Top events in Seattle’s cultural calendar

Seattle is as exciting and eclectic as any US city, with always something to surprise you.

It is also a metropolis that reveres its traditions – especially those related to food, art and culture, It’s a city filled with diverse and engaging annual events and multi-day festivals –  check out 10 of the very best:

Wines at Taste Washington Festival (15-16 March)

Washington State is America’s second biggest exporter of wine and, with Taste Washington coming up, wine enthusiasts need no better excuse to visit. The food and wine festival is focused on local produce, showcasing 200 wineries as well as 75 top restaurants. Travellers can explore famed foodie sites such as Pike Place Market and Chinatown International District.

Seattle’s Irish history on St Patrick’s Day (17 March) 

Many of Seattle’s first non-indigenous settlers came from Ireland and ‘the man who built Seattle’, Judge Thomas Burke, had Irish heritage. Considering this, it’s no surprise that Saint Patrick’s Day in Seattle is a big deal. As well as Seattle’s famous St Patrick’s Day parade, family-owned establishment Shawn O’Donnell’s will provide traditional Irish music in two locations across Seattle. Paddy’s Day isn’t complete without a Guinness and the Owl ‘N Thistle, situated near the ferry terminal. This is the perfect pit-stop after a wander around Pike Place Market.

Cannonball Music and Arts venue set to open in Downtown Seattle (April)

The producers of Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival, New Rising Sun is partnering with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to create a new arts venue that is expected to open to the public this spring. A former shop, Cannonball Arts will offer two stories of contemporary and performing arts space spanning two streets.

Seattle Beer Week (9-17 May)

Seattle is beer heaven, with over 70 independent breweries and more than 70% of America’s hops grown right in the Yakima Valley, a fine reason to visit Seattle’s beer festival. Many of Seattle’s bars will offer promotions and the event will also have live music, as well as games like cornhole and beer-can racing. Seattle’s downtown is one of America’s most walkable districts, making it ideal for a pub crawl. Make sure to check out Chuck’s Hop Shop in Greenwood, with over 50 beers on tap and a quaint outside area with food trucks. This is the perfect summer hangout and it’s dog-friendly.

Indie movies at the Seattle Film Festival May (15-25)

Seattle Film Festival takes place in May. Movie buffs should head to the Emerald City for the festival’s 51st anniversary to catch over 260 features, documentaries and short films at iconic venues throughout the city. Films from over 80 countries are showing, with the best in independent and international features from the Pacific Northwest to Latin America and beyond. True to Seattle’s vibrant film culture, the festival offers exciting events such as themed parties and midnight screenings.

North West Folklife Music Festival (May 23-26) 

Founded in 1971, Northwest Folklife Music Festival is part of Seattle’s DNA, bringing together 250,000 visitors, 800 volunteers and 6,000 musicians. Even better, the event is free. The festival celebrates arts, crafts, culture and the traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors will hear a diverse range of music, from hip-hop to bluegrass, as well as having the chance to embrace their inner hippie by joining in the various dance and meditation workshops. Folklife also importantly honours the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The festival highlights Indigenous, immigrant, and regional traditions through art, music and storytelling.

Seattle Pride (29 June)

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community is the second largest in America and the city was one of the country’s trailblazers for protecting gay and lesbian rights. Seattle first celebrated Pride in 1977 and it’s now a major fixture in the Emerald City’s calendar.  The biggest parade in the state, Seattle Pride includes over 250 local and national companies, non-profit organisations and community groups. There will be elaborate floats and musical performances. Celebrations focus on Seattle’s ‘gay hub’ Capitol Hill, home to gay-friendly businesses and nightlife.

Seattle Art Fair 17-20 July

Seattle Art Fair really does have something for everyone from paintings to digital art and everything in between. The festival showcases the very best of Seattle’s, and the wider Pacific Northwest’s, vibrant creative community. The event will take place at Lumen Field Events Centre and visitors can engage with artists, curators, and industry experts through discussions and panels.

Capitol Hill Block Party (18-20 July) 

Most festivals take place in fields miles out of town, but not Capitol Hill Block Party. Situated in the heart of Seattle in one of the Emerald City’s coolest neighbourhoods, the festival features over 100 local and national artists across five stages over three days. The festival is spread over three and also includes live art, immersive installations and plenty of food and drink stalls.

2026 FIFA World Cup at Lumen Field (15 June-7 July 2026)

Seattle is already a soccer-mad city, with the Seattle Sounders boasting one of the best fan scenes in the MLS, averaging over 30,000 supporters every home game. Lumen Field, home of the Sounders, will host six games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the USA’s second group game and a round-of-16 tie. Unlike many American sports stadiums, Lumen Field is located in the city centre near attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Related News Stories:  Seattle Events Calendar: Find Things To Do - Visit Seattle     Seattle Culture Events Calendar - EverOut Seattle     Top events in Seattle's cultural calendar     Event Calendar | The Seattle Public Library     Events | seattle.gov     SEATTLE – events, festivals, fun things to do – March 2025     Event Calendar     Event Calendar - Emergency Management | seattle.gov     Seattle Center Festál     Seattle Seawolves, Explore Seattle Southside 2025 Calendar Event