The 4 Best Summer Festivals in Seattle

Seattle gets a bad rap when it comes to weather, when in fact, it’s actually quite pleasant and sunny during the summer. However, this time only lasts so long. That’s why it’s so important to get out and about during the season, especially to one of Seattle’s most famous festivals. Whether you love, arts, music, food, or a bit of everything, don’t miss these summer festivals in the City.

1. West Seattle Summer Fest, July 8-10

2016 marks the 34th year of the West Seattle Summer Fest, which features food, shopping, and live music. In prior years, the free festival has had over 20,000 attendees per year. This year’s festival boasts local acts in genres such as rock, R&B, jam bands, and electronic dance music. Vendors will also line the streets selling some culinary delights, artwork, and delicious coffees. The festival stays open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Jamfest 2016, July 21 and August 18

It isn’t a celebration of the fruit-based sugary pairing for toast, but this Jamfest won’t disappoint. Taking place in the Chinatown-International District of the city, Jamfest is a summer music series that showcases some of the best local talent. Better yet, there are also cabaret dancers to keep things interesting. Participating bars and restaurants in the neighborhood offer specials during the festivities, which take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the third Thursday in July and August. What makes Jamfest all the more special are the early 20th-century buildings adorned with art and other decorations to set the mood. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for students and seniors.

3. Seattle Art Fair, August 4-7

Held at the CenturyLink Field Events Center, just outside the home of the Seahawks, the Seattle Art Fair begins its second year of existence. Last year, over 4,000 art lovers, collectors, and aficionados showed up to gaze upon the work of both local and national artists. If you’ve looked around to your heart’s content, don’t forget that just a few block away, you can also head to Out of Sight, located near the King Street Station. This art gallery, which coincidentally opened the same weekend as last year’s Seattle Art Fair, boasts the works of hundreds of local artists. If you plan to go to one, you may as well hit the other for the full art experience.

4. Seattle Street Food Festival, August 20-21

Any list of festivals wouldn’t be whole without the inclusion of a festival devoted entirely to food. Taking place in the South Lake Union neighborhood, the Seattle Street Food Festival showcases the cooking skills of some of the top restaurants and chefs in town. This includes both food trucks and pop-up tents that serve up baked goods, barbecue, Asian cuisine, and just about anything you could ever want. Last year’s event had more than 50 vendors, and this year looks to eclipse that mark.

If you truly love the outdoors, want to support local businesses, musicians, and restaurants, make sure to get to one of these Seattle festivals this summer. Your ears, eyes, and stomach will thank you.

Image via Flickr by Joe Mabel