Downtown Bellevue's biggest summer arts celebration returns July 24 through July 26 with more than 350 artists, a new cultural exhibition series, and expanded evening programming across three event areas.

Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend, co-produced by Bellevue Arts Museum and the Bellevue Downtown Association, draws an estimated 150,000 visitors over the three days, according to organizers.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the original fair, which launched in 1947 when organizer Carl Pefley, the Freeman family, and a group of volunteers drew 30,000 visitors and 70 regional artists to Bellevue Square despite rain.

The fair debuts Living Traditions, a curated cultural exhibition series. Its first installment, "Japanese Art and Resilience in the Pacific Northwest," explores Japanese artistic traditions and community stories across generations. Artist Shizu Usami is among the confirmed participants.

A dedicated mobile app also launches this year, giving visitors access to artist directories, entertainment listings, food vendors, and interactive maps.

Evening programming has expanded. The Sixth Street Sessions dinner concert series and BAM Rooftop Rhythms, a ticketed rooftop concert with live music, food, cocktails, and dancing, join the lineup. Fashion Friday returns as an after-hours event spotlighting Pacific Northwest creatives in fashion, music, and visual storytelling.

Free family programming includes hands-on crafts, BrickCon (a LEGO fan community) activities, and interactive art experiences.

The fair spans three areas: the Arts Fair at Bellevue Square and West Parking Garage; the Creative Corridor along NE 6th Street, The Westin Hotel, Bellevue Arts Museum, and Avenue Bellevue; and the Arts Market on NE 6th Street, the PACCAR lot, and 106th Avenue NE.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Parking at The Bellevue Collection is free with validation. The Bellevue Connection Parking Garage charges $8 for the first two hours and a flat $15 after. Visitors can also take light rail to Downtown Bellevue Station and walk 0.7 miles.

Full schedules, artist listings, and ticket information for evening events are available at bellevueartsfair.com.