Tag Archives: David’s Picks

July 13-15, 2018

Ballard Seafood Fest
FRI-SUN Nordic heritage displays, vendor and food booths in Ballard. Map
(www.seafoodfest.org)

Redmond Derby Days
FRI-SAT Food and vendor booths, kids’ parade, music, at Redmond City Hall campus. Map
(www.redmondderbydays.com)

Redmond Arts Festival
FRI-SUN Over 90 curated artists, nine live bands, food, a mimosa/wine/beer garden, sidewalk chalk for the kids. Free shuttle bus to the 77th Annual Redmond Derby Days. At the Redmond Town Center shopping mall. Map
(http://redmondtowncenter.com)

West Seattle Summer Fest
FRI-SUN Street fair with music, arts, food, beer garden and street dance at West Seattle Junction. Map
(www.westseattlefestival.com)

Kent Cornucopia Days
FRI-SUN Festival, street fair, carnival, parade and more in Kent. Map
(www.kcdays.com)

Mill Creek Festival
SAT-SUN Roving artists, crafts booths, new northwest bands on stage, more food vendors and an even bigger Kid’s Plaza.
Directions and Parking
(www.millcreekfestival.com)

Kirkland Uncorked
FRI-SUN Celebration of Washington wine and food plus an art show on the shores of Lake Washington at Marina Park in Kirkland. Map
(www.kirklanduncorked.com)

International Dragon Fest
SAT-SUN Non-stop cultural performances including Dragon and Lion dances, Traditional Korean drumming,and more. $3 Food Walk with over 40 restaurants. In Seattle’s International District. Map
(http://cidbia.org/)

Mercer Island Summer Celebration
SAT-SUN Arts & crafts, live music & theater, parade, fireworks, classic car show and more at Luther Burbank Park & Mercerdale Park. Map
(www.mercergov.org)

Day Out With Thomas
FRI-SUN Meet Thomas the Tank Engine at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie. Map
(www.trainmuseum.org)

Wallingford Family Festival
SAT Parade followed by festival with live music, a food court, wine and beer tasting. In the Seattle Wallingford neighborhood. Map
(www.seafair.com)

Timber! Music Festival
THU-SAT Three day music festival in a natural outdoor setting. Camping is permitted. At Tolt-Macdonald Park in Carnation Map
(timbermusicfest.com/)

Pacific Days
FRI-SUN Parades, activities, car show, food, music & dance at Pacific City Park. Map
(www.pacificpartnerships.org)

Olympia Lakefair Festival
WED-SUN Arts, crafts, food, live entertainment and carnival rides. In Olympia. Map
(https://www.lakefair.org/)

Skagit Valley Highland Games
SAT-SUN Celtic games, spectator sports, dancing, food and music at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon. Map
(http://celticarts.org)

July 6-8, 2018

Seattle Polish Festival
SAT Authentic food and drink, live music and dance, exhibits, workshops, local merchants and children’s activities. At the Seattle Center. Map More Festál
(www.seattlecenter.com)

Seattle Street Food Festival
SAT-SUN Over 150 booths of street food & makers over 5 city blocks, beer garden, live music, and 70 Urban Craft Uprising vendors. At South Lake Union in Seattle. Map
(www.seattlestfoodfest.com)

Seafair Pirates Landing
SAT Kids activities, live music, vendors and appearance by the Seafair Pirates at Alki Beach Park. Map
(www.seafair.com)

Seattle Beerfest
FRI-SUN A 3-day specialty beer festival with 200+ world class brews. At Seattle Center’s Fisher Lawn and Pavilion. Map
(www.seattlebeerfest.com)

Japan Fair
SAT-SUN Japanese art, food, vendors, entertainment, and Taiko drumming at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Map
(www.japanfairus.org)

Proof Washington Distillers Festival
SAT More than 40 Washington distillers and food from local restaurants, At Fremont Studios in Seattle. Map
(proofwashington.org)

Ferrari Concours d’Elegance
SUN Dozens of Ferraris will be displayed, judged and awarded at the ending ceremony. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Families are encouraged to attend. At a private home in Renton. Map
(hwww.nwrfca.org)

Arlington Fly-In
FRI-SUN Airshow, flight demonstrations, bands, military vehicles, hot air balloons, fireworks and music at Arlington Airport. Map
(www.arlingtonflyin.org)

Georgetown Garden Walk
SUN Stroll colorful gardens, discover shops and restaurants, visit artist studios, and hear live music. Garden Walk maps are available on the day of the Walk
at the Georgetown Bank of America parking lot. Map
(georgetowngardenwalk.com)

July 4, 2018

US Independence Day
WED a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies had formed the United States of America and were no longer part of the British Empire.

