Seattle Beerfest
Sure, the Northwest loves its wines. And the recent renaissance of cocktail culture is a lot of fun. But fundamentally this is still beer country. From classics like Rainier to new favorites like Mac & Jack’s, Washingtonians love their locally brewed beer. Each year, thousands of beer-lovers descend on the Seattle Center to sample over 150 great beers, local, American, and international. Show up early, because taps on popular brews will run dry quickly.
Where: The Seattle Center
When: July
How much: $25 at gate - includes SIB glass & 10 beer tickets
Seafair
There is no event more “Seattle” than Seafair. Other festivals may be squarely aimed at tourists and transplants, but this celebration of clowns, pirates, hydroplanes, and getting buzzed by Blue Angels is purely for the natives. A monthlong celebration of our nautical heritage and future. Countless local events capped off by the big races on Lake Washington.
Where: All over
When: July - August
How much: Varies
Seattle Pridefest
While GBLT pride festivals and parades are now relatively commonplace in America’s metropolises, Seattle was a pioneer in gay cultural acceptance, leading the pack with San Francisco and New York. When the weather is good, this festival attracts almost a quarter million people.
Where: Capitol Hill
When: late June
How much: Free
4th of July at Lake Union
The sponsors might change, but local consensus on this fireworks display does not: it’s the best show in town on the 4th. The balconies of the condos and houses on all sides of Lake Union are packed, parking is impossible to find for miles, kids are mesmerized (or crying): what else would the Founding Fathers want us to be doing?
Where: Late Union
When: July 4
How much: Free
Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival
As the Seattle Symphony takes much of the summer off, the Seattle Chamber Music Society rolls into Benaroya Hall and sets up shop for a month of serious classical music. Debussy, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Ravel, Stravinsky, Schubert, and plenty more.
Where: Benaroya Hall
When: July - August
How much: $44 adult – single concert, $10 under 26 – single concert
Chinatown-International District Summer Festival
This McDonald’s-sponsored event may not be a completely convincing slice of authentic Asian culture, but it still promises to be a lot of fun. Two days of music and street performing, dragon dances and lots of tasty food. Come down and see why you should be spending more time in the ID.
Where: International District - Seattle
When: July
How much: Free
Bite of Seattle
Bite of Seattle is Seattle’s food mega-event, with over 60 restaurants, wine tastings, “green bites,” and other samplings. Due to popular request, most vendors will now be offering smaller “Just a Bite” portions for a lower price, so that you can save room to sample more great restaurants. Come early—the lines get big in the afternoon.
Where: Seattle Center
When: July
How much: Free admission.
Capitol Hill Block Party
While Georgetown, Fremont, and Ballard residents might protest, Capitol Hill remains Seattle’s capital of cool. The tie-breaker is this annual summer music festival which draws acts from the pinnacle of hipdom (this year it’s MGMT, Jack White and Dead Weather, and Blue Scholars). Whole blocks of the Hill shut down and stages are set up. Expect a raucous, sweaty time.
Where: Capitol Hill
When: July 23-25
How much: $23 single day, $60 three-day pass