16 Washington Art Festivals Celebrating The Best Of The Pacific Northwest
Picture yourself strolling through colorful booths filled with handmade pottery, radiant paintings, and one-of-a-kind sculptures. Washington State bursts with creativity every year as talented artists gather to share their work at incredible festivals across the region.
I’ve explored these amazing events where you can meet makers, watch live demonstrations, and discover art that speaks to your soul!
1. Seattle Art Fair
Imagine walking through halls packed with cutting-edge contemporary pieces from galleries around the globe. Seattle Art Fair transforms the city into an art lover’s paradise each summer, bringing together established names and fresh talent under one roof.
You’ll find everything from bold abstract paintings to thought-provoking installations that challenge how you see the world. Gallery owners chat with visitors, sharing stories behind each piece. Interactive exhibits let you experience art in totally new ways!
2. BAM Arts Fair (Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair)
Did you know this festival features some of the most skilled craftspeople in the entire country? BAM Arts Fair in Bellevue showcases museum-quality work that’ll make your jaw drop. Artists compete fiercely just to earn a booth here!
Stroll past tables loaded with intricate jewelry, hand-blown glass, and stunning woodwork that took months to create. Many artists demonstrate their techniques right before your eyes. It’s like watching magic happen in real time!
3. Edmonds Arts Festival
With the sparkling Puget Sound as your backdrop, this June celebration feels like a vacation and art show rolled into one. Over 160 artists line the streets of charming Edmonds, creating a massive outdoor gallery you won’t forget.
Live bands play upbeat tunes while you browse handcrafted treasures in every medium imaginable. Kids can join art activities that spark their own creativity. Grab some delicious snacks from local vendors and settle in for a perfect day!
4. Alki Art Fair
It’s hard to beat the combination of sandy beaches and spectacular art displays! Alki Art Fair happens right where the waves meet the shore, giving you stunning views of downtown Seattle across the water.
Artists showcase their creations while seagulls circle overhead and beachgoers soak up the sun. Browse through paintings, pottery, and handmade clothing between dips in the Sound. This laid-back vibe makes art shopping feel like a beach party!
5. Washougal Arts Festival
Are you ready to explore art in a cozy small-town setting near the Columbia River Gorge? Washougal Arts Festival brings together local and regional artists who pour their hearts into every creation.
This intimate event lets you actually chat with makers about their inspiration and techniques. You’ll find gorgeous landscape paintings inspired by nearby gorge views and handcrafted items perfect for gifts. Supporting these artists means supporting your community in the most beautiful way possible!
6. Northwest Folklife Festival
Memorial Day weekend explodes with music, dance, and traditional arts from cultures around the world! Northwest Folklife Festival draws roughly 250,000 visitors who come to celebrate ethnic and folk traditions that make our region special.
You’ll hear everything from Irish fiddles to African drums echoing across Seattle Center’s grounds. Craftspeople demonstrate ancient techniques passed down through generations.
Best part? Admission stays completely free, so everyone can join the celebration!
7. Proctor Arts Fest
Tacoma’s charming Proctor District transforms into an artistic wonderland each year when this beloved festival takes over the streets. Local businesses open their doors while artists fill sidewalks with colorful displays.
It’s got that neighborhood block party feeling mixed with serious artistic talent. You can browse handmade soaps, paintings, and quirky sculptures while grabbing treats from nearby cafes.
Kids love the hands-on activities that let them create their own masterpieces to take home!
8. Uptown Crafts Fair
Port Townsend’s Victorian charm provides the perfect backdrop for this delightful crafts celebration! Uptown Crafts Fair fills historic streets with talented makers who specialize in handcrafted goods you won’t find anywhere else.
Think hand-knitted scarves, carved wooden toys, and pottery that feels like holding a piece of the Pacific Northwest. Artists often incorporate local themes like whales, evergreen trees, and lighthouse imagery. Wandering these old-fashioned streets while treasure hunting creates pure magic!
9. Crafts By The Dock
When art meets the salty sea air, something special happens! Crafts By The Dock positions artist booths right alongside Port Townsend’s working marina where sailboats bob gently in the water.
