7200 for more.; Kent Kids’ Arts Day; Kids and parents create their own art at the annual Kent Kids' Arts Day, with assorted hands-on projects, student performances, professional entertainment and more. Call (253) 856-5050 for more information.; Vegfest; As the largest event of its kind in the northwest, this vegetarian food festival features free food samples from more than 100 companies, cooking demos by chefs from coast-to-coast, nutrition talks, a huge selection of books and a program for kids. Call (206) 706-2635 for more information.; St. Patrick’s Day Parade; A celebration of all things Irish travels north on 4th Avenue from Jefferson, and after passing the reviewing stand at Westlake, goes via the Monorail to the Seattle Center. Call (206) 223-3608 for more information.
April: Major League Baseball; Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.; Seattle Mariners - To book seats to root for your Seattle Mariners, click here.; ArtSpring; ArtSpring is the annual festival for educating and celebrating creativity of students with disabilities. Call (206) 684-7200 for more information.; Chinese Book Expo; Hosted by Ming’s Gallery, the Chinese Book Expo features more than 1,200 titles from top-rung Chinese publishers. Call (206) 748-7889 for more information.; FringeAct; Created by Seattle Fringe Theatre Productions and ACT Theatre, FringeACT showcases new playwrighting, and features more than two dozen local writers with original full-length, one-act plays, and solo works, including theater for young audiences. Call (206) 292-7676 for more information.
May: Butterflies & Blooms; Butterfly devotees and novices can savor winged, blooming magic at Woodland Park Zoo’s seasonal exhibit running from May through September. Call (206) 684-4800 for more information.; Seattle Cheese Festival; In mid to late May, Pike Place Market hosts local and international cheese makers and a selection of over 250 cheeses, cooking demonstrations, a wine garden, a cheese maze for the kids, and 'cheese fest best' dishes are served at selected local restaurants. Call (202) 285-6100 for more information.; IGBO Day; The IGBO Union of Washington State celebrates with cultural dances, arts and crafts, Igbo / Nigerian food, and music from assorted African countries.; Hop Scotch Spring Beer and Scotch Festival; Early in May, Fremont Studios hosts a tasting of malt beverages, including new spring beers, imports, and premium Scotch, as well as a tequila tasting bar to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Proceeds benefit the upcoming Seattle International Film Festival. 155 North 35th Street. Call (206) 633-0422 for more information.; Child Safety Event; In mid-May, Cribs 2 Bunks in Tukwila near Southcenter hosts a day of safety information and fun, featuring child identification kits, product testing for lead and other harmful toxins, bike helmet checks, registration for free childproofing and greening classes, and much more. Call (206) 575-1476 for more information.; Seattle International Film Festival; From late May through early June, SIFF attracts top-rung directors, actors, and critics adding luster to special events, provocative forums, and festive premieres. Call (206) 464-5830 for more information.; Emerald City Lights Live / Silent Auction Charity Fundraiser; In mid to late May, Emerald City Lights sponsors a bike ride and auction held at the Talaris Conference Center to feed underprivileged families and individuals in the Puget Sound Area. All proceeds from the auction will provide organic food baskets during the holidays to families in need. Hors d'oeuvres, beverages and an open bar will be provided. Call (206) 268-7000 for more information.; Salute to America’s Armed Forces; On Memorial Day Weekend, the Museum of Flight’s Salute to America’s Armed Forces honors all service personnel through three days of presentations, tours, patriotic music and autograph signings. Call (206) 764-5720 for more information.
June: Everett's Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series; From June through August, the City of Everett presents outdoor concerts each Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Waterfront at Port Gardner, featuring jazz, Latin, acoustic and bluegrass bands. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Fremont Fair; Every year at the summer solstice, the Freemont Fair draws thousands to Seattle’s best annual street event. The Fair, aiding anti-poverty programs, takes place in downtown Fremont north of the Fremont Bridge. Call (206) 633-4409 for more information.; Marysville Strawberry Festival; Marysville’s parade heads down State Street followed by fireworks, with other events including a carnival, golf and basketball tournaments, and more. Call (360) 659-7664 for more information.; Pig Out on the Farm; Running concurrent with the Marysville Strawberry Festival, forks are discouraged at what’s billed as a two-day Slurp & Burp at Biringer Farms near Everett. Call (425) 259-0255 for more information.; Slugfest; The Pacific Northwest’s most valuable and misunderstood mollusk -- the greenish-yellow banana slug, which eats most anything from poison oak to animal droppings – gets its due at a Northwest Trek Wildlife Park celebration featuring human slug races, slug finger puppets, and more. Call (360) 832-6117 for more information.; SOS Taste of the Nation; More than 80 regional restaurants, wineries, breweries and coffee roasters pitch in for this culinary extravaganza, with 100 percent of ticket sales going toward hunger-relief.; Washington Summer Microbrew Festival; On Father’s Day weekend at St. Edwards State Park, festival-goers enjoy plenty of suds and food, band music, a keg toss and more, including a root beer garden for kids.; Seattle Pride Parade; All during the month of June, the Seattle Out and Proud Organization presents a number of events and programs in support and celebration of the Seattle area Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-Gender communities, culminating in the largest parade in the Pacific Northwest through downtown Seattle towards the end of the month. Call (206) 322-9561 for more information.; Sorticulture, Everett's Garden Art Festival; In mid to late June, Legion Park in Everett hosts a festival dedicated to gardens and gardening which features rare vegetables and fruits, hand-made outdoor furniture, and exhibitions and demonstrations by local artists and special nurseries. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.
