"4th of July" 2015 Celebration Roundup with 20+ events!

Happy 4th of July Everyone! Here is the roundup for all the local 2015 celebratory events!

" City fire officials warn that setting off fireworks yourself this year is not only illegal, but places you and your neighborhood in danger. Each July 4th, thousands of people are injured while using fireworks. In 2013, there were 239 reported injuries in Washington. This year we are experiencing drought conditions throughout the state, creating an even greater risk for fires resulting from fireworks. During 2013, there were 102 reported fires caused by fireworks. For the Fourth, catch the fireworks at your local city's planned event instead and keep it safe for everyone. Report illegal fireworks displays immediately by calling 911. "


Don't forget to bring a little bag to any of the parades as they seem to throw a lot of candy around here!

Please click on the links for times, festivities, suggestions, restrictions & parking fees, if any, etc.

 Enjoy!

4th of July in Newcastle - Info. here.


Fireworks over Des Moines - Info. here.


Grand Old Fourth of July in Downtown Winslow on Bainbridge Island - Info. here.


Colors of Freedom events - Everett, WA - Info. here.


Freedom Festival in Bothell  Info. here.   (Free pancake breakfast!)


The Great Carnation Fourth of July Celebration at Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation - Info. here.


It’s an Edmonds Kind of 4th! - Info. here.


Kingston Fourth of July Celebration - Info. here.


Issaquah's Downhome Fourth & Heritage Day - Info. here.


Fourth of July Festival at Les Gove Park in Auburn - Info. here.
(purchase wristband for $5 - unlimited kids activities)


Celebrate Kirkland! at Marina Park - Info. here.


Fabulous Fourth of July Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton - Info. here.


SEAFAIR Family Fourth at Lake Union AND at Gasworks Park in Seattle - Info. here.


Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park in Kent - Info. here.


Bellevue Family Fourth in Bellevue Downtown Park - Info. here.


94th Annual Independence Day Parade in Burien - Info. here. 


Tukwila’s Family Fourth at the Fort - Info. here.

Fourth on the Plateau at Commons Park in Sammamish - Info. here.


Red, White & Blues Festival at Celebration Park in Federal Way - Info. here.


13th Annual Cal Anderson Park Independence Day Picnic in Capitol Hill - Info. here.(Free everything, food, ice cream, face painting, root beer, patriotic portraits and more!)

Fourth of July Fireworks Show in at Log Boom Park in Kenmore -  Info. here.


Admiral 4th of July Kids Parade in West Seattle  - Info. here.

 Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Skandia Midsommarfest at St. Edwards Park in Kenmore - Sunday, June 28th 2015 from 11am-6pm

" Midsommarfest activities, including music, dancing, food and crafts, all begin a 11:00 a.m. The grand parade and raising of the majstång (garlanded midsommar pole) are at 2:30 p.m.  "

For more info. go here.

2015 Wild Strawberry Festival with lots of kids activities including a touch a truck event (today until 6pm) in Burien - Saturday and Sunday, June 20th and 21st 2015 - Today until 6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm

Kids activities include:

Games & Activities--Find games & activities at vendor booths!  Stop at info booth for Passport game!

Touch a Truck! 152nd and 6th Streets...all day Saturday!

Inflatables--for all ages!  In the pocket park on 152nd and 6th!

Spray Park--Bring a towel and play in the Town Square Park fountain!

Super Hero Jamalama with Rick Huddle, Town Square Stage, Saturday, 11:45-12:45.  Sponsored by KCLS

The Bubble Man - Sunday, Noon-1:00 & 2:00- 3:00pm

Art Garage Hands On Art Booth--Make superhero capes and cuffs on Saturday and Father's Day Ties on Sunday.

                        

Turtle Tent--Story's and songs with Allyoop in Town Square Park!

And more!

For more info. go here.

Swedish Midsummer Festival with free pony rides, free cotton candy, free bounce house, singing and dancing performances, maypole celebration, plus a playground, swimming, waterslides and more! - Sunday, June 14th 2015 from 9am - 8pm (Swedish Pancake Breakfast for a fee is from 9am-12pm)

(All images courtesy of Vasa Park)

" Family fun is the focus of the Swedish Midsummer festival at Vasa Park Resort on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Admission to this event is always free. Come and bring the whole family for a day of live music, dancing and old fashioned recreation. This free regional event has taken place on the shores of Lake Sammamish at beautiful Vasa Park Resort for 89 years. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

The day starts off with a hearty Swedish pancake breakfast. Breakfast goes from 9am-12pm. If you have never tried Swedish Pancakes, or if you have, these are the best. They are served by Skogsblomman lodge out of our summer kitchen. Breakfast includes Swedish pancakes, ham, syrup, coffee and juice. Price for the breakfast is $10.00 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Once you have enjoyed breakfast, you will be ready for the rest of the days activities. So stick around and enjoy the fun at Vasa Park Resort...

