Summer in Washington is the best.
The weather is perfect, the wildflowers are blooming, the hikes are snow-free and the parks are packed. People are outside enjoying life to the fullest, and what better way to do that than by attending one of the Seattle area’s many summer festivals?
If you live in or near any of our luxury Seattle apartments, then you’ve got to check out some of these popular annual festivals held each and every July. They are tried-and-true favorites and have passed the test of time, so you know that they’re going to be a hit each year.
17 Seattle festivals held each year in July
Ananda Mela
Redmond
This free cultural event at the Vedic Cultural Center in Redmond is a blast and well worth a visit!
Ananda Mela offers a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and tastes from the Indian Subcontinent.. Witness classical and folk dance performances on multiple stages, explore intricate craft displays and participate in fun activities for all ages. Plus, enjoy delicious Indian cuisine from a variety of great vendors!
Ballard SeafoodFest
Ballard
Held each July for the past 50 years, Ballard’s SeafoodFest is THE seafood event of the summer. Like, seriously!
Free live music, local artists and family activities line the streets in Downtown Ballard — though it’s the food that you really want to see! Enjoy the bounty of the Pacific from local vendors showcasing the freshest of the fresh seafood, including the famous Alder-smoked salmon that’s been a festival staple.
The festival grew out of the neighborhood’s rich fishing industry, Scandinavian heritage and maritime past, so there really is nowhere better to find Seattle’s best seafood than right here in Ballard!
Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair
Bellevue
Held in the heart of downtown Bellevue at the Bellevue Art Museum (BAM), this free event showcases the talents of local artisans displaying their selections of handcrafted jewelry, paintings, sculptures, pottery and more.
Browse through the BAM’s exhibitions and activities and stop by the food trucks for a bite to eat, then keep browsing through the 300+ vendors showcasing their work! It’s a great place to find unique gifts or a special piece for yourself, all while appreciating the colorful artistic spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Bite of Seattle
Seattle Center
Locally known as “The Bite”, this massively-popular ticketed event transforms Seattle Center into a haven for food enthusiasts!
Enjoy fare from over 250 restaurants representing cuisines from all corners of the world, from Asian street food to classic American fare to pastries, hot sauces, BBQ, hand-pulled noodles and so much more. There really is something for every palate! Plus, there are live music performances, cooking demonstrations and interactive culinary experiences, as well as a beer & wine garden and retail vendors.
Capitol Hill Block Party
Capitol Hill
This iconic event transforms several blocks of Capitol Hill into a massive street festival featuring local and national artists with live performances across multiple stages. Food and drink vendors inside the festival make it all the more exciting!
Darrington Bluegrass Festival
Stillaguamish Valley
Travel back in time to the roots of American music at the annual Darrington Bluegrass Festival. Nestled in the scenic Stillaguamish Valley, this weekend-long event celebrates the rich tradition of bluegrass music with lively performances by renowned national and regional bluegrass bands, workshops led by musical masters and jamming sessions under the stars. Whether you're a seasoned bluegrass enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of Americana, this festival offers a fun-filled weekend getaway for the whole family!
Day In Day Out
Seattle Center
Day In Day Out transforms Seattle Center into a three-day music festival featuring a wide range of genres, from indie rock and electronic dance music to hip-hop and local favorites. Catch all the vibes in the electrifying atmosphere, discover new artists and celebrate the power of good music with fellow music lovers.
Fiddle Tunes – Centrum
Port Townsend
This week-long festival is end-all-be-all for fiddle music in the PNW. It includes immersive workshops, concerts, classes, tutorials, dances, food, open jams and everything else you could want from seven days’ worth of music culture.
This really is a learning experience, so if you’re serious about your music and want to learn from the best, then Fiddle Tunes is the place to be.
Pista sa Nayon
Seattle
This festival celebrates all things from the Philippines!