July: Everett's Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series; From June through August, the City of Everett presents outdoor concerts each Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Waterfront at Port Gardner, featuring jazz, Latin, acoustic and bluegrass bands. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Everett's Music in the Parks Children's Concert Series; On Tuesday mornings, during July and August, the City of Everett hosts free children's concerts at Silver Lake. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Cinema Under the Stars; On Friday evenings at dusk, during July and August, the City of Everett hosts outdoor movies at Silver Lake, preceded by a fun pre-show program. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Fourth of Jul-Ivar’s; Since 1964, Ivar’s restaurants has presented the annual “Fourth of Jul-Ivar’s" Independence Day celebration at Seattle’s Myrtle Edwards Park, with music, food and spectacular fireworks over Elliott Bay.; Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival; Each year is individualized with themes such as “Experience the Craft” for this nautical event staged at the Center for Wooden Boats. Call (206) 382-2628 for more information.; Moo at the Zoo; Washington dairy farmers strut their stuff at Woodland Park Zoo with samples, games and opportunity to meet a dairy princess. Call (206) 684-4800 for more information.; Seafair & Torchlight Parade; The maritime Seafair festival and the Southwest Airlines Torchlight Parade provide a smorgasbord of ships, pirates, clowns, drill teams, illuminated floats, bass drum bands, balloons and more. Call (206) 728-0123 for more information.; Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival; Jam-packed with classics, this weekend of free outdoor theater at Volunteer Park is presented by GreenStage, Theater Schmeater, Theatre Babylon and Wooden O Theatre.; Taste of Bellevue; The Taste of Bellevue, along with the 6th Street Arts & Crafts Festival, produced in conjunction with the Bellevue Art Museum, showcases original artwork, jewelry, home décor, sculpture and more. Call (425) 453-1223 for more information.
August: Everett's Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series; From June through August, the City of Everett presents outdoor concerts each Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Waterfront at Port Gardner, featuring jazz, Latin, acoustic and bluegrass bands. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Everett's Music in the Parks Children's Concert Series; On Tuesday mornings, during July and August, the City of Everett hosts free children's concerts at Silver Lake. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Cinema Under the Stars; On Friday evenings at dusk, during July and August, the City of Everett hosts outdoor movies at Silver Lake, preceded by a fun pre-show program. Call (425) 257-7101 for more information.; Kent Canterbury Faire; Celebrating Kent’s heritage, the annual Faire takes place at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park with a Medieval village, three performance stages, a fine crafts marketplace and more. Call (253) 856-5200 for more information.; Seattle Boat Show at Shilshole; The Seattle Boat Show at Shilshole Bay Marina features more than 150 boats in water, and more on land along with a tent full of accessories and a beer garden. Call (206) 783-2244 for more information.; Helping Link Anniversary Dinner; In late August, the Brockey Conference Center at South Seattle Community College hosts a celebration of Vietnamese culture and transition to the modern world, where Vietnamese cuisine will be served, with live entertainment, guest speakers and a raffle to benefit the Helping Links relocation assistance programs in the Seattle area. Call (206) 783-2244 for more information.; Seattle Hempfest; Billed as the planet’s largest marijuana policy reform rally, Seattle Hempfest draws nearly 200,000 each year for pot pride participation at Myrtle Edwards Park, Pier 70.
