Seattle Events

With a heritage spanning 4000 years, the city of Seattle has a lot to offer anyone, whether local or tourist. Common parlance refers to it as 'The City in the Clouds'. Aptly so. Averaging only approximately sixty days of clear sunny weather between the months of June and September, this seaside city is known for its moderate climate. So, what sort of events can such a place have to offer? Surprisingly Seattle is buzzing with a series of traditional and cultural festivals throughout the year- ranging from the Seattle Boat Show held early in the year, to the famous Northwest Folk Festival, the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and the Winterfest to end the year. Cultural sensitivity is at the crux of the events in this picturesque city, making it a habitable and friendly place for everyone. So what is your preference?

If boats are your passion the Seattle Boat Show, which is the largest boat show on the West Coast would definitely have been the place to be. Held for 3 days in chilly January weather, it boasts of a large array of sailing equipment for anyone interested. The Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show is another annual event followed in February which can be enjoyed by the whole family. There are RV's on display that would fire anyone's imagination. Children often flock to see the adventure Video sessions and Tow & Towed Vehicle displays. Later on in the year, sporting and vehicle enthusiasts can look forward to the Seattle Roadster Show and the Seattle International Auto Show held in March and November respectively.

The performing arts are a passion for locals and tourists in the city. The German composer Richard Wagner is posthumously remembered through the Seattle Opera which is staged frequently at the McCaw Hall. The famous Seattle Symphony Orchestra which is almost a hundred years old also performs regularly. Summer and winter are seasons looked forward to by chamber music lovers for the Chamber music festivals organized by the Seattle Chamber of Music Society. Broadway musical shows are also staged in the 5th Avenue Theatre which is a platform for both local and international Broadway musical stars to showcase their talents. The city has the privilege of boasting of such legends as Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. Although widely known as the birthplace of grunge music, there is a multitude of spirit igniting music of all genres to cater to anyone's auditory inclinations, the Earshot Jazz Festival being one of them.

For movie buffs the annual Seattle International Film Festival would take precedence over all else. It predominantly features foreign films, documentaries and independent films, and is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, also held annually will take place this year in October in different venues around Seattle.

Throughout the year the city is buzzing with numerous festivals to keep anyone's spirits soaring. The Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade, The Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, Seattle International Children's Festival, the Seattle Pride Festival, and the Winterfest 2009 are but some of them. Ethnic festivals are also a prominent thread in the fabric of this diverse city. The Irish Festival, the Tibet Festival, the Chinatown-International District Summer Festival ensure that cultural diversity is not only recognized and respected, but also celebrated for its richness.

For those who love the sea, food and beer, Seattle offers some unbeatable events. The Seattle International BeerFest, Bite of Seattle, and The Torchlight Parade at Seafair, Bumbershoot Festival and the Seafair 2009 keep the lights ablaze and the crowds satisfied in this buzzing city. The fireworks display on the 4th of July, the Annual Run for Children's Run and Walk, Tree Lighting Celebration & Holiday Parade are some of the other miscellaneous events the city has to offer. With such variety of entertainment throughout the year, Seattle evidently has a little bit to offer everyone.