23 Festivals In WASHINGTON (Fun, Historical, & Cultural)

Washington, the second largest state of the United States, is home to diverse cultures, festivals, and flavors.

But did you know about its populated cities with their historical background, and every town has its festivals.

The festivals celebrated in Washington are historical and adventurous, so it is the best place for tourist attractions.

It is also argued that Seattle, the state’s most famous city has several festivals in a calendar year.

According to a report, there are over 900 only music festivals there.

Do you have information about these festivals, dates, and duration?

After reading this article, you’ll have incredible information about Washington’s culture and traditional festivals.

Just keep reading it.

Festivals in Spokane, Washington

1. ArtFest

This is also called Spokane’s largest Juried Art Fair and is held every June 2, 3, and 4 at the MAC campus.

It is a three-day spring festival related to art and fine craft, and it is an Inland Northwest tradition hosted by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC).

Every year, around 100 regional artists participate in this festival and show their skills in painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

Since 1985, MAC has provided an opportunity to connect society with the art and fine crafts world.

It features a marketplace where artists can show their handmade skills to art lovers and win a handsome price and reputation.

Musicians from all over Spokane also perform during this festival.

Also, there are other activities for children, including the Make-it-Art kids’ project.

Address: MAC, 2316 West Avenue Spokane, Washington, United States

2. Lilac Festival

Lilac City is Spokane’s nickname, and it originated from the fragrant blooms that scent the air of its community every year.

Since 1938, the spring festival has been held in the third week of May to honor the military, showcase the region, and empower the youth.

This festival features a unique theme each year and all the fun events.

Initially, this festival was organized by the associated garden clubs, but now volunteer leadership manages it.

The Armed Force’s torchlight parade is its feature program and recalls Spokane’s rich history.

It also offers a royalty scholarship program to honor and encourage the community’s young women.

After the crowning, the members of the Royalty Court visit the Pacific and Inland areas communities.

To encourage the youth’s talent, the society organized a Lilac City’s Got Talent to showcase the high school seniors’ talent.

Address: 3021 South Regal Street #105, Spokane, Washington 99223, United States

Read more about festivals in Texas

3. Pig Out in the Park

This is a six-day summer event held before Labor Day and provides an opportunity to enjoy a variety of tunes and gastronomical delights.

Since 1979, Riverfront Park has held this event every year and has several brand ambassadors, including Food-O-Rama and more.

This event features eighty-plus local, regional, and national musical artists who perform throughout the festival.

It also offers forty-plus food booths featuring two hundred-plus menu items to eat and enjoy.

The most significant part of the event is free admission to the festival.

According to reports, around 200,000 visitors attend this festival every year.

A well-suited event for all ages, and other attractions include community booths and free carousel rides.

This festival also allows dozens of artists to earn a Spokane souvenir for their performance.

Address: 507 North Howard Street, Spokane, Washington 99201, USA

4. Gathering at the Falls Pow Wow

Held each year at Lilac Bowl in August, this traditional sacred gathering provides an opportunity to celebrate Native American arts and culture.

Communities gather at the river, enjoy fishing, participate in inter-tribal games, share their cultures, and consider it a sign of love and hope.

You’ll see different traditional dance styles of men and women, including Chicken, Grass, Fancy, Buckskin, Cloth, and Jingle.

According to reports, over 200 tribes gathered at the park and shared their cultures, traditions, and cuisine.

You’d experience tribes with various drummers, dancers, artists, and signers showing their skills.

People wearing traditional costumes showcase the area’s history with images including Spokane Falls and swimming salmon.

The primary purpose of this annual gathering is to honor the traditions of their ancestors and promote their culture.

Address: Lilac Bowl, 507 North. Howard Street, Spokane, Washington 99201, USA

5. Spokane Interstate Fair

This is a ten-day mega event held at the end of summer and fall in September, and it has been organized every year since 1952.

It is held at the County Fair and Expo Center and provides an opportunity to enjoy funnel cakes and carnival rides.

The Youth Market Stock Auction is its featuring point, where the youth showcase the animals they have raised for the event.

You’ll also listen to local, traditional, and national music artists and enjoy rodeo events. 

Spokane Interstate Fair also features various gardens, vegetables, jellies, canned jams, flowers, crochet, and quilts.

The animals presented at the fair reflect the hard work of the youth and use auction money to fulfill their college expenses. 

You’d experience the beautiful talent and skills of Spokane’s crafters, artisans, musicians, and gardeners.

Spare some time to enjoy this gorgeous event.

Address: 404 North Havana Street # 1, Spokane Valley, Washington 99212, USA

Read more about festivals in New York

6. Spokane International Film Festival

It is an eight-day festival held in winter and provides an opportunity to enjoy documentaries, short movies, and features from all over the world.

