Holidays, parades and festivals in Seattle
During the summer, Seattle rewards residents for long months of fog, rain, snow, and wind. Almost every weekend there's something new happening, from Lake Union's massive Independence Day celebrations and Seafair to local beer festivals and parties.
Seattle is a place for various festivals. It will appeal to both fans of dancing and lovers of delicious food. Most of the events take place in the summer — the time when good weather comes to the city.
The biggest party is Bumbershoot. More than 2,500 artists take part in this spectacular Labor Day weekend. Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the top five festivals in the US.
The Seattle International Film Festival is the longest running, largest and most attended film festival in the United States.
In our article below, we have compiled the best festivals you should visit this season. Explore the area, go to the night markets, wave flags, watch movies and listen to live music outdoors with the American Butler — your trusted guide to the USA!
- Seafair
There is no event more Seattle inspired than Seafair. Other festivals may be aimed directly at tourists, but this celebration honors the city's ancestral spirit. Pirates, hydroplanes, yachts are all included in the celebration of maritime heritage.
Events big and small take place during Seafair, but we suggest paying attention to the most significant ones: the cardboard boat derby, the triathlon, the torch parade and the Seafair Weekend, when seaplanes perform impressive stunts.
- 4th of July at Lake Union
This is the best show in town that you will see in the summer. Business Insider and USA Today consider it one of the best in the country. On this day, the balconies on all sides of Lake Union are crowded, parking is impossible to find for miles, and the children seem to be mesmerized.
When total darkness falls around 10 pm, fireworks light up the sky and most of the places around Lake Union take on incredible colors. We hope your camera shoots well in the dark.
- Seattle Beerfest
The Northwest loves its wines, and the recent resurgence in cocktail culture is a joy to behold. But the US is still a beer country. And Seattle in this regard is almost the capital of barley drink. Every year, thousands of beer lovers flock to Seattle Center to sample more than 200 types of beer not only from local producers, but also from other countries.
- Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival
The Seattle Chamber Music Society moves into the Benaroya Hall and kicks off the marathon with a month of serious classical music. Throughout July, you can hear the works of Brahms, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Ravel, Stravinsky, Schubert and many others.
- Dragon fest
Located in Chinatown, Dragon Fest is fun for everyone. Only here you will find such a wide range of Asian delicacies. The streets come alive with performances, dragon dances, whimsical food, activities for kids, arts and crafts shops, and more. Don't miss buying a $3 Food Walk ticket that lets you taste food from all over the world!
- Bite of Seattle
Bite of Seattle is an event with more than 60 restaurants and local shops, beer tastings, cooking classes, and food in bulk. In addition to food, dozens of bands perform throughout Seattle Center, a movie night is held, and a family entertainment area is set up.
- Capitol Hill Block Party
It is an annual three-day music festival held every July in the center of Capitol Hill. CHBP was founded in 1997 and continues to improve to this day. The festival features local artists, established musicians, up-and-coming newcomers and underground artists across a range of genres.
- Bumbershoot
One of the largest festivals in the US has managed to maintain its creative spirit since its inception in 1971. Every first Monday in September, breathtaking names like The Chainsmokers, Fleet Foxes and Lil Wayne perform at the Seattle Center. The performances of the musicians are diluted with comedy shows, musical performances, art shows and yoga classes.
- Northwest Folklife Festival
One of the largest multicultural festivals in the country, the Northwest Folk Festival showcases the state's ever-evolving cultural traditions. Hundreds of performers perform here for four days.
Along with dancers from the Middle East, Mexican cooking classes and storytelling from over a hundred cultural communities, you'll find a variety of musical performances from ska bands to African drummers.
- Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival
The Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival is a celebration of the creative power of music, inviting the best regional artists to perform at various venues across the city. Previous headliners have been Deva Mahal, daughter of the legendary Taj Mahal blues musician, and Lonnie Smith, who has been hailed as the most creative jazz organist of our time.
Visit any of the festivals you like by leaving a request with American Butler.
Visit any of the festivals you like by leaving a request with American Butler.
