French Fest to Celebrate French Speaking Cultures, 5/23

Seattle's French Fest: A Celebration of French Speaking Cultures, part of the Seattle Center Festál series of 22 global culture events, features French arts and activities from across the globe to raise awareness of Francophone cultures and traditions, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, March 23, in Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion Rooftop.

In its second year at Seattle Center, Seattle's French Fest highlights many of the over 70 member states included in Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Live music, theater and dance as well as international food and wine add to the celebration of French culture and Pacific Northwest regional presence.

Artisans from as far as Tahiti, Louisiana, French Canada and Africa will treat festival-goers to live performances, and French speaking seminars throughout the day will offer opportunities for conversing in the official language of 33 countries across the Francophonie.

Au menu in the international bistro includes: Louisiana fried oyster po'boy sandwiches, bisque de tomate (creamy tomato soup), Belgian moules frites (sautéed mussels with fries) and viennoiseries (French baked goods). Be sure to vote for your favorite bakery in the Darigold Best Baguette Competition and stop in for culinary demos from all over the French-speaking world.

Bring the whole family for a fun, free afternoon and evening of cultural immersion into la Francophonie.

Seattle's French Fest is produced in partnership with France Education Northwest under the auspices of the Consular Agency of France. For more information on Seattle's French Fest, visit www.fenpnw.org. Click on www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200 to learn more about Seattle Center Festál and other outstanding public events offered at Seattle Center.

Seattle Center Festál 2014 presents world festivals on weekends throughout the year highlighting the distinct cultures and common threads of ethnic communities in our region through traditional and contemporary art, music, foods, youth activities, workshops and more. This collection of 22 cultural events is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wells Fargo and Real Networks. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.