This year's Folklife Festival was so joyful and rich and varied -- fantastic. However, volunteer drummers near the food trucks and some of the tents drowned out the music and ruined my ears for 2 days. Please don't let continuous drumming -- they never stopped. Not for a second. Ruined our experience of your beautiful festival. read more

What a fun - and FREE - annual, weekend-long event (donations accepted, recommended at $10/day) run completely by volunteers! Join in on any day Friday through Monday each year for Memorial Day weekend to listen to music of all genres and from around the globe! Participate in various music-related jams, classes, workshops, as well as dance and sing your heart out. Northwest Folklife also hosts other events throughout the year, but the Folklife Festival, of which 2019 marks the 48th year, is probably the biggest and best for all ages and stages of life. Take advantage of the Artists at Play Playground and the International Fountain while at the Seattle Center. Buy as much Festival gear as you can to support the efforts and allow them to keep coming back year after year. read more

I'm not sure why I even come to this event; it's a hot mess. Drugs everywhere, long lines to mediocre food vendors, and maybe along the way, you might find a true local vendor... surrounded by weird vendors hocking Tibetan, and African wares. If this is Northwest "folklife" it's more of an extreme slice of capitol hill. I'm a local, and normally a passive-aggressive Seattlite is my profession, but this event is for the hipsters and hippies. Buskers were everywhere blocking the way, making pileups and stoppages; sure they might have a cool act to be seen, it's a pain. Folklife should make an effort to give them places to do this, without making a people traffic mess. I wasn't in the mood to stand there and watch, because of the rampant drug use. I get it's legal, but when I'm partially allergic to that crap, and it's blown into my face; I want to punch that person in the mouth. The place was a mess, people were just throwing their trash everywhere (not enough trash cans), and others climbing trees and trashcans, and other things, that had no real reason, other than they were probably high, literately and figuratively. Don't get me wrong, there are good things, I found a great local vendor, who was selling some amazing preserves, from a local farm. That is awesome, I support artists who have great crafts. It's free, and you can expect a wide mess of people, vendors, and performers... I just wish there was a little more organization, and less (or no) drugs. read more

Northwest Folklife - Well... Obvious? - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've never smelled so much pot or heard so many cool music in all in one day my entire life! (No, not on purpose. It's hard to ignore the smell of pot of the smokers who's standing next to you in the crowd.) It was raining and cold yet the place was jammed packed with people! That's how amazing this festival was! Cost: FREE, donation accepted. One of the largest Folklife festival in the northwest! (Parking was slightly a pain, actually it was a major pain! Typical Seattle) Atmosphere: Awesome, chill, hippie, fun, super crowded. 250,000+ in 3 days. Not to mention, it's right at Space Needle! Fantastic location. Music: large variety, fiddles, guitars, rock, Scottish, African American, etc. You name it, you got it. Food: Uh-MAZING. Can you say APPLE & PEACH DUMPLING? Refer to pic. Large variety of food from all countries. They all looked good. I couldn't choose. Vendors: Awesome. The uncommon market section will give you plenty of oriental things to buy. I got 4 scarfs for only $16! Whoot! Workshops: cool workshops that teaches you different musical instruments. Free performances ran all day long. I also got to make butter and butter milk in 5 minutes at this festival! Despite the pot smoking, this place is great for all ages!!! Larger and better than your average festival. So much to do! You'll have blast if you wear comfortable shoes! read more

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This has been my 2nd year in a row to have gone to Northwest Folklife Festival. Lots of people and food booths are endless. There were so many performers on each corners I feel like from professional to amateur from Singing, Dancing , Performing magic tricks and playing Instruments. It was a very fun and chill vibe! Have a great time! read more

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Fun times seeing watching several live bands, Salsa Dancing. Last Fri, I saw Bellydancing too. It's free Admission but people can donate. read more

Northwest Folklife - Katherine Bird, Bellydancer. Folklife Fest. Exhibition Hall. Fri. 2019. - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Memorial day weekend yearly festival. Food disappointing where are the food trucks!?!?!?! The food stand (think typical overpriced fair food) type food is never very good. Free with a suggested donation of $10. Great street musicians. Diverse schedule of everything a folklife ahem hippie festival should have that you can even pull up on you phone! Interesting fact... it usually rains! So plan on it being wet for part of the festival. I lucked out and went the day before it rained! read more

