Seattle Center Festál is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and 11 more festivals remain between August and November.
Many festivals, produced in partnership with regional community organizations, have made the switch from virtual to hybrid or in-person formats.
Since 1997, this festival series has formed the foundation of public programming at Seattle Center. “Where the World Gathers” is this year’s theme, and it honors the past while looking to the future.
Through Festál, the broader community can engage with its neighbors’ histories, arts, rituals and traditions. Festival programming often includes both traditional and contemporary music and dance, visual arts and crafts, family activities, vendor marketplaces, food demonstrations and learning experiences for everyone in the family.
Throughout the year, some festivals serve as markers of time passing, celebrating the change of seasons, harvest time or the new year. Other festivals draw attention to political emancipation, departed loved ones, ancient civilizations and contemporary influences.
“Festál shows us how to commemorate what Seattle is all about,” Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams said in a press release. “At the heart of the city, Seattle Center is proud to present these cultural festivals in partnership with the community organizations that bring them to life.”
Seattle Center Festál schedule
Seattle Arab Festival, Aug. 13-14
BrasilFest, Aug. 21
Tibet Fest, Aug. 27-28
Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, Sept. 11
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias, Sept. 17-18
The Italian Festival, Sept. 24-25
CroatiaFest, Oct. 2
Turkfest, Oct. 8-9
Diwali: Lights of India, Oct. 22
Dia de Muertos Festival Seattle, Oct. 29-30
Hmong New Year Celebration, Nov. 5
Admission/viewing is free of charge. Find more information and viewing links at: http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal or call 206-684-7200.
About Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Center Festál cultivates a deeper understanding of the cultures and ethnic diversity that contribute to the rich vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest. This series links together 24 free festivals presented on weekends from February to November, each with its own cultural focus, identity and range of engaging activities. 2022 commemorates the 25th anniversary of Festál, ushering in a new era of hybrid programs during this return to in-person events. Seattle Center Festál is where the world will gather to celebrate the people, the places, the stories, the traditions and the next 25 years of innovation. Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership with 24 different community groups and supported by 4Culture, City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.