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Best of Seattle: Festivals Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.

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Seafair
July-early August. Annual citywide event with hydroplane boat races, air shows, parades, fireworks, and concerts. Tip: Don’t miss the quirky milk carton derby, with more than 60 handcrafted boats. tel. +1 206 728 0123. www.seafair.com

Bumbershoot
Labor Day weekend. The largest urban arts and music festival in the U.S. with more than 100 concerts by national headliners and local bands; held at Seattle Center. Tip: Skip lines and fees by purchasing tickets at local Starbucks starting in early August. tel. +1 206 281 7788. www.bumbershoot.com

Northwest Folklife
Memorial Day weekend. Free annual festival at Seattle Center with regional food, exhibits, and performances of dance, theater, and storytelling. Tip: Take a free dance class at Center House. tel. +1 206 684 7300. www.nwfolklife.org

International Film Festival
Late May-early June. Annual 25-day showcase of more than 400 movies from around the world; special events with actors and directors. tel. +1 206 324 9996. www.seattlefilm.org

Seattle Multimedia

Know Before You Go: Seattle

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