Seafair Summer Fourth
WED A full day including live entertainment, kids activities, 21+ beer gardens, food vendors, and exhibit booths. At Gas Works Park in Seattle. Map
(www.seafair.com)

JBLM Freedom Fest
WED Aerial demonstrations, live entertainment, food, carnival rides, and fireworks. At Joint Base Lewis/McChord. Map
(www.jblmmwr.com)

Tacoma Freedom Fair
WED Airshow, live entertainment, kids fun, food and fireworks. Along the Ruston Way waterfront in Tacoma. Directions
(freedomfair.com)

Fourth of July Events & Fireworks
WED
o Bellevue Family 4th – Bellevue Downtown Park Map
o Fourth on the Plateau – Sammamish Plateau Map
o Seatac Family Fourth Carnival – Angle Lake Park Map
o Carnation Celebration & Fireworks – Carnation Map
o Demolition Derby and Fireworks – Evergreen Speedway in Monroe Map

More fireworks shows

June 29 – July 1, 2018

Greenwood Car Show
SAT More than 500 classic and custom cars plus bands, food and crafts along Greenwood Avenue. Map

Gig Harbor Wings & Wheels
SAT-SUN Live aerobatic performances and fly-overs, dozens of planes on static display, a 200+ count car show (Sunday only), vendors, delicious food, a beer garden, and activities for the kids.. At the Tacoma Narrows Airport. Map
(freedomfair.com)

Washington State Toy and Geek Fest
SAT-SUN An interactive event for the whole family with all kinds of kids’ activities, displays, celebrity appearances and photo-ops with movie characters. At the Washington State Fair & Events Center in Puyallup. Directions
(http://toyandgeekfest.com/)

Vintage Car Races
FRI-SUN Get your horsepower fix watching vintage stock cars racing on the road course at Pacific Raceways in Kent. Map
(www.sovren.org)

Kenmore Art Show
THU-SUN Paintings, Drawings, Miniatures, Sculpture, Photography,Artisan Works, Youth Art. At Bastyr University in Kenmore. Map
(www.artsofkenmore.org/)

Puyallup Food Truck Frenzy
SAT Local food vendors and live entertainment. At Bradley Lake Park in Puyallup. Map

Urban Craft Uprising 2018 Summer Show
SAT-SUN handcrafted clothing, jewelry, toys, stationery, art, candles, housewares, and food at Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show in the Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center. Map
(http://www.urbancraftuprising.com/)

June 22-24, 2018

Poll results are in! Stats and outcomes at the bottom of this post.

Bellevue Strawberry Festival
SAT-SUN Fresh strawberry shortcake, games, entertainment and more at Crossroads International Park. Map
(www.bellevuestrawberryfestival.org)

Wings of Freedom
FRI-SUN Historic military aircraft on display. Flights available in Boeing B-17 and Consolidated B-24 WWII era bombers. See the aircraft that defended America in the world’s first and only global air war. At the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. Map
(www.collingsfoundation.org)

Taste of Tacoma
FRI-SUN Food from 30 restaurants, 20 food product companies as well as four stages of music, beer garden, carnival rides and kids’ activities at Point Defiance Park. Parking & Directions
(www.tasteoftacoma.com)

Shoreline Arts Festival
SAT-SUN Visual and performing arts, Cultural Rooms, artists marketplace and children’s activities at Shoreline Conference Center. Map
(www.shorelinearts.net)

West Seattle Garden Tour
SUN Visit some of the most beautiful and unique gardens right in our own backyard. Proceeds benefit charity.

