2016 Chinese Culture Youth Fair featuring lots of kids activities!! - Saturday, September 10th 2016 from 1-5pm

For more info. go here.

 

2015 Chinese Culture Youth Fair at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue - Saturday, September 26th 2015 from 1-5pm

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.

Youth Sailing Open House with 18 organizations for kids ages 4 through high school - A free event with sailboat rides, demos, bbq lunch, arts and crafts and lots more at Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center in Seattle - Saturday, March 28th 2015 from 11am-3pm

Youth Sailing Open House 

Learn about all the ways to get your kids out on the water this summer!

" Rat from the Wind in the Willows was right. “There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Fortunately for Puget Sound area residents, we live in a boating paradise with an abundance of programs and opportunities for kids to learn how to mess about in sailboats. From local after-school programs to day camps to multi-week voyages to Desolation Sound, on boats as small as eight feet and as large as 133 feet, the options are endless. Windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and rowing are also offered by some groups.

To help parents and kids learn about the variety of options available, a group of 18 of Puget Sound’s leading sailing organizations have teamed up and are holding a Youth Sailing Open House. Parents and kids will be able to talk with camp and club organizers and instructors and choose the best programs that suit their family, budget and calendars. Programs are available for children as young as four years old all the way through high school.

The half-day event is free and will also include fun land activities (knot tying, sailboat origami, face painting, burgee decorating and a spin-to win board) and on-water activities (sailing demos and free sailboat rides) and a free BBQ lunch.

Sailing is a sport that kids can enjoy at a very young age and for the rest of their lives. It builds self-reliance. It teaches teamwork and leadership. It’s social. And it’s just plain fun and makes for the BEST summer activity out there! "

                                                        For more info. 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.

Bunka no Hi 2014 - a Japanese Culture Festival at JCCCW in Seattle - Sunday, November 16th 2014 from 11am-5pm

Head to Seattle and enjoy Bunka no Hi!

" Bunka no Hi is the JCCCW’s premier annual cultural event and is a celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage. Bunka no Hi is filled with performances, cultural demonstrations, games, and other activities as a true community wide event, with booths and informational displays from a variety of local vendors and nonprofit organizations. No matter where your interests lie, Bunka no Hi will have something for everyone! "

Event Exhibitors & Activities:

Exhibitor / Activity All Day / Demonstration

Bean Fish Food

Budokan Judo Dojo Demonstration

Calligraphy – Midori Kono Thiel All Day

Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle – Furoshiki Workshop All Day

Haiku NW & Rainier Ginsha Haiku Workshop (ENG/JPN) All Day

Hosekibako All Day – 20% Off Sale

Hyogo Business and Cultural Center All Day

Kabuki Academy Demonstration

Kamishibai – Paper Theater (ENG/JPN) Demonstration

Kaze Daiko Demonstration

Kirigami & Origami All Day

Koto – Miyagikai Demonstration

Math Abacus School of Seattle – Soroban All Day

Minyo Folk Dancing Demonstration – Audience Interaction!

Nikkei Bunko All Day

Omoide (Memories) Project Demonstration

Regional Taiko Group Demonstration

Sakura Con All Day

Seattle Go Center All Day

Seattle Seido Karate Demonstration

Setsuko Pastry All Day – Food Vendor

Shakuhachi (Japanese Flute) Demonstration

Story Telling – Lori Whaley Demonstration

Tea Ceremony Demonstration

Tokyo Dog All Day – Food Vendor

Wotagei Demonstration – Audience Interaction!

For more info. go  here.

Vigor Maritime Festival Family Fun Day at South Lake Union Park in Seattle - Sunday, May 11th 2014 from 11am-5pm - Some activities free, some for a fee.

Family Fun Day is produced by Northwest Seaport

Highlights:

Quick and Dirty Boat Building

Survival Suit Races

Vessel Tours

Ship Canal Tours

Remote Control Boats

Kids Boat Building

South Lake Union Chowder Cook-off

Exhibits and Displays

Sea Chantey Concerts

and more!

