Northwest Folklife Festival 2024 in Seattle

The Northwest Folklife is a large festival with ethnic, folk, and traditional arts and music, which takes place every year over the Memorial Day weekend. This colourful event attracts about 250,000 visitors. Large crowds are entertained by 6,000 musicians, dancers, and other performers.

One of the oldest events in Seattle, the Northwest Folklife was founded in 1971 by the Seattle Folklore Society and the City of Seattle to provide an opportunity for the people of its Northwest Region to showcase their unique cultures. The festival traditionally features a lot of Native American art so if you are interested in Northwestern tribes and their traditions, this event is for you.

The festival has several stages throughout the Seattle Center. The festival grounds also include sites for music jams and drum circles. It attracts many street artists who perform along the Seattle Center walkways—musicians, jugglers, circus performers and magicians. A big fountain in the middle of Seattle Center serves as a refreshing water park. Since the festival is free for all, many people come to picnic, sunbathe, and enjoy the weekend.