Northwest Folklife

When is Folklife this year?
The Folklife Festival always falls on Memorial Day weekend. This year, the Festival will happen from May 22nd to the 25th, 2009.
 
What are the hours?
Festival programming begins at 11am and concludes at 10pm from Friday until Sunday. The Festival runs from 11am until 9pm on Monday.
 
How much does it cost to get in?
The Northwest Folklife Festival is free to the public! In order to keep the Festival free for future generations, we suggest a donation of $10 per day ($20 for family groups).
 
If I donate to Folklife at the Festival, where does my money go?
As you can imagine, producing a festival is expensive! Donations provide general operating funds and help us continue to showcase talented musicians, provide fun activities for children, offer community dance venues and so much more.

Is Seattle Center wheelchair accessible?
All venues at Seattle Center are wheelchair accessible. If you need a wheelchair at the Festival, a limited number are available at Festival Services, located on the third floor of the Center House.
 
Can I bring my beloved household pet?
For the safety and consideration of all Festival guests, we request that you leave dogs, ferrets, potbellied pigs and all other pets at home.
 
Will I be able to find an ATM?
There are ten ATMs on or near Seattle Center grounds. However, lines are generally long; plan ahead if you can.
 
Where can I get information once I’m at the Festival?
There are ten information booths on Seattle Center grounds during the Festival. These information booths, staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, are your best place to learn about performance schedules, craft vendors, where to eat and much more! Please consult your Festival Guide for info booth locations.
 
I don’t feel like carrying my belongings with me. Where can I stash my stuff?
A public checkroom is available for your convenience in the Fisher Pavilion Roadhouse. Checkroom hours are Friday-Sunday 11am-11pm and Monday from 11am-9pm. The cost is $2 for a one-time check and $5 for unlimited access per day.

Do you sell t-shirts?
We sell t-shirts, hats, bags, magnets and more at three different booths located on Seattle Center grounds. Trendsetters can pick up their Folklife merchandise prior to the Festival at the Red Balloon Company store at 624 Olive Way, or by giving them a call at 206-467-0318.
 
Oh no! I can only make it to the Festival on Sunday, but I really want Friday’s commemorative button. What should I do?
Commemorative Folklife Festival buttons are available for a suggested donation of $10 at Festival Services (located on the third floor of the Center House). Please note that you will only be able to receive buttons after their intended Festival day has passed. For example, you will not be able to get Monday’s button on Saturday.
 
I loved one of the performances I saw! Can I pick up a CD by the artist?
Some artists sell CDs and other merchandise from the stage on which they play. You may also check the Folklife Store (see the Festival guide for the location).
 
When can I sign up to volunteer at the Festival?
The volunteer application will be made available online in early January.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?
We work with volunteers of all ages; however, volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. We require a parental signature for volunteers under 18.
 
Can I get school credit for volunteering?
Absolutely! Volunteering at the Northwest Folklife Festival is a fun and exciting way to get community service credit for school. Make sure you indicate on your application that you need credit for your service hours.