Your Guide to the First-Ever Annual Seattle Children’s Festival

If your family loves the annual Northwest Folklife Festival, then mark your calendars for the first-ever Seattle Children’s Festival. This one-day, multi-cultural event (produced by Northwest Folklife) will bring local communities and families together to celebrate “Our Big Neighborhood.” From hands-on activities to interactive workshops to well-loved children’s performers, learn about all the different cultures that make the Northwest so unbelievably fantastic. Oh, and did we mention… it’s completely FREE!

photo: Christopher Nelson courtesy of Northwest Folklife

What to See
Just like the Northwest Folklife Festival, there will be no shortage of fun at this inaugural event. Expect to find toy-boat building, mosaic creating, puppet making and urban farming lessons (with live animals) as well as a variety of artists including Brazilian Capoeira, Leela Kathak Dancers, and Bollywood Dance from Rhythms of India. If that’s not enough excitement, kids will have the opportunity to learn and listen to various music styles and stories including Sunshine Music Together, Hand-made Crankies, American stringband music, and Marimba groups. After you check the entertainment schedule, the only question you will ask is what to see first?

photo: Christopher Nelson courtesy of Northwest Folklife

What to Do
Since this festival is going to be epic, your things-to-do list is going to be huge! PCC Natural Markets will be onsite with hands-on cooking demonstrations; the Discovery Zone inside Fisher Pavilion will have tons of interactive workshops and activities; MOHAI will be showcasing interactive historical exhibits; Games of the World will have fun strategy games to introduce little adventurers to different cultures; and Little Wing will be teaching budding musicians about rhythm, song structure, and instruments. Psst! Bring your jumping shoes so you can take part in the Ropeworks Jump Rope challenges and make your own beaded jump rope while you’re there.

photo: Christopher Nelson courtesy of Northwest Folklife

What Not to Miss
Kid faves Caspar Babypants and Recess Monkey will be in the house, so come prepared to sing, dance, and get all your sillies out. Also, be sure to look for Event Passports that will lead you on an interactive journey through the festival.

photo: Christopher Nelson courtesy of Northwest Folklife

Important Details
Date: October 12, 2014
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free

Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion, Armory and Armory Lofts
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
Online: nwfolklife.org/seattlechildrensfestival 
Facebook: facebook.com/nwfolklife

Will your family be attending the Seattle Children’s Festival? We’d love to hear about your experience in a comment below. 

–Allison Rasmussen