Northwest Folklife Festival returns as in-person event after 2 years

SEATTLE — “Metamorphosis: In with the old, in with the new” is the slogan for the 51st Annual Northwest Folklife Festival this year.

The festival is once again offering an in-person experience after switching to virtual events the last two years during the pandemic.

While you can visit the festival in-person this year starting Friday, it is now a hybrid event. There are also daily streaming virtual performances starting at 1 p.m. This is the festival’s first year of offering both in-person and virtual events.

Featuring the music, arts and heritage of the Pacific Northwest, the festival celebrates diversity and has more than 6,000 performers on at least 20 stages, and 200 food, craft and imports vendors. The festival uses 500 volunteers and attracts more than 250,000 attendees.

Entertainment includes buskers, street performers, music, dance, workshops, visual art, film, storytelling and cultural showcase events.

The festival is held at Seattle Center and runs Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Entry to the festival is free, but donations of $20 per person are suggested to meet operating expenses, produce the festival and maintain year-round programs provided by the Northwest Folklife nonprofit organization.

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