The significant part of this festival is that it only offers movies from past years that have yet to be commercially released.

Its offerings allow the participants to see some of the world’s most exciting and upcoming filmmakers.

Additionally, SpIFF contains several events, parties, and panels where they can directly listen to the filmmakers.

You’ll see well-organized and impressive staff, venues, and events during the festival.

It is a ticket-based event, where you can get a ticket or full-festival passes individually or event-based.

The audience of Spokane’s communities also shows engaging and enthusiastic behavior during this event.

Various well-reputed organizations sponsor this international event.

Address: PO Box 8562, Spokane, Washington, 99203, United States 

Festivals in Anacortes, Washington

1. Anacortes Spring Wine Festival

This spring festival, held in April, allows its participants to give their taste buds a new flavor of wine and culinary adventure.

You can also spend the weekend enjoying the beauty of Fidalgo Island, live music, art, blooming tulip fields of Skagit Valley, and shopping.

This festival features 30 wineries, and six restaurants, bringing them to Fidalgo Island, and includes wine tasting, an indoor wine shop, and food pairings.

While there, you can taste full-bodied sweet wine and various kinds of cheese.

You can also visit the shops in this valley and take excellent artfully prepared food, things, and wines.

It allows one to identify and taste red, blush, and white wines from all over Washington State.

You’d experience an event full of shore charm and a variety of unique collections of wines that taste, but more than one day is needed.

Address: 100 Commercial Avenue Anacortes, Washington, United States

2. Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show

This three-day event is celebrated as a mid-May festival from May 18 to May 19 at Anacortes.

It is the biggest boats and yacht show in the history of Anacortes, featuring 150 plus brokerage and new ships from all over the state.

The boats showcased here to include your favorite and most popular brands and the dealers, brokers, and dealers.

Also, 25-plus seminars are organized here where industry experts give information about the various boards and represent their brands.

It also allows youth to show interest in boats and yachts and can-do valuable event activities.

According to reports, approximately 1000-5000 visitors attend this event annually, and 100-500 exhibitors and experts participate.

This event will help you with your boating-related needs.

Reserve your place now and enjoy this beautiful show.

Address: Cap Sante Marina 1019 Q Avenue, Anacortes, Washington 98221, USA

3. Anacortes Waterfront Festival

This festival is rated for people of all ages because it offers a variety of waterfront activities and competitions related to boats and arts.

It combines the beauty of an arts and crafts fair where you can enjoy live music from artists all over Washington State.

Anacortes Waterfront Festival aims to celebrate the long marine heritage of Anacortes.

It also features a quick and dirty competition about building a boat and then a rowing demonstration.

Children can also enjoy hands-on activities such as wooden sailboats, making different costumes, and many more.

You can enjoy delicious dinners, including Hawaiian BBQ, shaved ice, corn dogs, Thai, cotton candy characters, and Gyros.

It also includes a channel of discovery that provides educational opportunities about marine wildlife and the environment.

You can relax in its beer garden and enjoy live music.

Address: 1019 Q Avenue, Anacortes, Washington 98221, USA

Festivals in Seattle, Washington

1. National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)

This renowned and inspiring mega event, held between April and May annually, promotes filmmakers worldwide.

NFFTY festival aims to promote and accelerate the work done by 24 years old or younger women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and other youngsters, helping them build their film industry.

In 2022, this festival screened over 250 excellent short films representing 30 US states and more than 39 countries.

This festival has become popular with filmmaking workshops, seminars, screenings, youth concerts, and a fantastic opening ceremony.

NFFTY has featured the work of great filmmakers, including Gigi Saul Guerrero, Rayka Zehtabchi, and Proudfoot.

It offers an excellent experience, including four days of film transmissions, events, interacting seminars, parties, and panels.

You can also avail 50% discount on your films if Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American directors submit your movies.

Address: Seattle, WA 98116, United States

2. Saint Demetrios Greek Festival

Since 1960, this traditional festival has been held in the first week of October to represent Greek communities and their culture.

This annual festival represents Greek culture, including authentic food, hospitality, music, dynamic dancing, and many more.

Under its large outdoor tent, you may find all freshly prepared homemade Greek delicacies from spanakopita to Souvlakia and loukoumades to baklava.

This is a purely Greek cultural festival to honor and encourage their participation in states’ culture promotion.

You’d also experience beautiful dancing from award-winning dancing groups of Saint Demetrios.

This festival provides a better opportunity to explore deep into Greek culture.

It also offers shopping, children’s games, wine tasting, church tours, loud laughter, and fun.

You’ll also find many areas for your children to play in and for families to eat. 

Address: 2100 Boyer Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States 

3. Seattle Jewish Film Festival (SJFF)

Seattle Jewish festival is the largest, long-running, and most popular, held annually in the spring from March 11 to March 19.

