About
ABOUT NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE
Since 1972, Northwest Folklife has been deeply committed to celebrating the diversity of our Northwest communities and demystifying our differences together, under one roof. Our work centers on preserving cultural arts, bridging connections to heritage and identity, and cultivating the living, evolving traditions of the Pacific Northwest. From daily creativity and imagination to family and community customs, folklife is a part of each of our lives – past, present, and future.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021, the annual Northwest Folklife Festival is a community-powered celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage that make up the brilliant cultural tapestry of the greater Pacific Northwest. Prior to 2020, over 6,000 artists and culture-bearers brought cultural expressions to audiences across 25 stages alongside 200 food and craft vendors and 500 volunteers annually. Since 1972, the Northwest Folklife Festival has gathered upwards of 250,000 participants at Seattle Center during Memorial Day weekend. The festival has been proudly powered by donations for over 50 years.
In 2021, Northwest Folklife will present a virtual experience in response to community health mandates related to COVID-19. This year’s festival will feature multiple program channels and a virtual marketplace that brings together local culture bearers, artists, creatives, sponsors, and merchants all on one platform.
Presented by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the 50th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival will take place online May 28-31, 2021. Created in partnership with Seattle Center, the festival will feature 6 program channels and a virtual marketplace that will bring together local culture bearers, artists, creatives, sponsors, and merchants all on the From Home to Home platform.
This year's poster features artwork by renowned artist Robert L. Horton.
ABOUT NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE'S PROGRAMS
During this time of uncertainty, we ask you to come together to help us sustain, uplift, and unite our folklife. Please consider making your best gift possible, one that ensures a bright and sustainable future for Northwest Folklife and speaks to the importance of upholding the arts, culture, and music that make up our daily lives.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
During this time of uncertainty, we ask you to come together to help us sustain, uplift, and unite our folklife. Please consider making your best gift possible, one that ensures a bright and sustainable future for Northwest Folklife and speaks to the importance of upholding the arts, culture, and music that make up our daily lives.
You can also show your support for Northwest Folklife by joining our team of volunteers! Help us make the magic of Northwest Folklife happen—volunteer with us!