Four Interesting Seattle Summer Events

Being fairly new to the Seattle area, I thought an article on great summer events around Seattle would be a great way for me to learn more about my new home, as well as find great things to do this summer. So lets head on down the road to Four Interesting Seattle Summer Events for 2011.

The first of my Four Interesting Seattle Summer Events is Seattle Pridefest 2011. Three stages, events over four days, dozens of artists, men's and women's parties, and hundreds of vendors allow them to proudly call themselves The Largest Free Pride Festival in America . There is a Pride Kickoff Party on Thursday, June 2, which will help raise money for Gay City with donations at the door. On June 23, PrideFEAST is happening, which is a dining benefit that allows you to dine at certain restaurants where they donate up to 20% of your bill for non-profit organizations. It was just announced that Crystal Bowersox, from American Idol , will headline a benefit concert on June 25, with 100% of the proceeds going to Equal Rights Washington. Ticket information is available here. The actual festival takes place on June 26, from noon '" 8pm, and is free of charge to everybody. Since it is early, not all acts have been lined up but Pridefest 2011 promises to please again.

Seattle Pridefest 2011
June 26, 2011
Hours: Noon '" 8pm
Admission: Free

Our next stop on my Four Interesting Seattle Summer Events is Seattle International Beerfest. Is it not just grand to sit around and sample some delicious beers from all over the world? How about knowing that while you are enjoying these beers, you are helping animals in need? Touting over 150 world-class beers from more than 15 countries, the 2011 Seattle International Beerfest sounds like a delicious path of variety on a warm summer afternoon. The beer drinking done at this year's SIB, will again go to benefit Pet Cross, a local non-profit group that puts on the event annually.

Seattle International Beerfest 2011
July 1-3, 2011
Hours: July 1 & 2, Noon '" 10pm and July 3, Noon '" 9pm
Admission: $20 Online Advance, $25 at gate, $35 Online Only (with perks)

This one actually reminded me of the Taste of Chicago back home, which is why I clicked on it. The Comcast Bite of Seattle is a place for restaurant owners and their chefs to show off to the public. The event is free, though you do have to pay for the food inside. They are offering special events such as the Gnarly Head Rippin' Ribs Competition, and smaller, less expensive portions so people can sample more of the fine food they offer. There will also be live entertainment via the over 150 acts in all that will be performing.

2011 Comcast Bite of Seattle
July 15-17, 2011
Hours: July 15 & 16, 11am '" 9pm and July 17, 11am - 8pm
Admission: Free, but food must be purchased

The final stop on my Four Interesting Seattle Summer Events is the 2011 Seattle Hempfest. Seattle's Hempfest is one of the largest and longest running pro-marijuana festivals in the United States. Since it began in 1991, Hempfest has always been about the people putting on a show for the people. This is why it is run and set up by volunteers, with free admission to all. The festival includes vendors, live entertainment and musical acts, and speakers. This year, Hempfest organizers were able to add a third day to the festival. It should be noted that Hempfest almost did not happen this year, but all cancellation rumors are just that '" rumors. The event will go on and be a huge success, just as it has every year.

2011 Seattle Hempfest
August 19-21, 2011
Hours: August 19, Noon '" 8 pm and August 20 - 21, 10am '" 8pm
Admission: Free


Other articles from Joshua Cook on the Yahoo! Contributor Network
The Fremont Troll in Seattle, Washington
Seattle's Hempfest 2010
Kenosha, Wisconsin's Museums and Galleries