The 28th edition of this global festival features virtual and in-person films, motivational and guest speakers, special mega-events, and a screening of Spanish cinema.

SJFF festival now features many hard-hitting documentaries and quirky rom-com.

It also promotes young talent and stories globally to bring them together.

This festival aims to highlight Israeli and Jewish cinema from all over the world.

You can watch its screenings and events from your home comfortably or at the theater.

According to director Pamela Lavitt, this year’s theme will be “Cinemana,” referencing “manna.”

You can avail plenty of delicious food, musical entertainment, arts, and community events, and have fun.

Address: 600 Pine St 400, Seattle, Washington, 98101, United States

4. Bumbershoot Festival

It is a three-day international music and arts event held every initial weekend of May and is North America’s largest event.

The name originated from an informal term for an umbrella.

It is held at Seattle Center, covering 74 acres, and has outdoor stages and indoor theaters.

Under the famous space needle, you’ll find dozens of international music performances and arts and crafts exhibitions.

This festival aims to fuel Seattle’s pride and development of arts and community. 

Weezer, J. Cole, and Bob Dylan are some diversified artists this festival has featured.

This festival features art, entertainment, multimedia forms, independent films, sketch comedies, dance, creative arts, and many more.

Bumbershoot is a beautiful festival for everyone, and you can make your Labor Day weekend full of fun and enjoyment.

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, Washington, United States

5. Seafair Festival

Seafair is an eight-week summer festival encompassing various events and leads up to several celebrations in different cities.

It began in 1951, but its roots can be found in 1911; it was only 11 days, but now it has grown to eight weeks.

This amazing festival offers a wide variety of 75-plus events over eight weeks and celebrates maritime legacy.

The event features boat and air shows, small block parties, water races, local parades, and a beautiful mountain view changing colors. 

Some other events include a series of boat and yacht races, the Blue Angels air show, and the turning of Mt. Rainier red in the sunset.

The residents also associate it with the Torchlight Parade and Seafair Cup Hydroplane races.

According to reports, it is a significant festival gathering over 2 million people.

Address: 3808 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118, United States

6. Seattle Pride

Seattle Pride consists of a series of events organized through June by Seattle Pride, a nonprofit organization.

This series of events aims to promote LGBTQIA+, create honor, diversity, and unity, and achieve equal human rights throughout the state.

Seattle PrideFest is a significant part of the event and is held at the Seattle Center annually.

Its events are held everywhere throughout the city but focused mainly on the Capitol Hill Area, the center of the local LBGTQ+ culture.

This organization’s best-known point is the Pride Parade, which occurred last week in June to honor Stonewall, the founder of the gay rights society.

It features the Pride Speaks speaker series, the vote engagement program, the Vote with Pride, and other sponsorship programs.

Other events include live bands, arts and crafts fairs, food trucks, etc.

Address: East Pike Street, Seattle, Washington 98122, USA

7. Irish Festival

This festival continues with the Seattle Center Festal series, a series of 24 free cultural events sponsored by various organizations.

It features Irish dancers, including Rowan Fae, Grafton Street, Comerford, and Carrigaline, and they perform throughout the event.

The Irish Heritage Club organized this festival, held every year Saturday and Sunday of March.

You’d experience Emmet, a famous Irish folk singer, and a beautiful Carrigaline Celtic band performing using its unique instruments, including uillean pipes, fiddle, and the bodhran.

The main aim of this festival is to promote cultural activities, musical performances, dancing, and Irish history in Western Washington.

You’ll visit various booths and vendors there, such as the Celtic Jewelry Studio, Elfstone Celtic Jewelry, History of Names, Into Totes, IHC information, India Imports, Irish Heritage Club Book Sales, Seattle Genealogical Society, and many more.

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

8. Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)

It is ranked among the top film festivals and is held annually with an average audience of 200,000 and more.

SIFF is three weekly (twenty-four days) festival held in June and May, offering a diverse collection of independent and foreign films and documentaries.

This event also screens over 400-800 films and documentaries annually from 80-plus countries.

It features productive panel discussions that attract local audiences and act as a passing round for the Academy Rewards in all short durations of film categories.

The awards and prizes include Golden Space Needle Awards, the new directors’ Competition, the New American cinema competition, the FutureWave Features Competition, and the Documentary Film Competition.

To promote education related to the film industry, SIFF Education offers a wide range of educational programs that serve more than 8000 students annually.

It allows people to work together and discover extraordinary films from all over the world.

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, Washington 98109 – United States

Festivals in Leavenworth, Washington

1. Maifest in Leavenworth

This traditional Bavarian folk festival is held when the sun shines, and blooming flowers celebrate spring.

It is a free, family-oriented festival where you’d experience folk dancers, Bavarian music, annual Festzug, also called Grand March, representing German tradition.

