Published July 18 2019
The latest edition of Bellevue’s annual combined arts and crafts fairs – one of the largest collections of art for sale in the Pacific Northwest and a highlight on Bellevue’s arts calendar – will bring fun, food and fine art downtown Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28.
This year, art aficionados can browse approximately 425 vendor booths. Other draws will include children’s art activities, live music and food. Tens of thousands of attendees are expected over the three-day run.
BAM ARTSfair
Celebrating its 73rd year, 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.
6th Street Arts Fair
The 6th Street Arts Fair, at Northeast Sixth Street and 106th Avenue Northeast, 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.
Downtown Street Closures
Before, during and after the arts fairs, some downtown streets will be closed or partially closed to vehicles, but downtown businesses will remain open and accessible. The following streets will be closed (street closures map).
- 100th Avenue Northeast northbound between Northeast Fourth and Eighth streets (Thursday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 6-10 p.m.);
- 100th Avenue Northeast southbound between Northeast 10th and Eighth streets (Thursday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 6-10 p.m.);
- Northeast 10th Street westbound between 106th and 108th avenues (Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m., and Sunday, 5-9 p.m.);
- 106th Avenue Northeast both directions between Northeast Fourth and Eighth streets (from 5:30 p.m. Thursday until 11 p.m. Sunday); and
- Northeast Sixth Street both directions between Bellevue Way and 106th Avenue Northeast (from 5:30 p.m. Thursday until 11 p.m. Sunday).
Absent from the mix this year is the Bellevue Festival of the Arts, whose 34-year run ends due to the redevelopment of its location along Northeast Eighth Street, north of Bellevue Square.
Want to avoid parking hassles? To find out about alternatives to driving, check Choose Your Way Bellevue, Metro Transit and Sound Transit. Prices vary by location.