The Blaine Festival is gearing up to make another splash at Aquatore Park from June 27 to 29, with a slate of activities that promises something for every stripe. According to the city's announcement, this community staple has been turning the fun dial up for over 50 years, connecting people with free entertainment, local culture, and a hefty dose of civic pride. It’s free to attend, with Aquatore Park at 9191 Lincoln Street NE playing host for yet another joyous round.
A medley of live music is set to serenade festival-goers throughout the weekend at the park's bandshell. Expect to nod along to the tunes of The Johnny Holm Band, Good for Gary, The Dweebs, and others. The festival isn't skimping on the carnival rides, games, or the craft and vendor market, which will spotlight local artisans and entrepreneurs. The annual Blaine Festival Parade will strut its stuff on Saturday, June 28, at noon down Jefferson Street NE.
For those looking to roll in style, free off-site parking beckons at Westwood Middle School (711 - 91st Avenue, Blaine) on Friday and Saturday, including a shuttle that’ll do the heavy lifting every 15 minutes. For those needing closer access, there's limited on-site parking, particularly tailored for accessibility needs. Just bear in mind, some road closures will kick in Saturday morning to make way for the parade, so planning your commute might save you a headache.
If munching on festival fare, taking a spin on a carnival ride, or vying for victory in any of the contests is your jam, bring along some cash because those will cost you extra. And if you fancy yourself a bit of a sleuth, the medallion hunt, kicking off a day before the festival on June 26, might just be your calling. Keep an eye out for those elusive daily clues posted online.
The festival's beating heart, of course, is the volunteer group that feeds it year after year, backed by local sponsors and organizations. Beyond just good times, the festival puts on a Sunday car show that tilts its hat to the Invisible Wounds Project, among other socially conscious acts. To scope out the full schedule, throw your name into the hat for an event, or loop yourself into the parking and accessibility know-how, a simple click to blainefestival.org should do the trick.
