Fremont Solstice Festival is June 17-19, 2016, and the Fremont Solstice Parade is June 18, 2016. Here are seven things to do at this year’s event.
Seattle welcomes summer’s arrival at the Fremont Solstice Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 17-19, and the Fremont Solstice Parade on Saturday, June 18. Monday is officially the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most daylight; let’s count the ways to celebrate, Fremont-style.
1. Entertainment on two stages is free this year, 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, including headliners The Helio Sequence at 10 p.m. Friday, Vaudeville Etiquette at 9 p.m. Saturday and Hey Marseilles at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, all on the Main Stage.
2. Fremont Art Council’s Solstice Parade is at 3 p.m. Saturday, starting with 1,500-plus “nude but not lewd,” painted bike riders, followed by happy hordes of arts-themed paraders — in colorful costumes with no written words, motorized vehicles or live animals — from Fremont to Gas Works Park. The parade has been a local favorite since the 1970s, so expect big crowds. Download a map of the parade route at fremontartscouncil.org/parade-map/ to help pick your viewing spot.
Fremont Solstice Festival and Parade
Solstice Music Festival: 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 17-19.
Festival Craft Market: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Festival Dog Parade: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, register 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., $10.
More info:fremontsolstice.com
Solstice Parade: 3 p.m. Saturday, North 36th Street and Second Avenue North, Fremont Place North, North 34th Street to Gas Works Park, Seattle.
Solstice Celebration: music, beer garden, 3:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Gas Works Park, Seattle.
More info:fremontartscouncil.org.
3. Solstice Celebration follows the parade with a beer garden, Honk! Fest West music festival of brass and percussion street bands, and local bands at Gas Works Park, 3:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
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4. Check out the outdoor Solstice Festival Craft Market, 300 vendors with art, clothing, jewelry, toys and games for kids, Saturday and Sunday.
5. Relax at the Solstice Festival beer garden and refuel with corn dogs, elephant ears, roasted corn and lots more from vendors, food trucks and Fremont’s many eateries.
6. See 75 creatively decorated vehicles at the Seattle Art Car Blowout on Saturday and Sunday.
7. Show off your favorite canine at the Dog Parade at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, costumes encouraged, to support COLA, Citizens for Off Leash Areas dog parks.
Parking in the festival area is extremely limited and some streets are closed for the event. Getting there by foot, bike or bus is suggested. All events are free, with donations appreciated; Fremont Arts Council passes the big Green Hat for donations during the parade and tip jars at the beer gardens and fair information stations benefit the fair and local charities.