I love attending this festival every year. Bohemia abounds at Seattle Center! Shop til you drop with plenty of booths to choose from, custom-made boots for $400 and up to braided neon for $2. Last year I purchased handfuls of home-made bracelets, a leather cowboy hat for my cowboy and a Rasta maxi for my girl. This year I got a henna tattoo on my back for $15! There's also music; one-man bands, Andean musicians, banjo hippies and stage players. Think street musicians, this is sort of their convention. Food booths are everywhere too but I would rather wait for The Bite. Food here is just overpriced junk. The best part of the Folklife Festival is the people watching. A bearded man in a bustier and skirt flitting scarves around wanders on the lawn. Painted angels wait for tips and mime for you. And stinky hippies and their adorable dogs lounge near the fountain. This is all just a glimpse into our famous west coast life, come and see for yourself. read more

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I'm not sure what to think of the Seattle Folklife Festival anymore. It seems to have no direction...no heart...no soul. What is it exactly? What are we celebrating? There is music: sometimes strange music. There is dancing: sometimes performed by people who are motivated by herbal supplements. There is artwork, food, activities...people slinging their wares...people doing stuff for money...anything for money. The Folklife Festival is free, but they still want your money. Weirdo people offering free hugs and kisses: avoid the strange old man perving on young girls. All of the food is overpriced. Why? Probably because there is nothing else to eat and they are taking advantage of that monopoly. You will see all types of people: from people who just climbed out of the garbage to bare-chested 70 year old men. I saw a girl who was walking around in a pink bra. I was confronted by a few odd people who wanted to talk about my t-shirt, which read "beer is food." One girl grabbed me and said that I reminded her of her ex-boyfriend. And then she tried to grab my popcorn. Another young kid mumbled something about beer actually being food in a video game that he plays. In sum, this place is disgusting and wonderful, strange and delightful. It is the epitome of diversity. read more

Northwest Folklife - Beautiful - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I love Folklife! Every year I have so much fun just wandering around checking out the vendors and people watching. I love that it attracts people of a wide variety of lifestyles and ages. The only thing I generally avoid is the food. I've had good experiences with the gyros, but for the most part it seems like it's just sad overpriced versions of what the restaurants normally serve. I usually prefer to get something at one of the sit-down restaurants within walking distance. read more

This is one of the signature annual events in Seattle, now in its 48th year. So much fun, with nonstop music over four days each Memorial Day weekend. I like the impromptu musicians performing on the sidewalks almost as much as those on the multiple stages. If the weather is good, head to the Seattle Center for this great family friendly festival! read more

I have been to folklife for many years and I enjoy it each year. They always have a larger selection of food, music, and other vendors than some other local street fairs. What I notice is that, year after year, the food prices have gone up! Several years ago, the average price for food was around $6 - 7. This year many food items cost from $8-$10. Lots of great music and local musicians. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out what kind of music you are listening to since there are so many performers and their music override one or another. It is often really difficult to push through the crowd and try to make your way around. read more

This is a yearly festival during Memorial Day weekend at the Seattle Center. I would recommend going at least once. However, be prepared for a big crowd. Admission is free with a suggested donation. The street performers are varied from African tribal drums to Chinese dancers to American folk dancers. Various vendors of hats, t-shirts, jewelry and art that I like to look at and always end up buying at least one thing new. The food is a bit pricey but it's good, carnival food like elephant ears. Parking is available in paid lots or on the street. read more

People watching = three stars. The myriad of subjects is amazing. From blooming emo love to geriatric gyration, it is all present and accounted for and I love it. Tapping into my inner hippie chic = one star (if you tell anybody else, I will deny it and sic the Manson family on you). The asshole who parked his car outside my apartment and set the alarm to "blare loudly if a soft breeze kicks up" = ZERO STARS. Everyone on the block got to listen to that shit all day. You are lucky that POS was still in one piece when you got back to it. Remember that shit next year. read more

I LOVE FOLKLIFE! Not for the people, not for the entertainment, but for the foooood.... In particular, a booth called Horn of Africa. They're from Portland and serve delicious sambusas, spicy chicken, and other stuff I can't remember how to spell. Also, Warthog BBQ from Fife is good too. Next time, I need to arm myself with tupperware containers so I can hoard the deliciousness for winter. Maybe next year... read more

