The Northwest's largest arts and crafts festival returns to downtown Bellevue later this month with more than 350 artists, free admission, and three days of handmade work spanning fine art, jewelry, fashion, and home décor.
Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend, presented by The Bellevue Collection in partnership with Bellevue Arts Museum, runs July 24 through July 26. More than 240 booths will fill multiple zones across downtown, according to the Downtown Bellevue Network and the event's official website.
The festival spans three areas: the Arts Fair in Bellevue Square's West Parking Garage, the Downtown Arts Market along NE 6th Street and 106th Avenue NE, and a Creative Corridor connecting Bellevue Arts Museum, NE 6th Street, and Avenue Bellevue.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The event is supported by Amazon and 4Culture.
Street closures and getting there
NE 6th Street between 106th Avenue NE and Bellevue Way becomes a pedestrian street during Arts Fair Weekend, and normal downtown parking patterns won't apply. Light rail is an alternative worth considering for anyone coming from outside downtown.
A mobile event app with navigation and live notifications is available at bellevueartsfair.com.
Live at Lunch continues Fridays
Meanwhile, the Bellevue Collection's Live at Lunch free concert series is already running at Bellevue Square's Fountain Court every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. through August 21.
The series opened July 10, with The South End Boys and closes August 21 with Kaitie Wade, according to the Downtown Bellevue Network. All performances are free and open to the public.
What to know
Both events are free. The Arts Fair Weekend features artists from local, national, and emerging backgrounds showcasing handcrafted work across a wide range of mediums.
More than 50 restaurants, cafés, and quick-serve locations throughout The Bellevue Collection are available for visitors looking to grab a meal before or after browsing.
For Arts Fair Weekend details, visit bellevueartsfair.com. Live at Lunch performances take place rain or shine at Fountain Court, located on the ground level of Bellevue Square near the south entrance off NE 8th Street.