I Dig Dinos at Burke Museum
SUN Demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages at Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture at UW. Map
(www.burkemuseum.org)

Lakewold Gardens Fairyfest
THU-SUN Art, music, dance, storytelling, fairy princesses, and 60 fairy houses to find on the grounds of Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood. Children 12 and younger are free. In Lake City just south of Tacoma. Map
(http://www.lakewoldgardens.org)

Kids Day in Auburn
FRI Kids ages 4 to 11 love the inflatable rides, pony rides, face painting, games, arts & crafts, music, and food vendors at Kids Day in Les Gove Park. Map
(www.auburnwa.gov)

Skandia Folkdance Society’s Midsommarfest
SUN Traditional Swedish celebration of the summer solstice, with authentic costumed muscians and dancers. At St. Edward State Park in Kenmore. Map
(www.skandia-folkdance.org)

Camlann Medieval Village Harvest Festival
SAT-SUN The lord of Camlann invites you to attend his Midsomer Festival, with new Summer Games, crowning the King & Queen of Summer, puppetry, magic, crafts, archery, and minstrelsy. At the Camlann Medieval Village in Carnation. Directions
(www.camlann.org)

Slug Fest at Northwest Trek
SAT-SUN Educational crafts, games and other kid activites. At Northwest Trek near Eatonville. Map
(www.nwtrek.org)

Kirkland Wine Walk
FRI June’s Wine Walk is a 21+ event of local wineries offered at downtown Kirkland businesses and commences at The Heathman Hotel, Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland. Map
(kirklandchamber.org)

Seattle Pride Parade and Festival
SUN Annual Seattle Pride Parade, held at 11:00 AM, June 24 along 4th Avenue in Downtown Seattle. Map
(www.seattlepride.org)

Thank you for your poll responses! Here are the results

  • Kid Friendly: 80%
  • Not enough, give me more: 50% About Right: 50% Too much: 0%
  • Ads are annoying: 36%

Outcomes: Based on answers to Q1, I am keeping the current mix of family vs wine & beer events. From Q2 answers I see that most of you are OK with longer posts so I am adding back some of the smaller events that I have been letting fall off. Regarding the ads I do apologize, the current behavior is normal for the free WordPress platform. I will look into either moving to another platform or switching to an ad-free subscription, perhaps with an opportunity for donations.

As always your comments are welcome.

David

June 8-10, 2018

Maple Valley Days
FRI-SUN Parade, classic car show, food, arts & crafts, radio-controlled hydros and more at Lake Wilderness Park. Map
(www.maplevalleydays.com)

Cannon Beach Sandcastle Festival
SAT Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families will construct remarkable creations in the sand. In Cannon Beach,OR. Map
(www.cannonbeach.org)

Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon
SAT-SUN Runners will experience iconic Seattle sights as they rock out to live bands every mile.
(http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/seattle)

Georgetown Carnival
SAT Art, music, Power Tool Races, carnival and games in Georgetown Historic District. Directions
(www.georgetowncarnival.com)

Seattle International Film Festival
THRU JUN 10 With over 400 features, short films, and documentaries, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States. Venues
(www.siff.net)

Fall City Day
SAT Pancake breakfast, fun run & walk, arts & crafts, food, pony rides, carnival and a parade in Fall City. Map
(www.fallcity.org)

Free Fishing Weekend
SAT-SUN Fishing licenses are not required of to fish anywhere in Washington State. Details
(wdfw.wa.gov)

State Parks Free Days
SAT-SUN Saturday and Sunday are State Park “free days” and the Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park. In honor of National Get Outdoors Day and Fishing Day. Find a Park
(www.parks.wa.gov)

Vashon Sheepdog Classic
THU-SUN National sheepdog competition, sheep shearing, crafts and more. At the Misty Isle Farm on Vashon Island. Shuttles from the ferry terminal for walk on passengers. Directions
(www.vashonsheepdogclassic.com)

Deming Logging Show
SAT-SUN Loggers’ feats and maneuvers, equipment and truck displays and a barbecue in Deming. Map
(www.demingloggingshow.com)

June 1-3, 2018

Edmonds Waterfront Festival
FRI-SUN Family festival, 2 stages of entertainment, arts, crafts and food vendors, kids’ activities and rides, beer garden with dancing, classic yacht show, free shuttle bus throughout Edmonds, Willow Creek fish hatchery free trout fishing for kids. Map
(www.edmondswaterfrontfestival.org)

Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival
WED-SUN Share your passion for live jazz and blues at the Eastside’s premier showcase for top national and regional artists.
Directions

Bite of Greece Seattle
FRI-SUN Authentic Greek food music and dance. In the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Map
(assumptionseattle.org)

Upstream Music Festival
FRI-SUN National and international artists performing alongside 200+ rising stars from the Northwest and beyond. At Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle. Map
(upstreammusicfest.com)

