As many as 5,000 performers will be onstage at the annual Northwest Folklife Festival to perform for crowds of 200,000 over the Memorial Day weekend.

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For folks in need of a sun fix, heat, no rain, and foot-stomping music, the annual Northwest Folklife Festival will provide. And it’s still free since 1972. Plan on 5,000 performers taking the stage, plus buskers — and a crowd of 200,000 over the Memorial Day weekend. There will be drumming and strumming, Zydeco and funk, Morris dancers and marimba. But, free isn’t paying the bills and a suggested donation of $10 is asked for to cover the annual budget of $1.3 million. For the sun-sensitive, bring an umbrella and unpack the tie-dye, make a donation, or Seattle Center may be truly free of the festival next year.