Seattle Annual Events Calendar
2009-2010

The following is a select list of Seattle area annual and major events. The phone numbers included on this list may be made public, unless otherwise noted. Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a more comprehensive, searchable calendar of events on its web site at www.visitseattle.org. The calendar is updated bi-monthly and organized by subject and date.

JANUARY
Seattle International Boat Show
January 23-February 1, 2009
January 29-February 6, 2010
Qwest Field Event Center
With all the water surrounding Seattle, it's no surprise that the city hosts the nation's third largest consumer boat show. This weeklong event draws more than 400 exhibitors to the event center, displaying more than 1,500 boats of all varieties. Call (206) 634-0911 or visit www.seattleboatshow.com for more information.

FEBRUARY

Northwest Flower & Garden Show
February 18-22, 2009
February 3-7, 2010
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
The Northwest Flower & Garden show attracts more than 80,000 attendees annually and features more than 30 demonstration gardens and 300 commercial displays, as well as educational booths, children's gardens and lectures and seminars. Call (800) 229-6311 or visit www.gardenshow.com for more information.

Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show
February 5-8, 2009
February 11-14, 2010
Qwest Field Event Center
The Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show is the largest indoor RV show on the West Coast. From daily seminars to informative exhibits and the latest and greatest RVs, outdoor enthusiasts can find what they're looking for at the Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show. For more information contact the Manufactured Home & RV Association at (425) 277-8132 or at www.mhrvshows.com.

Seattle Home Show
February 14-22, 2009
February 13-21, 2010
Qwest Field Event Center
The Seattle Home Show is one of the nation's largest and oldest consumer home shows with nearly 500 displays highlighting baths, kitchens, bedrooms and lighting as well as home decorating and design. Call (425) 467-0960 or visit www.seattlehomeshow.com for more information.

MARCH

Moisture Festival
March 11 - April 5, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Hale's Palladium in Fremont
A combination comedy/varieté festival, the line-up of performers includes dancers, musicians, comedians, acrobats, jugglers and magicians. Approximately 125 artists from around the world perform for crowds in a fast-paced series of 5-15 minute performances. The Moisture Festival also features a unique brand of "Burlesque meets comedy/varieté." For more information, visit www.moisturefestival.com.

APRIL

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival
April 17-19, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Cultural Festival includes the traditional beauty and grace of dance and music, colorful costumes, martial arts, tea ceremonies and entertaining educational activities. For more information call the Seattle Center event information line at (206) 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.com.

Oyster Roast
April 26, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Golden Gardens Bathhouse
Festivities at the Oyster Roast include live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, oyster friendly wines, microbrews and of course, lots of oysters. Call (206) 297-7002 or visit www.pugetsoundkeeper.org for tickets and more information.

MAY

Opening Day of Yachting Season
May 2, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Montlake Cut in Seattle
Seattle's official opening day of boating season attracts more than 250,000 people to watch a parade of boats, ranging from kayaks to yachts, pass through the city's Montlake Cut. Yearly festivities include a morning of crew races, a sailboat race, and the grand Opening Day Boat Parade. Call (206) 325-1000 or visit www.seattleyachtclub.org for more information.

Seattle Maritime Festival
May 7-9, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Waterfront
Activities at this annual maritime festival include the country's largest tugboat race on Elliott Bay, tours of a wide range of boats, a chowder cook-off and free children's admission to select waterfront attractions. Call (206) 728-3163 or visit www.portseattle.org for more information.

Seattle International Children's Festival
May 12-16, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
This annual festival is a celebration of world cultures through performing arts. Each year the festival presents world class performances and participatory activities for kids. For more information call (206) 684-7338 or visit www.seattleinternational.org.

Seattle Cheese Festival
May 16-17, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Pike Place Market
The first of its kind on the West Coast, the Seattle Cheese Festival is a celebration of cheese in general and local artisan cheesemakers in particular. 35,000 people each year attend classes, buy cheeses and sample free fromage from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. The festival also features a cheese-related scavenger hunt and cheese maze for kids and a wine garden for the grown-ups. For more information, visit www.seattlecheesefestival.com or call (206) 849-7508.

University District Street Fair
May 16-17, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
University District neighborhood
The annual University District Street Fair, sponsored by the Greater University Chamber of Commerce, features more than 300 arts and crafts booths, street buskers, live musical performances and food from around the world. Call (206) 547-4417 or visit www.udistrictstreetfair.org.

Seattle International Film Festival
May 21 - June 14, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Various venues throughout Seattle
This highly recognized film festival is a launching pad for new international and American independent films. The Seattle International Film Festival annually presents more than 340 films culled from more than 55 countries and ranks as the largest film festival in the U.S. Call (206) 324-9997 or visit www.seattlefilm.com for more information.

Northwest Folklife Festival
May 22-25, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
The largest folk, ethnic and traditional arts event in North America, this annual community-based event held at the Seattle Center features traditional arts that preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The annual Memorial Day Weekend festival, which began in 1972, features more than 6,000 participants and attracts more than 250,000 people. Call (206) 684-7300 or visit www.nwfolklife.org for more information.

JUNE

Pike Place Market Festival
2009 dates to be announced
2010 dates to be announced
Pike Place Market
With live music, entertainment, local artisans and demos from some of the area's most prominent chefs, the Pike Place Market Festival is another reason to enjoy the historic Market at peak season. Aside from the usual Market offerings, the festival will showcase a Strut Your Mutt dog parade, a wine and cheese tasting and a beer garden sponsored by local favorite Red Hook Brewery. For more information, visit www.pikeplacemarketstreetfestival.com.

