Folklife, Mariners, and more: What to know and where to go for action-packed Memorial Day weekend

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WESTERN WASHINGTON — This Memorial Day weekend is packed with events that could lead to traffic issues beyond the getaway travel days.

Large crowds are expected at some events.

The Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

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Offering art, music, film, food, and vendors, it’s one of the major events this weekend. As many as hundreds of thousands of people could attend over the weekend.

In 2018, Folklife was concerned about a lack of donations, and it’s fairly certain that organizers are probably hoping people support the festival this year as it tries to bounce back following the pandemic.

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Also in Seattle, there’s a Mariners homestand at T-Mobile Park against the Pirates, and then the Yankees, starting Friday through the middle of next week, with games happening at varied times.

On Friday, United Soccer League Two’s Ballard FC is slated to play at Interbay Stadium at 7 p.m., and the Seattle Storm will take on the Dallas Wings at Climate Pledge Arena, also at 7 p.m.

At Lumen Field on Saturday, the OL Reign plays the Angel City FC at 12:30 p.m. Then the Sounders will take on the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m.

Outside Seattle, there are also several events, including Bellingham’s Ski to Sea race featuring KIRO 7′s team on Sunday. Organizers said the event will draw large crowds. There are 478 teams competing this year, the most in more than a decade.

There’s also Minor League Baseball in Tacoma, where the Rainiers have a home stand Friday through Sunday, while the Everett AquaSox have an afternoon game at 4:05 p.m. Monday.