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Seattle Fairs & Festivals, Music & Dance

First Friday of Every month
Columbia City BeatWalk
The first Friday evening of each month musicians, business owners, and a pleasant mix of locals and visitors from other Seattle neighborhoods come together to relax and enjoy great music, food, drink and fun. Wander through the Historic Columbia City Business District and discover what makes BeatWalk so great! Get your hand stamped at the first venue you visit for only a $5 cover and then you can enter all the others free. Experience some of the finest live music Seattle has to offer: Jazz, Americana, Folk, Pop, Rock, Samba, Flamenco, African, Improv Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Soul, Danceand more!
May 25 to June 18, 2006
Seattle International Film Festival - Various locations
Here's your chance to see some exciting films when you attend the 31st annual Seattle Film Festival. There are 25 days of viewing that will include films from all over the world with well known directors and independent film makers attending and at least 300 films shown.
May 26 to 29, 2006
Northwest Folklife Festival - Seattle Center
This is the largest Folk Festival in the country, drawing thousands of people from all over the world, to come and enjoy the multitude of ethnic traditions showcased here, which include food, dance and arts & crafts. There are hundreds of cultural acts on 18 stages set up around the 74 acres of Seattle Center. So find a spot on the spacious lawns and enjoy the sights and music on a beautiful Seattle spring weekend. The festivities are from 11am to 11 pm daily.
May 29 & 30 and August 12, 2006
Pike Place Market Street Festival and Sunset Supper at the Market
On May 29th and 30th, the Pike Place Market will be featuring arts & crafts, live music and food booths in a two day festival. On August 12th from 7:30 to 11 pm, the market will be the place to stop by for food sampling and wine and beer from more than 50 local restaurants including dancing under the stars.
July 1 to August 7, 2006
Seafair Seattle - Throughout Seattle
Seafair is a vital part of summertime in Seattle and showcases the traditions, celebrations and diversity of the Puget Sound area. There are more than 25 sanctioned community events, festivals and parades that bring affordable fun for everyone. The events that are part of Seafair Seattle are starred * in this event listing. This is the largest festival in the Northwest and is rated one of the Top Ten Events in the country.
July 4, 2006
Fourth of July - Various Venues
On July 4th, Seattle gears up for celebrating the birthday of the U.S.A. In Myrtle Edwards Park, near Pier 70 at the Waterfront, there is the 40th Fourth of Jul-Ivar's Celebration with live music and entertainment beginning at 12:30 pm, ending with a great fireworks display at 10 pm - last year 300,000 people attended this very popular event. Free. The largest fireworks show will be when Gasworks Park will light up the beautiful Lake Union district with a huge pyrotechnic extravaganza at 10 pm. Free.
July 7 to 9, 2006 *
Grand Parade at Mercer Island Summer Celebration
The 16th Annual Mercer Island Summer Celebration is a three day community festival that recreates the ambiance of small town Americana. It features 100 juried arts & crafts booths, live music & theatre, international food booths, classic car show, a Rotary Club breakfast, grand parade, Lake Washington boat rides and an evening fireworks show.
July 8 & 9, 2006 *
Chinatown-International District Summer Festival - Hing Hay Park
This is the largest Asian-American street fair in the state. The Summer Festival offers Asian inspired entertainment including, Chinese martial arts, Filipino dancing, Lion and Dragon dances, Japanese Taiko drumming along with live concerts featuring New Age, Pop, Jazz music, arts & crafts and Asian cuisine. Open Saturday 11 am to 8 pm; Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. Free.
July 16, 2006
Bastille Day Celebration - Seattle Center
Today you can feast in the delights of all things French, from food to wine to entertainment to shopping at French "boutiques" and even a Petanque Tournament (a form of boules where the goal is to throw metal balls as close as possible to a jack - a small wooden ball.
July 21, 22 and 23, 2006
Bite of Seattle - Seattle Center
Started in 1982 with 26 restaurants and 1 entertainment stage, the Bite of Seattle has grown into one of Seattle's largest summer festivals with more than 400,000 people attending last year. Considered the Northwest's Premier Food Festival, the weekend will once again feature over 50 restaurants from the Seattle area, cooking demonstrations, over 8 entertainment stages, food companies giving out free samples, beer gardens, a wine tasting exhibit and more. Open Friday & Saturday 11 am to 9 pm; Sunday 11 am to 8 pm.
July 21 to 23, 2006 *
Indian Days Pow Wow - Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park
Indian Days Pow Wow is an annual event featuring competitive dancing and singing, food booths, salmon bake, arts & crafts booths and other special entertainment. This event has a two fold goal: to bring together Indian communities from the Northwest and beyond and just as importantly, to bring together the non-Indian community in joining tribes to learn about, enjoy and participate in Indian culture. Admission is $5 for adults, children under 12 free.
July 22 to August 27, 2006
Camlann Medieval Faire - Outside Seattle
As the morning trumpet and charter proclamations are read, the village gate opens into the colorful world of Chaucer's England of 1376. Leave the 20th century behind and go where minstrels perform and knights in armor joust. The food stalls offer ploughman meals, pasties and muste to drink. There is The Clothier Shoppe where you can rent a medieval costume for only $25 adult, $10 child. There is also the Bors Hede Inn which serves an authentic medieval feast starting at 6 pm when the Faire ends. The price is $40 and includes entry into the Faire as well as the Feast. Reservations are required in advance by calling 425-788-8624. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 6 pm. Admission is $9 adults, $6 for seniors 60 and older and children 12 years and younger.
July 29, 2006 *
2006 Southwest Airlines Torchlight Parade - From Seattle Center
As Seattle's jewel for 57 years, the Southwest Airlines Torchlight Parade draws an annual 300,000 on-site spectators and more than 700,000 television viewers. Whether you are a long-time resident or first-time Seattle visitor, the Torchlight Parade is an exciting, magical night for the entire family! 7:30 pm.
July 29, 2006 *
KiteFest 2006 - Sandpoint Magnuson Park
This one day event is designed to teach and promote the life-long hobby of kiting. KiteFest 2006 features live music, "Family Wellness Village of Vendors", kite field, kite air-shows, team stunt demos, family kite making booths, kite races, flying lessons and displays. 12 noon to 5 pm, free.
July 29 & 30, 2006 *
Ballard SeafoodFest - Salmon Bay
Held amid the historic buildings along beautiful Salmon Bay, SeafoodFest celebrates Ballard's rich maritime history. The festival will feature music from Willey & The Wild West Show, shopping, arts & crafts and plenty of local restaurants represented. There is a Beer Garden where you can purchase some famous alder BBQ salmon or a wide variety of delicious edibles with a pint of Ballard's own micro-brew!
August 4 to 6, 2006 *
Chevrolet Cup and KeyBank Air Show- Southwest Lake Washington
Seafair features the fastest boats on the water and the best jet team in the country as the Unlimited Hydroplanes and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels storm the Northwest. Celebrating 57 years of unlimited hydroplane racing on Lake Washington has been part of many of the best hydroplane races in history. Unlimited hydroplanes are the fastest race boats in the world and can travel at speeds of 200 mph on a race course only 2.5 miles in length!

