Summer Guide 2010: Festivals

From the arts to food, here’s our guide to the area’s best summer fests.

Looking for more summer events? Check out our Outdoor Music and Outdoor Movies guides.

JUNE

Edmonds Arts Festival
6/18–6/20
What to expect: One of the Northwest’s oldest and largest arts festivals, this three-day event takes place against the scenic backdrop of Puget Sound. Nearly 240 booths line the festival’s makeshift streets, where artists display and sell everything from paintings, photography and pottery to sculpture, jewelry and furniture.
Insider Tip: Visitors of all ages will feel welcome at this festival. The Kids Creative Corner features activities and performances for young ones, while the wine bar and bistro provides entertainment for the 21+ crowd.
Free entry. Friday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Frances Anderson Cultural Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds; 425.771.6412

Washington Brewers Festival
6/18–6/20
What to expect: A Father’s Day beer festival featuring music, food vendors, and, most importantly, more than 50 breweries (most from Washington State) offering tastes to dads and anyone else who’s old enough to drink and just can’t wait until Oktoberfest. Kids activities (which take place outside the designated brewski zones) keep little ones entertained on Saturday and Sunday.
Insider Tip: Onsite parking is limited this year so reserve a parking pass online ($15, advanced purchase required) or park at a nearby park-and-ride and take the free shuttle to the festivities. For more info visit: washingtonbeer.com/directionswabf.htm.
Prices vary. Friday (21+ only), 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. St. Edward State Park, 14445 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore; 206.915.0015

Fremont Fair
6/19–6/20
What to expect: Naked (and painted!) cyclists at the Solstice Parade (Saturday only), a full line-up of local music on three stages, a handcraft fair, foods from all nations, street performers of every type, and “art cars” decked out in all kinds of crazy.
Insider Tip: Preserve the environment (and your sanity) by walking, biking, or riding the bus—this gigantic street fair is bursting with everything except parking spaces.
Free entry. N 34th St and Fremont Avenue & Canal Park along the Ship Canal; 206.297.6801

Taste of Tacoma
6/25–6/27
What to expect: An estimated 275,000 food lovers feasting on tasty treats ranging from barbeque to gyros, offered by more than 30 area restaurants and 15 additional food vendors at the South Sound’s self-proclaimed “Ultimate Family Picnic.” Plus, it’s good for you (should you choose to make it so): each vendor offers a Right Bite menu item, a healthier alternative with fewer calories, fat or sodium.
Insider Tip: This year the Taste turns 25 and to ce