After enjoying the Swedish Pancakes, there will be lots of family activities throughout the day. 11am-1pm, free pony rides for the kids, free cotton candy, free bounce house, balloon art and face painting, Also to satisfy every sweet tooth, have a relaxing break at the "Swedish Coffee Garden." Enjoy a cup of coffee with some Swedish baked goods. Bingo will be held in our patio area throughout the day, starting at 10am. Of course, the playground, swimming and waterslides are open all day long for your enjoyment. At 12:30, you don't want to miss the main program. Swedish dancers, singers and the famous midsummer maypole wrapping will take place at the stage area in the center of the park. You will find this program so enjoyable so gather around the stage early to get a good seat. Old time races and games for children will begin at 2pm in the campsites in the north end of the park. The Vasa Park Concession will be open all day serving, soda, ice cream, candy and chips and nachos. So stop on by to grab a quick snack.

Many new activities will be added this year, some include a Beer Garden, Hamburgers, Salmon and Hot Dogs cooked right on a charcoal grill. Lots of activities going on all day, so come and spend the day with us at Vasa Park Resort. "

For more info. go here.

CHILDREN'S DAY (kodomo no hi) at Seattle Japanese Garden - Sunday, May 31st 2015 from 11am-3pm - "Less than a Latte" each for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under!

This Japanese national holiday celebrates the happiness of children; embrace the celebration and join in the fun.

FREE Admission for Kids 12 and Under!

Enjoy a spring day in the beautiful garden filled with family-friendly activities. Kids of all ages can experience Japanese cultural traditions through demonstrations, performances, and hands-on activity stations. 

Origami - Nature-themed Crafts - Zen play garden - Sumi-e water painting 

Aikido demonstration - Iaido sword demonstration 

Puppet show - Haiku workshop - Taiko drumming performance - Koi feeding

Guided tours - Scavenger hunt with prizes

11am 11:30am Japan America Society of the State of Washington--"Japan in a Suitcase--Taro Goes to Elementary School" Show-and-Tell Presentation of a Day in the Life of a Child in Japan

12pm Kaze Daiko--Youth Taiko Drumming

1pm Seattle Aikikai--Youth Aikido Demonstration

1:30pm West Cascade Puppet Brigade--'Issunboshi - The Inch High Samurai'. A Modern Telling of an Ancient Japanese Story

2pm Haiku Northwest--"How to Haiku" Workshop

2:30pm Seibu Ryu Iai-Battojutsu Demonstration--Iaido Japanese Sword Training

Guided tours will begin at 12:30pm & 2pm.

This event was generously sponsored by Jeff McLaughlin, in memory of Suzanne McLaughlin.

For more info. go here.

Richmond Beach Celebration with a Strawberry Festival, a Car Show and a Mother's Day Plant Sale with free kids activities and tours - Saturday, May 9th 2015 - Various locations/hours

Richmond Beach Celebration

125th Anniversary of Richmond Beach!

16th Annual Strawberry Festival

Saturday, May 9, Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Children's Parade (Seahawks theme) at 11:45 a.m.

Richmond Beach Community Park, 2201 NW 197th Street

Visit our Strawberry Festival webpage for more information!

Enjoy the music of local bands, food from local restaurants, games and activities for kids and a walking tour of historic Richmond Beach—all while sampling tasty strawberry shortcake! Co-sponsored by the Richmond Beach Community Association and the City of Shoreline; music supported by a Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Community Project Award.

  

6th Annual Car Show

Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Richmond Beach Rehab, 19235 15th Avenue NW

Check out one of the best displays of classic cars around!

Friends, neighbors and car enthusiasts are invited to visit Richmond Beach Rehab between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to view one of the best displays of classic cars around while listening to music provided by Brian Lee and the Orbiters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Richmond Beach Rehab. For more information, contact Sandi Sweeters at (206) 546-2666 or visit www.RichmondBeachRehab.com.

28th Annual Mother's Day Plant Sale

Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, 20312 15th Avenue NW

Explore a wide selection of hard-to-find plant species at the on-site MsK Rare and Native Plant Nursery!

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden will host its 28th Annual Mother's Day Plant Sale from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 10. Enjoy free family activities, gourmet hot dogs and ice cream, and free tours of the Garden. Garden art and sculpture will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.Kruckeberg.org.

Shuttle Service - Saturday, May 9

Due to limited parking at the event sites, off-site parking and shuttle service to all four events will be available on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Richmond Beach Congregational Church located at 1512 NW 195th. Visitors are encouraged to use the shuttle to reduce impact on the neighborhood.

For info. click on the links for each event above!

