Seattle Center Festál's 25th Anniversary Continues With 11 Cultural Festivals This Summer and Fall
Since 1997, this unique and enduring festival series has formed the foundation of public programming at Seattle Center.
Seattle Center Festál is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and while 13 festivals have passed, 11 more 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 unique and enduring festival series has formed the foundation of public programming at Seattle Center. "Where the World Gathers" is this year's theme, honoring the past while keeping eyes on the future. Festivals look to new generations and innovative approaches for programming to showcase the diversity of people and cultures that contribute to our region's character, economy and way of life.
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.
"Seattle Center Festál festivals bring Seattle communities together in-person and virtually to celebrate our city's diversity," said Mayor Bruce Harrell. "In the spirit of One Seattle, I look forward to a great slate of events this summer and fall to continue honoring the cultures and communities that make Seattle special."
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," said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. "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."
Visitors can look forward to 11 more Festál festivals this year, each with their own unique communities, programs and festivities in-person on Seattle Center's campus.
Seattle Center Festál Schedule for August-November 2022
Seattle Arab Festival, Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 13-14
BrasilFest, Sunday, Aug. 21
Tibet Fest, Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 27-28
Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, Sunday, Sept. 11
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias, Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 17-18
The Italian Festival, Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 24-25
CroatiaFest, Sunday, Oct. 2
Turkfest, Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 8-9
Diwali: Lights of India, Saturday, Oct. 22
Dia de Muertos Festival Seattle, Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 29-30
Hmong New Year Celebration, Saturday, 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.
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Barefoot in the Park State Theater (8/21-9/06) |
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Freak The Mighty Seattle Repertory Theatre (7/30-9/06) |
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Blockbuster Unexpected: An Improvised Disaster Movie Unexpected Productions Improv (7/10-9/19) |
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Galileo Intiman Theatre (1/10-12/30) |
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And Then There Were None Village Theatre (2/20-3/14) |
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Wooden O: Macbeth Union Arts Center (7/09-8/16) |
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Dear Evan Hansen Village Theatre (5/15-6/06) |
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disPLACE Theatre Off Jackson (8/21-8/22) |
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Come From Away Village Theatre (1/02-1/24) |
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Topdog/Underdog Lakewood Playhouse (2/19-3/07) |