Seattle-Area Family Guide for the 2025 Northwest Folklife Festival
The Northwest Folklife Festival, a cherished annual event, returns to Seattle Center this Memorial Day weekend for its 54th year, promising a family-friendly extravaganza filled with music, dance, arts, and culinary delights.
This year's festival theme, Ikigai, encourages self-discovery of purpose, and the event will reflect this ethos through its diverse lineup of performances and activities.
One of the highlights for families is the Massive Break Challenge, a breakdance competition that will take place at the festival. Alongside this, Seattle Children's Theatre will present a matinee performance of "The Pa'akai We Bring," while Youth of Uttoron, a group of middle and high school students, will showcase dances unique to Bengal and India.
For music lovers, the festival offers over 500 performances across 26 stages, including local favourites like Tomo Nakayama, Amelia Day & The Cloves, Lady A, and Marshall Law Band. The Vera Project, a venue known for showcasing up-and-coming young local musicians, will also host a performance during the festival.
For those interested in dance, Seattle Balkan Dancers will teach traditional Balkan party dances, and Salsa for Kids!, offered by Latin dance school Baila District, will introduce children to salsa music and dance.
Art and craft enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Threads of the People, a new addition in 2023 that celebrates fashion as folk art. This area includes runway shows, workshops, vendors, fabric swaps, and cultural performances. A photo booth is also available for families to capture memories of their outfits at Threads of the People.
To add to the festive atmosphere, the festival introduces two beer gardens for all ages: The Fisher Green Global Roots Village & Lawn Pub and the Fountain Lawn Pub & Jam Hub. These beer gardens feature family-friendly activities and enable families to enjoy performances together. The beer gardens also offer food from local restaurants, such as The Chicken Supply.
The Northwest Folklife Festival is more than just a performance event; it's a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. With its wide range of family-friendly activities and performances, it's an ideal destination for a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend.
For the most accurate and up-to-date lineup of family performances, checking the official Northwest Folklife Festival website or Seattle Center event pages closer to the festival dates is recommended.
- Kids and families can look forward to attending the Massive Break Challenge, a breakdance competition, and the matinee performance of "The Pa'akai We Bring by Seattle Children's Theatre, as well as the unique dances showcased by Youth of Uttoron, at the Northwest Folklife Festival.
- Music lovers of all ages will find over 500 performances across 26 stages, including local favorites like Tomo Nakayama, Amelia Day & The Cloves, and The Vera Project will host a performance featuring up-and-coming young musicians.
- For those interested in dance, Seattle Balkan Dancers will teach traditional Balkan party dances, and Salsa for Kids!, offered by Latin dance school Baila District, will introduce children to salsa music and dance.
- The Northwest Folklife Festival offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, including art and craft workshops, fashion as folk art runway shows, cultural performances, and photo opportunities at Threads of the People, as well as family-friendly beer gardens featuring food from local restaurants.
