The Best Events for Seattle Newcomers

October 1, 2:50 PMSeattle Newcomer ExaminerShiwani Srivastava

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It's tough being new in town.  There's finding your way around, fighting off the Seattle Freeze, and most of all, figuring out what it means to be a Seattleite.  But exploring a new city can also be thrilling, and Seattle in particular is home to a number of fairs and festivals that really give you a sense of what this town's all about.  Here are ten of the best that'll introduce you to the sounds, sights, and tastes of Seattle all around town, throughout the year.

Earshot Jazz Festival
October 18 - November 9, 2008
Get to know the lively Seattle jazz scene, check out some of the city's best music venues (like the Triple Door), and hear jazz musicians from around the world at this annual festival.

Seattle Center WinterFest
Novemer 28 - December 31, 2008
It feels a little like a classic Northeast winter at this festival complete with skating, ice sculpting, and Christmas lights galore.  There are also musical performances and a winter solstice celebration.

University District Street Fair
Mid May 2009 (TBA)
Listen to live music, feast on street food, and scope out local crafts and art at this kick-off to the festival season in Seattle.  New to the area?  Take a stroll through through the UW campus nearby if you need a break from the crowd.

Northwest Folklife Festival
Late May 2009 (TBA)
This festival - one of Seattle's largest - is a celebration in music, food, and crafts of the folk, ethnic, and traditional cultures of the area (old and new), including the diverse Native American population living near Seattle.

Seattle International Film Festival
Late May - early June 2009 (TBA)
Get a sneak peak at some of the best movies of the year, including some major studio relases, documentaries, foreign films, and work from local filmmakers (become a member for access to a number of special events).

Fremont Fair & Summer Solstice Parade
Late June 2009 (TBA)
A nude bike parade (well okay, there's body paint involved), a colorful summer pageant and parade, and a fair filled with live music, painted cars, and street food.  Need I say more? 

Seafair
June 27 - August 2, 2009
You can' t call yourself a true Seattleite till you've been to Seafair. Events take place all over town and include hydroplane races, a Blue Angels air show, and a number of street fairs (including one in the International District).

Ballard SeafoodFest
Late July 2009 (TBA)
Seattle is practically synonymous with Seafood.  The Ballard SeafoodFest is not only tasty - it's a glimpse into Seattle's Scandinavian history/settlers and a good excuse to explore one of the area's most interesting neighborhoods.

Capital Hill Block Party
Late July 2009 (TBA)
One of Seattle's greatest claims to fame is its ever-budding music scene.  The block party is a chance to see a variety of great bands in one of Seattle's most famous (and fun) neighborhoods.

Bumbershoot
September 5-7, 2009
This festival is a must-see for any music-lover.  Sponsored by the independent raido station KEXP, the event features local, national, and international artists and bands revolutionizing the music scene.