Seattle Area Festivals - If you are the kind of person who enjoys a wide array of festivals, then Seattle is the place for you. Whether you want to celebrate the summer solstice or Nordic Yulefest, there is sure to be a Seattle Festival for you. Summer Festivals:JuneSolstice Parade - The Solstice Parade is the official kick-off of the Fremont Fair. Over

the past 20 years, the Fremont Arts Council has been a non-profit organization

celebrating art and creative expression. The Solstice parade has become popular not

only with the locals in Fremont, but with hundreds of people from Seattle and

beyond. The parade celebrates not only the beginning of summer, but a love of art

and community. Location: FremontLake Union Wooden Boat Festival - The Wooden Boat Festival is an annual event

celebrating one of the most favorite pastimes of Seattlites - Boating. The festival

includes a regatta and people? choice awards. Location: Lake UnionJulySummer Nights - Summer Nights at South Lake Union Park is the relocated venue of

Summer Nights at the Pier. The park itself is 12 acres of waterfront with amazing

sunsets and views of downtown Seattle. These outdoor concerts are a great way to

celebrate summer. Location: South Lake Union ParkSeafair - Seafair has been celebrated in Seattle for over 50 years and has become

part of the fabric of Seattle life. Events begin in July and continue through August,

including a milk carton derby, marathon, triathlon, pirates landing, fleet arrival,

hydroplane racing, and air show. Most of the events revolve around planes and

boats - two Seattle staples - hence the name, Seafair. Location: Lake Washington

and throughout SeattleAugustEvergreen State Fair - While not located in Seattle, the Evergreen fair is close enough

for a visit. There is all kind of entertainment available at this fair - dancers, jugglers,

animal shows, home ec contests, a rodeo, carnival and more! There is plenty to do

for everyone, whether you enter yourself in a contest, ride a roller coaster, or watch

the dancers do their thing. Location: MonroeFall Festivals:SeptemberBumbershoot - Bumbershoot is the festival to end all Seattle Festivals. For over 30

years, Bumbershoot has been The labor Day weekend host to cutting edge bands

and artists. The Seattle Center becomes a meeting place for artists, locals, and

visitors. This four day festival offers amazing music, art, and friends. Visit and you

won? be disappointed. Location: Seattle CenterSalmon Homecoming Celebration - Beginning with a Native American canoe

celebration, the Salmon Homecoming is an ancient festival which has been slightly

modified for modern times. Historically, the local Native Americans would celebrate

the return of the salmon to their home and celebrate another plentiful year. Take

some time to enjoy watching the Native American basket weaving, carving,

canoeing, and a 1000 pound salmon bake. Location: Piers 62/63NovemberGreen Lake Frostbite Regatta - Green Lake is a popular destination year-round.

Surrounded by parks and walking paths, the lake is a great place for some outdoor

exercise and fun. The Frostbite Regatta is perhaps the last boating event of the year

at the Lake. Grab a scarf, some hot coffee, and enjoy watching the races! Location:

Green LakeYulefest - Many people don? realize that there is a significant Nordic population in

Seattle, particularly in Ballard. This fact becomes evident annually at Yulefest. Every

year, Yulefest is held at Nordic Heritage Museum, celebrating Scandinavian Holiday

Celebrations including food, crafts, music, and tradition. Location: BallardWinter Festivals:DecemberChristmas Ship Festival - For over 50 years, carolers on boats have been singing to

Seattlites warming themselves around huge bonfires. The decorated boats parade

up and down the Puget Sound, creating one of the largest holiday flotillas. Warm

yourself around the fire, and enjoy the carols. Location: Puget SoundFebruaryChinese New Year - Seattle? International District is one of the most vibrant areas

of Seattle, offering all kinds of culture and entertainment. Traditionally, this

celebration has been one of the most popular events in Chinatowns across the

country - Seattle is certainly no exception with its vibrant parade. Location:

International DistrictSpring Festivals:MarchSt. Patrick? Day Parade - The St. Patrick? Day Parade on Bainbridge Island is one of

the many popular annual events. Take the ferry over to the island and celebrate your

Irish heritage - even if you?e not Irish! Location: Bainbridge IslandAprilSkagit Valley Tulip Festival - Believe it or not , Washington is a larger producer of

tulips than the Netherlands. This is celebrated every year at the annual Skagit Valley

Tulip Festival. Not far from Seattle, the beauty of Skagit? tulip fields will amaze you.

The festival runs the month of April, but the tulip blooms depend on seasonal

changes. Check the weather before you go! Location: Skagit, WashingtonMaySeattle International Film Festival - This film festival is actually the largest film

festival in the United States. Running for three weeks, this film festival offers

options for everyone. Buy a pass and see as many as possible, or simply try out a

few of the films. Location: Throughout SeattleSyttende Mai - This annual festival celebrates Norwegian Independence Day.

Imagine July 4th with a Scandinavian flair. Location: Ballard*****

Michelle is a travel buff who has recently moved away from Hawaii, but is

anxiously awaiting the day when she can return. In the meantime, she occupies her

time by helping others compare and select vacation options. Your Life Passion - Specialty Travel, Guided Tours, Vacation Rentals, Spa Resorts and More!Also read Travel Oahu - Experience Hawaii Like

a Local and

Travel Italy - Highlights of Italian Art

and Architecture

Author:
Michelle Linden