September: National Football League; If it’s fall and you’re ready for some football, count on the National Football League to deliver non-stop grid action, leading to playoffs, and the incomparable Super Bowl. The NFL has come a long way since its 1920 founding in Canton, Ohio at Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile dealership. NFL action was first televised in 1939 when NBC broadcast within New York City. The NFL’s Longest Day was on Christmas, 1971, in a playoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, and Miami’s 17-0 Perfect Season unfolded the following year. But that’s history, and prospects for new milestones start in September.; Seattle Seahawks - To book seats for cheering on your Seattle Seahawks, click here.; College Football; NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts."; Washington Huskies - To cheer on your favorites and book seats for the Washington Huskies, click here.; Emerald City Lights Bike Ride & 5k Walk; On Labor Day weekend, Auburn Game Farm Park in Auburn hosts 18, 30 and 65-mile bike rides and a 5K walk, including live music, a baked potato feed and 2 pit stops, with proceeds to provide organic food baskets to needy families in the Puget Sound area at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call (206) 819-2461 for more information.; Aki Matsuri Fall Festival; This Japanese cultural arts event with free admission at Bellevue Community College features martial arts, performing arts, culinary arts and a Japanese tea house for tea ceremony demonstrations. Call (425) 861-7865 for more information.; Olympic Cellars Harvest Party; In Clallam County’s Port Angeles, Olympic Cellars Winery stages its annual Harvest Party to Stomp Out Child Abuse with a grape stomping boogie and more. Call (360) 452-0160 for more information.; Blackberry Festival; At the port of Bremerton, the Blackberry Festival has become an end of summer bash with a main theme of blackberry jam, jellies, pies, cobblers, and specialty items, plus the Berry Fun Run. Call (360) 377-3041 for more information.; DjangoFest; Django groupies from afar descend on Langley for four days of concerts, workshops and jamming to gypsy-jazz music immortalized by the late Django Reinhardt. Call (800) 638-7631 for more information.; Flute Quest; For three days in late September, Country Village hosts a celebration of the Native American Flute, the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, where musicians, artisans and vendors can interact in workshops, open mic programs and live performances. Call (425) 235-0400 for more information.; Art Collective Auction; Staged at the Issaquah Train Depot, this elegant Art Collective event provides opportunity to meet artists, and enjoy appetizers, dinner, drinks, along with a silent auction. Entry fee on first submission is $45. Call (425) 996-8553 for more information.; Fremont Oktoberfest; Over a weekend in mid to late September, the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle celebrates Oktoberfest in and around the intersection of 35th and Phinney Avenue, with over 70 beers in three beer gardens, activities and specials offered along with the festivities. Call (206) 633-0422 for more information.
October: Bark in the Park; Staged at Magnuson Park for dogs and their followers, Bark in the Park features a PAWSwalk, music, animal-friendly vendors and surprises. Call (206) 684-4946 for more information.; Pumpkin Prowl; For those brave enough to spend Halloween at Woodland Park Zoo, hundreds of illuminated pumpkins await with a spooktacular night of trick-or-treating and other costumed fun. Call (206) 684-4800 for more information.; Italian Festival; Celebrity chefs and food merchants dish up a gastronomic extravaganza to accompany a film festival and the infamous Bolla Grape Stomp. Call (206) 684-7200 for more information.; Oktoberfest; Two weeks of Oktoberfest festivities unfold in the German town of Leavenworth with music, rides and shows, plus a traditional biergarten. Call (509) 548-5807 for more information.; Oktoberfest Northwest; In early to mid-October, the Puyallup Fairgrounds in Puyallup hosts live, authentic German entertainment on two stages, a root beer garden for the kids, Hammershlagen and other German games, real German cuisine and a large Munich-style Biergarten. Call (425) 283-5050 for more information.; Issaquah Salmon Days Festival; Celebration of salmon returning to area lakes, streams and the downtown hatchery draws crowds of more than 150,000 during the first full weekend in October. Featured are more than 300 artists, Foods of the World, a Grande Parade, 5k/10k runs, four stages of live entertainment, a Field of Fun, and tours of Issaquah's hatchery. Call (425) 392-0661 for more information.; Dark Hollow Haunted Forest; On weekends during the second half of October, Royal Arch Park in Maple Valley features the Dark Hollow Haunted Forest along the trail near the Cedar River, along with a less spooky Family Walk alternative, and lots of Halloween festivities. Call (425) 432-2066 for more information.; OctoBoo Fest; OctoBoo Fest brings entertainment, refreshments, games, prizes, a raffle with prizes and more to the lake City Community Center, with proceeds going to Uncompensated Care, Children’s Hospital. Themes vary, with 2005 featuring a Star Wars “may the boo be with you.” Call (206) 293-2982 for more information.; Annual Space City Mixer Halloween Bash; The ever-growing Space City Mixer Halloween Bash attracts more than 1,000 participants making ghoulish attempts to dig up the past and explore the future. Themes and locations vary, with 2005 bringing the Pharoah’s Tomb at The Showbox with a 13-foot Sphinx. Call (206) 782-2257 for more information.; Mind, Body, Spirit Expo; At the Seattle Center's Expo Hall, the Body Mind Spirit Expo is the nation’s longest running holistic-living exposition, featuring more than 90 exhibitors and 60 free lectures, plus massage, nutritional supplements, and healing traditions. Call (541) 482-3722 for more information.; Outdoors for All Gala Auction; Towards the end of October, Outdoors for All Foundation hosts an evening of fun to benefit children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation, at the Westin Hotel on 5th Avenue. Call (206) 838-6030 for more information.; Seattle Food and Wine Experience; During the last week of October, the Qwest Field Plaza hosts a festival featuring an array of gourmet delights, over 1,000 wines from more than 10 countries with representatives from the respective wineries, an Eco Lounge where you can enjoy organic food and wine while chatting with environmentally friendly car makers, and a cooking school where the world's top chefs demonstrate their skills. Call (206) 697-4512 for more information.
