Beyond the Space Needle, take in the eclectic festival experience.
The Fremont Festival, also known as the Fremont Fair, began in 1972. This festival runs in June to coincide with the Summer Solstice. Fremont is the self-proclaimed "center of the universe" and draws a large crowd of over 100,000 people to the free event. The motto says it all, "Delibertus Quirkus," in other words, "freedom to be peculiar."
Solstice Parade
One festival highlight is the Solstice Parade, which allows anyone to participate. There are a few simple rules, such as no printed words or logos, no live animals (except guide animals), no motorized vehicles and no real weapons. This has often been quite the spectacle, with many people on bikes in quite unique costumes. Many choose to only wear body paint with very little or no clothing.
The Fremont Festival is located north of Seattle on the northern shore of Lake Union and the Fremont Ship Canal.
Other Events
Other events include Fremont Abbey Arts for All. Arts and crafts activities are presented as well as a performance stage. Seattle Art Car Blowout features over 75 decorated cars on display.
More recently "Shakespeare on the Troll" has been added, featuring selected scenes from some of the most popular plays. Also, take in Gay Bingo, a beach blanket version of the popular game.
Shopping, Partying
There are shopping vendor booths throughout where visitors can find unique items. As at other regional art festivals, you can find vendors from all over the country who come to showcase their work. A full listing of booths and vendors can be found on the festival website.
Local restaurants and bars continue the party after the festival booths close for the day, so the Fairmont Festival is a 24-hour event.
Beer Garden
For those who enjoy beer, the festival's beer garden offers a nice escape. A full six months after Oktoberfest, this beer garden gives the beer drinker something to take in over the summer. As this is a Seattle event, attendees are able to enjoy the local brewery, Red Hook, throughout the garden.
Food Vendors
Stay fueled up through the festival as you can sample its eclectic food vendors. The vendors are located up and down all of the festival streets, and you can pick up a map at the entrance. Everything from Thai to French to Greek to Mexican food is offered to suit your palate.
Music
Schedules are announced every year before the festival begins. Local bands like to make appearances on the two stages. The festival gives attention to local up and comers, and accepts applications every year through January. It notifies those who will receive a performance time in mid-April.
Donations
As a no cost fair, the Fairmont Festival encourages donations. Information booths take donations or you can tip at the beer garden. This money goes directly to benefit Solid Ground, a poverty-focused organization that has been producing the fair for many years.
Tags: Fremont Festival, beer garden, every year, Fairmont Festival, Solstice Parade