Published July 23 2018
If you’re after high-quality arts and crafts, with plenty of variety and volume, plan to hit downtown Bellevue this weekend for the annual arts and crafts fairs. Upwards of 600 vendors will be on hand, July 27-29.
Art lovers from near and far are anticipated to attend over the three days, and several streets downtown will be closed to accommodate the sellers and shoppers. Other activities include children’s art activities, live music and food.
BAM ARTSfair: The Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair offers handmade arts and crafts from more than 300 artists. It’s located at Bellevue Square mall and at the museum, 510 Bellevue Way NE; Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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. It’s located along Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street, just north of Bellevue Square mall. It’s open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
6th Street Fair: The 6th Street Fair is located at Northeast Sixth Street and 106th Avenue Northeast. It includes original work by more than 100 artists, with sculpture, jewelry, fabrics, home décor, glass work, wood and more. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
During the arts fair, several downtown streets will be closed to vehicles, but downtown businesses will remain open and accessible.
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed southbound from Northeast 10th Street to Northeast Eighth Street (Thursday, July 26, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, July 29, 5-10 p.m.);
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed northbound from Northeast Fourth to Northeast Eighth (Thursday, July 26, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, July 29, 5-10 p.m.);
- Northeast 10th Street will be closed westbound between 106th and 108th avenues (Thursday, July 26, 5-10 p.m., and Sunday, July 29, 5-10 p.m.);
- 106th Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions from Northeast Fourth Street to Northeast Sixth Street (from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 26, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 29);
- Northeast Sixth Street will be closed in both directions from Bellevue Way to 106th Avenue Northeast (from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 26, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 29); and
- 102nd Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions from Northeast Eighth to Northeast 10th Street (from 7 a.m. Friday, July 27, until 10 p.m. 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.