Othello Park International Music and Arts Festival with games, activities, petting zoo and more in Seattle - Today, Sunday, August 16th 2015 until 6pm!

" We’ll gather in a grassy meadow under big, old trees at the 9th annual Othello Park International Music and Arts Festival. A world of ethnic variety will convene with music, dancing, food, art activities, and booths. Of course, there will be Othello’s traditional petting zoo from Old McDebbie’s Farm complete with camel, and his multicultural furry friends.

Othello Park features strolling walkways, a permanent stage gracefully designed to suit its pastoral landscape, and a zip line. Come sit, relax, and enjoy the park’s beauty and the show.

Then you will want to be up and about visiting the array of tents and booths and sampling Rainier Valley’s colorful diversity of businesses and organizations. One large tent on the green will shelter the Festival’s traditional “Art Creation Station” to engage those young in age and young at heart, in a variety of hands-on visual art activities led by local artists. "

For more info. go 

9th Annual Seattle Iranian Festival at Seattle Center - Saturday, August 8th 2015 from 11am-7pm

" Seattle Center Festál presents Iranian Festival, Saturday, Aug. 8. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Iran through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a marketplace.

Partake in an Iranian tea house and join in an evening dance party. Rumi poetry, puppet shows and face painting provide a glimpse into this culturally opulent culture. "

For more info. go here and here.

Ananda Mela Festival in Redmond - Saturday and Sunday, July 25th and 26th 2015 from 12-9pm both days!

" Many more performances, visual art exhibition, demonstrations, displays, magicians, juggler, children’s activities, Inflatables, pony rides, community organization booths, and irresistible shopping opportunities to engage all attendees from start to finish! "

For more info. go here.

SandBlast Festival of the Arts with a huge sand sculpture being carved in real time, music, dancing, demos, storytelling and more in Duvall - Now, Saturday, July 18th until 6pm on Sunday, July 19th 2015

DUVALL SANDBLAST FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

We love this one...so fun and relaxing! You can watch performances, play in the sand, play in the water, watch the sculpting, go on a mini-hike, do crafts, etc. Sunday is a good time to go since the sand sculpture will be more close to being finished and it is usually pretty impressive. 

" DUVALL, WA –The annual SandBlast Festival of the Arts will be held at McCormick Park (26200 NE Stephens St, Duvall) on the shore of the historic and beautiful Snoqualmie River in Duvall.  The dates for this years Festival are Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and July 19th.  The festival features a professional and community sand sculpture event and includes live music, dance and performance, story telling and a fine art and craft fair.   Artisans are to demonstrate, display and sell their work within the art fair located on a grassy knoll overlooking the river and sand sculpture area.  Within this same area, our SandBlast music stage is a focal point within the artist’s arena. ...

...The grassy knoll overlooking the beach will be filled with numerous bands, dancing, art booths, food vendors, performers and more. World-renowned sand sculpture artist Kali Bradford will be working her magic on the beach along with local sand carvers creating a unique sculpture that represents the theme of this year’s event. All ages welcome to pick up a shovel and help! Stroll through or bring your beach chairs and bathing suit and stay all day!

The goal of this free festival is to celebrate the arts, introduce and promote local and regional artists and art organizations. Swim, shop, dance – support the arts and enjoy this year’s SandBlast Festival on the banks of the Snoqualmie River! "

For more info. go here.

To check out pictures from one of our previous visits, go here.

Bon Odori Festival in Seattle - Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th 2015 - various times!

Bon Odori Festival

Saturday, July 18th, 4PM to 10PM

Sunday, July 19th, 3PM to 8PM

Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple

1427 S. Main, Seattle (map)

" Bon Odori is a traditional summer festival in which we honor our ancestors who have passed on, remember and appreciate all they have done for us, and celebrate their ongoing presence in the lives we enjoy today.

Also known as Obon, the festival is an official Seafair event held at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. The main event is traditional music and dancing in the street in a giant oval. Many festival goers dress in Japanese kimono, yukata or happi coats. The event also features Japanese food booths and refreshment, taiko and martial arts performances, and craft exhibits and demonstrations. "

For more info. go here.

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.

Big Day of Play with FREE bike helmets while supplies last, water craft rides, demos, performances, and TONS of other fun and free activities in Seattle - Sunday, June 28th 2015 from 12-4pm

Another favorite event of ours...take the kids and check it out!

" Please join Seattle Parks and Recreation and title sponsor, PCC Natural Markets, for this free, family-friendly event!

Mark your calendar from noon – 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, to see what Seattle Parks and Recreation and other community organizations are offering in the way of fun activities and healthy food. This year’s Big Day of Play event will be held at Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, 3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.