November: National Basketball Association; Toronto, Canada was the site of the National Basketball League's first game on Nov. 1, 1946, with the Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens. Thirteen original rules were drafted by Dr. James Naismith, creator of basketball. Pro basketball suffered in popularity in the early 1950's, but one rule change -- that of the 24-second clock -- transformed the sport from a dull, stalling game to an exciting, offensive showcase. Icons along the way, from Bob Cousy and Wilt Chamberlain to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, have immortalized what's now the National Basketball Association's game, creating long-standing rivalries from coast to coast.; Seattle Supersonics - To book seats to root for your Seattle Supersonics, click here.; College Basketball; First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there’s no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.; Washington Huskies - To book seats for the Washington Huskies, click here.; Newport Ski Swap; During the first week in November, the largest ski equipment swap in the greater Seattle area is held in Bellevue at Newport High School, featuring 10,000 square feet of ski gear, free entry and free parking, major credit cards accepted. Call (425) 260-1786 for more information.; Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza; In mid-March, and again in early November, the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society and the Robb Report present a tasting which features 60 rare single malt Scotch whiskies hosted by representatives from premium distilleries, a buffet dinner and a selection of premium cigars. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call (800) 990-1991 for more information.; Heather Tartan Ball; Going strong for four decades, the Heather Tartan Ball provides an evening of Scottish dancing, meat pies, entertainment and a silent auction within the Great Hall at South Lake Union Park.; Kilt & Mini Bash; 4D Theatrics hosts its Celtic Celebration, the Kilt & Mini Bash. Guests enjoy a lavishly themed evening featuring men in kilts, women in miniskirts, live music from Northwest dance bands, contests, games, giveaways and untold surprises. Proceeds benefit students studying sound, lighting, costuming and scenic design. Call (206) 938-6336 for more information.; Festival of Crafts; During the week of Thanksgiving, the Enumclaw Expo Center hosts a holiday event featuring arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment, photos with Santa, children's activities, and prizes. Call (360) 405-7179 for more information.; Hmong New Year; Hmong New Year marks the lunar new year of the highland culture, originating in Laos, Vietnam, Burma and Thailand. Film, food and children’s activities offer opportunity to learn about the Hmong culture. Call (206) 684-7200 for more information.; Winterfest at Seattle Center; From late November through December, Winterfest offers ice skating, concerts, dances, exhibits and plenty of holiday fun. Call (206) 684-7200 for more information.; Seattle International Comedy Competition; Staged at the Comedy Underground, SICC is an elimination contest / touring festival for professionals with 23 shows in 26 days in 17 venues throughout Washington State. Call (206) 628-0303 for more information.; Providence O'Christmas Trees Tour of Trees; Enjoy a tree treasure hunt throughout the holiday season, where participating businesses in downtown Seattle offer specials for the holiday season, and participants have a chance at winning fantastic prizes. Call (206) 938-2788 for more information.
December: Enumclaw Christmas Parade & Holiday Celebration; Spend the day in Candyland during the first week in December. A parade, games, crafts, carol singing, photos with Santa, and Christmas shopping specials will be featured in downtown Enumclaw. Call (253) 740-9639 for more information.; Children’s Christmas in Scandinavia; A day of Nordic Christmas is celebrated at the Nordic Heritage Museum with crafts, the popular Lucia pageant, and dancing around the tree. Call (206) 789-5707 for more information.; Cycle World International Motorcycle Show; In early to mid-December, the Qwest Field & Event Center hosts hundreds of sport bikes, dirt bikes, dual sports vehicles, cruisers, scooters, all-electric scooters, ATVs, experts offering advice, live entertainment, family activities, refreshments and much more. Call (415) 380-8390 for more information.; Winterfest at Seattle Center; From late November through December, Winterfest offers ice skating, concerts, dances, exhibits and plenty of holiday fun. Call (206) 684-7200 for more information.; Victorian Country Christmas; At the Puyallup Fairgrounds, the main building becomes a Victorian City with a food pavilion, shows and more than 500 shops and entertainers in Victorian costumes. Free parking with admission. Call (253) 770-0777 for more information.; Matzo Ball; From a humble start in a Boston bar, Matzo Ball bashes in more than a dozen cities including San Francisco and Washington D.C. have now arrived in Seattle at the Watertown bar (not affiliated with the hotel) as a holiday party for Jewish singles on the night before Christmas. Call (888) 633-5326 for more information.

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Greater Seattle Annual Events

Greater Seattle
Annual Events