Summer is festival season in Seattle. And although the season is well under way, you still have plenty of time and (fingers crossed!) nice weather to enjoy before the persistent drizzle that prevails over the city for much of the year returns.
If you want to get out of your Seattle apartment to enjoy the summer sun, live outdoor music, and some of the many things for which the Emerald City is known and celebrated, consider one or more of these upcoming Seattle festivals.
Seattle Seafair Torchlight Parade
A Seattle tradition dating back to 1951, Seafair is a summer celebration that consists of dozens of parades, festivals, and other events spread out over the course of the summer months. Seafair culminates in the highly anticipated Torchlight Parade, now in its 65th year. This spectacular event is a favorite, drawing more than 300,000 attendees annually in recent years. Those who participate are encouraged to come adorned or equipped with creative displays of light. This year’s parade kicks off at 7:30 PM on Saturday, July 26 at Broad Street and John Street and runs over two miles along 4th Avenue to Main Street. The event will be preceded by the Seattle Center Seafair Torchlight FanFest at noon and the Michelob ULTRA Seafair Torchlight Run at 6:30 PM.
SalmonFest Seattle
As the unofficial salmon capital of the contiguous United States, Seattle is a freshwater fish lover’s paradise and a fitting home of one of the most exciting fish festivals on earth. This Seattle festival, held from August 1 to August 3 at the Lake City Community Center, provides chefs who specialize in preparing salmon dishes with the chance to showcase their sauces, marinades, and unique preparation techniques. Traditional sauces, relishes, and marinades from as close as Seattle and as far away as Norway will be featured at the 74th SalmonFest Seattle and Pioneer Days Parade.
The Salmon Bake portion of the event kicks off at noon on Friday, August 1, and the tasty delights will be available throughout the weekend. Other event highlights include a traditional beer garden, vintage car show, and live music. Pet-friendly Seattle apartment residents may be happy to hear a “pet city” will be set up to keep pets entertained. There will also be plenty of child-oriented activities, making the event a family friendly affair. If you miss out on this event but wish to celebrate the return of the salmon later this fall, the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival will be held just 15 miles outside of Seattle on October 4 and 5.
South Lake Union (SLU) Block Party
Located in the heart of Seattle, South Lake Union is definitely considered one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Over the past decade, the annual SLU Block Party has established a reputation as a well-organized event that is fun for the whole family. Proceeds always go to a designated community cause, this year’s being the Cornish College of the Arts, which is about to celebrate its 100th year as an institute designed to foster and promote creative thinking and artistic expression.
Highlights of the 10th Annual SLU Block Party, will include the presence of several local breweries, a burger grilling contest, an outdoor performance of School of Rock, and a performance by the Seattle Rock Orchestra. You don’t have to live in the SLU neighborhood to attend. This exceptionally fun event, which is underscored by a goodwill cause, is open to everyone! Bringing together thousands of fun-loving Seattleites, this event is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 8 from noon to 11 PM. The location is at the crossroads of Denny Way and Westlake Avenue N., just a few blocks away from AMLI South Lake Union and AMLI 535.
Street Food Fest
Seattle’s thriving street food scene is one of the most celebrated anywhere in the U.S., a characteristic of the city underscored by multiple street food events each year. Taking over the streets of the Capitol Hill neighborhood for the weekend of August 8 and 9, this Seattle festival will feature a food truck lineup of more than 100 of the city’s favorite culinary street artists. Just like at the Mobile Food Rodeo in May, visitors have no shortage of tasty options to choose from. The event will also feature three street watering holes and beer gardens where attendees (aged 21 and over of course) can balance the flavors of their food with excellent local brews and Washington State wines.
Any Seattle apartment residents who needs more convincing of their city’s awesomeness can find it at these festivals, which are only a sample of the dozens of events taking place in and around the city. To read about other events taking place not far from your luxury apartment home, visit Events12.com or VisitSeattle.org. We sure hope you get the opportunity to Live Life + Love Life outdoors while the weather is still nice.
What is your favorite summer Seattle festival and why? Share with us in the comments!
View All Posts by Jason Ernst