Not only is springtime here, but so are all of the great family-friendly festivals that come with it (and that we’ve missed out on the last couple of years). When the sun is shining and the birds are singing, can there be a more beautiful place to be? To help you get out and enjoy everything spring has to offer, we’re highlighting some of Seattle’s best spring festivals. From crafts and music to flowers and farm animals, scroll down and get ready to clear your calendars!
Washington State Spring Fair
Welcome the warmer weather and sunshine with a visit to the Washington State Events Center for the annual Washington State Spring Fair. This year larger than ever, take in favorite fair attractions, including baby animal exhibits, carnival rides, music, entertainment and, of course, amazing eats...can you say hot Fisher scones?
This year's fair is packed with fun events and shows like magic shows, comedy shows, the Selfie Experience (with larger-than-life, eye-catching, social media-worthy photo props), chainsaw carving contests, animal shows (like Jungle Critters, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs and DockDogs), the Timberworks Lumberjack show (always a hit), a creative kids competition, monster truck rides and more.
Be sure to visit the many fun exhibits like the interactive learning area, The Farm at SillyVille where fruits and vegetables are larger than life, amazing displays and activities that will even impress parents and end the mini trip with a free healthy snack on the way out. (We aren't kidding, this is one of the best free attractions at the fair.) Other great things to see include the hands-on KidZone and Tractor Tracks. And of course, there are lots of rides, music and food to consider, too.
Good to know: Save $2 on admission if tickets are purchased online before April 13.
Dates: Apr. 14-16 and 21-24, 2022 (closed Easter)
Time: Thurs., 2 p.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Cost: Thu. & Fri.: $13/Adults; $11/Students (6-18); 5 & under Free; Sat. & Sun.: $15/Adults; $12/Students (6-18); 5 & under Free
Parking: Free on Thurs.; $12 on Fri.-Sun.
Washington State Fair Events Center
110 9th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, WA 98371
Event details
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
You know spring has sprung in the good ol' Pacific Northwest when the tulips burst open, and there is no better place to view them than at the month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Drive through field upon field of vibrant color throughout Skagit Valley or make a stop at RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town or the new Garden Rosalyn to visit the gardens, see beautiful displays and snap some photos of the fam along the brightly colored fields.
There are all kinds of special events in honor of the festival this year including the Tulip Parade, the 28th Annual Spring Garage Sale (with antiques and more), farmer's markets, art shows, the famous Kwanis Salmon Barbecue, petting farms, the 40th Annual Tulip Pedal ride, Woodfest, La Conner Street Fair and more–all month long. Learn more about all of the events happening their complete guide to this year's festival.
Good to know: As you can imagine, tulips do not grow according to the schedule festival organizers put in place. However, you can check out the "bloom status" any time before you make a trip up there or call 360-428-5959 or email info@tulipfestival.org.
Dates: Apr. 1–30, 2022
Cost: Free to drive around Skagit Valley; various admission fees to enter gardens.
Plan your trip to the festival with our handy family guide.
Seattle International Children’s Friendship Festival
Celebrate the rich traditions of cultures from around the globe at the Seattle International Children’s Friendship Festival. This annual festival is for kids, by kids, featuring cultural exhibits and stage performances including music, ballet and folk dance highlighting local kids’ ethnic heritages. This festival unites kids through the universal language of art, fostering cultural exchange and friendship in a creative, festive environment.
Date: Apr. 23, 2022
Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Seattle Center - Fisher Pavilion
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
Event details
Kelsey Creek Sheep Shearing
It's baa-ck! It's a chance for kids to watch the sheep lose their winter coats. Families can also enjoy wool spinning demonstrations, tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides, heritage demonstrations and tons of other family-friendly activities during your afternoon on the farm. Food trucks will be on site, too, so bring an appetite.
Good to know: There will be a free shuttle service available from Wilburton Park and Ride (720 114 Ave. S.E.) and Bannerwood Sports Park (1630 132nd Ave. S.E.). Costs vary for food and activities. No ATM on site and credit cards will not be accepted, so plan to bring good ol' cash. Dogs not allowed in barnyard area.
Date: April 30, 2022
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free (food and some activities extra)
Kelsey Creek Farm
410 130th Pl. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98005
Event details
Baby Animals & Blooms Days
Baby animals and a blooming tulip field are the headliners of this festival. But we're sure if you asked your kids, they'd say the farm amenities are what make this event worth the drive for Seattle families. They've got enough to keep your kids playing all day long (no joke) and it all starts with the Kids Courtyard Play Area. If you've got toddlers in tow, this is a great spot to be. But if big kids are in your crew, start in the back field where you'll find the cow trains, feed mill ropes course, mega bubbles, zip lines, jumping pillow and tube slides. They'll be tired after a day on this gorgeous farm. When you need to refuel, stop by one of the many food booths to grab a bite.
Good to know: The candy cannon is...well, a blast. Gather your kids in the field a few minutes before it goes off (at 1 & 4:30 p.m.) to catch your share of candy rocketing overhead.
Date: Sat. & Sun., Apr. 23-May 8, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $18/Adult; $16/Kid (3-12); Free, Kids 2 & under; $25/Person, on-site (3 & up)
Maris Farms
25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy.
