Northwest Folklife Festival

The Northwest Folklife Festival is a celebration of how people evolve and keep their traditions alive in the region. It is a spot to share the dance, music, stories, art, and food of diverse communities that thrive in the Pacific Northwest from May 27 to May 30.

The Northwest Folklife Festival is created for and by the people. Northwest Folklife collaborates with communities to showcase culturally significant arts and culture experiences and is committed to a model of co-creation and co-curation.

It has developed relationships with over 150 unique ethnic and cultural communities through which we have established the Community Coordinator Program which partners individuals, who are active in and are able to authentically represent their communities, with Northwest Folklife program staff to build programming and events that are responsive and relevant to those communities.

Being community-powered means that we rely on contributions – community voice and input, monetary gifts, in-kind donations, and volunteerism – from people and groups that come to the Northwest Folklife Festival. Speaking of participants, performers, artists, and workshop leaders all volunteer their time. The largest part of expenses are in the cost of production – stages, sound systems, electricity, tents, etc. – and the labor to operate this enormous event. You can help ensure that Festival remains accessible to all AND remains an amazing representation of our communities’ arts, culture, heritage and traditions for future generations.

Admission is free and donation-based.

To learn more about the Northwest Folklife Festival, visit nwfolklife.org.