Seattle Center Festál

Embrace our ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of our region at Seattle Center Festál. This series of 24 free festivals is presented throughout the year, each with a unique cultural focus, identity, and range of engaging activities. Share in holistic experiences rooted in age-old and contemporary traditions and enjoy culture through food, music, dance, art, film and more.

Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership between Seattle Center and the 24 cultural organizations, with support from the City of Seattle, Seattle Center Foundation, and 4Culture. Festál is also part of the ArtsFund Cultural Partners Network.

In 2022, Seattle Center Festál celebrated its 25th Anniversary ushering in a new era of hybrid programming. Even during the challenging pandemic years, Festál held space virtually for community to connect and find comfort in shared human narratives. Virtual Festál manifested through the collective resilience, brilliance and commitment of many festival producers, volunteers and loyal community sponsors.

Now Festál is back in-person throughout 2024 at Seattle Center to enjoy the offerings of 24 extraordinary live and hybrid festivals. Festál is where you can discover and experience the people, the places, the stories and the traditions of diverse ethnic communities that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest.

Visit the festival pages listed below for more information, download a complete 2024 season schedule at link below, and to stay updated throughout the year, sign up for Festál news at link above.

Download 2024 Season Schedule

May 4, 2024
Recognizing Seattle's strong ties with Asia and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our region through culturally-influenced music and dance and a celebrity hum bow eating contest.

API Heritage Info

May 11, 2024
Fostering greater inclusivity, awareness and appreciation for the varied traditions of music, movement and storytelling of the African diaspora.

Spirit of Africa Info

May 18, 2024
Illuminating the colorful and ancient palette of Chinese arts with dance, painting, calligraphy, workshops and martial arts.

A Glimpse of China Info

Memorial Day Weekend
Cultivating and preserving the diverse arts, heritage, and traditions that reflect our dynamic Pacific Northwest communities. Co-curated and co-created for the people, by the people.

NW Folklife Festival Info

June 1-2, 2024
Observing Philippine independence from colonial rule and the strength of Filipino identity and imagination through art exhibits, songs, spoken word, film and martial arts.

Pagdiriwang Info

June 8, 2024
Instilling better understanding for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the Pacific Northwest through a blending of traditional and contemporary music, dance, drama and arts.

Indigenous People Festival Info

June 22, 2024
Deepening community and understanding for the rich culture of Iran with Persian poetry, tea, modern music and traditional dance.

Iranian Festival Info

July 13, 2024
Promoting Polish heritage and presence in our region through a lively day of food, exhibits, workshops, vodka tastings and a beer garden.

Polish Festival Info

July 27-28, 2024
Highlighting the sights, sounds and tastes of 22 Arab nations with henna dying, live music, calligraphy, coffee, cooking and folk dancing reflective of the varied Arab cultures.

Arab Festival Info

August 10-11, 2024
Bestowing messages of love, compassion and kindness through a fusion of ancient and new Tibetan arts and culture to engage, entertain and educate.

Tibet Fest Info

August 18, 2024
Uniting traditional and contemporary Brazilian drumming, dance, music, visual arts, capoeira and celebration during the week of Brazilian Folklore Day.

BrasilFest Info

August 23-25, 2024
Sharing the profound stories of African Americans through an entertainment-packed weekend featuring hip hop, dance, gospel, visual arts, soul food, exhibits and a marketplace.

Festival Sundiata Info

September 8, 2024
Cultivating passion and appreciation for Hawaiian culture with BBQ, poke, hands-on workshops, island music, dance and a marketplace.

Live Aloha Info

September 14-15, 2024
Commemorating Latin American independence with art and craft displays, dancing horses, mariachi bands, folk dancers and tantalizing, time-honored foods.

Fiestas Patrias Info

September 28-29, 2024
Offering a spotlight on this inventive nation with food and wine, music and musings–and spirit that is uniquely Italian.

Italian Festival Info

October 6, 2024
Preserving the customs and creativity of Croatian culture with musical ensembles, colorful dress, savories and sweets and imported goods.

CroatiaFest Info

October 12-13, 2024
Integrating Eastern and Western influences through Turkish arts and expression, textile displays, workshops and rich cuisine.

Turkfest Info

October 26-27, 2024
Honoring the departed in a celebration steeped in ritual and tradition through elaborate community altars, sugar skull making, processions and festive music.

Día de Muertos Info

November 2, 2024
Inspiring a day of joyful celebration that marks the Indian festival of light with art workshops, succulent foods, henna tattooing, folk dancing and more.

Diwali Info

November 9, 2024
Marking the end of the harvest season and the coming of the new year for this deeply rooted Asian highland culture with ornate clothing, traditional dances, visual arts and ball-tossing competitions.

Hmong New Year Info

February 3-4, 2024
Inviting the community to a celebration of the lunar new year with lion dances, firecrackers, martial arts, dance and visual arts.

Tet in Seattle Info

March 16-17, 2024
Highlighting the Irish heritage of the Pacific Northwest with traditional music, step-dancing, art exhibits, genealogy workshops and Celtic handcrafts.

Irish Festival Info

March 24, 2024
Celebrating the place of French language, culture and joie de vivre in over 30 countries worldwide with francophone fashion, fine cuisine, wine tastings and a wide array of musical performances.

French Fest Info

April 12-14, 2024
Underscoring the deep friendship between Seattle and Japan as it honors the renewal of life with springtime cherry blossoms, booming Taiko drums, contemporary Japanese arts and a traditional tea ceremony.

Cherry Blossom Info

"Who lives here? What is their experience of life? How does it intersect with our personal experiences of this city?" In partnership with local guest speakers and community, Festál presents "Yes, and...", a podcast that acknowledges what has happened, what exists now, and what else is to come.

Listen and Download Podcast

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of Festál in 2017, Seattle Center released the keepsake, Gathering Around the Table: A Festál Cookbook. Inside this hardcover edition, discover fun recipes and beautiful photographs of cuisine and festival costumes, representing 24 cultural festivals.

Purchase Cookbook

Learn more about the history and legacy of the Festál series.

Visit Historylink website