Witness captivating sights as the best pilots in the world perform heart-pounding stunts over Lake Washington. In addition to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the 2006 lineup features a variety of acts that will leave you breathless. They include the Patriot's Jet Demonstration Team, F-15 flyovers, aerobatic biplanes and the first ever nighttime air show featuring fireworks and pyrotechnic effects choreographed to music.

In addition to hydroplane racing, fans will find plenty of landside entertainment including numerous food and vendor booths, live music, kids' activities and a new fireworks show that will make the Chevrolet Cup at Seafair weekend fun for the entire family!
August 11, 12 & 13, 2006
Seattle Music Fest - Alki Beach
Seattle Music Fest is now celebrating its 11th year and has become one of Seattle's most-famous Alternative Rock Festivals ... which has now grown to become a huge showcase of emerging musical talent, attracting thousands of people to beautiful Alki Beach every year. This year's Seattle Music Festival will feature over 17 regional and national emerging artists. Fest hours are Friday 4 to 9:30 pm; Saturday 11 am - 9:30 pm; Sunday 11 am - 9:30 pm. Admission.
August 20, 2006
Brasilfest - Seattle Center
This is an event not to be missed, if you enjoy the sultry music and dance of South America, Brazilian style. This one day fest will offer continuous dance, music, workshops and performances that cover the traditional and contemporary Brazilian experience as well as traditional folkloric performers. There will be demonstrations and workshops for all ages, a Samba workshop, children's activities, arts and crafts and so much more. Open from noon to 8 pm. Free
September 2 to 4, 2006
Bumbershoot Festival - Seattle Center
The 2006 BumbershootŪ, Seattle's Music & Arts Festival, will showcase more than 1,500 artists in 20 venues at the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend. The 36th annual 3-day Festival features an eclectic mix of music, comedy, dance, indie crafts, film, theatre, kids' activities, and literary and visual arts. One low ticket price gets you on to festival grounds each day and from there the world of Bumbershoot is at your fingertips. Explore groundbreaking local, national, and international artists in all mediums at a variety of large and small, indoor and outdoor venues. The event also features a variety of food and merchandise vendors throughout the festival grounds.
September 8 to 24, 2006
Do The Puyallup Fair & Puyallup Pro Rodeo - Outside Seattle
Only 45 minutes from Seattle, the Puyallup Fair and Pro Rodeo should not be missed. The fair features a carnival with a $2 million, 20 story thrill ride, the Extreme Scream, pot-bellied pig races, animal exhibits, baking contests and everything else you would expect from such a large fair. It also features some great food such as the Earthquake Burger and what some claim are the best corn dogs ever. There are also Draft Horse Driving demonstrations, 4-H competitions and the exotic Animals of the World exhibit.