Pista sa Nayon started as a harvest celebration focused on family, friends and feasting. Music, dance and art are a big part of Pista sa Nayon, and the practice of celebrating culture through the festival has continued in Filipino communities around the world!
SEAFAIR
Seattle
SEAFAIR is actually a collection of events over the course of 10 fun-filled weeks! It’s the biggest summer celebration of its kind in the PNW and has been a destination for eager attendees for 75 years!
Some of the fun activities hosted during SEAFAIR include:
- SEAFAIR 4th Of July: a stunning display of fireworks, music and activities on the federal holiday.
- SEAFAIR Torchlight Parade: a fun parade and celebration through Downtown Seattle featuring over 100 entries of dancers, drill teams, marching bands and more!
- Seattle Fleet Week And Boeing Maritime Celebration: the famous Parade of Ships through Elliot Bay kickstarts this exciting maritime festival.
- Boeing Seafair Airshow: Watch the United States Navy’s Blue Angels and the Army’s Golden Knights whizz through the air in a jaw-dropping exhibition of skill and precision.
SEAFAIR Indian Pow Wow
Seattle
Enjoy food, music, arts and culture at the annual SEAFAIR Pow Wow hosted by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. This weekend-long event showcases dances, exhibitions and competitions of all kinds that are perfect for families and friends!
Seattle Art Fair
Lumen Field Event Center
The Seattle Art Fair transforms the Lumen Field Event Center into a haven for art enthusiasts. Explore a diverse selection of works from established and emerging artists across various media, including paintings, sculptures, photography and installations. Engage with galleries from around the world, attend artist talks and workshops and discover new artistic perspectives at this premier Seattle art event.
Seattle Chamber Music Festival
Benaroya Hall
Held in various concert halls across the city, this highly-anticipated month-long event showcases the talents of renowned chamber ensembles and soloists of all disciplines and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned classical music aficionado or are simply seeking an elegant evening out and about, this festival offers a perfect chance to appreciate the beauty and precision of chamber music from the world's very best musicians!
Seattle Festival of Dance & Improvisation
Seattle
Held over the course of the month of July, the Seattle Festival of Dance & Improvisation showcases cutting-edge choreography that defies traditional boundaries and explores the power of movement as a form of artistic expression. Participate in workshops and discussions with renowned dance makers, watch fantastic performances and discover the ever-evolving world of contemporary dance in Seattle.
Sequim Lavender Weekend
Sequim
Escape to the "Lavender Capital of North America" during the Sequim Lavender Weekend each July.
This free event celebrates the region's iconic lavender farms with a diverse range of activities. Explore fields of fragrant purple blooms, participate in you-pick lavender experiences and witness fascinating lavender oil distillation demonstrations. Many farms also host additional events like live music, art shows and craft workshops, so be sure to explore all the options around! Best of all, enjoy delicious lavender-infused food and beverages, browse unique lavender-themed products and immerse yourself in the beauty and aroma of this unique agricultural festival in Sequim!
Timber! Outdoor Music Festival
Carnation, WA
Timber! Outdoor Music Festival offers a perfect escape for music lovers seeking a scenic and intimate festival experience.
Unwind amidst the breathtaking scenery of the PNW and enjoy an immersive musical experience at Timber!. Nestled in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains, this weekend-long event features a diverse lineup of musicians across genres, from folk and indie to electronic and jam bands. Camp under the stars, enjoy some delicious food from on-site vendors and participate in fun activities throughout the weekend, all while listening to amazing music.
West Seattle Summer Festival
West Seattle
Join the vibrant West Seattle community for their annual Summer Festival which offers a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Enjoy live music performances on multiple stages, explore a bustling marketplace showcasing local artisans and businesses and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities over the course of the busy weekend. So head on over, grab a bite from the diverse selection of food trucks, partake in community games and contests and celebrate the spirit of West Seattle!
Enjoy!
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Featured photo from Unsplash/Aranxa Esteve
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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