It all starts with the Parade Grand Marshals and other dignitaries as they raise the Irish Tricolor in front of the King County Administration Building at 12:20 p.m., followed by the playing of the Irish and US National Anthems. Then, at 12:30 p.m. Parade Grand Marshalls and dignitaries will lead Seattle’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade (now in its 48th year) north from James St. to the reviewing stand at Westlake Park.

Expect clowns, bagpipe players and maybe even a gaggle of leprechauns to march down the streets, with the procession traveling past Westlake Center. From there, participants are invited to travel for free via the Monorail to the Seattle Center for closing ceremonies at 2:30 pm during the Irish Festival in the Armory.

Note: Individuals and families are encouraged to march in the parade without pre-registration, but groups with banners must pre-register.

Mark your calendars for the largest Purim Carnival in Seattle! Join the folks at SJCC for “On the Boardwalk,” their annual Purim Carnival featuring The Ultimate Melt and Falafel Salaam, food trucks, tons of games, crafts, prizes, Purim characters and more! Don’t forget to come in your best costume!

The event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged to make the check-in process easier the day of the event.

They’re secretive little tricksters and legend says you’ll get a pot-o-gold if you can catch one. Join other Seattle families for this fun family workshop and make your own trap. Kids will be able to create a unique natural leprechaun trap container garden featuring plants from the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden and decorate their containers with various gold and whimsical shiny items to lure in those sneaky leprechauns.

Note: Two workshop sessions will be available, 10 a.m. & noon. Registration required.

This annual Bluegrass music festival will feature concerts, dances, workshops, music jams, workshops for kids and adults and and so much more! Purchase daily or family tickets online.

Good to Know: The Family Pass is good for two adults and up to four children ages 12-17.

 

Take an extraordinary journey inspired by 5,000 years of divine culture and experience the wonder of authentic Chinese culture at Shen Yun.

Heavenly realms and timeless legends spring to life through classical Chinese dance; dazzling costumes, thunderous battle drums, and powerful flips fill the stage with color and energy; and exquisite melodies and animated backdrops uplift your spirit and transport you to another world.

 

This President’s Day Weekend event allows up to four kids to enter Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for free with each paying adult. While you’re there, hold a mountain goat skull, stroke a wolf pelt, stagger under elk antlers, get up close to dozens of native Northwest animals and burn off energy in the park’s nature-inspired Kids’ Trek playground.

Note: Up to four kids 12 or under free with each paying adult. Gate tickets only.

Editor’s Note: Due to uncertain weather conditions, this event has moved from President’s Day Weekend to March 9-10, 2019.

Lace up your tennies, dust off your jogging stroller and celebrate President’s Day Weekend by participating in a 5k, 10k, 15k or two person 5k team and let the Littles run it out in the Kids Dash.

 

Take your little sweeties to the Seattle Aquarium to learn about the unique courtship and mating behaviors employed by many of the Aquarium’s local marine species. Who does special “dances”? Who mates for life? Get the answers to these questions and more—plus, see the special Valentine’s Day treats the Seattle Aquarium gives to the animals!