Summer 2009 Festivals and Events in Seattle

Summer is always a big time for summer events in Seattle. Visitors from across the state and across the country, if not the world, come to Seattle to take part in the many summer festivals in the area. Anything and everything can be found, from music to beer fests to food fairs and, of course, all of the Fourth of July festivities.

Starting off the month is the Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival. This will be the 26^th annual festival, featuring 12 concerts of heavenly music every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening starting at 8 pm. The festival runs from July 3 to July 27 and is held at the Lakeside School located at 14050 First Avenue.

July 4^th celebrations are a big part of the summer events schedule, of course. Besides the many fireworks displays across the town, including the annual Fourth of Jul-Ivars event held near pier 70 in the Myrtle Edwards Park at the Waterfront. This is fun for any and all ages, and all are welcome. This is a free event, with live music and other entertainment starting at 12:30 pm and finishing with the fireworks display at 10 pm. The big daddy of fireworks displays will be held in the Gasworks Park in the Lake Union district. This show also starts at 10 pm, and has some of the best pyrotechnics in Seattle.

Also starting on July 3^th and running through July 5^th is the International Beer Fest featuring brews from around the world. There are over 100 beers from nearly 20 countries available for tasting, and for $20 everyone of age gets a beer glass and 10 beer tickets. This is one of the most popular summer events, and hours are Friday and Saturday from 12 to 10 pm, and Sunday from 12 to 7 pm.

If food is the attraction, then Bite of Seattle is just the thing. This summer festival of epicurean delights is held at the Seattle Center with over 50 area restaurants and 30 different food product companies being represented. There are beer gardens, wine tasting areas, a comedy club, and live entertainment including a piano bar. This summer festival runs from July 17^th through July 19^th.

A wonderful way to end the summer events series is the Torchlight Parade at Seafair. It starts at Seattle Center and then runs down Second and Fourth Avenues to King Street. This is a big-time parade in the traditional style with helium balloons, decorated floats, local band and drill teams, and it of course features the Seafair Clowns and Pirates. Fun for the entire family! The parade starts at 7:30 pm and early arrival for choice viewing is recommended.

Seattle is well-known for summer festivals and summer events, and this year's selections will not disappoint.