For years, I would begin my festival season with a visit to Folklife. I typically attend on Friday because I try to avoid crowds (quite unsuccessfully, I may add) as much as possible. It's crowded but less so compared to the rest of the weekend in my opinion. In more recent years, I've begun earlier with a visit to the U-District Street Fair, which occurs a few weeks before Folklife. Price - Free and donations are accepted. Food - The food is not notable but that's okay, I'm not going there for food but it would be nice. Buskers - I love hearing and seeing new things. Folklife is a great way for me to gain exposure to a wide variety of entertainment. Entertainment - They do a great job of putting out a schedule each year. This year, I even tried the mobile app! Whaaaaat? Mobile app? Fancy. Another great thing about the entertainment is that I often know some folks who are performing. I get super excited to see someone I know! Overall, I attend Folklife for the feel. I'm a fairly serious person, particularly in my work life. One reason I attend is because it makes me feel a little lighter to see so many passionate people, happy to be there, doing their thing. It's contagious in a lot of ways. Also, I spend a lot of time at Seattle Center and enjoy many things about the space. read more

I absolutely LOVE Folklife. Actually, I'm just a culture vulture who loves seeing a hustling crowd with no place to go. I love practically free entertainment since Bumbershoot is now so insanely high. This past season of Folklife was better than I remember any of the others being. There were more booths, more acts, more people... about the same amount and choice in food... and the sunshine was absolutely GORGEOUS on this particular day in the midst of some crazy cold front we were having. If you don't like crowds, don't bother. If you don't like people, don't bother. If you don't like throwing away the extra-greasy curly fries at the bottom of the plate and watching some penniless hippie come and snatch them up from the garbage can (believe it, it happened to me!), then don't bother. We had no problem finding parking, as the opera house was selling all-day spots to carpools of three or more for only five dollars! That's the key people, CARPOOL. I think that's what they were trying to encourage people to do. And please don't leave your dogs locked in your car if you plan on being gone for more than an hour on a hot day. read more

Personally, I'm not really all that down with folk music but I usually just go to the festival for the food anyway. That and the dancing hippies. One of my favorite things about Folklife is that it is FREE to enter (unlike Bumbershoot) and people from all over the world (literally) attend and perform. It's very multi-cultural and I've noticed that it keeps getting bigger year after year. read more

One of the more POPULAR and WELL KNOWN festivals to hit off the season in SEATTLE CENTER..........but............. It's hard for me to sum up the place really. I mean, I really commemorate this festival for it's PURPOSE, which is to sustain folk arts; Inviting people of different cultures to share their communities music and dance. HOWEVER! Folklife seems to be going on the DOWNHILL lately. With the HOARDS of crowds that you would generally only see displaying their puffing talents at hempfest, have now become a ritualistic part in folklife; And music is beginning to dull down, mainly consisting of the same BLUEGRASS FEEL on every corner. A couple years back, I only remember one or two blugrass performers playing, and this year and I counted at least eight or nine. Which is alot in my opinion, for an 'eclectic' festival to be displaying the same music. I mean, some of the main stages I have to admit can be a bit exciting, especially ones that not only have music but dancers as well (irish cloggers, hula, drum and dance, etc.), but other than that, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit Folklife. Matter of fact, this year the only reason why I went was because I was already in the area and figured, "eh, why not. we'll see what's up." But, even just dropping in I was still a little disappointed. I would much more highly suggest BUMBERSHOOT & THE BITE instead. If anything, I was more interested in the juggling act I saw when I was there and eating a crepe. Now if only I brought along a breathing mask or a constantly lit NAG CHAMPA incense stick to hold in front of my face at all times, then maybe things would have been more bearable. read more

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No admission, Great "free" music to kick back too, and hippies! read more

Northwest Folklife - Deep Fried PB&J (nanacocotella) - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Forever a Fan! This years festival (2009) was wonderful. Each year I arrive early for good parking and a good seat at the 11 am entertainment that I've chosen, then I leave when the crowd becomes overwhelming, and back for 8 pm shows. This year I discovered Brother Nolan (Hawaiian music with a twist) and later bought three of his cds. I'm a fan and hope I have the opportunity to see his live show again. Food is great, but the food lines are awful. read more