Earth Day Celebration with hands-on nature activities and art projects at Magnuson Park in Seattle - Saturday April 18th 2015 from 10am-2pm

"Come join the fun and celebrate Earth Day in the garden! We’ll have special hands-on nature exploration activities and art projects for kids and families to do, along with all the other nature fun. Seattle Works volunteers, Magnuson P-Patchers, and others will also be doing seasonal garden tasks such as weeding, mulching, and planting our new Pollinators Garden! "

For more info. go here.

Celebrate Arbor Day-Earth Day Family Festival with activities, demos and more at Lewis Creek Park in Bellevue - Saturday, April 18th 2015 from 11am-1:30pm

For more info. go here.

Newcastle Earth Day Project - make headbands and necklaces at the Newcastle Library in preparation for Earth Day festivities! - Saturday, April 11th 2015 from 11am-3pm

Have the kids make some retro garb to wear to Earth Day celebrations!

" Join the Teen Makerspace Club at Newcastle Library to make hippie necklaces and headbands for the Newcastle Earth Day celebration. Supplies will be provided. "

For more info. go here.

Tom's of Maine hosts a fun recycle/upcycle event at Whole Foods in Bellevue - Saturday, April 11th 2015 from 11am-3pm

Join Tom's of Maine as they present a recycle/upcycle event with fun activities for the kiddos!

" We're celebrating growing up green for ‪#‎EarthMonth‬ with recycling and upcycling family-friendly fun this Saturday from 11 AM - 3 PM at Whole Foods Market, Bellevue. Bring your empty toothpaste tubes, deodorant containers and mouthwash bottles for our TerraCycle collection! We hope to see you there! ‪#‎StartYoungLiveGreen‬ "

For more info. go here.

3rd Annual French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures at Seattle Center - Today, Sunday, March 22nd 2015 from 11am-6pm

" Join the community for Seattle’s 3rd Annual French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures on March 22, 2015 from 11:00am-6:00pm at the Seattle Center Armory.The festival will be a free, family-friendly event open to the public with the purpose of promoting and raising awareness of Francophone cultures and traditions to the residents of the Greater Seattle area.
During the one-day event, festival-goers will listen to live music, watch dance performances, assist to the first French Fashion Show in Seattle, taste international cuisine, learn from informative seminars and cooking demonstrations, play games and enjoy a day full of fun activities en français! "

For more info. go here.

Community Day Festival: Indigenous Beauty with arts and crafts, workshops, music, dance performances and more at Seattle Art Museum - First 500 get in FREE - Saturday, February 28th 2015 at 10am until 3pm - First come, first served

COMMUNITY DAY FESTIVAL: INDIGENOUS BEAUTY

FEB 28 2015

SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

ENTIRE BUILDING

10 AM – 3 PM

Join us for a marvelous free celebration of Native American art, culture, music, and dance!

Listen to live music, make art, go on tours, watch performances, and take workshops inspired by the exhibitions. Grammy Award winner, acclaimed artist, dancer, and storyteller Ty Defoe will lead story time in the galleries and a hoop dance performance and workshop for all ages.

Bring your family, friends, students, kids, parents, and fellow artists—there’s something for everyone.

First 500 attendees of Community Day get in free to the galleries. Tickets will be available at both entrances on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 am.

Some of the day's activities: 

• Check out a hoop dance performance by acclaimed artist, dancer, and storyteller Ty Defoe from the Oneida and Ojibwe tribes of northern Wisconsin. In addition, join Ty Defoe for a participatory storytelling experience in the galleries.


• Design a comic with local S'Klallam Tribe artist Jeffrey Veregge who has created incredible comic book characters inspired by native symbols and his own tribal ancestry.


• Weave your own necklace using natural materials with artistMelinda West.


• Live performance by Daisy Chain featuring their unique blend of blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop.


• Explore over 100 works of art by indigenous artists from across North America with a family-friendly sketching tour ofIndigenous Beauty.


• Check out even more art-making acitivites with local artists, and stay until 3 pm for a special performance by the Git Hayetsk Dancers.

For more info. go here.

Lunar New Year Celebration with tons of activities presented by the Bellevue Collection - Saturday, February 21st 2015 from 11am-6pm

For more info. go here.

Chinatown-ID Lunar New Year Festival with lion dances, martial arts, taiko drumming and lots more in Seattle - Saturday, February 21st 2015 from 11am-4pm

" Come celebrate the Year of the Sheep at the Seattle Chinatown-International District’s Lunar New Year Celebration. Over the last few years, Lunar New Year Celebration is the largest event of its kind in the region and showcases diversity, richness and culture of the Asian community. The collaboration with other neighborhood businesses/organizations it has helped draw thousands of visitors from throughout the region for a day of festivities. The celebration include traditional dragon and lion dances, Japanese Taiko Drumming, martial arts and other cultural performances on the Verizon Main Stage. Combined with arts, crafts and a variety of family friendly activities there is something for everyone.

