Featured image courtesy Creative Commons

When summer arrives in Seattle, what better way to celebrate than with a parade and festival in the city’s funkiest neighborhood? Fremont prides itself in being quirky and unique. It’s the only place I’ve explored that has a giant troll under a bridge.

Fremont’s Soltice Parade isn’t the typical parade, either. It’s open to anyone who wants to participate. No motorized vehicles, printed words, or logos are allowed. Participants use creative artistic expression to communicate their messages.

You can also volunteer for the parade (apply here).

The 2019 parade is on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m. It starts at NW 39th Street and Leary Way NW and ends at Gasworks Park on the north shore of Lake Union. Here’s the parade map. Although it’s dated for last year, the route hasn’t changed.

Expect to see puppets, stilt walkers, dancers, floats, musicians, and cyclists among the revelers.

As soon as the parade ends at Gasworks Park, the Solstice Celebration starts. Enjoy dancing, DJs, live music, and more. Refreshments will include beer, ales, and cider, along with hearty food from an assortment of food trucks. The Fremont Arts Council seeks food truck vendors for this year’s festival (apply here).

The entertainment schedule will be posted later. The Fremont Arts Council is accepting application from musicians and performers (apply here).

The festival runs from 1 to 10:15 p.m. Admission is free.

Parking can be challenging in Fremont and Gasworks Park, so I recommend public transit. Plot your commute at the King Country Metro Trip Planner (bus) or Sound Transit Trip Planner (light rail).

You can also reach Fremont and Gasworks Park by bicycle, along the Burke-Gilman Trail.

For more information, visit the Fremont Arts Council website.