Fremont is gearing up for one of its most iconic summer traditions this weekend: the Fremont Solstice Parade and Fremont Fair. The annual spectacle, now in its 34th year, kicks off Saturday, June 21 at 1 p.m., ushering in a day (and weekend) full of art, music, and vibrant community energy.
The parade (see route and map below), organized by the Fremont Arts Council, launches from 3rd Avenue NW and Leary Way and winds its way along N 36th Street, turning onto before ending near the Fremont Rocket. Expect over 60 local ensembles—from towering puppets and whimsical floats to stilt walkers, musicians, and elaborately painted cyclists—creating a technicolor procession through the heart of Fremont.
The naked bike ride returns
Of course, no Solstice Parade would be complete without the nude cyclists leading the way. Body-painted riders will begin gathering at Gas Works Park around 12:30 p.m. and make their loop through the parade route ahead of the official start. Participants are encouraged to bring their own paint and arrive early to give their designs time to dry.
Look for volunteers painted like park rangers helping coordinate the flow of bikers to the starting point.
Fremont Fair takes over six city blocks
Once the parade winds down, the party rolls on at the Fremont Fair—Seattle’s biggest “hello summer” bash. The fair spans six city blocks and runs Saturday and Sunday, offering a mix of live music, shopping, food, and drinks.
Shoppers can browse more than 300 booths featuring handcrafted goods and art. Music lovers can catch free performances on two outdoor stages: The Kona Big Wave Stage will showcase funk and rock acts, while the Reyka Vodka Stage keeps the rhythm going with indie and dance beats. Expect street performers and pop-up entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.
The food vendors will offer a wide variety of options—from fair favorites to international fare—alongside expansive beer gardens serving Kona brews and vodka cocktails.
Art cars roll in for the Seattle Art Car Blow Out
Back by popular demand, the Seattle Art Car Blow Out will bring over 75 wildly decorated vehicles will cruise into the “Center of the Universe” for the largest gathering of art cars in the Northwest. These mobile masterpieces feature everything from singing lobsters to repurposed dental equipment to superhero tributes, each one more eye-popping than the last.
Sunday’s spotlight: the Dog Parade
Pups get their moment in the sun on Sunday, June 22, during the annual Dog Parade, which starts at 2 p.m. Dog lovers can register online or just before the event between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Dog Parade tent on 34th Avenue. Costumes are encouraged, and creativity is rewarded.
Getting there and road closures
Here are road closures for Fremont this weekend:
Where:
- N 34th St, Canal St, 35th St between Fremont Ave N & 1st Ave; Evanston Ave N & Phinney Ave between N 36th St and N 34th St
When:
- Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The organizers say parking will be very limited in Fremont, and there is no official parking area. They strongly suggest taking the bus (routes 62, 40, 26, 28, 30, and 31) or biking.
If you drive, do not park in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or crosswalks, as parking enforcement will be on full patrol during the event and will readily ticket and tow vehicles.
For more information on the weekend’s festivities, check out the Fremont Fair FAQ and complete schedule.
Photo: Fremont Fair
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