Plan Your Visit to Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend
July 25, 2018 - by Emma Sullivan
Category What's Happening
Plan Your Visit to Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend
Emma Sullivan, July 25, 2018
Join the Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) for one of our favorite times of the year - Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend. From Friday July 27 to Sunday July 29, over 600 vendors will showcase their work at three different art fairs in Downtown Bellevue. Thousands of art aficionados from all over the region are expected to congregate in Downtown Bellevue to peruse the different artists and collections. With hundreds of options, you will find something for every budget and style.
The BDA is proud to produce the 6th Street Fair as part of this award-winning weekend.
Keep reading for more information about each fair, and details about what to bring, how to get here, and how to avoid road closures. We hope to see you there!
6th Street Fair
Peruse an eclectic mix of outstanding arts and crafts and discover the perfect treasure from baskets and bead work to paintings and pottery. You’ll experience the original work of more than 100 artists in an open-air showcase of sculpture, jewelry, home décor, wood and glass work, fabrics and more.
The fair features a street-side layout next to the Bellevue Connection with quick access to nearby freeways, transit center and parking.
Location: NE 6th Street & 106th Avenue NE
Hours: Friday/Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
BAM ARTSfair
Since 1947, BAM ARTSfair has been the annual gathering place for the community and a great way to connect to the world of art, craft, & design! It returns this year with over 300 artists showcasing unique, handmade craft and art.
Location: Bellevue Square & Bellevue Arts Museum
Hours: Friday/Saturday 9:30 am - 9:30 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Bellevue Festival of the Arts
Founded in 1984, the Bellevue Festival of the Arts is a juried arts and crafts fair with 175 artisans and craftspeople.
Location: 10300 NE 8th Street, along Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street (north of Bellevue Square)
Hours: Friday/Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
What to Bring
Entrance to all three fairs is FREE OF CHARGE but we recommend bringing the following items to make your day a little more convenient:
- Reusable tote bag - There are too many fun items to choose from at the fairs, be sure to bring something to carry everything you pick up.
- Refillable water bottle - With weather projected to be in the mid to high 80s all weekend, staying hydrated is critical!
- Sunglasses - See previous comment about the weather.
- Sunscreen - Ditto!
- Snacks - It is very easy to spend a whole day (or even all weekend!) at the different fairs. Bring snacks to keep your energy up while you check out all the different artists. Don't want to pack it with you? No fear. There will be many different food vendors on site for you to choose from.
Downtown Street Closures & Access
During the arts fair, several downtown streets will be closed to vehicles, but downtown businesses will remain open and accessible.
- 100th Avenue NE will be closed southbound from NE 10th Street to NE 8th Street (Thursday, July 26, 6:30 am - 9 pm, and Sunday, July 29, 5 - 10 pm);
- 100th Avenue NE will be closed northbound from NE 4th Street to NE 8th Street (Thursday, July 26, 7 am - 3 pm, and Sunday, July 29, 5 - 10 pm);
- NE 10th Street will be closed westbound between 106th and 108th avenues (Thursday, July 26, 5 - 10 pm, and Sunday, July 29, 5 - 10 pm);
- 106th Avenue NE will be closed in both directions from NE 4th Street to NE 6th Street (from 6 pm Thursday, July 26, until 10 pm Sunday, July 29);
- NE 6th Street will be closed in both directions from Bellevue Way to 106th Avenue NE (from 6 pm Thursday, July 26, until 10 pm Sunday, July 29); and
- 102nd Avenue NE will be closed in both directions from NE 8th Street to NE 10th Street (from 7 am Friday, July 27, until 10 pm Sunday, July 29).
To learn about alternatives to driving, check Choose Your Way Bellevue. Metro Transit and Sound Transit have bus route information and schedules. Paid parking, available at many downtown buildings, is affordable and convenient. Prices vary by location.
Weather Forecast for the Weekend
We hope to see you this weekend enjoying the incredible art and beautiful weather!
