📆 Saturday, June 22nd – Sunday, June 23rd
Some things just scream Seattle.
The Fremont Arts Council’s annual Fremont Solstice Parade is quintessential Seattle, right up there with socks and sandals. Or Subarus. Held each summer to celebrate the solstice, the parade is one part of the larger, two-day Fremont Fair. What makes this procession such a prominent display is the naked bike riders who lead the way.
For 33 years, the community of Fremont, aka the Center of the Universe, has heralded the arrival of summer this way. Watch as over 60 different groups, including probably your neighbors and friends, stroll the streets with giant puppets, floats, dancers, stilt walkers, and bands in a dazzling display of lively creativity. The parade is people-powered, meaning no motorized vehicles are allowed.
During the weekend, over six blocks of the Seattle neighborhood become home to hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, beer gardens, and live music on two stages. This year’s performers include rockers Down North, brass band Super-Krewe, and funk music collective Marmalade, promising a line-up that’ll ignite the crowd.
I recommend getting to the parade early to secure a spot. It starts on Saturday, June 22nd around 1 pm. Beyond art, crafts, and clothes, numerous food options will be available. Here are a highlighted few, but the full vendor list will be posted online:
- Filipino favorites like lumpia, adobo, and pancit from 88 Cues
- Sambusas and veggie curry from Kenyan Kitchen
- Korean BBQ bowls from Seoul Bowl
- Sweets worth salivating over from Seattle Fudge
And perhaps the best thing about this event is its inclusive spirit. It’s not just for spectators but for everyone who wants to be a part of it. So, if you suffer from FOMO, grab a BIKE, SLAP ON some BODY PAINT, and REGISTER!
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