Washington State Fair
Puyallup Fairgrounds
110 9th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 841-5045
www.thefair.com
Dates: Sept. 6-22, 2013
“Do the Puyallup” at the Washington State Fair from September 6-22, 2013. The state’s biggest fair features all the things you’d expect at a country fair plus a whole lot more. Expect big-name entertainment like Carrie Underwood, Jars of Clay and Alabama, rodeo playoffs, Luminasia, a larger-than-life lantern festival, a huge selection of rides and, of course, the world famous fair scones.
Festál Cultural Festivals
Seattle Center
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 684-7200
www.seattlecenter.com/festal
Dates: See calendar
Part of a year-long effort to honor culture and appreciate diversity, the Seattle Center is offering Festál, a series of festivals held almost every week, mainly in the Center House. Next up is Seattle Fiestas Patrias on September 14 and 15. Here you can explore history and contemporary expressions of Latin America. Still to come: Italian Festival (9/28-29), CroatiaFest (10/6), Arab Festival (10/12-13), TurkFest (10/19-20), Dia de Muertos: A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed (10/26-27) and Hmong New Year Celebration (11/9).
Fremont Oktoberfest
N. 35th St. and Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 633-0422
www.fremontoktoberfest.com
Dates: Sept. 20-22, 2013
As quirky as the Fremont neighborhood itself, the Fremont Oktoberfest has been voted by USA Today and Orbit.com as one the top places to toast Oktoberfest. This three-day event features live music on two stages, an Oktoberfest Village, activities for kids, a 5K fun run, the infamous “Dogtoberfest” and, of course, a tasting garden. This year’s fest dates are September 20 (5 p.m. to midnight), September 21 (11 a.m. to midnight) and September 22 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Tickets range from $20-$35 and can be ordered online.
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Arts Crush
Various Locations in the Greater Seattle Area
(206) 770-0370
www.artscrush.org
Dates: Throughout Oct., 2013
Presented by Theatre Puget Sound, Arts Crush is a mis-mash of interactive theatre, craftsmen, artists and music performances aimed at all ages and held at various locations in the greater Seattle area for the entire month of October. Some performances are free or “pay-what-you-can,” which allows everyone to discover something new. This festival also features community art projects, meet–the-artists events, workshops and way too much to be listed here.
Earshot Jazz Festival
Various Locations in Seattle
(206) 547-6763
www.earshot.org/festival
Dates: Oct. 1 through Nov. 17, 2013
This year, Seattle celebrates the 25th year of the Earshot Jazz Festival held from October 1 through November 17, 2013. Featuring over 60 different concert events, there is literally something for everyone. This festival has been praised as one of best jazz festivals in America featuring lots of local talent as well as many acts from around the world. From high schoolers to senior citizens, this festival features them all.
Jeffrey Totey is a freelance writer living in Seattle. He has a love for the arts and is a student of pop culture. He covers stories about the performing arts, theater, museums, cultural events, movies and more in the greater Seattle area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.