Published July 21 2016
The last weekend of the month (July 29-31) will mark the 70th anniversary of Bellevue's original arts fair, which has multiplied to three events and become one of the city's biggest draws.
Several downtown streets will be closed for the free fairs, which typically pull in more than 300,000 visitors over the three-day weekend. Other attractions include live music, food and children's art activities.
BAM ARTSfair: Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair features handmade crafts and art from 300 artists. Located at Bellevue Square and the Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way NE; Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
6th Street Fair: The 6th Street Fair offers original work by 120 artists in an open-air setting of sculpture, jewelry, home décor, 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: Now in its 32nd year the Festival of the Arts is a juried arts and crafts fair with 200 artisans and craftspeople. Located at Cost Plus World Market parking lot (10300 NE Eighth St.); Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
To handle the thousands of visitors, several downtown streets will be closed, but business will remain open and accessible.
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed southbound between Northeast 10th and Eighth streets (Thursday, July 28, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, July 31, 5-10 p.m.);
- 100th Avenue Northeast will be closed northbound between Northeast Fourth and Eighth streets (Thursday, July 28, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday, July 31, 5-10 p.m.);
- Northeast 10th Street will be closed westbound between 106th and 108th avenues. (Thursday, July 28, 5-10 p.m., and Sunday, July 31, 5-10 p.m.);
- 106th Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions between Northeast Fourth and Sixth streets (from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 28, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 31);
- Northeast Sixth Street will be closed in both directions from Bellevue Way to 106th Avenue (6 p.m., Thursday, July 28, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 31); and
- 102nd Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions between Northeast Eighth and 10th streets (from 7 a.m. Friday, July 29, until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 31).
Transportation alternatives to driving are available through Choose Your Way Bellevue. For bus route information and schedules, check Metro Transit or Sound Transit. Paid parking, available at many downtown buildings, is affordable and convenient. Prices vary by location.