Seems a bit smaller since the last time we came about 2 years ago. Some cute stuff and always fun…read moreto look at the booths and people watch. It's also next to the beach and lots of shops and restaurants so always a good place to hang out.

My family took me here while I was visiting from out of town, and I'm so glad they did. Parking can…read morebe a bit of a challenge, but it's well worth it. The art fair was filled with incredibly talented artists and a wonderful variety of high-quality, unique handmade items. I was tempted to buy so many things, but since I was flying home with only a carry-on, I didn't have room to bring much back. Instead, I collected several vendors' business cards so I could support them by ordering online later. Honestly, I wanted to buy something from almost every booth because the craftsmanship was so impressive. We also stopped by ItimTodd for dessert and shared the Strawberry Shortcake fried ice cream. I'm usually not a big sweets person, but it was absolutely delicious--fresh, flavorful, and not overly sweet. I would definitely come back the next time I'm in town. I'll just be sure to leave some extra space in my luggage so I can bring home a few pieces from these amazing artists.

You definitely don't have to be Polish to enjoy this event, so mark your calendar for next year! I…read morecan't believe access to such a great experience is free. They had fabulous entertainment events, particularly the traditional music straight from Poland. As a violinist myself, the experience of seeing such high-level musicians up close was priceless. Whether or not you're familiar with Polish music, you can appreciate hard work, talent, and a catchy beat. Food selection and pricing were also great. They require you to buy tickets to redeem for their food options, and there's some standing in line, but it was absolutely worth it. I had a delicious assortment of pierogis with sauerkraut and was super full for less than $10. We also did the vodka tasting, which was fun. I'm not a big vodka lover but I enjoyed learning a little about the different types and how they're made, both locally in Seattle and in Poland. There's also an outdoor beer garden. Finally, the atmosphere of the event was lovely. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, even to people who are obviously not Polish. The Armory looks nice and provides plenty of covered space to walk around and browse vendors, use a nice bathroom, or just sit down inside. The outdoor Seattle Center lawn had plenty of space for kids and dogs to play while listening to what's going on onstage, all in the shadow of the Space Needle. If you are Polish, it's a great place to find ways to connect with the local community. If not, you're still welcome to celebrate a wonderful culture.

Attended the second annual Polish Festival in Seattle over the weekend. The organizers pushed up…read morethis iteration to be on a weekend that was jam packed with festivals all over town. At least it had Seattle Center to itself this time. The inaugural event was held at the Intiman just a few hundred yards from another heritage event, the yearly Italian Festival. No, I didn't see no West Side Story-esque rivalry between the groups. Though there was a difference in mood between the events. The Polish event seemed a lot more festive and hectic compared to the relaxed feel of the Italian event. With the Polish Festival taking up the space where the Italian event took place as well as room at the Seattle Armory, I did notice a change in the mood of the event. It did take on a more leisurely feel compared to last year's one. The Intiman courtyard was simply too small to accommodate such a large gathering. The food lines last year were quite ridiculous. The reason being that there was no separate ticket stand. This year they rectified that and it did make the lines move a bit better. The pierogi (dumplings) line was still long, but the wait was not as bad. Food pricing was pretty reasonable for a cuisine in short supply in Seattle. The meat pierogis with sauerkraut ($6) were decent. Though I still have a preference for Asian dumplings. The meat filling goes down a bit better. Inside the Armory, there was numerous things going on. There was a cooking demonstration and dancing on stage. Polish arts & crafts were being sold and there was a dessert table as well which of course included paczki (Polish doughnuts). I found this event to be better run than last year's iteration. It is a nice festival to attend if you are interested in Polish culture. Not to mention one of the best events to try some Polish food since it is in short supply in Seattle.

A two-day festival that coincided with the Sunday farmers market made for a full and fun day!…read more Parking and driving in the area were busy, but once there, there were blocks of produce, cookies, crafts and foods to enjoy. Not to mention bounce houses (overpriced) and a free arcade booth from West Seattle Arcade!

This weekend has been one full of festival happenings around town. One of these being the West…read moreSeattle Summer Fest. I have going to this festival for several years now. It has similar appeal for me to the Ballard SeafoodFest, which interestingly moved their event up to the same weekend this year. It is a neighborhood celebration. Like Ballard, the businesses in the Junction all seem to embrace the festival. Many of businesses tend to hold sidewalk sales. The one I am most fond of is the Easy Street Records used CD sale. Three CDs for $5! It is a treasure hunt finding a treasure in a sea of crap. I think this is the only place I could justify buying say, a Jessica Simpson CD, if I wanted to. There is the usual vendor and food booths that you expect to see at other festivals which are okay. I kind of prefer Ballard in this regard. As it is held at the height of summer, it can get pretty scorching so be prepared to hydrate when perusing. Live music is also a component of the festival. There are two stages and the bands playing here are of pretty decent quality for a neighborhood festival. Nothing like Capitol Hill Block Party, but this is a free event. What do you expect? U2. Uh uh. All in all, Summer Fest is a pretty decent event. If you have not visited West Seattle recently, this is one of the best times to go and revisit this quaint neighborhood.

