Kent International Festival, June 18
The City of Kent celebrates diversity with a daylong cultural extravaganza. Come for the ethnic food, songs, dance and concert. Free. 10am-7pm
Fremont Solstice Fair, June 18-19
The Fremont Fair is one thing: craft market, food, beer garden, street performers and funky painted cars, along with live music. Then there is the Fremont Solstice Parade: a wacky, wild, world-famous stroll among nude-painted cyclists – something that must be seen to believed. The parade begins Saturday at 1pm from Leary Way Northwest and Northwest 39th Street and ends at Gas Works Park with bands, beer and food. Sunday features a dog parade from 2:30pm.
Car Shows, June 19 and 25
This is the time of year for great outdoor activities like vintage car shows. Fenders on Front Street in Issaquah includes classic cars and live music on June 19, Father’s Day. 8am-3pm. On the following Saturday, catch hot rods at the Greenwood Car Show, along with antiques and live music. 8am-4pm.
Pride Festivities, June 25-26
Seattle is the place to be for all things Pride. It starts at 12pm on Saturday with PrideFest on Capitol Hill, with speakers, art, music and more. The next day, catch the colorful and all-inclusive Pride Parade, starting at 11am through downtown and concluding at Seattle Center with speakers, music and food. Fun for the whole family.
Great Wheel Celebration, July 2-3
This week marks the 10th birthday of our Great Wheel on the Seattle waterfront. Get your tickets now to grab a spin in one of the 41 large gondolas and enjoy the dramatic views. Happy Birthday, Great Wheel!
Fireworks, July 4
Who doesn’t like a sky-filled fireworks show – especially on our nation’s birthday?! The rockets red glare will be found in a host of local cities: Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Montlake Terrace (July 3), Renton, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle, Tacoma, Tumwater and for military members and their families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Redmond Derby Days, July 8-9
Eastsiders celebrate the post-Fourth of July in Redmond at this annual rite of summer: Derby Days – featuring a kids’ parade (Saturday, 10am), grand parade and fireworks (Saturday, 10pm). Friday, 4-11pm; Saturday, 8am-11pm.
King County Fair, July 14-17
A more traditional fair – with food, concerts, carnival rides, rodeo, beer garden and a whole lot more – can be found at the King County Fair in Enumclaw. Started in 1863, it is said to be the oldest fair west of the Mississippi! Beat the lines and get your tickets now.
Ballard Seafood Festival, July 15-17
Another long-time annual event – Ballard SeafoodFest – is a great chance to enjoy freshly prepared salmon, oysters and clams. The festival also features live music, beer garden and art showcase. I highly recommend it!
Indian Powwow, July 15-17
Seafair Indian Days Powwow includes competitive dancing, drumming, native dress, art sale and food for an extended weekend of fun and culture. Check it out – at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park, Magnolia. Friday, 4-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-8pm
Events subject to change. Please check with venues to confirm times, as well as masking requirements.
In case you missed it….
We covered a wide range of topics on my Living the Dream blog these past several weeks. Two stories involved protecting yourself from danger – fraudsters chasing after your money and wildfires going after your home.
Two more blog posts focused on the land on which we stand – an interesting tale behind Seattle’s P-Patch community gardens and a look into oversight of the county’s growth management with an eye toward maintaining the environment.
Thanks for reading … and be sure to forward a copy of this newsletter to someone who would appreciate its content like you do!
Will