Seattleites live for the summer, and understandably so. For a city that averages 152 sunny days per year, summer is a big deal. As the clouds over the Emerald City slowly begin to part, the water starts to heat up, dust is brushed off patio furniture and sandals quickly become the shoe of choice. For a few months Seattle residents and visitors are able to trade their raincoats for tan lines, and there is no better way to enjoy the treasured days ahead than at one of the city’s exciting summer festivals.
Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival: June 3-5, 2016
The sultry sounds of saxophones, piano keys and vocal scatting spill into the streets of the Eastside’s largest city at Bellevue’s Jazz & Blues Festival. Talented musicians will be performing all over Downtown Bellevue, from the streets to shopping centers, making this a great event to not only enjoy live jazz, but also the area’s outstanding restaurants, shops and parks. Listen to smooth sounds while enjoying a meal at Bake’s Place, El Gaucho or Palomino, where live bands will be playing throughout the festival.
Seattle International Film Festival: Running till June 12, 2016
Choose your film, purchase your popcorn and settle into your seat at the theater for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). This exciting event is the largest and most highly attended film festival in the United States, with over 250 feature/ documentary films and 150 short films. From Latin American cinema to films rooted right here in the Pacific Northwest community; there is something memorable for everyone to experience.
Fremont Solstice and Solstice Parade: June 17-19, 2016
Each June, the streets of Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood transform into a bustling, vibrant festival to celebrate the summer solstice. Enjoy a cold beer with friends at one of the neighborhood’s local bars, stroll through the street fair, and look out for buskers, chalk artists and jugglers as you walk the fair grounds.
Be sure to stop by one of the festival’s two stages to listen to the music stylings of JP Hennessey, The Helio Sequence, Tess Henley and many more throughout the weekend. You won’t want to miss Saturday for the Solstice Parade, featuring body-painted bicyclists and vibrant community floats.
Seattle Pride Festival: June 26, 2016
Seattle Pride is much more than just one day of celebration, it is a month long event! June is filled with signature events including the Clean Sweep (a Capitol Hill clean up), Capitol Hill Art Walk – Queer Edition, TWIST of Pride (Film Festival) and PrideFest Capitol Hill. These festivities all lead up to the grand finale the Pride parade and PrideFest at the Seattle Center. Stars including Big Freedia, Candis Cayne, Kristine W, Cazwell and many more will be in attendance.
The celebration of love and equality hits an all-time high at the Seattle Pride Parade, with the sounds of roaring motorcycle engines and cheers from colorful floats, dazzling outfits and countless stories of love and pride. You will leave with a full heart, a smile on your face and with a deep understanding of the compassion that radiates throughout the Seattle community. After the parade, the party will continue at Volunteer Park with live music, food trucks, lawn games, a beer garden and more.
Whether you’re enjoying a new film or sipping a beer at Volunteer Park, summer in Seattle is filled with exciting events you won’t want to miss.
Clipper Recommends:
- Hop on the Clipper for an overnight trip to Seattle to join in on one of these exciting festivals.
- While you’re in town, be sure to check out the famous Space Needle or the neighboring EMP Museum, before heading out on another adventures.