Don’t forget the return of the neighborhood’s 5th Annual $2 Food Walk presented by Delta Air Lines! "

For more info. go here.

Lunar New Year Celebration with a lion dance, a martial arts performance and lots more at Southcenter Mall in Seattle - Saturday, February 21st 2015 from 11am-4pm

Go and check out this fun event as they celebrate the Year of the Goat!

" Join us for a community celebration in honor of Lunar New Year! The celebration begins with a traditional lion dance parade at 11am, which begins in the atrium near Duke's Chowder House and Joey Southcenter. 

Emcee Wei Zuo, from Seattle Chinese Radio, will host the following cultural performances on our main stage in Macy's Court:

11 a.m. – Lion Dance Parade and Martial Arts Demonstration

11:30 a.m. – Seattle Guzheng Studio

Noon – Hwa Sheng Chinese Opera Club

1 p.m. – Chinese Folk Song & Dance 

2 p.m. – Taekwondo demonstration

2:30 – Chinese Yo-Yo

3 p.m. – Classic Chinese Song Solo by Glory Burford

4 p.m. – Hua Mei Tu Fashion & Arts Model Team, Traditional Chinese Costume Fashion Show

Children will enjoy commemorative live calligraphy, interactive origami arts and a children's craft in our Children's Wing from 11am - 4pm. "

For more info. go here.

"Cupcakes and Havdalah" with crafts, music and more at the Stroum Jewish Community Center in Mercer Island - Saturday, February 7th 2015 from 5:30-7pm

Cupcakes and Havdalah This Weekend!

Saturday, February 7, 5:30-7 p.m. Join us this weekend to celebrate Havdalah with cupcakes and cocoa! We'll have crafts, music, and a Havdalah service to commemorate the end of Shabbat. Snacks and cupcakes will be provided, and gluten-free options will be available. Recommended for families with kids of all ages. FREE!

 

 

                                                               For more info. here.

FREE Lion Dance performance with drums, firecrackers, dancers and more outside at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle - Saturday, February 7th 2015 at 11am

FREE Lion Dance, 11am

" It's not Lunar New Year without the traditional Lion Dance, and The Wing is the place to see it! Complete with drums, firecrackers, and dancers, this will be a show for the whole family. Free performance. " 

(FYI - For the price of admission there is an all day celebration inside the Wing, as well.)

"Get ready - this Saturday (2/7) is the Lunar New Year Opening Celebration! Come see the FREE lion dance in the morning and stay for all the New Year fun! Scavenger hunts, raffles, arts and crafts, story time, stuffed sheep petting zoo, and more! Details: http://www.wingluke.org/2015newyear/ "

For more info. go here. 

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Celebration in Seattle - Saturday, January 17th 2014 from 11am-4pm

" Free community event! Join us at our Annual Martin Luther King March. 

Teens, parents, community members, all are welcome. 

Saturday January 17th 11am-4pm. 

We will be marching from MLK memorial park (2200 Martin Luther King Junior Way South) to Rainier Community Center. Food and activities will be provided. "

For more info. go here.

TOP POT DOUGHNUTS CELEBRATES THE SEAHAWKS WIN AND THE 12TH MAN WITH FREE 12 OZ COFFEE (AND POSSIBLY FREE HOT CHOCOLATE FOR THE LITTLES TOO) AT ALL WA STATE LOCATIONS - MONDAY, JANUARY 12TH 2015 - FROM OPEN TO CLOSE - GO HAWKS!

 Free 12th man 12 oz. coffee and possibly free hot chocolate for the little ones if history proves true! 

Per their FB page:

"CONGRATULATIONS SEAHAWKS!!!!!!

FREE 12 oz drip coffee for all the ‪#‎12thMan‬ this Monday January 12th at all Washington state Top Pot Cafes. "

GO HAWKS!

For more info. go here and here.

Sponge to host a FREE Chinese New Year celebration with a lion dance, crafts, snacks and more at their Mt. Baker location in Seattle - Sunday, February 1st 2015 from 10am-12pm

 Check out the fun, free event celebrating Chinese New Year and Year of the Goat!

Thanks to Margaret for the calendar addition!

" Welcome the Year of the Goat at a free Chinese New Year celebration with Sponge at their Mt. Baker location! Festivities include a lion dance performed by the Franklin High School Lion Dance Team, goat-themed crafts, snacks, and a story about the origins of Chinese New Year. Plus, children can soak up Mandarin during free mini-language classes. Bring the kids (and their friends) to this fun celebration! "

RSVP to events@spongeschool.com.

For more info. about Sponge go here.