Published July 20 2015
Several downtown streets will be closed this weekend (July 24-26) for Bellevue's annual arts fairs, one of the city's most popular events.
Northwest arts and crafts will be celebrated at three events, all free: the Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair, the 6th Street Fair and the Bellevue Festival of Arts. Other attractions include live music, food and children's art activities. In past years, attendance collectively has topped 300,000 for the weekend.
BAM ARTSfair: Celebrating its 69th anniversary, the BAM ARTSfair will showcase handmade crafts and art from more than 300 artists. Located at Bellevue Square and Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way Northeast; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
6th Street Fair: The 6th Street Fair features original work by 120 artists in an open-air showcase of sculpture, jewelry, home decor, wood and glass work, fabrics and more. Located at Northeast Sixth Street and 106th Avenue Northeast; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Bellevue Festival of the Arts: The Bellevue Festival of the Arts is a juried arts and crafts fair with 200 artisans, musicians and craftspeople. Located at Cost Plus World Market parking lot (10300 Northeast Eighth St.); Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
To accommodate visitors, expect the following street closures. Businesses will be open and accessible.
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed southbound from Northeast 10th Street to Northeast Eighth Street (Thursday, July 23, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, July 26, 5-10 p.m.);
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed northbound from Northeast Fourth Street to Northeast Eighth Street (Thursday, July 23, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday, July 26, 5-10 p.m.);
- Northeast 10th Street will be closed westbound between 106th and 108th avenues. (Thursday, July 23, 5-10 p.m., and Sunday, July 26, 5-10 p.m.);
- 106th Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions from Northeast Fourth to Northeast Sixth Street (Thursday, from 6 p.m. until Sunday, at 10 p.m.);
- Northeast Sixth Street will be closed in both directions from Bellevue Way to 106th Avenue Northeast (6 p.m., Thursday until 10 p.m., Sunday); and
- 102nd Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions from Northeast Eighth to Northeast 10th Street (7 a.m. Friday until 10 p.m. Sunday).
Transportation alternatives to driving are available at Choose Your Way Bellevue. Metro Transit and Sound Transit offer information about bus routes and schedules.
Also, paid parking, available at many downtown buildings, is affordable and convenient. Prices vary by location.