The StreetFair in the University District establishes the setting for the initiation of the summer festival season in Seattle, occurring annually on the third weekend of May. It covers an impressive stretch of ten blocks along University Way (also recognized as “The Ave”). This two-day spectacle offers complimentary live music and captivating performances, as well as a variety of food trucks and vendor stalls. Conveniently, the link light rail system provides convenient access to the core of the event at NE 43rd Street.
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Revealing the History of the U-District StreetFair
The StreetFair originated thanks to the vision of Andy Shiga (1919-1993), a Japanese American entrepreneur in the U District and a lifelong advocate of pacifism. He received assistance from Ron Denchfield, an executive at Safeco. In 1970, Andy suggested this event as a way to reconcile the divided community and foster greater understanding and acceptance.
The inaugural University District Street Fair achieved extraordinary success, an impressive accomplishment given the social and political unrest of the time. Just a few months prior, riots had fractured the U District community on multiple occasions in August. Additionally, in May 1970, numerous University of Washington students had staged protests against the United States’ invasion of Cambodia, following the tragic deaths of four demonstrating students at Kent State on May 4th.
The proposal to close University Way NE was met with considerable skepticism from local merchants. It marked the groundbreaking occasion of shutting down a major commercial avenue for the sale of handmade artwork and crafts. The fair triumphed magnificently, drawing a crowd of 50,000 visitors. Subsequent editions attracted larger attendance figures and inspired other neighborhoods in Seattle to organize similar events in their respective business districts.
Since 1970, the U District StreetFair has transformed into a regional gathering, showcasing handmade creations by individual artists and artisans from across the United States, as well as an enticing array of international cuisines offered by food vendors and local eateries. Attendees are treated to a richly diverse experience reminiscent of a global journey.
Andy Shiga passed away in 1993 at the age of 74. In 2004, the Greater University Chamber of Commerce assumed sponsorship of the StreetFair.
Essential Information about the U-District StreetFair
The U District Street Fair is a free community event held annually on the third weekend of May, the weekend BEFORE Memorial Day weekend. It caters to a diverse audience, including families, with a wide range of activities for children and a strictly 21-and-over beer garden.
When: May 20-21, 2023. Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Where: University Way NE (“The Ave”), stretching from NE 42nd St to NE 52nd St, near the University of Washington Seattle campus. If you’re using a mapping service for directions, use this address to navigate to the heart of the fair: 4700 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
Parking and Transportation: Several pay-to-park lots are available within a three-block radius of the StreetFair. However, these lots tend to fill up quickly and may have exorbitant rates. We highly recommend utilizing public transportation such as buses or light rail, or opting for eco-friendly modes of travel such as cycling or walking to reach the StreetFair.
Additional information: U District Street Fair | U District Seattle
Upcoming community festivals
Listed below are the forthcoming community festivals on our schedule.
Friday, July 7, 2023
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Monday, July 10, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Friday, July 14, 2023
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Friday, August 4, 2023
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Monday, August 7, 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Friday, August 11, 2023
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Friday, August 18, 2023
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Monday, August 21, 2023
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Friday, September 8, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023
But wait, there’s more!
- Discover additional food festivals in the Puget Sound region.
- Peruse our comprehensive compilation of annual festivals, fairs, and parades encompassing a wide range of themes.
- Indulge in a list of 101+ perpetually free activities for your entertainment.
- Stay informed about cost-effective happenings in the Greater Seattle area by referring to the comprehensive event calendar available on Greater Seattle on the Cheap.
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