" Vigor Seattle MARITIME FESTIVAL Family Fun Day in Lake Union Park, 11a.m. – 5p.m. Lake Union/Ship Canal Tours– 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Presented by the Port of Seattle Discover the working waterfront in South Lake Union and on the Ship Canal. Learn about the Centennial of Fishermen’s Terminal. Board at Lake Union one-half hour prior to each departure. There is a limit of 400 guests for each tour. There is a limit of four tickets per adult, 18 years or older. VESSEL TOURS – Scheduled to Participate: M/V Lady Mary, Argosy Cruises, 98 feet, North Seawall (Departing at 1p.m. and 3p.m.). Free M/V Fremont Avenue, Seattle Ferry Service LLC, Historic Ships Wharf (Departing hourly). $ M/V Propeller, Sea Scout Ship, 65 feet, West Seawall R/V Liberty, King County Dept. of Natural Resources & Parks, 48 feet, West Seawall F/V Loki, Loki Fish Company,  38 feet, West Seawall Vessel Assist Seattle, Lake Union,  22 feet, West Seawall Dragon Boat, Seattle Flying Dragons, 45 feet, Lake Union Park Lawn Calderdale, Ocean Rowboat of Erden Eruc, 23.4 feet (trailered), Historic Ships Wharf M/V Skillful, Private, Historic Ships Wharf M/V Fremont Avenue, Seattle Ferry Service LLC, Historic Ships Wharf Virginia V, The Virginia V Foundation, 125 feet, Historic Ships Wharf Arthur Foss, Northwest Seaport, 111.6 feet, Historic Ships Wharf Lightship No. 83 “Swiftsure,” Northwest Seaport, 129 feet, Historic Ships Wharf Duwamish, The Puget Sound Fireboat Foundation, 120 feet, Historic Ships Wharf R/V John N. Cobb, Seattle Maritime Academy, 95.5 feet, Historic Ships Wharf M/V Lotus, M.V. Lotus Heritage Foundation, 92 feet, Historic Ships Wharf KIDS ACTIVITIES Free kids boat building with The Center for Wooden Boats Five fun bounces from Clowns Unlimited – $5 ticket allows unlimited rides! Theodore Tugboat Sails Again with storyteller, Sue Kimpton, Hourly aboard tugboat Arthur Foss Genii Blue Face Painting croppedFace Painting with Genii Blue, Aboard tugboat Arthur Foss, $fee. Seafarer’s Activity Station, Lake Union Charters and Adventures Play Rain Gutter Regattas, What Floats and Tug-O-War–sailing style. Signal Flag Necklace Making Using One’s Name. Organized by Discovery Modelers Education Center. Aboard the Virginia V. FREE MUSIC (Historic Ships Wharf)*: 11:00 – 12:30, Watch the Sky has been a consistent maritime musical presence in Seattle bringing celtic verve and tight harmonies to traditional, contemporary and original sea songs. 12:45 – 2:00, The rollicking folk duo Spanaway Bay, also known as Carol and Kent Mesford, engage audiences with humorous songs and captivating sing-along choruses. 2:15 – 3:30, The Phinney Ridge Rum Runners perform exciting maritime music with Trapper Graves-Lalor’s lively soprano voice and the blues-tinted vocals and hot guitar playing of Steve Lalor. 3:45-5:00, Dan Roberts is a master shanty singer and balladeer with a musical presence that captivates as he sings maritime songs past and present. *NOTE: Maritime music orchestrated by Maritime Folknet FESTIVAL PROGRAMS Workboat World Invitational Boat Building Competition 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Survival Suit Races presented by Compass Courses Maritime Training 1 p.m. Seattle Flying Dragon BoatDragon Boat Exploration Day 11a.m. – 5p.m. Hourly Dragon Boat Rides & Paddling, Pebble Beach. 10 guests/boat ride with preregistration. PFDs provided. Lake Union Charters and Adventures Sail aboard 62ft Circe , a 1930 wooden sailboat, $25 preregistration. Mother’s Day Tea aboard M/V Lotus, Hourly Seating* $Fee “Women of the Salish Sea at the Turn of the Century” Susan Parish Presentation at 2:00 p.m.* *At Historic Ships Wharf. Preregistration encouraged, call 425.243.9641. ACTIVITIES IN MOHAI Documentary screening: Arthur Foss: Iconic Tugboat of the Northwest* Take a 125 year voyage aboard Northwest Seaport’s tug Arthur Foss. 1-4 p.m. in MOHAI 2nd Floor Theater. Maritime Seattle in MOHAIMaritime Seattle, Exhibit* In partnership with Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society, this exhibit celebrates our community’s long relationship with water and illustrates how our aquatic and industrial activities have ultimately shaped what we’ve become. *Included with regular MOHAI admission ($14; $12 seniors/students/military; Free for children 14 and under). Activities at The Center for Wooden Boats New Exhibit & Kids’ Activities: View CWB’s newest exhibit HIGHLINERS: Boats of the Century. This exhibit presents the story of the historic power-schooners of Seattle’s longline fleet, many of which are 100 years old and still actively fishing. Many of these unique vessels were built here, on the shores of Puget Sound, as Seattle was coming into its own as a city. Although less than 20 remain from a fleet that numbered over 150 in its heyday, the vessels and fishermen are still a vital part of Seattle’s maritime economy. The Activity Cart (available all day) features paper boats and halibut stick puppets, and from 3-5pm there will also be a station for Mother’s Day card-making and sailboat origami. Free! Pond Boat Sailing in Lake Union Park: Rent a Pirate Pond Boat to sail on Lake Union Park’s Model Boat Pond. These 39-inch pond boats are scale models of the R-Boat Pirate, which is on exhibit on CWB’s docks at South Lake Union. Sailing these miniature racing yachts is a great way to learn the basic concepts of sailing while enjoying time at the park. CWB’s fleet of Pond Boats will be available 11am – 2pm.  $5 Suggested Donation DISPLAYS Check out industry displays by the Port of Seattle, NOAA, Northwest Seaport, the US Coast Guard and others. FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE Ballard Brothers Seafood and Burgers Hot Dog Stop " For more info. go here, here and especially here. :-)

