With the weather we’ve been having recently, you may have thought that summer is already here. But it is not. And that’s because we have not yet had the Fremont Solstice Parade. The traditional harbinger of summer around these parts, the parade is just one of the events comprising the Fremont Fair produced by the Fremont Arts Council. The fair will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23.
As in past years, the fair will feature music, craft vendors and food in addition to the human and dog parades. This year’s Fair will feature some 300 vendors. Booths will occupy the area west of Evanston along 34th and Canal Street where the Sunday market normally sets up. Beer? Yes.
Schedule
- General fair hours: Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday 11am-6pm
- Parade: Saturday, 1pm
- Dog parade: Sunday, 2pm. Registration takes place on Sunday on 34th Avenue, at the Dog Parade tent from 11am-2:00pm.
- Music (free!) on two stages
- Saturday 11:30am to 6:30pm
- Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm
- Schedule of bands and times is here
Route
This year’s route is significantly different from years past as the entire parade will be confined to areas west of Fremont Ave. (See the map below.) So if you planned to watch the parade from the vicinity of Fremont Brewing, as I have in the past, you will miss out this year.
The parade can be a crowded affair. The Fremont Arts Council has this advice:
Planning to Watch the Parade? Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot along the new parade route, then plan to join us one block over for Seattle’s biggest summer welcome party!
The parade is at 1pm so you have time to enjoy the Fremont Fair before and after the parade for a full day of free-spirited summer celebrating.
Support
Music and the parades are free through the generous support of several sponsors. If you would like to lend your support, the Arts Council requests you donate to the Green Hat parade ensemble as it passes by or give online using this link.
