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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 2023 theme, "Where the World Gathers" links together the series of 24 free festivals presented throughout the year, each with a unique cultural focus, identity, and range of engaging activities. Share in holistic experiences rooted in age-old and contemporary traditions and enjoy culture through food, music, dance, art, film and more. 

Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership between Seattle Center and the 24 cultural organizations, with support from 4Culture, the City of Seattle, and Seattle Center Foundation. Festál is also part of the ArtsFund Cultural Partners Network. Festal Email Signup Form

Festál: 25+ Years & Still Going Strong

In 2022, Seattle Center Festál celebrated its 25th Anniversary ushering in a new era of hybrid programming. Even during the challenging pandemic years, Festál held space virtually for community to connect and find comfort in shared human narratives. Virtual Festál manifested through the collective resilience, brilliance and commitment of many festival producers, volunteers and loyal community sponsors.

Gather with Festál on weekends throughout 2023 at Seattle Center and enjoy the offerings of 24 in-person and hybrid festivals. Festál is Where the World Gathers to discover the people, the places, the stories and the traditions of diverse ethnic communities that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest.

Visit the festival pages below for more information and sign up for Festál news to stay updated.

Download 2023 Schedule

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

March 19, 2023: IN-PERSON
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.
French Fest Info

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

April 14-16, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 Info

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

May 6, 2023: HYBRID
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 Info

Spirit of Africa

May 13, 2023: IN-PERSON
Fostering greater inclusivity, awareness and appreciation for the varied traditions of music, movement and storytelling of the African diaspora.
Spirit of Africa Info

A Glimpse of China - Seattle Chinese Culture & Arts Festival

May 20, 2023: IN-PERSON
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

Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival

June 3-4, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 10, 2023: IN-PERSON
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

Seattle Iranian Festival

June 24, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 8, 2023: IN-PERSON
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

Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest

July 14-16, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 Arab Festival

August 12-13, 2023: IN-PERSON
Highlighting the sights, sounds and tastes of 22 Arab nations with henna dying, live music, calligraphy, coffee, cooking and folk dancing reflective of the varied Arab cultures.
Arab Festival Info

BrasilFest

August 20, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 26-27, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 10, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 16-17, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 23-24, 2023: IN-PERSON
Offering a spotlight on this inventive nation with food and wine, music and musings–and spirit that is uniquely Italian.
Italian Festival Info

CroatiaFest

October 1, 2023: IN-PERSON
Preserving the customs and creativity of Croatian culture with musical ensembles, colorful dress, savories and sweets and imported goods.
CroatiaFest Info

Turkfest

October 14-15, 2023: IN-PERSON
Integrating Eastern and Western influences through Turkish arts and expression, textile displays, workshops and rich cuisine.
Turkfest Info

Día de Muertos Festival Seattle

October 28-29, 2023: IN-PERSON
Honoring the departed in a celebration steeped in ritual and tradition through elaborate community altars, sugar skull making, processions and festive music.
Día de Muertos Info

Seattle Hmong New Year

November 4, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 Info

Diwali: Lights of India

November 11, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 Info

Tet in Seattle - Vietnamese Lunar New Year

January 14-15, 2023: IN-PERSON
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 11-12, 2023: IN-PERSON
Highlighting the Irish heritage of the Pacific Northwest with traditional music, step-dancing, art exhibits, genealogy workshops and Celtic handcrafts.
Irish Festival Info

"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 and Download Podcast

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

HISTORY OF FESTÁL

Learn more about the history and legacy of the Festál series.

Visit Historylink website

Festal Sponsor

4 Culture logo

Campus Sponsors

Alaska Airlines Logo
The Climate Pledge
Coors Light
Pepsi
Premera Blue Cross
Symetra
pink text reads T-Mobile
WaFd Bank
Sponsor Info