The centuries-old annual festival features live tones, dancing, shopping, arts and crafts, entertainment, and events.

Villagers gathered here to celebrate different events, including the arrival of spring, planting flowers, raising a maypole in the square, and enjoying music and games.

Its pole is decorated with cakes, flowers, sausages, and ribbons to welcome spring.

The villagers dance around the maypole and consider it would bring fortune, wealth, and prosperity.

During the annual Festzug or Grand March, town folk wears Bavarian best to welcome you in their village.

Mark your calendar for 8th-10th May.

Address: Front Street Park – Downtown Leavenworth 800 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA

2. Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest

For 20 years, the Wenatchee River Institute and community partners organized four days events to welcome the spring season and migratory birds.

This annual fest provides educational and recreational opportunities and helps visitors explore wildlife, birds, and their habitats.

You’d experience the captivating scenery of the area, brimming with ultimate beauty, from snow-covered mountains to ponderosa forests.

The vibrant colors of spring and the blooming buds enhance this scene even more.

On this fest, you’ll see countless species of birds present only at that fest time throughout the region.

Its field trip features birds and wildlife experts from all over the state, allowing you to learn interesting facts about them.

You may also hear the beautiful songs sung by these rare feathered guests.

If you are a new birder, attend this trip, where experts will guide you.

Address: 347 Division St, Leavenworth, Washington 98826, USA

Festivals in Vancouver, Washington

1. 4 Days of Aloha

This four-day premier Hawaiian summer event highlights the multicultural communities and features various events.

Ke Kukui Foundation presents this beautiful event; over 40,000 people attend this cultural festival yearly.

It also features Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures, hula and craft workshops, traditional cuisine, live musical entertainment, a keiki zone for kids, and a hōʻike (culture showcase).

You can also enjoy shopping from well-reputed booths and vendors and visit the beer garden anytime, as it remains open until the closing ceremony.

At Clark College, you can attend the workshops and Pā’ina, enjoy concerts and watch celebrations of cultures at Esther Short Park.

You’d experience an exciting, colorful, and charming display of various cultures.

At the end of this festival, you’ll also enjoy a closing band that will take you back to history.

Address: 605 Esther Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660, USA

2. The Craft Beer and Wine Fest

This event takes place every year from July 29-31, and it is the best place where you can find arts and crafts work and live entertainment.

Featuring wineries, food vendors, 60-plus unique beer taps, craft beverages, local art and craft works, live music, and visual arts, it attracts locals and visitors alike.

You can enjoy 100-plus local craft brews, craft wines, and local craft cocktails in the gorgeous setting of Esther Short Park.

This event aims to promote arts, crafts, wines, and support local businesses and fight hunger.

You’d experience beautiful shades, misting stations, and delicious cuisine that will make your weekend memorable.

It also lets you visit Beer Village, Whiskey Town, and Wine Country here.

You can make your weekend full of fun and enjoyment as there is plenty to sip.

Get your tickets as early as possible and enjoy this sipping event.

Address: 605 Esther Street, Vancouver, Washington, United States

Festivals in Tacoma, Washington

1. Mosaic: Tacoma’s Arts and Culture Festival

Featuring a collection of arts, and crafts vendors, cuisine vendors, and showcasing cultural and traditional performances, this family-friendly event is held annually from July 29-30.

This event at Wright Park features Walk of Destiny, a kid’s zone, hands-on cultural activities, two performer stages with live entertainment, and informative vendor booths.

During the Walk of Destiny, wearing traditional clothing to represent your culture and heritage is highly encouraged.

The event has been known and loved for 35 years, with an average of 40000 attendees annually.

You can also stay there and enjoy a kaleidoscope of dance or sit under the shady trees to spend time with your family.

This is the most significant event that gathers the different communities and cultures and makes Tacoma, The City of Destiny.

Every day, the events and activities remain open for 7 hours from 12 pm to 7 pm.

Address: 501 S. I Street Tacoma, Washington 98405 United States

2. Destiny City Film Festival (DCFF)

This pure-Tacoma community fest is organized to showcase independent films from all over the state.

It was taken from the city’s name, The City of Destiny, and it promotes independent films from all over the state.

Every year, people who love the film industry and consider every movie a great story organize this event.

This event also features on-demand short-length films and promotes movies from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ directors to ensure equality.

DCFF encourages filmmakers to produce storytelling films, documentaries, and animated or experimental motion pictures in this digital era.

The City Film Festival provides screens for independent films and strength to local and emerging filmmakers.

It is organized to celebrate the Northwest cinema landscape and the thriving young talent of its storytellers.

You’d experience top-quality programming of films, seminars, workshops, and experts’ panel discussions here.

Address: North Proctor St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA