Northwest Folklife Festival is the annual free Memorial Day weekend celebration of ethnic, folk, and traditional arts on the grounds of Seattle Center. It is Seattle’s unofficial leap into summer. Since 1971, NW Folklife’s work has been rooted in the shared humanity of connection and creative expression. The festival is a collaboration with hundreds of organizers, artists, educators, tradition bearers, and cultural leaders throughout the region.
2025 Northwest Folklife Festival
Folklife is one of the largest arts and culture festivals of its kind—a multi-day, community-powered event that celebrates all forms of artistic and cultural expression. Come to the Folklike Festival to discover arts, foods, and traditions that thrive in the Puget Sound region. You are likely to hear new kinds of music, discover new foods, and experience fresh perspectives from diverse cultures.
The 2025 Cultural Focus is IKIGAI! Ikigai explores the concept of Purpose. “Iki” which means “life”, and “Gai” which means “worth living”. In this sense, ikigai explores a holistic human experience and offers ways to show up as our best, authentic self.
- When: Memorial Day Weekend, Friday-Monday. May 23-26, 2025. Rain or shine.
- Hours: Festival Hours: Friday – Sunday 11AM – 10PM. Monday 11AM-9PM.
- Admission: FREE. Yep. Not a typo. Free. Suggested donation: $20/day.
- Where: Seattle Center campus. The official address is 305 Harrison St, Seattle 98109. But there are many entrances to the 74-acre arts and cultural center.
- Website: Festival | Northwest Folklife (nwfolklife.org)
Parking and Transportation:
- Car. Many paid lots are within a few blocks of Seattle Center. However, parking lots fill up by midday and can have high rates. It is recommended to take the bus or ride your bike.
- Bus. ifteen Metro bus routes serve Seattle Center from around the region. You can take the bus directly to Seattle Center, or to downtown Seattle and then take the Monorail from Westlake Center Mall (5th and Pine St) into Seattle Center.
- Bike. Racks are located at all Seattle Center campus entrances.
- More info: Getting to Seattle Center (seattlecenter.com)
About the Folklife Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Founded in 1972, the Memorial Day Weekend Folklife Festival is the place to learn, to dance, to play, to try something new, and to discover arts and cultures. All of the Festival’s artists donate their performances in order to share their cultural heritage, arts, and traditions. You can experience music and dance, visual arts exhibits, demonstrations of traditional arts, hands-on children’s activities, dance and music workshops, crafts, food, imported goods, and more. From yodeling to beatboxing, square dancing to Bollywood, the Northwest Folklife Festival celebrates the global traditions of local, independent artists.
Admission is free! However, you may want to bring money for food, beverages, crafts, or merchandise to support festival participants. Or stay frugal, pack a lunch, and plan to just take in the sights and sounds—there’s plenty to see and do. You can spend many hours wandering vendor booths featuring handmade goods from Northwest craft makers, as well as imported crafts from around the world, including artwork, dishware, musical instruments, some hard-to-find items, and more.
Donations are strongly encouraged. Northwest Folklife depends on donations from generous individuals, as well as sponsors, foundations, government programs, and corporate partners. The Folklife Festival is presented without admission charge, to remove economic barriers and create the most inclusive, wide-reaching arts experience for everyone.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Northwest Folklife Festival and receive discounted merchandise and other perks. Volunteer as an individual or as part of your community or business organization. The application process closes in early May.
How to support Northwest Folklife
Nonprofit NW Folklife Festival produces the signature Memorial Day Weekend event along with other programming throughout the year in partnership with youth and community organizations. In order to keep the Folklife Festival admission free for future generations, NW Folklife depends on donations to meet operating expenses, produce the annual festival, and maintain year-round programming. It’s not easy to sustain, and they need your support. There are several other ways you can contribute:
- Donate admission at the Memorial Day Festival. The suggestion amount is $20, but any amount is gratefully appreciated.
- Become a regular donor to the non-profit organization through contributions or sponsorship.
- Volunteer to help at Folklife events.
- Attend a benefit throughout the year to support Folklife programs.
- Shop on AmazonSmile and select Northwest Folklife as the nonprofit of your choice.
More info: Support Northwest Folklife (nwfolklife.org)
But wait! There’s more!
- Our big list of music festivals in Washington State (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Our big list of live music gigs & concerts (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Free outdoor summer music concerts (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Calendar of Memorial Day Weekend events
Listed below are all events on our calendar over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
Find more events and ideas for affordable living at Greater Seattle on the Cheap – Free things to do, cheap fun, discounts and deals in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