Lunar New Year Festival with lion/dragon dances and tons of other fun activities, plus $2 tasting menus in and around Hing Hay Park in Chinatown/International District in Seattle - Saturday, February 1st 2014 from 11am-4pm

 

We have yet to do this one but it sounds like so much fun so maybe this will be the year we check it out!

" The Chinatown-International District welcomes you to the 2014 Lunar New Year Celebration! The Lunar New Year Celebration is the most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar and brings thousands of families to participate in authentic cultural activities featuring coloring contest, face painting & balloons, calligraphy drawing, origami, temporary tattoos, and games and activities throughout the District. There is nonstop entertainment throughout the day including Lion and Dragon dances, Taiko drumming, martial arts and our fourth annual Children’s Parade Contest where kiddies can strut their best New Year’s cultural outfit on stage! Bring your family and friends to this exciting and unique cultural experience you can only find in the Chinatown-International District! "

For more info. go here.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a lion dance, performances, demos, crafts and more at Southcenter Mall in Seattle - Saturday, February 1st 2014 from 10am-4pm

" Celebrate the Lunar New Year! May you enjoy good health, good luck and much happiness throughout the Year of the Horse!

Join us for a celebration on Saturday, February 1 from 10AM - 4PM with live entertainment, performances, story theater, crafts and more! Red envelopes with gifts from retailers will be presented in Macy's Court and the Children's Wing. All gifts and activities are complimentary, while supplies last.

Traditional Lion Dance begins at 10AM in the Atrium between Duke's Chowder House and JOEY Southcenter. "

Macy's Court Stage with MC Lele Tian:

10:30AM Eth-Noh-Tec Kinetic Story Theater

11AM Eth-Noh-Tec Kinetic Story Theater

11:30AM Eth-Noh-Tec Kinetic Story Theater

12PM Natya Indian Dance Group

1PM Huayin Dance Performing Arts Group

2PM Taekwondo Demonstration

2:30PM Chinese Yo-Yo

3PM Payo Filipino Dance Group

Children's Wing:

10AM - 4PM

Live calligrapher

Origami artist

Children's crafts 

For more info. go here and here.

Origami with Duy Nguyen at the Everett Public Library in Everett - Saturday, April 13th 2013 from 2-4pm

You and your kids can learn the creative art of paper folding with local origami master and author of numerous books, Mr. Duy Nguyen. His origianl origami art will be on display in the Children’s Library prior to the program for viewing.

FYI - This will be at the Hoyt Avenue location.

Recommended for kids ages 6-12.


For more info. go here.

Huge "Lunar New Year 2013" Celebration at Hing Hay Park in Chinatown/ID in Seattle - Saturday, February 9th 2013 from 11am-4pm

" The Chinatown-International District welcomes you to the 2013 Lunar New Year Celebration! The Lunar New Year Celebration is the most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar and brings thousands of families to participate in authentic cultural activities featuring coloring contest, face painting & balloons, calligraphy drawing, origami, temporary tattoos, and games and activities throughout the District. There is nonstop entertainment throughout the day including Lion and Dragon dances, Taiko drumming, martial arts and our fourth annual Children’s Parade Contest where kiddies can strut their best New Year’s cultural outfit on stage! Bring your family and friends to this exciting and unique cultural experience you can only find in the Chinatown-International District! "

For more info. go here and here.

Hands on Hanukkah - A free, family event for everyone at Northgate Mall on Sunday, December 9th 2012 from 11am-2pm

 A great event presented by the Stroum Jewish Community Center at Northgate Mall!

For more info. go here.

Star Wars Reads Day - a celebration happening at local libraries - Saturday, October 6th 2012 at Various Times (one on Sunday, October 7th 2012 at 2pm)

Star Wars Reads Day! Various King County Libraries will also be participating in this exciting event! Each library will offer something different and may have crafts, origami, Star Wars Characters, light saber practice, planetarium shows, prizes, trivia, treats, refreshments, costumes, acting, games, contests, prize drawings, photo ops, and a showing of the film itself! Check each library to see what they are offering for this first ever Star Wars Reads Day!

Saturday, October 6th 2012 - various times:

Auburn
Woodmont
Bothell
Sammamish
Newport Way
Maple Valley
North Bend

And on Sunday, October 7th 2012 at 2pm:

Burien


For more info. go here, check the box for all locations, then put "Star Wars" in the key word search box!

May the force be with you!

Japanese Kabuto Origami Event for Kids at Miki House in Bellevue - Sunday, May 6th 2012 from 1-5pm

Check out this fun event for kids celebrating Children's Day!


" Kabuto is the traditional Samurai warrior’s helmet. Japanese people have been celebrating children’s health and happiness on Children’s Day, May 5, for centuries and Kabuto is the symbol of its celebration. At this event, children and families are invited to fold wearable paper Kabuto together with instructors. Each family who participates in the event will receive a complimentary Uchiwa, the traditional Japanese fan. One complimentary Uchiwa is offered per family while supplies last. "

No reservation required.


For more info. go here.

Fauntleroy Fall Festival at Fauntleroy Center in Seattle - Sunday, October 16th from 2-6pm

Join in the fun at the Fauntleroy Center's church, schoolhouse and YMCA where they will be hosting the 2011 Fauntleroy Fall Festival. There will be performances including drama, drums, and music, arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, pony rides, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, a gyrotron, a bounce house, a cake walk, a film, a firetruck, face painting, origami, displays, and more!


For more info. go here.

Free make and take at Michaels - Passport to Fun - Japan - Tuesday, July 19th from 11am-2pm

Free make and take Passport to Fun projects at Michaels again. This time Japan is highlighted with a foam printing block and origami craft.

For more info. go here.

"2011 Dragon Festival" in the Chinatown-Int'l District at Hing Hay Park - Saturday, July 9th from 12-8pm and Sunday, July 10th from 12-6pm

Go and see Seattle’s Chinatown-International District Summer Festival 2011 presented by McDonald's! There will be cultural performances, like lion and dragon dances, rhythmic taiko drumming, Chinese martial arts demonstrations, award-winning drill teams, and a kids’ activity corner featuring a host of activities from origami, lantern-decorating, face-painting, and kite-making in the American Family Insurance Youth & Family Cultural Pavilion. There will also be a Karaoke Idol contest with prizes and lots of booths featuring arts & crafts, food, and community organizations.

For more info. call 206-382-1197 or go here.

Dancing Hats Festival in Occidental Park in Pioneer Square in Seattle - Tuesday, July 5th - Thursday, July 7th from 6-9pm

The next 3 nights from 6-9pm in Occidental Park there is a unique festival called "Dancing Hats".

It is suppose to symbolize and celebrate the different “hats” we wear in our lives. There will be live music, hat making, try-on time, social dancing, dance lessons and demos, origami hat making for kids, a photo booth to take pictures wearing the hats and local shipwrights will demonstrate the craft of hat-block carving. The 3 day event ends on Thursday evening with a "vintage to contemporary" fashion show showcasing award-winning Seattle hat makers.

For more info. go here and here.

Seattle Asian Art Museum Free Family Festival presented by Target today, April 2nd

Enjoy a free family festival today at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. It is presented by Target in conjunction with Wells Fargo, who sponsors the Free First Saturday of the month promotions.

  

Saturday,    April 2, 2011 10 am–2 pm

Highlights:

Origami puppet show at 12pm
Lion Dance performances 11am & 1pm
Free screening of The Karate Kid movie featuring Jaden Smith at 1:30pm
Family friendly docent tour at 12:30pm
Face painting, art activities, tours of the gallery and a whole lot more!