Folklife

This coming weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and the ong-standing tradition of the Folklife Festival here in Seattle.

It's our annual free celebration of ethnic, folk, and traditional arts activities produced by Northwest Folklife. The Folklife Festival is Seattle's unofficial leap into summer, with four days of jam-packed excitement. Artists from the Pacific Northwest along with special guests from throughout the world create an ethnic extravaganza embracing music and dance performances, visual arts and folklore exhibits, hands-on ethnic children's activities, symposia, dance and music workshops, crafts, food, imported goods, demonstrations of traditional arts, and more.

Over 250,000 people attend over the long weekend, with 25 stages and hundreds of groups performing. You can check out the schedules HERE. Admission is free, although they are asking for donations at the gates to help sponsor all the activities. There is also the Musical Instrument Makers Showcase which honors Northwest and West Coast artisans of handmade instruments. The exhibit includes music accessories and books, instrument repairers, and more. The Uncommon Market displays a wealth of folk and ethnic imported and domestic products. The International Food Village tempts the palate with 35+ booths serving delicious international cuisine. Open every day, 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.

The CRAFTS MARKETPLACE highlights crafts made by 116 of the Northwest's finest artisans. That's where I'll be. It's open from 11am-8pm on Friday-Sunday, and 11am-7pm on Monday. The artists are scattered around the International Fountain and walkway, plus the courtyards on the other side of the fountain. My little courtyard area is closest to Key Area - Alki Court. It's a little off the main path, but not tucked away in a far corner - so head over to visit me and see what's happening!