Published July 24 2017
Arts and crafts fairs are a long tradition in downtown Bellevue. This weekend, the public can see art, craft and design by attending ARTSfair, the Bellevue Festival of the Arts and the 6th Street Fair.
Several streets downtown will close for the free fairs, which are expected to pull in more than 300,000 people over the three-day run (July 28-30). Other activities include live music, food and children’s art activities.
BAM ARTSfair: The Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair showcases handmade crafts and art from over 300 artists. Located at Bellevue Square and 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: Now in its 33rd year, the Bellevue Festival of the Arts is a juried arts and crafts fair with 200 artisans and craftspeople. It’s located along Bellevue Way and Northeast Eighth Street, just north of Bellevue Square, and 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 touts original work by more than 100 artists, featuring sculpture, jewelry, fabrics, home décor, glass work and more. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Several downtown streets will be closed to vehicular traffic during the arts fairs, 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 27, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, July 30, 5-10 p.m.).
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed northbound from Northeast Fourth Street to Northeast Eighth (Thursday, July 27, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, July 30, 5-10 p.m.).
- Northeast 10th Street will be closed westbound between 106th and 108th avenues. (Thursday, July 27, 5-10 p.m., and Sunday, July 30, 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 27, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 30).
- Northeast Sixth Street will be closed in both directions from Bellevue Way to 106th Avenue Northeast (from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 27, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 30).
- 102nd Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions from Northeast Eighth Street to Northeast 10th Street (from 7 a.m. Friday, July 28, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 30).
Transportation alternatives to driving are available through 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.