Buckley, WA
Event details
Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) Circus
Long ago in 1966, a Dr. Seuss-inspired carnival called Circus McGurkus rolled into town for the children of Mercer Island. The Mercer Island Preschool Association's 54th annual circus events brings in families from all over Seattle, the Eastside and beyond and this year will be no different. Little guys and gals ages 2-8 will be busy with all of the non-stop fun of the carnival games, live entertainment (including Nancy Stewart, Bubble Man, Creation Dance Studio, Dani & the Bee and Reptile Man), face painting, petting zoo and so much more. Psst! Be sure to come hungry and take advantage of the delicious food trucks that will be on site.
Date: April 30, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $18 (MIPA members save $3); Petting zoo is $5 per child.
Mercer Island Community Center Parking Lot
8236 SE 24th St.
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Online: mipreschoolassociation.membershiptoolkit.com/circus
Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
The whole town of Wenatchee will be buzzing from April 28 to May 8 with activities and events in the scenic valley to showcase what makes this town such a hardworking and close-knit community. The whopping 11-day festival (celebrating 103 years!) includes a grand parade, America's seventh largest carnival with 25 ride and games, a 20-booth food fair and live entertainment every day of the event. The festival also includes a three-day Arts & Crafts Fair with over 140 vendors, Tour de' Bloom, a three-day cycling event in the Wenatchee Valley, the Classy Chassis parade and car show, the Kiwanis pancake breakfast and the Confluence Health Apple Blossom Run.
Kids are center stage with their own youth parade (April 30) that features over 4,500 children. Plus, Youth Day (May 1) offers free face painting, rubber stamping, hands-on activities, funnel cake eating contest and more.
Good to know: The festival's Stemilt Grand Parade marches on Saturday, May 7. Grab a curbside seat and see the daredevil maneuvers of the Seattle Motorcycle Police Drill Team, marching bands from throughout the Northwest, colorful floats, proud-stepping equestrian units and dignitaries from many different Northwest festivals.
Dates: Apr. 28-May 8, 2022
Times: Various. View the festival calendar online.
Cost: Free
Online: appleblossom.org
Plan your family getaway in Wenatchee with our family travel guide.
A Festival for May
Knights and fair maidens gather together to usher in the magical month of May at Camlann Medieval Village. May Day was a popular holiday in the Middle Ages when villagers would enjoy dancing, games, feasting and contests. The 21st Annual Festival for May brings the fun and festivities of springtime to the beautiful Seattle countryside. Catch a glimpse of what May Day might have looked like hundreds of years ago as you experience entertainment and craft shops, including garland weaving, wool dyeing and blacksmithing. Psst! Get in the spirit by donning medieval garb (optional, but super authentic). Craft shops and booths open at noon, May Games and entertainment at 1 p.m., and the festival culminates with a colorful Maypole ceremony and selection of the Queen of May at 4:30 p.m.
Good to know: The optional traditional dinner, which is truly a feast, is offered both nights at 5 p.m. by reservation. It is $50/person and includes admission to the festival.
Dates: Apr. 30-May 1, 2022
Time: noon–5 p.m.
Cost: $10/Adults (13+); $8/Seniors & Kids (12 & under); 5 & under Free
Camlann Medieval Village
10320 Kelly Rd. N.E.
Carnation, WA 98014
Online: camlann.org
Kodomo no Hi Children's Day Festival
The Japanese Community Center of Washington welcomes all families to their Kodomo no Hi or Children's Day Festival introducing them to world of children's culture in Japan including art, history and music. This year's theme revolves around a Japanese idea called Mottainai, an initiative to reduce waste and save resources. Enjoy interactive activities, live performances and demonstrations too.
Date: May 14, 2022
Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
1414 S. Weller St.
Seattle, WA 98144
206-568-7114
Online: jcccw.org/kodomo-no-hi
Northwest Folklife Festival
Since 1971, Memorial Day Weekend in Seattle has been synonymous with the Northwest Folklife Festival. The 51st annual four-day celebration of the evolving folk and ethnic traditions of the Pacific Northwest is commemorated through the arts and music. This year’s Cultural Focus is "Metamorphosis: In with the Old, In with the New" (See what they did there?) In keeping with that spirit, the festival will be a hybrid event, with online and in-person programming available to be accessible to all. In addition, the festival will be exploring themes of transition, transformation, and growth: themes central to the folk lineage and process. Kids can party and jam in a special area designated for families or hang out in the Discovery Zone that will be overflowing with age-appropriate adventures, hands-on activities, performances and workshops.
Date: May 27-30, 2022
Time: TBA
Cost: Free
Seattle Center
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
Event details
Lacey Spring Fun Fair
Celebrating 34 years of free family fun, the Lacey Spring Fun Fair has provided activities and entertainment for thousands of visitors over the years. It is one of the largest two-day festivals in Western Washington featuring arts, crafts, food, clowns (non-scary ones, we promise!), music, entertainment, car show, rides, games and more. This year's special attractions include a circus train, ballistic swings, giant slide, the "Leaps and Bounds" challenge course, a Jurassic Adventure bouncer and obstacle course, a meet-n-greet of DinoCrew NW and over 20 booths of kids crafts, games and giveaways.
Good to know: While onsite parking is limited at the fair, you can take advantage of the free shuttle bus service from South Sound Mall with buses leaving every 15 minutes from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sat. and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun.
Date: May 21 & 22, 2022
Time: Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m..; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Saint Martin's University
5300 Pacific Ave. S.E.
Lacey, WA 98503
Online: Laceyspringfair.com
—Jeffrey Totey, Kristina Moy & Abbey McGee
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