Seattle does not save its energy for one season. It spreads it across the calendar through festivals, public gatherings, and long-running city events that shape when and why people visit.
In 2026, these events give travelers clear moments to plan around, from winter showcases to summer weekends and year-end traditions. Since major festivals often narrow hotel availability near event hubs, booking early or choosing well-connected neighborhoods can make the stay easier and more flexible.
The festivals and events below are listed in seasonal order to help with trip planning. Dates and locations are separated clearly so travelers can quickly assess timing, venue clusters, and accommodation needs. Each entry focuses on what visitors can realistically expect when attending in 2026.
Table of Content
- 1. Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
- 2. Seattle International Film Festival
- 3. Northwest Folklife Festival
- 4. Fremont Fair & Solstice Parade
- 5. FIFA Fan Festival in Seattle
- 6. Seafair Weekend Festival
- 7. Bumbershoot
- 8. Earshot Jazz Festival
- 9. Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
- 10. Seattle Restaurant Week
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- More Related Blogs From Travel Recommendations
1. Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: February 18 – February 22, 2026
Location: Seattle Convention Center, 705 Pike Street
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is the second-largest flower show in the United States. It features over 20 massive display gardens, 115+ free seminars, and a bustling marketplace. Visitors can attend workshops and talks, gaining hands-on knowledge in horticulture. The event turns the convention center into a vibrant spring showcase that draws locals and tourists alike.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Walk among stunning spring-themed gardens even in the middle of winter.
- Join expert-led seminars and pick up practical tips you can try at home.
- Browse the marketplace for rare plants, unique garden tools, and gifts.
- Capture vibrant displays that make for memorable photos and social media moments.
2. Seattle International Film Festival
Dates: May 7 – May 17, 2026
Location: Multiple venues, including SIFF Cinema, Seattle Center, and downtown theaters
The 52nd annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) will showcase hundreds of international and independent films. It is the largest film festival in the United States by attendance. Beyond screenings, SIFF offers panels and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, creating experiences that both casual moviegoers and film enthusiasts find unique.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Be among the first to watch international and independent film premieres.
- Attend live Q&A sessions with directors and actors to hear behind-the-scenes insights.
- Explore films and genres not typically shown in regular theaters.
- Experience Seattle’s iconic cinemas and connect with a passionate film community.
3. Northwest Folklife Festival
Dates: May 22 – May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Location: Seattle Center
Now in its 55th year, the Northwest Folklife Festival celebrates community, culture, and shared humanity. The 2026 theme is “Ubuntu,” reflecting togetherness and human connection. The festival features multi-stage performances in music, dance, and craft, highlighting local artists and community participation. Its immersive, grassroots approach makes it a reason many visitors return year after year.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Feel the energy of live music, dance, and performances from local artists.
- Participate in hands-on cultural workshops and craft demonstrations.
- Experience Seattle’s community spirit in a festival organized by local volunteers.
- Discover new traditions, stories, and artistic expressions from the Pacific Northwest.
4. Fremont Fair & Solstice Parade
Dates: June 20 – June 21, 2026 (Parade on June 20 at 1:00 PM)
Location: Fremont Neighborhood
Known for Fremont’s quirky “Center of the Universe” identity, this fair features art cars, craft vendors, and the famous Solstice Parade, celebrated for its body-painted cyclists. The neighborhood’s eccentric charm and the interactive nature of the parade make it a distinctive Seattle experience. Returning visitors often attend to see new creative displays and local performances.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Witness quirky and creative parade floats that you won’t see anywhere else.
- Join the playful, offbeat Fremont neighborhood vibe and street activities.
- Browse artisan stalls and interact with local makers.
- Capture striking, unique images of body-painted cyclists and art cars.
5. FIFA Fan Festival in Seattle
Dates: Roughly June 11 – July 19, 2026 (aligned with FIFA World Cup 26 schedule)
Location: Seattle Center
The festival is Washington’s largest official non-stadium fan experience. It is free and all-ages, offering giant screens for live match viewing, global food vendors, and live music. Fans come together to watch the tournament’s 104 matches, enjoying both international excitement and local hospitality
Highlights for Visitors:
- Watch every World Cup match live on huge outdoor screens.
- Taste international cuisine and enjoy music from around the globe.
- Take part in city-hosted activities centered around match days.
- Take part in family-friendly activities and meet fellow soccer enthusiasts.
6. Seafair Weekend Festival
Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026
Location: Genesee Park / Lake Washington
Seafair is Seattle’s ultimate summer celebration, featuring the Boeing Air Show with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and high-speed hydroplane races. The festival combines spectacle with community traditions and interactive events, making it a summer highlight for visitors who return each year for both the shows and the festive atmosphere.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Watch hydroplane races and scheduled air show performances over the water.
- Access shoreline areas set up with exhibitions and activity zones.
- Take part in a summer event that has been part of Seattle’s calendar for decades.
- Capture photos of race action, aircraft flyovers, and waterfront crowds.
7. Bumbershoot
Dates: September 5 – September 6, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend)
Location: Seattle Center
Bumbershoot is a multi-disciplinary arts festival featuring music, comedy, visual arts, and performance art. It brings world-class acts to Seattle and showcases the city’s creative talent. Visitors often return to catch different performances each year, making it a centerpiece for cultural engagement in the city.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Watch glass artists demonstrate techniques in studios and public spaces.
