By Nicholas Roman
The Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival consists of 12 concerts Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 8 p.m. in July. The melodious offerings vary, as do the prices, but the series promises fresh programming, a festive atmosphere, and resplendent music.
(206) 283-8808
www.seattlechambermusic.org
July 12 marks Bicycle Sunday in Seattle. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lake Washington Blvd. closes to motorized traffic south of Mount Baker Beach to Seward Park, so hubs, spokes and slowpokes might as well make a scenic trek along the lake.
(206) 684-4075
www.seattle.gov/parks/bicyclesunday
Love music, wine, and revolution? Well, get ready to sip, savor, and shop in honor of France's democratic beginnings at the Bastille Day Celebration, July 11 and 12. Commemorate the liberation of the infamous prison with wine and pastries, gourmet cooking demonstrations, games, and picnics.
(206) 443-4703
www.seattle-bastille.org
Local merchants spill onto the sidewalk while artisans display in the street during West Seattle Summer Fest, July 10 through 12. Cross-cultural food vendors, dozens of bands, a skateboard exhibition, and a full block of family activities attract 30,000+ attendees. Don't forget the Saturday night street dance, Sunday farmer's market, and best of all, the beer garden!
www.westseattlefestival.com
Seattle's Chinatown International District Summer Festival offers Japanese drumming, Chinese martial arts, Filipino dancing, and Lion and Dragon dances, plus jazz, new age, and pop concerts. The pan-Asian excitement takes place July 11 and 12 in Hing Hay Park and features family activities, authentic cuisine, and handmade arts and crafts. You might even bump into a respected colleague... on the karaoke stage.
(206) 728-0123
www.cidbia.org
Few modern pirates wear eye patches and say "Arr," but some still do! The infamous Seafair Pirates land on Alki Beach at approximately 11:30 a.m., July 11, and the piratical merrymaking begins anon. The first 500 children after 10:30 a.m. receive a free toy kit, and those dressed for the occasion may enter the costume contest. Local band Shelley and the Curves will perform songs of the sea (among other tunes), and did someone say dunk tank?
(206) 365-1590
www.seafairpirates.org
Visitors to Vashon Island Lavender Farm July 11 and 12 should plan for a lovely weekend. Stroll through redolent fields of purple, or explore the town. Discover myriad lavender products, or pick a bunch yourself. Enjoy live music, or listen to the breeze. Sample local food, or learn to cook it. Purchase a souvenir, or bring home a fragrant memory. Just don't miss the free tour buses, which meet ferries on the north and south ends of the island.
www.vashonlavender.com/tour
Over 150 exhibitors participate in the Arlington Fly-In, the Northwest Experimental Aircraft Association air show July 11 and 12 at Arlington Airport. Expect everything aviation: beautifully restored rare planes, sleek modern aircraft, world-class aerobatics, high-tech avionics... even little propeller hats, plus food, forums, and feature-length family films on a runway theater.
www.arlingtonflyin.org
Luther Burbank Park hosts Mercer Island Summer Celebration! July 11 and 12. The Around the World theme means international eats, arts and crafts, theater, and music, plus a parade, classic- car show, youth basketball tournament, photo contest, evening fireworks cruise, and children's zone. The rides are inflatable and the fun can't be beat.
www.mercergov.org/summercelebration
Redmond Derby Days on July 10 and 11 are full of fun stuff. This year's lineup includes parades, a bicycle criterium, food-beer-and-wine gardens, fireworks, and a schoolhouse carnival fittingly described as "funtastic."
www.redmond.gov/recreationarts/derbydays
With such an inexhaustible store of things to do and eat at Kent Cornucopia Days, July 9 through 12, abundance doesn't adequately describe it. An art show, two dining halls, three music stages, 600 vendors, and numerous other activities draw crowds of 300,000. Come prepared for the inline skate, skateboard, soccer, and boat race competitions.
www.kcdays.com
Hey! Tour five island gardens and see Bainbridge in Bloom July 10 through 12. Buses depart for those blushing buds from the festival grounds, which also house artists' booths, plant peddlers, writing and painting workshops, and a food court. Enjoy the gastronomic delights!
www.gardentour.org/index.html
