Throughout the school year, students look forward to summer break when they will be able to relax and hang out in the sun. However, within the first month of summer, they exhaust the usual outdoor activities of swimming at a beach or having a picnic in a park. Unknowingly to many, there are numerous events in the Seattle area — with a wide variety of activities and prices — that are enjoyable for all types of people. These activities are a great way to get outside and enjoy everything from cultural events to free concerts.
For the Adventurous
Seattle Center Festál
Cultural events are great experiences for students to explore and learn from many people of different ethnicities. The Seattle Center Festál has weekend festivals that offer cultural events for free. Each weekend, an ethnic community shares their culture through “music, dance, hands-on-exploration, exhibits, foods, and more” (http://www.seattlecenter.com/festal/). A variety of 23 cultures are featured throughout the year, including Polish, Iranian, Irish and Croatian festivals.
Umoja Fest
The Umoja Fest is another cultural event that specifically features African heritage. The fest occurs on Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 at Judkins Park in Seattle and includes several events such as a parade, basketball tournament and performances by multiple artists. The activities are free seeing as Umoja — which means unity in Swahili — is meant to bring together all types of people from Seattle’s communities.
For the Lively
Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Concerts are another entertaining activity that many enjoy going to. Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates offers free summer concerts on Tuesdays. Many bring their own chairs and blankets to sit on and buy food from the several food trucks available. Besides the free concerts, the winery also features more well-known artists. In the past, popular artists such as John Legend, Michael Franti and Sheryl Crow have played at the venue. These concerts go until Sep. 15 and remaining artists include the Steve Miller Band and Lyle Lovett.
St. Edward State Park
Another venue for free summer concerts is the local St. Edward State Park. St. Ed’s has concerts every Thursday until Aug. 15. They feature a diverse range of music including acoustic, folk music, Hawaiian soul, and Jamaican Reggae. Along with the music, there are food trucks around the park for dinner.
For the Night-Owls
Movies at the Square
Outdoor movies are a fun option for summer nights. Kenmore offers free Movies at the Square every other Wednesday until Aug. 22. Before the movies are shown at dusk in Kenmore Town Square, there is pre-show entertainment starting at 8 p.m. The remaining movies for this summer are “The Greatest Showman” on Aug. 8 and “Black Panther” on Aug. 22.
For the Thrill-Seekers
Seafair
Throughout the rest of the summer, there are different types of fairs happening at a range of prices. Seafair — a Seattle event that involves a marathon, parade, hydroplane racing and the Blue Angels — is approaching on the weekend of Aug. 3 to Aug. 5. The prices range for different activities: parade watching is free, marathon registration is from $45, and the Seafair festival is from $30 a day or from $75 for a three-day pass.
Seattle Art Fair
The Seattle Art Fair overlaps with Seafair, as it is on Aug. 2 to 5. The Art Fair is at the CenturyLink Field Event Center. It showcases all types of art from the Pacific Northwest. The “Teen Ticket” is $5 for a one day pass and students also receive 20% off 1-Day ($35), 3-Day ($55) and All Access ($90) passes.
Washington State Fair and Evergreen State Fair
Also coming up are the Washington State Fair and Evergreen State Fair. The Washington Fair in Puyallup is occurring from Aug. 31 to Sep. 23 and admission tickets are $14. The Evergreen Fair is in Monroe from August 23 to September 3 and is also $14 for admissions. Although these events are more pricey, they are a popular option for a final fun activity before the 2018 school year begins.