Issaquah Wine Walk
SAT Enjoy music, art and wines from local boutique wineries poured in various designated tasting locations up and down Front Street, Issaquah. Map
(http://www.downtownissaquah.com/)

Seattle International Film Festival
THRU JUN 10 With over 400 features, short films, and documentaries, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States. Venues
(www.siff.net)

National Donut Day
FRI Free donuts today at many retailers

State Parks Free Day
SAT In honor of National Trails Day, Saturday is a State Park “free day” and the Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park Find a Park
(www.parks.wa.gov)

Hydros & Hot Rods
SUN Come and hear Live Music and see Hot Rods next to your favorite Vintage Unlimited Hydroplanes. At the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent. Map
(thunderboats.ning.com)

Kent International Festival
SAT Cultural displays, food, entertainment, World Dance Party and finale concert at ShoWare Center. Map
(kentinternationalfestival.com)

Pagdiriwang Philipine Festival
SAT-SUN Commemorating the anniversary of Philippine Independence, the event has grown into the biggest festival of Filipino arts and culture in the Pacific Northwest. Map More Festál
(www.seattlecenter.com)

Maritime Gig Festival
FRI-SUN Food & craft vendors, children’s fair, live music. In Gig Harbor. Map
(maritimegig.com)

Anacortes Waterfront Festival
SAT-SUN Family-friendly festival celebrates Anacortes’s maritime heritage with free boat rides, live entertainment, car show and swap meet in downtown Anacortes. Map
(www.anacortes.org)

Mason County Forest Festival
THU-SUN Car show, carnival, parade, logging show and fireworks in downtown Shelton. Map
(www.masoncountyforestfestival.org)

Children’s Story Program at the Elisabeth C. Miller Library
SAT Programs are presented one Saturday a month for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. All ages are welcome. 10:30 AM at the UW Elisabeth C. Miller Library. Map
(depts.washington.edu/hortlib/index.shtml)

Daystar Rib BBQ Cook Off
SAT All you can eat pulled pork, burgers and hot dogs for $5. Live music, kids activities, face painting, bouncy house. At Daystar Retirement Village in Seattle. Map
(www.daystarseattle.com)

May 25-28, 2018

Memorial Day
MON Honoring past and present heroes in the United States Armed Forces.

Northwest Folklife Festival
FRI-MON Ethnic music and dance, visual arts, folklore, children’s activities, food, crafts and funky fun at Seattle Center. If you like street musicians this is the festival for you. Free Admission. Map
(www.folklife.org)

I Dig Dinos at Burke Museum
SUN Demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages at Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture at UW. Map
(www.burkemuseum.org)

Seattle International Film Festival
THRU JUN 10 With over 400 features, short films, and documentaries, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States. Venues
(www.siff.net)

Couth Buzzard Books Jazz Festival
FRI-MON Promotes lesser-known jazz artists and encouraging gender, age, and ethnic diversity in the Seattle jazz community. At Couth Buzzard Books in the Greenwood district of Seattle. Map
(www.buonobuzzard.com)

Classic Workboat Show
SAT-SUN Tugboats, fishing boats, and other iconic workboats of the Pacific Northwest will be on display at Lake Union Park. Map

Kitsap Harbor Festival
SAT-SUN Tall ships, classic car show, Seagull Calling Festival, sailing regatta, entertainment and more along the waterfront in Bremerton and Port Orchard. Directions
(www.kitsapharborfestival.com)

Live Music at Ste Michelle Winery
SAT-SUN Live music on the front lawn, food trucks, wines and even a few surprises. At the Ste Michelle Winery in Woodinville. Map
(www.ste-michelle.com )

Tankfest Northwest
SAT TankFest Northwest is an all-day event that brings history alive for the community and honors the military innovations of the past, as meticulously restored WWII-era tanks and vintage artillery put on an explosive show for the crowd.