There will be sample activities from Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities and programs, paddling and boating events, a main stage celebration of cultural diversity with music and entertainment, creative play opportunities, youth demonstrations and healthy food vendors. Stop by the PCC TasteMobile, where kids 12 and under can participate in a PCC Kid Picks taste test and all ages can spin the Color Wheel to test their food knowledge and win prizes. Or Children’s Hospital’s Free bike helmet giveaway for children at least 1 years old to age 18 (Wearers must be present and be fitted to receive a helmet. Quantities are limited; one helmet per child. First come, first served.) "

Main Stage Line-Up 12:00 p.m. African Dance 12:20 p.m. Hawaiian Dancers 12:45 p.m. Chinese Dancers  1:10 p.m. Zumba 1:30 p.m. Hip Hop Dance Class 1:45 p.m. Rene Rope Jumper 2:10 p.m. Mixxedfit 2:20 p.m. Joyas Mestizad Mexican Dance 2:45 p.m. Baile Dior Majorette Dance Team 3:00 p.m. Compost Demo 3:15 p.m. Rainjammers Free Style Frisbee Show Team 3:30 p.m. South East Seattle Community Youth Orchestra

Activities Arts and Crafts Aviation Board and Carnival Games Big Blue Blocks Frisbee Golf and Tic Tac Toe Fitness Activities Kite Making Planting Quickstart Tennis Robotics Boat Making Arts and Crafts Sailing Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) Kayaks Canoes

All boating participants must sign a risk and release waiver to use the boats. Anyone under 18yrs old must have a parent or guardian sign the risk and release waiver. There is an age requirement and height restriction for the boating activities during the day. Be prepared to get wet!

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.

Spirit of Indigenous People Festival at Seattle Center - Saturday, May 30th 2015 from 11:30-5pm

" Join us on Saturday, May 30th from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seattle Center for Seattle Indian Health Board's Spirit of Indigenous People Festival. The event celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native culture with Native performers, music, food, speakers, workshops, health & wellness information, a Native art exhibit, and a Pow Wow. "

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCES

Performances - Armory Building Stage:

11:30 am:     Opening Welcome

11:45 am:     Maya Mueller - Native Song

12:05 pm:     Ryan Yellowjohn - Hoop Dancer

12:40 pm:     Roger Fernandes - Native Storytelling

1:00 pm:        Randy Kimball - Native Guitar & Song

1:25 pm:        Naakw - Tlingit Native Dance Group

2:15 pm:        Rona Yellow Robe - Native Song & Drum

2:50 pm:        Kuteeyaa Alaska Native Dancers

3:35 pm:        Peter Ali - Native Flute

4:10 pm:        Tsimshian Hayuuk Alaska Native Dancers

Workshops/Health Fair/Native Films - Armory Loft:

12-1 pm Workshop: Native Beading - Cynthia Masterson

1-2 pm Workshop: Dream Catchers - Paul Wagner

2-3 pm Workshop: Flute Circle - Peter Ali

3-4 pm Workshop: Native Beading - Vanessa Griffith

2:30-4pm Session: Red Lineage - Reimaging Family & Ancestry

All Day Seattle Indian Health Board - Health Fair

Pow Wow - Mural Amphitheatre Stage:

8:30-11:30 am:       SpiritWalk Activities

10:00 am:                 Randy Kimball - Native Guitar/Song

10:30 am:                 Paul Che Oke Ten Wagner - Native Flute/Singer

11:30-11:50:            Joseph Barnhart - Mask Dancer

11:50 am:                 Haida Laas Alaska Native Dance Group

   1-5 pm        Pow Wow

For more info. go here.

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center - Now until 6pm on Sunday, April 26th 2015!

                                               

 

    Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

                   Go and enjoy all things Japanese during this wonderful festival happening at Seattle Center this weekend!

For more info. go here. 

22nd Annual World Rhythm Festival with tons of performances, workshops, drum circles and more at Seattle Center - Now thru Sunday, April 19th 2015!

 

" SWPS produces this annual event at Seattle Center. Drawing regional, national and international world music artists and participants, the WRF is one of largest events of its kind in the world. Over 70 performances and participatory workshops highlight rhythm and dance traditions from around the planet, including one day of special programming for kids and families. "

For more info go here.

Puget Sound Family Fest with Caspar Babypants, hula dancing demo, International Cloth Diaper Change Guinness World Record Attempt and more at Redmond Town Center - Saturday, April 18th 2015 from 10am-2pm

" The best in the greater Seattle area for families: sustainable products, local businesses, the Great Cloth

Diaper Change, goodies, a raffle, and much more.

The fair will showcase a selection of local craftsmen and small businesses which offer services and products to young families no matter at what stage they are – from prenatal fitness and care, to the cutest preschooler apparel and gifts, passing through all things baby.

Additionally, we will feature a performance by local superstar Caspar Babypants, and a hula dancing demo.

Great Cloth Diaper Change: 10:30 AM

Caspar Babypants performance: 11: 30 AM

Hula dancing demo: 1 PM

The Great Cloth Diaper Change is an international initiative organized with the help of the nonprofit Real Diaper Association, designed to show the world that cloth diapers are a real option for today’s families. We will break the Guinness World RecordsTM record of the most babies being changed into cloth diapers in 24 hours at multiple venues across the world. With over 200 locations participating in 10 different countries, this is not an event to be missed!

The GCDC can be an educational opportunity for families who might consider the use of cloth diapers, as well as a fun way to celebrate Earth Day. Participants in the GCDC will have additional access to samples and goodies, as well as bragging rights after helping break a world record, so we would like to encourage everyone with a child still in diapers to come on over at 10:30 AM sharp with said child and a commercially available reusable diaper!

