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Embrace our ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of our region at Seattle Center Festál. The "Where Seattle Comes Together" theme of 2020 is woven throughout 23 free, ethnic cultural festivals.

Festál events happen throughout the year and offers an opportunity for communities to gather and share deeply rooted traditions and contemporary influences with the greater Seattle area.

Tet in Seattle - Vietnamese Lunar New Year

January 18 - 19, 2020
Inviting the community to a celebration of the lunar new year with lion dances, firecrackers, martial arts, dance and visual arts.
Tet in Seattle Info

Irish Festival Seattle

March 14 - 15, 2020
Highlighting the Irish heritage of the Pacific Northwest with tarditional music, step-dancing, art exhibits, genealogy workshops and Celtic handcrafts.
Irish Festival Info

Seattle's French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures

March 22, 2020
Celebrating the place of French language, culture and joie de vivre in over 30 countries worldwide with francophone fashion, fine cuisine, wine tastings and a wide array of musical performances.
Seattle's French Fest Info

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

April 24 - 26, 2020
Underscoring the deep friendship between Seattle and Japan as it honors the renewal of life with springtime cherry blossoms, booming Taiko drums, contemporary Japanese arts and a traditional tea ceremony.
Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Info

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

May 3, 2020
Recognizing Seattle's strong ties with Asia and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our region through culturally-influenced music and dance and a celebrity hum bow eating contest.
API Heritage Month Celebration Info

A Glimpse of China - Seattle Chinese Culture & Arts Festival

May 16, 2020
Illuminating the colorful and ancient palette of Chinese arts with dance, painting, calligraphy, workshops and martial arts.
A Glimpse of China Info

Northwest Folklife Festival

Memorial Day Weekend
Cultivating and preserving the diverse arts, heritage, and traditions that reflect our dynamic Pacific Northwest communities. Co-curated and co-created for the people, by the people.
NW Folklife Festival Info

Spirit of Africa

May 30, 2020
Fostering greater inclusivity, awareness and appreciation for the varied traditions of music, movement and storytelling of the African diaspora.
Spirit of Africa Info

Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival

June 6-7, 2020
Observing Philippine independence from colonial rule and the strength of Filipino identity and imagination through art exhibits, songs, spoken word, film and martial arts.
Pagdiriwang Info

Indigenous People Festival

June 13, 2020
Instilling better understanding for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the Pacific Northwest through a blending of traditional and contemporary music, dance, drama and arts.
Indigenous People Festival Info

Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest

June 20-21, 2020
Sharing the profound stories of African Americans through an entertainment-packed weekend featuring hip hop, dance, gospel, visual arts, soul food, exhibits and a marketplace.
Festival Sundiata Info

Seattle Iranian Festival

June 27, 2020
Deepening community and understanding for the rich culture of Iran with Persian poetry, tea, modern music and traditional dance.
Iranian Festival Info

Polish Festival Seattle

July 11, 2020
Promoting Polish heritage and presence in our region through a lively day of food, exhibits, workshops, vodka tastings and a beer garden.
Polish Festival Info

BrasilFest

August 16, 2020
Uniting traditional and contemporary Brazilian drumming, dance, music, visual arts, capoeira and celebration during the week of Brazilian Folklore Day.
BrasilFest Info

Tibet Fest

August 22 - 23, 2020
Bestowing messages of love, compassion and kindness through a fusion of ancient and new Tibetan arts and culture to engage, entertain and educate.
Tibet Fest Info

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival

September 13, 2020
Cultivating passion and appreciation for Hawaiian culture with BBQ, poke, hands-on workshops, island music, dance and a marketplace.
Live Aloha Info

Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias

September 19 - 20, 2020
Commemorating Latin American independence with art and craft displays, dancing horses, mariachi bands, folk dancers and tantalizing, time-honored foods.
Fiestas Patrias Info

The Italian Festival

September 26 - 27, 2020
Offering a spotlight on this inventive nation with food and wine, music and musings-- and spirit that is uniquely Italian.
The Italian Festival Info

CroatiaFest

October 4, 2020
Preserving the customs and creativity of Croatian culture with musical ensembles, colorful dress, savories and sweets and imported goods.
CroatiaFest Info

Turkfest

October 10-11, 2020
Integrating Easter and Western influences through Turkish arts and expression, textile displays, workshops and rich cuisine.
Turkfest Info

Diwali: Lights of India

October 17, 2020
Inspiring a day of joyful celebration that marks the Indian festival of light with art workshops, succulent foods, henna tattooing, folk dancing and more.
Diwali: Light of India Info

Dia de Muertos Festival Seattle

October 31 - November 1, 2020
Honoring the departed in a celebration steeped in ritual and tradition through elaborate community altars, sugar skull making, processions and festive music.
Dia de Muertos Info

Hmong New Year Celebration

November 7, 2020
Marking the end of the harvest season and the coming of the new year for this deeply rooted Asian highland culture with ornate clothing, traditional dances, visual arts and ball-tossing competitions.
Hmong New Year Celebration Info

Gathering Around the Table

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of Festál in 2017, Seattle Center released the keepsake, Gathering Around the Table: A Festál Cookbook. Inside this hardcover edition, discover fun recipes and beautiful photographs of cuisine and festival costumes, representing 24 cultural festivals.
Purchase Cookbook

Festál Turns 20

In 2017, Festál celebrated 20 years of cultural programming and community partnerships. Produced by Seattle Channel, "Community Stories: Festál Turns 20" explores the history, growth, and present-day vision of 24 cultural celebrations.
Watch Video

History of Festál

Learn more about the history and legacy of the Festál series.
Visit History Link Website

"Yes, and..." Podcast

"Who lives here? What is their experience of life? How does it intersect with our personal experiences of this city?" In partnership with local guest speakers and community, Festál presents "Yes, and...", a podcast that acknowledges what has happened, what exists now, and what else is to come.
Listen & Download Podcast

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Sponsor Info