My first time at Folklife was sometime in high school when I didn't really understand what weed smelled like and could do to you. When innocent friends and I mosied over to the gaggles of people, sitting, talking, playing music on the lawn by the fountain, we got our first douse of the green stuff. Yes. And there were cops around too, but they didn't seem to care. I think that was the most interesting part. Other than finding this kind of atmosphere, you will find drum circles where you can dance like the hippie you knew you were meant to be, eat every kind of festival food, see performances on stage and even as you are walking. If you're in the giving mood, they are always looking for drop-in volunteers. Folklife is a great nonprofit, so they'd love help. You can sell buttons or help in other ways. read more

Only one of the finest festivals in the Seattle area. Make sure you shower and put on deoderant 'cause its close quarters with thousands of other people wanting their touch of music culture. Sitting by the fountain and sifting through the strains of music that drift on the air make for a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. Just don't expect to be alone. read more

I originally didn't even know this was happening, but I found this as I was checking out the Seattle Center! The summer festival is about as hippie as you can get, but it also has a decent amount of booths that sell arts from various cultures mainly African, Tibetan, and native American. Although I didn't buy anything, I thought it was cool to see works from both familiar and new cultures. Definitely a cool free thing to check out if you are sightseeing in the Seattle Center! read more

Northwest Folklife - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

It is going on now. Big line up. Many great acts, scheduled and not scheduled. people ewatching. HMMM Rain! This changes everything. It won't be as crowded. It will be easier to get food, see bands, talk to one another, park. A win-win for all. read more

This was a great event to go to. It definitely made me have a greater appreciation of folk music overall. The music and dance were great, but the food was pricey!! Deep-fried PB & J's seemed to be a very BIG thing there. None for me thanks! I can see arteries clogging already! :) Glad that I got to go though. It was a bit crowded and a GREAT people watching venue. Loads of interesting folks there to entertain you for free. read more

Pretty disappointed this year. Other than the musicians (which were great) there were many people doing drugs (not just smoking) and the police would just walk by and turn a cheek to it. The landscaping was completely ruined by the crowds. There was vandalism everywhere. Litter, trash, I was unimpressed. In past years it has been much better than this. Vendors and food were still decent, though. read more

Great festival with a huge group of unique people converging here. Musicians and great food all over. Space Needle is literally next door. read more

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Loved Northwest Folklife! I participated in the Sunday events this year. Street musicians everywhere, great food options, stages in each direction showcasing different bands and groups, etc. I particularly liked the interactive tent held by the Percussion society. It was just so cool to see such a diverse group of people jamming out on the likes of Cowbells and Djembes. The last thing we did, was go to two workshops- one for Accordion and the other for the Hammer Dulcimer. We learned so much from these musicians that are so experienced in their craft...super neat stuff. So many things to choose from at this Festival; I would have gone today (Memorial Day), but I have other plans to attend to. I'll be back next year! read more

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God forbid people gather and have fun anymore, Seattle has become a mecca of debbie downers and complainers.

Most of the Seattlites I know gleefully look forward to attending Folklife each year. Having finally checked out the hype for myself, I have to admit...I'm not sure why the hell they're so excited. I'll gladly give Folklife one big star for being a free festival, open to all and another star for being a cultural festival where you can supposedly experience showcases of entertainment from many regions. And I'll throw in another star for all the delicious food to be found on the Seattle Center grounds (warm peach dumpling with vanilla ice cream, anyone? how about cajun chicken or an award-winning red velvet cupcake? YES PLEASE.). But besides food and good company, there was little to be had at Folklife. All the main stages I visited boasted performers that could hardly attract my attention away from my delicious food and navigating from one place to another was a hassle, since I had to swim through throngs of hooligans--you know the kind: the rebels and non-conformists who all end up looking alike. (I don't want your grungy free hugs and I don't want to see your gut hanging out of your belly shirt, thankyouverymuch.) If you're coming with a group of friends, just looking for good street food and a boisterous atmosphere, then you'll have a grand ol' time. If you're looking for actual entertainment...better luck next time! read more

This is a fun festival to go to if you just want to spend your time outside for a while and enjoy Seattle for what it is, very hipster city. You kinda get sucked into the whole hippie/hipster world and then I have to remind myself No!!! you will not turn into one of those. Its fun to just walk around and eat awesome food. Kettle corn is always a fav as well as a mango lemonade. There's always cool things that you shouldn't buy because you don't necessarily need it. It can get really crowded so if you're claustrophobic you're better off not going. I noticed the cool new kids play area they have now. Why didn't they have it when I was young? it looks awesome! read more

This is probably one of the better Seattle festivals. For starters, its on Memorial Day Weekend. I usually don't travel on Memorial Day Weekend so I like having something in town to do. It's the first of the bigger summer festivals so everything is still new. It's also a little more original and interesting than some of the other festivals. Once I saw foam costume people (don't know what they're called ok?!) of the Bush Administration in prison-style ball and chains...hehe. read more

Folk life has been a tradition in my family. This year I was able to take my daughters. The weather cooperated and was nice and sunny. The fountain was on so the girls could play in water while my husband and o listened to music. The best way to kick the summer off. This festival is less busy then bumpershoot and worth the price of admission ($10 suggested donation) read more

Great music, free admission, lots of food and vendors to peruse. I enjoy getting food and sitting on the grass, listening to music and relaxing...And buying things I don't need. read more

We were visiting Seattle and stumbled on this festival. Lots of food, music, crafts, local artists, etc. Really fun thing to check out. I wished we could've spent more time (and more $$$) there! If you're in town whole this is going on definitely go check it out! read more

Food not too impressive, vendors not too impressive either... I enjoyed taking part in the line dancing in the Fisher Pavilion though! And since I danced so poorly, I gained new appreciation for performance art. read more

Folk Life is fantastic! In the past it's been a little less free-wheeling and a little more corporate than it used to be, but it's still a TON of fun. Henna tattoos, freakish street entertainers, tie-dye, Indian food, funky bands...it's glorious. I'm a little too showered and un-incensed to fit in, despite my pure love for tie-dye and all things hippie. read more

Quite possibly the most useless "festival" I have ever been to (coincidentally, the only free one) - beer gardens don't allow infants and the music generally sounds the same. Great if you're 15 with nothing better to do but awful if you're of legal drinking age and want to grab a beer with your baby while sitting outside listening to some tunes. Pass. read more

An inside look at Folklife. My wife, a Folklife volunteer since 1995, convinced me to give this annual music festival another chance (I hadn't been since 2006). In preparation, I read the previous Yelp reviews (several years old and luke warm at best) and pretty much agreed with them We spend most of yesterday at the Festival looking at everything: onstage music acts, street musicians, a tour at the volunteer HQ for registering street musicians (my wife did this) and the food and merchandise vendor booths. At the Volunteer HQ, I learned vendors had to pass a jury of volunteers and was surprised with some very interesting and artistic items, like hats and stuffed animals for example as well as interesting and reasonably priced food items. We shared the Bacon Seafood Gumbo and Smoked Turkey Tacos at Caveman Eats and enjoyed the spicy fare. We made several passes through the event area listening to the street musicians (a particular interest of mine) and the young drummer (with his father chaperoning) playing orange 5-gal PVC buckets near the fountain knocked my socks off...amazing that he can get that sound! Unlike our experience in New Orleans a few weeks ago where all to often the street musicians turned out to be obnoxious panhanders, the street performers at Folklife are required to be registered (and looked over) at the Volunteer HQ and they were uniformly friendly and eager to entertain us. Seems like every year a surprising number of the top finalists on" Idol" or "The Voice" turn out to have gotten their start as street musicians, there is no better place to learn and access is available to anybody. On the Festival stage, I loved performances by Otieno Terry, Hip-Hop artist, and Naomi Wamboe, Kenyan American performer ....both brilliant artists who sang their hearts out for us. Folklife announced that this year's event will likely draw about 200,000 people making it the largest free music festival in the US, although volunteers in a low key manner request donations and attendees seemed to be happy to give them. All performers and volunteers do it for free. Since I last went almost 10 years ago, this festival has totally changed as has the population of Seattle. Our previously aging, conservative and predominantly white population is now a vast mix of national origin, race, age and preference. What a wonderful change! Congratulations to the huge Folklife volunteer corps and hardworking professional staff for making this event as good or better than anything we've seen lately. I see a very promising future in store with all the young performers we saw. If you are being a family, the new kids play area is free and very popular. read more

Northwest Folklife - Most photographed image at the 2015 Festival! - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington