Seattle gets a hefty dollop of Polish flair this weekend as the Polish Festival takes over Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Mural Amphitheatre, throwing a free shindig on July 13 that promises a whirlwind tour of Polish culture. Whether you’re sporting Polish roots or just keen to get a slice of Eastern European life, there's an array of traditional activities and snapshots of yesteryear waiting for you.
Cultural explorers can deep dive into '80s Poland – you'll be greeted with the sights of the iconic Fiat 126p "Maluch" car and an exhibition packed with photographs chronicling the quotidien of the era, and the festival's not shy about giving its attendees a serious education on Polish dances and music, with performances by local dance troupes such as Syrena Seattle, Wawel, and Lajkonik, an attraction that's sure to pull in the crowds, there's no missing the live tunes either as Zabavva, Vivat Musica!, Marcin Paczkowski, along with a whole host of others set to strum and hum their hearts out.
And let’s not forget about the kiddies - there's a swath of activities just for them. But if it's the authentic Polish cuisine you're after, then prepare for a symphony of flavors with delectable foods, desserts, and if you're feeling bold, a beer garden with vodka tasting – come on, ‘Na Zdrowie!’ (that's cheers for you non-Polish speakers). Want something to remember the day by? The marketplace brims with arts, crafts, and imports including Polish cookbooks, crystal glasses, amber jewelry, and more.
For the history buffs, "Polish School of Poster Art: New Generations", "Polish Wings in World War II", and "The White Wolf: The story of the Witcher in Video Games" showcase exhibitions and films that dig deep into Poland's historical and contemporary achievements, and the “The Wooden Soul of Lesser Poland” is another featured exhibit, no doubt these are experiences designed to stick in your memory and give you something to chatter about on your ride home.
The captivating and vibrant Polish Festival is just one facet of Seattle Center Festál, as described in a recent post, it's a savvy initiative that knits together 24 ethnic festivals annually. Festál is Seattle's nod to the world's array of cultures with a generosity of spirit that'd make you want to hug the organizers. The Seattle Center, the heart where these celebrations pulse, boasts an expansive 74 acres of grounds dedicated to the arts, festivities, and the simple joy of human connection, enveloped in the cultural richness of the Pacific Northwest.
