Pike Place Market Street Festival this weekend downtown Seattle

May 29, 3:06 PMSeattle North American Travel ExaminerStephanie Jolly

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Rachel, the Pike Place Market Mascot, also serves as a working piggy-bank who raises money
for the Market Foundation, sponsor of the Pike Place Market Street Festival taking place
May 30-31 downtown Seattle.  Photo: Stephanie Jolly

Not that you needed any more reasons to visit the pictuesque and historic Pike Place Market on what promises to be a beautiful, sunny weekend, but the annual Street Festival benefiting the Market Foundation will be taking place May 30-31st.

The Pike Place Market Street Festival began in 1971 after Seattleites petitioned to have the market placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, thus saving it from the threat of destruction.  This year's festival is particularly appropriate after the November election where Seattleites once again voted to protect the public marketspace, this time in the form of a levy, from which funds will be used to improve safety and accessibility throughout Pike Place Market. 

The kick-off parade begins Saturday at 10am featuring local drill teams and drum squads followed by a "Strut Your Mutt" parade on Sunday with an annual dog contest and parade in Steinbrueck Park, named for Victor Steinbrueck, the gentlemen who spearheaded the save the market campagin in the early '70s. 

Live music will occur daily on the Pike Brewing Main Stage, featuring a variety of local blues, jazz, country, indie rock and cover bands.  Children can partake in the Kids Zone, sponsered by the Pike Market Childcare & Preschool, where they can paint fish and vegetables, do arts & crafts or jump around in the bounce house.  Adults may prefer the Pike Brewing Company Beer & Wine Garden, open from 11am - 7pm, where they can imbibe a variety of microbrews crafted just below Pike Place Market.  All festivities are in addition to the bounty of artisan food, colorful flowers and fish throwing that is a regular part of the market experience. 

Admission to Pike Place Market is always free, although a $1 donation is suggested to help support services offered by The Market Foundation, including the Pike Market Medical Clinic, childcare facilities, senior center and downtown food bank.