- Learn how contemporary and traditional glass methods are used today.
- Visit exhibitions and installations created specifically for the event.
- Purchase glass pieces directly from participating artists.
8. Earshot Jazz Festival
Dates: Early October – Early November 2026
Location: 15+ venues across Seattle, including Town Hall, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, Triple Door, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
Recognized as Seattle’s premier jazz event, the Earshot Jazz Festival blends international masters with local Pacific Northwest talent. Multi-venue programming creates an intimate “jazz trail,” encouraging exploration of the city’s cultural spaces. Repeat visitors return to follow favorite performers or discover new talent.
Highlights for Visitors
- Attend jazz performances in small venues across multiple neighborhoods.
- Follow scheduled shows that highlight different jazz styles and formats.
- Hear performances by Seattle-based musicians and visiting artists.
- Use festival passes to attend multiple concerts over several days.
9. Argosy Christmas Ship Festival
Dates: November 27- December 23, 2026
Location: Departure points across Seattle waterfront, including Pier 55, Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Tacoma, and EdmondsA Seattle holiday tradition since 1949, the festival features a decorated lead ship with a live choir, followed by a flotilla of decorated boats. Thousands of locals gather along the shore to experience music and lights, making it a community-centered festive event that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Highlights for Visitors
- Watch decorated boats travel along Seattle’s waterfront routes.
- Listen to choir performances broadcast from the lead ship.
- Take part in a holiday tradition that has run for generations.
- Enjoy seasonal lights and music from shore locations or onboard cruises.
10. Seattle Restaurant Week
Dates: For 2026, the expected windows are April and October, with exact dates announced closer to each season
Location: Citywide across Seattle neighborhoods, including Downtown, Capitol Hill, Ballard, Fremont, South Lake Union, and West Seattle
Seattle Restaurant Week is a citywide dining event that brings together hundreds of local restaurants offering curated multi-course menus at set prices. Participating restaurants range from long-established dining rooms to newer neighborhood spots. Menus often highlight seasonal ingredients and dishes that reflect each restaurant’s core style rather than simplified tasting plates. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for popular locations.
Highlights for Visitors
- Try multiple well-known Seattle restaurants without committing to full à la carte pricing
- Experience a wide range of neighborhoods through food, from central districts to residential areas
- Sample chef-designed menus that often feature dishes not regularly listed
- Plan flexible dining days around sightseeing without needing a strict food schedule
- Discover local favorites that residents return to year after year
Conclusion
Seattle’s festivals and events in 2026 offer clear reference points for planning a visit, whether the goal is cultural programming, seasonal traditions, or large public gatherings. Each event reflects a different side of the city, from neighborhood-led celebrations to internationally recognized festivals. By aligning travel dates with specific events and planning accommodation and transport early, visitors can navigate the city more efficiently and experience Seattle through moments that matter to its residents as much as to guests.
FAQs
Seattle hosts a range of festivals in 2026, including the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival (Feb), Seattle International Film Festival (May), Northwest Folklife Festival (May), Fremont Fair & Solstice Parade (June), FIFA Fan Festival™ (June–July), Seafair Weekend (July–August), Bumbershoot (Sept), REFRACT Glass Experience (Oct), Earshot Jazz Festival (Oct–Nov), Argosy Christmas Ship™ Festival (Nov–Dec), and Seattle Restaurant Week (April & Oct).
Key festivals to consider include the Seattle International Film Festival for film enthusiasts, Seafair Weekend for high-speed races and air shows, Bumbershoot for arts and music, Northwest Folklife for local culture, and the Argosy Christmas Ship™ Festival for seasonal holiday experiences along the waterfront.
The largest annual festivals include the Seattle International Film Festival, Northwest Folklife Festival, Seafair Weekend, and Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival. These events attract thousands of visitors, feature multi-venue programming, and represent Seattle’s most prominent cultural and community gatherings.
Bumbershoot is the city’s primary multi-disciplinary arts and music festival, while Earshot Jazz Festival emphasizes jazz across multiple intimate venues. Northwest Folklife also highlights music, dance, and crafts from local artists, providing a platform for both traditional and contemporary creative expressions.
Couples and friends often enjoy the Argosy Christmas Ship™ Festival for waterfront lights and choir performances, Seattle Restaurant Week for curated dining experiences, Fremont Fair & Solstice Parade for quirky local celebrations, and FIFA Fan Festival™ for shared excitement during the World Cup matches.
Seattle hosts dozens of festivals annually, ranging from small community events to large multi-day celebrations. While exact numbers vary, the city averages 25–40 notable events that draw tourists and locals across arts, music, culture, sports, and food sectors.
First-time visitors should prioritize the Seattle International Film Festival, Seafair Weekend, Bumbershoot, Northwest Folklife Festival, and Argosy Christmas Ship™ Festival. These events showcase Seattle’s culture, community engagement, iconic locations, and seasonal celebrations, offering a well-rounded experience of the city.
More Related Blogs From Travel Recommendations
