Seattle’s vibrant summer festival scene is set to return in 2024 with a wide array of events celebrating music, culture, food, and community spirit. Here’s a rundown of some must-attend festivals happening in the Emerald City this summer.
Seafair 2024
Dates: June 29 – August 4, 2024
One of Seattle’s most iconic celebrations, Seafair spans 10 weeks and includes over 40 events. Highlights include the 4th of July Fireworks at Gasworks Park, the Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade, and Seafair Weekend featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and hydroplane races on Lake Washington. This festival offers something for everyone, from family-friendly activities to thrilling airshows (Seafair) (Center Spotlight).
Northwest Folklife Festival
Dates: May 24 – 27, 2024
Kicking off the summer, the Northwest Folklife Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures and communities of the Pacific Northwest. Held at the Seattle Center, this festival features music, dance, and storytelling from a variety of cultural traditions (Visit Seattle).
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
Dates: May 9 – 19, 2024
SIFF is one of the largest and most highly-attended film festivals in the United States. This event showcases more than 400 films from around the world, offering a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers (Visit Seattle).
Capitol Hill Block Party
Dates: July 19 – 21, 2024
This three-day music and arts festival takes place in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, featuring an impressive lineup of local and national acts across multiple stages. The Capitol Hill Block Party is known for its energetic atmosphere and eclectic mix of music genres (Visit Seattle).
Seattle Center Festál
Dates: Various dates throughout the summer
Seattle Center Festál presents a series of cultural festivals that celebrate the rich heritage of the city’s diverse communities. Highlights include the Iranian Festival, Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, Indigenous People Festival, and more. These events feature traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine, offering a vibrant exploration of global cultures (Center Spotlight).
Bite of Seattle
Dates: July 19 – 21, 2024
Held at the Seattle Center, Bite of Seattle is a foodie’s paradise with over 200 vendors offering a taste of the city’s diverse culinary scene. From gourmet bites to food trucks, this festival also includes cooking demonstrations, beer and wine gardens, and live entertainment (Visit Seattle).
Seattle Art Fair
Dates: August 1 – 4, 2024
The Seattle Art Fair brings together the best in modern and contemporary art from local, national, and international galleries. This event, held at the Lumen Field Event Center, provides an opportunity for art lovers to view and purchase artwork, attend talks, and participate in interactive exhibits (Center Spotlight).
Bumbershoot
Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2024
Bumbershoot, one of Seattle’s largest arts and music festivals, returns to Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend. This multi-disciplinary event features a diverse lineup of music, comedy, theater, and visual arts, making it a perfect way to close out the summer festival season (Visit Seattle).
Seattle’s summer festivals offer a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all interests. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a film buff, or a food lover, there’s a festival for you. Plan your summer 2024 in Seattle and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene!