Seattle is an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. The Emerald City not only offers tranquil hideaways for adventurous experience but also hosts a number of thrilling festivals and events for those who love entertainment while on holiday. So whether your interests include music, theatre, heritage, music or food, Seattle is your destination for festivals that allow you to embrace unique culture of this city and the opportunity to enjoy it with local Seattleites. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top festivals so you can make the most out of your yacht charter vacation.
SEATTLE SEAFAIR
When: Ten-week festival that begins in early July
What: Seattle Seafair is a summer festival that features small neighborhood events including parades, race, and parties, leading up to large city-wide celebrations. Signature events of Seafair include Torchlight Parade (and accompanying Torchlight Run), Seafair Cup Hydroplane Races, the Blue Angels, Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon, Milk Carton Derby, and Stand Up Paddle Board Competition.
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST
When: 3-day festival held annually in 2nd week of July
What: Ranked as one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S., Seattle is a place that specializes in rare, hard-to-find, exotic beers. For three days in July, the organizers of the Seattle International Beerfest showcase over 220 of the very best craft beers in Seattle to compare and enjoy. Every year Beerfest rolls out a gaudy selection of top rated Imperial Stouts, Barley Wines, Barrel Aged Strong Ales, Farmhouse Saisons, and Sour Ales.
TASTE WASHINGTON
When: A two-day event held in March
What: Taste Washington is the largest food and wine event in the nation, wherein 225 wineries and 50 restaurants serve up the finest food and wine from the state of Washington. Each spring thousands of food and wine lovers attend this event to indulge in the premier wine and food experience. Top features are the exclusive Red & White Party, Farm Excursions, the New Vintage, Educational Seminars and the much-anticipated Grand Tasting.
BUMBERSHOOT
When: Annual 3-day Festival held in early September
What: Recognized by the world as one of the "Top 5 reasons to visit Seattle," Bumbershoot – Seattle's Music and Arts Festival – is celebrated over Labor Day weekend. This festival is a one-stop event to view, listen, and discover local, regional, national, and international arts and culture. From international headliners to emerging local artists, Bumbershoot features events such as comedy, film, dance, theatre, youth activities, and more.
SEATTLE STREET FOOD FESTIVAL
When: A two-day affair held in 2nd week of August
What: It's the Seattle's largest independent food and craft festival. Experience the Pacific Northwest's vibrant culinary, food trucks, and street food, all in one place. This major street food gathering features nearly 50 food vendors and a diverse variety of foods. The idea behind this big food festival is to bring the authentic bite of Seattle to visitors and the locals.
BELLEVUE JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
When: 5-day event held in the 1st week of June
What: As Seattle's largest suburb, Bellevue has been characterized as an edge city and music culture. When in Seattle, a must see is the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival that features top regional, national jazz and blues artists and bands. This festival showcases the power of music and regional talent and draws diverse audiences. Past featured artists include Booker T. Jones, Poncho Sanchez, Branford Marsalis, Bill Frisell, Terence Blanchard, Dianne Reeves, and many more.
SEATTLE BOAT SHOW
When: late January to early February
What: The Seattle Boat Show is a marine extravaganza and the largest boat show on the West Coast. Featuring more than 1,000 recreational watercraft and the latest accessories, plus large boat displays on South Lake Union, this event is a great time to come to Seattle for boat lovers. It also features boating and fishing seminars and live entertainment.
Some of the other major festivals include Fourth of July, Christmas celebrations, Seattle Restaurant Week, Olympic Music Festival, Pride Festival, Seattle International Dance Festival, and Seattle International Film Festival to name a few. To enjoy the Emerald City to the fullest, you must book your yacht charters in Seattle in advance during this amazing festive season. Come to Seattle during one of these festivals and experience why Seattle is referred to as “The Emerald City!”