Checked this place out with my girls ages 2.5 and 5 years old. They had a blast! Bigger kids get a…read morelittle rowdy, but easily handled with a simple verbal reminder "watch out big kids, there's a little playing too". It is as loud as you would expect an indoor. If the noise bothers, make sure you bring your headphones. Basically, is a place for kids to have fun. If you judge it by that it is nothing but a fantastic events. This is one of the fun things to do with the family. Great fun, Great weather!!! Gotta love the WHIRLIGIG! My recommendation, catch the light rail/bus to Westlake and walk to Westlake Center's monorail platform on the third floor.  Ride the monorail over to Seattle Center - Center House is right next to the exit for the monorail! Whirligig is open daily 11am-6pm!  Cost: $8: All Day Main Floor Pass $4.50: All Day Toddler Zone Pass $1.50: Single Ride Ticket FREE on Thursdays!

Whirligig is a yearly celebration of all that is inflatable. Basically, you bring your kids here,…read morepurchase tickets or a wristband, then send them on their way. Often, screaming, laughing, crying, or any combination of the three can be heard from the little ones. TIP #1 - Come during the week before Spring Break (for Seattle Public Schools). It's always filled with kids but believe it or not, sometimes there are less kids. TIP #2 - Make enough time for your kids to run around and buy a wristband. Believe me, it will be the best $7.50 you will ever spend. The tickets only make sense if you are literally going to be there for only 15 minutes (which is rarely the case with kids). TIP #3 - Stay out of the way. Set up a spot where your child can find you and develop a safety protocol for all situations. Depending on when you are there, you will feel like you're on a NY subway, what with all the bumping, stepping, pushing and shoving. While my child is running and jumping around with friends, I am catching up with my friends or grabbing a bite to eat. The Armory has decent food now, but if you're trying to save a few bucks, you can bring your own food. Parking is always an issue around Seattle Center. Most street spots, if you find them are either metered or have 2 hour limits. TIP #4 - If you're going to eat at The Armory anyway, the food vendors will validate 2 hours parking in the Seattle Center garages. Remember, Whirligig typically runs for around 2 weeks or so. Make an event of it and plan a huge play date. Your kid will love it. The only downside is they won't let grownups ride (trust me, I've tried).

I've been here a few times for various acts during the Bumbershoot weekend. It's a small venue,…read morewell kept and clean and inviting. I've been here to see some intimate performances and spoken word spots. I haven't really seen this venue used outside Bumbershoot.

This is an indoor arts, craft, food an music festival celebrating Croatian culture…read more Mostly the festival was about music. They had some Croation food and beer for sale at various vendors, but ran out of the beer pretty quickly. This festival could have been far more interactive, instead, you sat and listened to the music and the sound was either too loud or didn't have enough sumpin-sumpin to be good without hurting my ears. The performers were doing a good job though! The garb ranged from great to cheesy to half-assed. The Croatian folks I went with were relatively bored and glad it was free, and said they'd liked to have heard more traditional music. Would I go back? On accident, maybe. Or if it was improved.

its fun but getting smaller. but i try to go every year. needs more vendors or maybe outside so…read moreeasier to move around

A small, lovely gift shop inside the Conservatory, right across the entrance! You'll find a variety…read moreof unique and well-kept plants in assorted pots, artisan jewelry, stationary and candles, and other nice giftware at boutique prices. The atmosphere is hushed yet vibrant as it is within the greenhouse. Currently they are limiting capacity to 3 visitors at a time. It is well worth a quick stop as you tour the Conservatory! Background info: Friends of the Conservatory is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that helps fund Volunteer Park Conservatory events, educational programs and ongoing maintenance.

The Chinatown International District Block Party is a fairly new festival that tends to be around…read morethe time of the Mid-Autumn Festival. It has steadily grown to be a fun filled though still modest four blocks party in a plus shape, with a stage in the commonly empty parking lot near the Chinatown Gate. Filled with food trucks, food booths, people from all over the area come in troves to fill these vibrant four blocks for a night of food, entertainment, and minor shopping of cute and adorable items. Locals who live in the area and those with kids tend to come earlier when it opens at 4. McDonald's is the major sponsor, funding the entertainment on stage, and the swag giveaways. Almost always, they are giving away free food too. This year (2019) is chicken nuggets. The food booths lean towards Asian foods, but plenty of others represent, including Cajun and pizza. My favorite dessert is Mike's Shaved Ice; the texture of their shaved ice is closest to Hawaiian style. Parking is challenging. Primarily street parking and a few adjacent paid lots.