Tibet Fest Preserves and Celebrates through Music, Food and Hands-on Exploration

Seattle Center Festál: Tibet Fest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27, in Seattle Center Armory and on Fisher Rooftop, promotes the distinct religious and cultural heritage of the Tibetan people. Festival organizers share their history and arts-along with messages of love, compassion and kindness-to entertain, engage and educate younger Tibetan generations and people of their adopted country.

Festival-goers will find much to see and do as Tibet Fest enters its 22nd year, from a Tibetan altar room to a kitchen exhibition, Tibetan art of weaving exhibition and hands-on demonstration to a calligraphy workshop. Live music and dance include Tibetan yak and lion dances and modern Tibetan songs, with a circle dance workshop at the close of the day.

Tibetan foods will be available for purchase including curries, Thali (several items served on a platter) and hot and cold chai tea and momo. In fact, you can learn how to make the ever-popular Tibetan dumplings at momo making demonstrations throughout the event days. Visitors will also find handmade items from India, Nepal and Tibet, from Tibetan carpets to traditional dresses, shawls, bags, hats, jewelry and more.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Tibet Fest, visit www.washingtontibet.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.