The highlight of the fair is the Pro Rodeo taking place September 8, 9 and 10 with tickets priced from $17.50 to $28.50. Professional rodeo performers come from all over the U.S. for a chance at prizes in Bull Riding, Bareback and Saddle Bronc along with timed events including Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping and Barrel Racing. Rodeos are at 1 and 6 pm, Fri. and Sat. and at 1 pm on Sun.

Another highlight is the entertainment at the event. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 24 there is nightly entertainment in the Main Grandstand. Featured stars include Kenny Rogers & The Oak Ridge Boys, Montgomery Gentry, Hillary Duff, Carrie Underwood and many other well known artists. Tickets are from $29.50 to $59.50. There are several concerts that are free in grandstand seating during the concert series, including Fiestas Patrias Latino Celebration, Rock & Roll Legends, Beach Boys and Third Day. Hours of the fair are Sun. to Thurs. from 10 am to 10 pm; Fri. & Sat. 10 am to 11 pm. Admission to the fair is $10 adults; youths (6 to 18) and Seniors (62+) $7; 5 and under free.
September 16 to 17, 2006
Seattle Fiestas Patrias - Seattle Center
In celebration of Mexico's Independence and the independence of Honduras, Peru, Columbia and Argentine, there will be two days of entertainment and cultural displays from those countries. They might all share the same language, but there are very distinct traditions between them - so enjoy the music of Mariachi, fabulous costumes and some great authentic food and experience the differences.
September 22 to 24, 2006
Fremont Oktoberfest - Outside Seattle
Two weeks of Oktoberfest festivities unfold in the German town of Levenworth with live music on two stages, the Stranger Microbrew Garden, the Brew-ha-ha 5K Fun Run and a wide assortment of local arts and crafts, imported treasures and festive treats as well as traditional German food. And everyone's favorite, the Annual Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest. The Pilsner Urquell Beer Garden is open from 11 am to 6 pm on Sat. and 10 am to 6 pm on Sun. The Stranger Microbrew Garden is open from 5 pm to 12 am on Fri., 11 to 12 am on Sat. and 11 am to 6 pm on Sun. There will be at least 75 micro brewed beers on tap in this beer garden.
September 23 to 24, 2006
Italian Festival - Seattle Center
Now in its 19th year, the Italian Festival is all about family, food and festivity - what many consider the heartbeat of all things Italian. There will be exhibits, music, dance and theatrical performances, activities for kids and even a Bocce tournament. There is also a grape stomping contest, an Italian film festival and a children's puppet show. Cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs draw big crowds and you might even get to sample their creations. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the wine & beer gardens with a glass of vino and listen to the strolling musicians.
October 7 & 8, 2006
Issaquah Salmon Days Festival - Outside Seattle
The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival is an annual celebration of the returning salmon to the lakes, streams and downtown hatchery. This two day event held annually the first full weekend in October draws crowds of more than 150,000 people. Salmon Days features a weekend full of salmon and free fun, including more than 300 artists, the Foods of the World, a Grande Parade, 5k and 10k runs, four stages of live entertainment, the Field of Fun, salmon viewing and much more. Open 10 am to 6 pm, free
October 20 to November 6, 2006 - Various Seattle Venues
Earshot Jazz Festival
This annual Jazz Festival lasting two weeks brings in notable Jazz Players from all around the world. Spread-out over several venues, the Earshot Jazz Festival includes concerts, jam sessions, master classes, lectures and workshops.
November 24, 2006
Tree Lighting Celebration & Holiday Parade - Downtown Seattle
This is a full day of fun for residents and visitors alike, with the Downtown Holiday Parade beginning at 8:45 am, then the lighting of Westlake Center's Holiday Tree and the Macy's Star at 5 pm, followed by a really spectacular fireworks display.
November 24, 2006 to January 2, 2007
Winterfest - Seattle Center
Celebrating their 20th Anniversary, the Northwestern Holiday Tradition of Winterfest is a five-week celebration that brings the community together for free family fun and entertainment and highlights the unique and diverse cultural communities that make up the great city of Seattle.

There is a beautiful Carousel set up each year for only $1 a ride which is part of the Fun Forest Amusement Park at Seattle Center. An Ice Rink is also set up for the duration of the Winterfest, open daily at 11 am for skating. One of the most beloved of the Winterfest traditions is the Holiday Train, an exhibit that features a turn-of-the-century holiday train winding its way through a magnificent miniature world of snow capped mountains and a country village. There are holiday movies shown, jazz performances, aerial circus performers, holiday foods to snack on, concerts and much more and, best of all, it is all free (except the Carousel).
December 31, 2006
New Year's Eve 2006 - Seattle Space Needle
Join the more than 50,000 people who will gather around the base of the Space Needle for the world's tallest structure-launched Fireworks Show with more than 2,000 pyrotechnic effects. It is estimated that another 400,000 people will be viewing the show from surrounding neighborhoods.