Fremont Street Fair
June 20-21, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Fremont neighborhood
Celebrate the arrival of summer at one of Seattle's largest neighborhood festivals which features more than 200 arts and crafts booths, ethnic food and entertainment stages. The outrageous Fremont Solstice Parade, hosted by the Fremont Arts Council, takes place Saturday at noon. Visit www.fremontfair.com or call (206) 694-6706 for more information.

Seafair
June 27 - August 2, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Throughout Seattle
Seattle's largest festival features community celebrations, parades and other family-oriented entertainment, culminating with unlimited hydroplane races and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels air show in early August. Call (206) 728-0123 or visit www.seafair.com.

JULY

Chase Family 4th at Lake Union
July 4, 2009
July 4, 2010
Gasworks Park (Lake Union)
Spectators gather annually in Gasworks Park to view a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to music high above Seattle's Lake Union. Prior the fireworks display, the family tradition takes place beginning at noon and features all-ages fun in the Chase Playfield, a wide menu of food offerings, and a lakeside beer garden for those 21 and over. Visit www.familyfourth.org for more information.

Seattle International Beerfest
July 3-5, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
A celebration of beer and the art of brewing, Seattle International Beerfest gives attendees the chance to sample beers with names they've never heard of and often can't pronounce. Featuring more than 100 beers from 15 different countries, live music throughout the weekend, a cigar bar and several food options, the event attracts 10,000 people annually. Must be 21 to attend. Visit www.seattlebeerfest.com or e-mail info@seattlebeerfest.com for more information.

Bite of Seattle
July 17-19, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
Seattle's annual food festival offers affordable tastes from more than 50 local restaurants, 25 Washington State wineries and 30 food product vendors. Local musicians and dance groups provide entertainment. Call (425) 283-5050 or visit www.biteofseattle.com for more information.

Ballard SeafoodFest
July 25-26, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Ballard neighborhood
Seattle's historic neighborhood of Ballard hosts this annual seafood festival which features a salmon barbecue, plus arts and crafts and entertainment for all ages. Call the Ballard Chamber of Commerce at (206) 784-9705 or visit www.seafoodfest.org for more information.

AUGUST

BrasilFest
August 16, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
Both folk traditions and contemporary arts have expression at BrasilFest, Seattle's annual celebration of Brazilian Folklore Day, typically not celebrated outside Brazil. BrasilFest is characterized by its upbeat rhythms, joyful dance and spicy flavors which combine to create a fun, celebratory atmosphere. For more information call the Seattle Center event information line at (206) 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.com.

TibetFest
August 22-23, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
Ritual and tradition are the heart of TibetFest, where the modern and ancient combine in an effort to preserve Tibet's unique cultural identity. Performing groups share centuries old stories and legend through lilting melodies and rhythmic movements, wearing symbolic masks and authentic costumes. For more information call the Seattle Center event information line at (206) 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.com.

SEPTEMBER

Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival
September 5-7, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
Bumbershoot is one of the nation's five largest arts festivals, featuring 2,500 regional, national and international performers which draw hundreds of thousands of people over its three-day run. The festival is held on the 74-acre grounds of the Seattle Center. Call (206) 281-7788 or visit www.bumbershoot.org for more details.

Oktoberfest
2009 dates to be announced
2010 dates to be announced
Fremont neighborhood
This harvest kick-off event takes place in Seattle's quirky Fremont neighborhood. Taste a variety of local seasonal microbrews in the beer garden, enjoy the vintage car show or browse the booths of the craft vendors. Call (206) 633-0422 or visit www.fremontoktoberfest.com for more information.

OCTOBER

Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
October 16-25, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Various venues around Seattle
Showcasing more than 150 films, including feature films, documentaries and experimental cinema, the festival screens films at venues around Seattle, such as Cinerama Theater, Harvard Exit, Broadway Performance Hall and Northwest Film Forum. Approximately 10,000 film fans are expected to attend films and programs throughout the festival's ten-day run. For more information, visit www.seattlequeerfilm.com or call (206) 323-4274

Seattle Home Show 2
October 22-25, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Qwest Field Event Center
The fall version of the Seattle Home Show is the ultimate for one-stop shopping for state-of-the-art appliances, roofing, flooring, furnishings and landscaping. Call (425) 467-0960 or visit www.seattlehomeshow.com for more information.

NOVEMBER

Seattle International Auto Show
November 11-15, 2009
2010 dates to be announced
Qwest Field Event Center
Seattle International Auto Show showcases virtually every new model of car on the market and allows attendees to get a sneak preview at prototypes, concept cars and one-of-a-kind vehicles. For more information, visit www.seattleautoshow.com

DECEMBER

Seattle Center Winterfest
2009 dates to be announced
2010 dates to be announced
Seattle Center
This annual five-week holiday festival at the festively-lit, 74-acre Seattle Center features concerts, holiday displays and lights, ice-skating and family entertainment. For more information call the Seattle Center event information line at (206) 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.com.

Christmas Ship Festival
2009 dates to be announced
2010 dates to be announced
On the water and Seattle shores
Seattle's annual ship-to-shore holiday tradition continues with a flotilla of festively-lit boats, including Seattle's Official Christmas Ship, which host onboard choirs that entertain guests and spectators at bon fire sites around the city. Contact Argosy Cruises at (206) 623-1445 or visit www.argosycruises.com for sailing dates and times.

New Year's Eve at the Space Needle
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2010
Seattle Center
At the stroke of midnight the Space Needle lights up like a giant sparkler and crowds gather on the Seattle Center grounds beneath to celebrate the start of the new year. For more information call (206) 443-2111 or go to www.seattlecenter.com.

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