The annual Northwest Folklife Festival is a community-powered celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage that make up the brilliant cultural tapestry of the greater Pacific Northwest. Prior to 2020, over 6,000 artists and culture-bearers brought cultural expressions to audiences across 25 stages alongside 200 food and craft vendors and 500 volunteers annually. Since 1972, the Northwest Folklife Festival has gathered upwards of 250,000 participants at Seattle Center during Memorial Day weekend. The festival has been proudly powered by donations for over 50 years. This year's festival will take place May 26-29, 2023. No entry fee.