(flyingheritage.com)

May 18-20, 2018

University District Street Fair
SAT-SUN Street Festival season is here! More than 300 local arts & crafts vendors, food, street performers, music, kids’ play area and more. Map
(udistrictstreetfair.org)

Paine Field Aviation Day
SAT Admission into both museums (Flying Heritage & Historic Flight Foundation), plus prime viewing for the flying demonstrations. At Paine Field in Everett. Directions
(flyingheritage.com)

JBLM Armed Forces Day
SAT Military vehicle displays, historical military reenactments, carnival rides, music and roving entertainment, climbing wall, and of course food and craft vendors. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Use I-5 Exit 119
(www.jblmmwr.com/armedforcesday)

Seattle International Film Festival
THU-JUN 10 With over 400 features, short films, and documentaries, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States. Venues
(www.siff.net)

Seattle Beer Week
THRU MAY 20 Events at 22, bars, pubs, restaurants and breweries celebrating craft beer. Events Locations
(seattlebeerweek.com)

Bothell Block Party & BrewFest
SAT Sample beer from 20 local breweries, eat at delicious locally owned food trucks, and experience six of Seattle’s hottest up-and-coming bands. In downtown Bothell. Map
(www.bothellchamber.com)

Gig Harbor Beer Fest
SAT The Gig Harbor Beer Festival is a fund-raiser benefiting the Gig Harbor Kiwanis Foundation.
Map
(www.gigharborbeerfestival.com/)

Lakewold Gardens Mayfest
THRU MAY 25 Lakewold’s MayFest is a great time to enjoy the beauty of the gardens in bloom and also enjoy great displays, exhibits and activities for kids and toddlers. In Lake City just south of Tacoma. Map
(http://www.lakewoldgardens.org)

Poulsbo Viking Fest
FRI-SUN Annual parade, Viking Village, carnival, food and crafts in Poulsbo. Map
(www.vikingfest.org)

Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade
SAT Annual parade honoring our military with flag corps, marching bands and drill teams in downtown Bremerton. Pancake breakfast before the parade and bbq after. Map
(www.bremertonchamber.org)

Children’s Story Program at the Elisabeth C. Miller Library
SAT Programs are presented one Saturday a month for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. All ages are welcome. 10:30 AM at the UW Elisabeth C. Miller Library. Map
(depts.washington.edu/hortlib/index.shtml)

Auburn Petpalooza
SAT An event for pet lovers with live entertainment, Seattle Flydogs demos, pony rides, kids petting zoo, over 150 vendor booths, giveaways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained. Map
(www.auburnwa.gov)

Bike Everywhere Day
FRI Celebration stations and experienced riders along major routes will ensure that encouragement, support, and fun are never in short supply. Station Map

May 11-13, 2018

Mother’s Day
SUN Honoring Moms everywhere

Mother’s Day Events
o SAT Pike Place Market Flower Festival Map
o SAT Mom & Me at the Zoo Map
o SUN Mother’s Day Social presented by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Map
o Where to take Mom on Mother’s Day
o More Mother’s Day Events

Lakewold Gardens Mayfest
THRU MAY 25 Lakewold’s MayFest is a great time to enjoy the beauty of the gardens in bloom and also enjoy great displays, exhibits and activities for kids and toddlers. In Lake City just south of Tacoma. Map
(http://www.lakewoldgardens.org)

Sequim Irrigation Festival
THRU MAY 13 Craft fair, car show and events for the entire family in historic Sequim. Oldest continuously running festival in Washington State. Map
(irrigationfestival.com)

Seattle Maritime Festival
THU-SAT Free harbor tours, fireboat demonstrations, kids’ activities and a chowder cook-off. Waterfront Park and Piers 59-86 along the Seattle Waterfront. Map
(www.seattlepropellerclub.org)

UW Taiwanese Night Market
SAT A celebration of Taiwan’s rich culture through delicious food, activities, and entertainment. At the University of Washington Red Square. Directions and Parking
(www.tsauw.com)

Seattle Beer Week
THRU MAY 20 Events at 22, bars, pubs, restaurants and breweries celebrating craft beer. Events Locations
(seattlebeerweek.com)

Northwest Paddling Festival
FRI-SAT Featuring more than 60 paddle sports businesses offering canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, paddling equipment, accessories and gear. At Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah. Map
(northwestpaddlingfestival.com)

Backyard Wildlife Festival
SAT Celebrate wildlife and nature with a variety of exhibitors, vendors, and nature enthusiasts. Features a presentation from local experts Ciscoe Morris and Marianne Binetti. At the Tukwila Community Center
Map
(backyardwildlifefestival.org)

Curiosity Days: Seeds to Eats
SAT-SUN Dive into the topic of food science with local experts. Learn about the science behind agriculture, nutrition and taste with a full menu of activities. At the Pacific Science Center. Map
(www.pacificsciencecenter.org)