The annual Fremont Fair and Fremont Solstice Parade are set to return to Fremont on June 20 and 21.
The two-day event will feature a craft market, food and drink vendors, live music, art car displays, and the annual Fremont Solstice Parade. The fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.
The main event is the Fremont Solstice Parade, produced by the Fremont Arts Council. The 35th annual parade is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. Organizers say the route will start at 3rd Avenue NW and Leary Way NW, travel along North 36th Street, turn onto North 35th Street, and conclude near the Fremont Rocket and Seattle Art Cars display within the fairgrounds.
The Fremont Arts Council describes the parade as a community-powered event featuring art, performances, costumes, and handmade creations. Participation is open to the public, and parade entries must be people-powered, with no motorized vehicles except electric wheelchairs.
Another longtime solstice tradition is the Solstice Cyclists, a group of mostly nude body-painted cyclists who ride ahead of the parade. Participation is open to adults, and riders may choose how much or how little clothing to wear. The cyclists typically gather for painting sessions before making their way to the parade route, where they complete loops ahead of the official start of the Fremont Solstice Parade. Organizers note that while nudity is common, it is not required, and many participants focus on body paint, costumes, decorated bicycles, and artistic expression.
The fair will also include displays of more than 75 art cars as part of the Seattle Art Car Blow Out, along with a free music lineup featuring local and touring performers on both days.
The Fremont Fair’s Reyka Vodka Music Stage will feature 11 acts over the weekend, including Haley Johnsen, The Grizzled Mighty, Tiny Monsters, The Stronks, Dorsten, and rein.likely on Saturday, followed by Deft Lips, Walter Moses Band, Terra Nobody, Nobi & The Force, and Bexley on Sunday.
Additional events include the annual Dog Parade, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 21 (register here!).
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.
Photos by Fremont Fair