Seattle Color Festival @ Seattle Center

Say goodbye to winter and hello to spring by attending this year’s Seattle Color Festival — a celebration of Holi. The Hindu festival represents unity and the coming of the new season through the tossing of colored powders — different colors symbolize different meanings, such as love, fresh beginnings, the triumph of good over evil and more.

For maximum color effect, it’s best to wear white, old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting covered in hues (and yes, you will get covered from head to toe!). Color powders are available for purchase onsite and are organic and non-toxic (no outside colors are allowed).

In addition to the joyful scattering of colors, expect special guests such as King County council member Teresa Mosqueda and Washington state senator Manka Dhingra, among others. Family-friendly activities include traditional dancing and drums, as well as live music by DJ Prashant Kakad. Additionally, there will be a giant flashmob toward the end of the event, choreographed and curated by Astha Soni, moving together to signify the conceptualization of coming together as one.

All the festivities are sure to work up an appetite. Attendees will be able to choose from the delectable offerings of three different food trucks: Mexican food from Taco Cortes, Sri Lankan dishes from Kottu and traditional Holi fare from Bhukkad.

With an attendance expectancy of several thousand people, be sure to register and plan ahead — note that street parking and parking at Amazon by Westlake are free. Proceeds support AmPowering’s Feed the Need project, providing weekly meals to unhoused neighbors. Happy Holi!