Maritime-themed crafts shine here, from nautical jewelry to paintings of dramatic coastal scenes. You might spot artists using driftwood and sea glass gathered from nearby beaches.
Seagulls provide the soundtrack while you discover treasures that capture the essence of coastal living!
10. Anacortes Arts Festival
How does a three-day celebration with over 220 talented artists sound to you? Anacortes Arts Festival ranks among the top juried events in the Pacific Northwest, drawing creative minds from everywhere.
Artists set up shop along tree-lined streets in this adorable island town each August. You’ll discover unique pieces that range from whimsical sculptures to breathtaking landscape photography.
Street performers add extra entertainment while you hunt for that perfect addition to your collection!
11. Central Washington State Fair
Though famous for rides and farm animals, this Yakima fair also celebrates incredible artistic talent! Central Washington State Fair dedicates entire buildings to fine art and crafts where ribbons recognize outstanding work.
You’ll discover award-winning quilts that took hundreds of hours to complete and paintings that capture the beauty of eastern Washington. Student art displays showcase tomorrow’s creative stars.
It’s inspiring to see how art thrives alongside agriculture in this classic fair tradition!
12. Capital Lakefair, Olympia
Summer in Olympia means one thing: Capital Lakefair is here! This beloved festival transforms the city into a bustling celebration of art, music, food, and community spirit. For over seven decades, families have gathered along Capitol Lake to enjoy everything from handcrafted jewelry to original paintings.
Artists from across Washington display their work in colorful booths, giving visitors a chance to meet creators and purchase one-of-a-kind treasures.
The festival also features live entertainment, a classic car show, and a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. Kids love the carnival rides and games scattered throughout the grounds.
13. Seattle Center University District Street Fair, Seattle
Picture this: ten blocks of pure artistic energy packed into Seattle’s vibrant University District. The University District Street Fair, affectionately called the U District Street Fair, ranks as one of the oldest and largest street festivals in the entire country.
Since 1970, this spring tradition has drawn massive crowds eager to explore hundreds of artist booths. Local painters, sculptors, photographers, and craftspeople line the streets, transforming the neighborhood into an open-air gallery.
Street performers add spontaneous entertainment, while food vendors dish out everything from Thai noodles to fresh kettle corn. The eclectic mix of college students, families, and art enthusiasts creates an electric atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
14. Arbor Crest Art & Glass Festival
Glass art sparkles like jewels under the eastern Washington sunshine at this unique celebration! Arbor Crest Art & Glass Festival takes place on gorgeous vineyard grounds where art and nature blend perfectly.
Talented glassblowers showcase their colorful creations alongside painters, sculptors, and other craftspeople. Watch demonstrations that reveal how molten glass transforms into delicate ornaments and bold sculptures. The scenic setting makes every piece look even more spectacular against rolling hills!
15. Central Valley Fall Craft Fair, Spokane
When autumn leaves start falling in Spokane, crafters and shoppers gather for the Central Valley Fall Craft Fair. This cozy indoor event showcases the incredible talent of Eastern Washington artisans who specialize in handmade goods.
Unlike massive outdoor festivals, this fair offers an intimate shopping experience where quality trumps quantity. Browse through stunning quilts, hand-carved wooden furniture, pottery, jewelry, and seasonal decorations that make perfect holiday gifts.
Many vendors demonstrate their techniques, letting you watch skilled hands transform raw materials into beautiful creations. The friendly atmosphere encourages conversations between makers and buyers, creating meaningful connections.
16. Evergreen State Fair Fine Art Section, Monroe
Did you know one of Washington’s biggest county fairs also celebrates serious fine art? The Evergreen State Fair in Monroe dedicates an entire section to showcasing exceptional paintings, drawings, photography, and mixed media pieces.
Artists compete for ribbons and recognition, making this a prestigious event in the Washington art community. Walking through the fine art galleries provides a refreshing contrast to the carnival rides and livestock exhibits outside.
You’ll discover landscapes capturing Mount Rainier’s majesty, abstract pieces bursting with color, and portraits that seem to breathe with life. Many pieces are available for purchase, offering collectors a chance to support regional talent.