Little Things Collective is an online retailer of natural baby products and cloth diapers. Operating out of Redmond, this two mom dynamic duo is busy all through the greater Seattle area with educational and community building events. "

For more info. go here and here.

6th Annual International Children's Friendship Festival at Seattle Center - Saturday and Sunday, April 11th and 12th 2015 from 11am-5:30pm both days! Plus a link to Governor Inslee's proclamation inspired by the annual festival!

Head to the International Children's Festival at Seattle Center this weekend! There will be all kinds of international performances, cultural exhibits, a children's forum and more! We did this a couple of years ago before it grew so big and moved to its new venue and it is a wonderful event. I especially like the timely children's forum which discusses "the concept of “well-being” and what it means to uphold a healthy lifestyle."

Children’s Forum Topic:

" Summary of Forum: In 2015, ICFF’s Children’s Forum will continue on the concept of “well-being” and what it means to uphold a healthy lifestyle. Well-being encapsulates all aspects of life – mental, physical, and emotional – and thus, the topic could not be more relevant to today’s world. Through a wide variety of activities, the Children’s Forum will not only discuss but also promote the nature of a healthy lifestyle. As young, responsible citizens seeking change, the Forum will be a creative communication channel for children. Participants and volunteers alike are welcomed to facilitate the Forum’s success this year! " "

For more info. go here.

To see Governor Inslee's proclamation go here.

"Cupcakes and Cumbia" A FREE Fiesta presented by Sponge with a native Central American dance, Cupcake Royale cupcake decorating, crafts, games and a mini-Spanish language lesson at Sponge in Seattle - Saturday, April 4th 2015 from 2:30-4pm

Thank you Sponge for adding this fun, free event to the FreePlay Kids calendar!

" Sponge invites families to dance, craft, and decorate a sweet cupcake with Cupcake Royale at a free, fun, "Cupcakes and Cumbia" fiesta!

Join the kids as they shimmy to the beat of the Central American dance known as Cumbia. Once they've danced to their hearts content, they can try spring-themed crafts, games and free Spanish mini-classes.

It's not a party without cake! Cupcake Royale is bringing their delectable mini-cupcakes and frosting -  kids can top their treats themselves. " 

Please RSVP to events@spongeschool.com.

For more info. go here.

Irish Festival at the Seattle Center - Today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, March 14th and 15th 2015 until 6pm both days!

Go and enjoy all things Irish this weekend at the Irish Festival!

" The Festival features booths selling Irish and Celtic products, non-stop Irish music, singing, dancing, workshops, lectures, cultural displays, children’s contests and activities, etc. Festival Highlights also include Genealogy Workshops, Irish Language Workshops, Cultural Exhibits and more. Family-oriented activities include wonderful Irish Musicians along with Champion Irish Stepdancers from around the Pacific Northwest. Events for children include the “Smilingest Irish Eyes Contest” and the “Most Irish-Looking Face Contest”, and other activities in the Children’s Activities Center. Contemporary Irish short films will be screened during our Irish Reels Film Festival (see schedule of films at www.irishreels.org). "

For more information call 206-427-3027 or go here and 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.

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. 

"Celebrate Pippi Longstocking!" with Breakfast, Dancing and Craft and/or Movie at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle - Saturday, January 31st 2015 from 10am-11:30am /Movie from 12-1:30pm - "Less than a Latte" each when you split the difference between adult and kid tickets!

Celebrate Pippi Longstocking!

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Breakfast at Pippi’s; 10am-11:30am

Pippi Longstocking Movie; 12pm-1:30pm 

" Celebrate that one-of-a-kind Swedish girl Pippi Longstocking at the always popular Breakfast at Pippi’s. Dress up as your favorite character from the Pippi stories and join us for a delicious breakfast of Swedish pancakes complete with live music and dancing for kids! There will also be a craft for children to make. Appropriate for all ages. No reservations needed. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children (age 5-12), free for children under 5, includes Museum admission. 

Continue the Pippi celebration with a family viewing of Pippi Longstocking (dubbed in English!) starring Inger Nilsson–appropriate for all ages. No reservations needed. Suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for children.  "

For more info. go here.

Yulefest with kids crafts, visit with Santa and more at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard - November 22nd and 23rd 2014 from 10am-5pm - $5 for adults and FREE for kids ages 12 and under!

" Yulefest is the annual Nordic Christmas celebration at the Nordic Heritage Museum. Vendors sell hand-crafted wares, and traditional Scandinavian Christmas food and drinks are sold. There is music and dancing, plus a visit from Santa, a raffle with fantastic prizes and a Silent Auction. Yulefest is a 37-year strong tradition in Ballard, and this year’s will be bigger and better than ever! ...

 ...There will be kid’s crafts, visits with Santa, and the whole Nordic Heritage Museum to explore! "

Adult admission is $5.00 per person. Kids twelve and under are admitted for free.

Admission is complimentary for Nordic Heritage Museum Members

For more info. go here.