Northwest Folklife

Mission

Northwest Folklife creates opportunities for all to celebrate, share, and participate in the evolving cultural traditions of the Pacific Northwest.

About Us

Since 1972, NW Folklife has served hundreds of thousands of arts and culture lovers throughout the greater Pacific Northwest. For more than 50 years, NW Folklife has fulfilled on our mission by hosting and programming our annual festival, one of largest, multi-generational, diverse, cultural and arts experiences of its kind in North America. With generous support from community members like you, NW Folklife continues to serve our vibrant communities by designing intentional and loving spaces that celebrate arts, culture, and heritage. 

NW Folklife is proud and grateful to be community funded. All of our events are free to the public, and this commitment to financial accessibility isn't possible without generous support from our community of passionate donors. Contributions from donors ensure that more than 4,000 artists, culture-bears, and local vendors have platforms to share and connect with the 200,000+ visitors representing communities from all over the Pacific Northwest.

Will you become a Friend of Folklife and make a gift today?

Save the Date for this year's annual Folklife Festival: May 24 - 27, and help us celebrate our 2024 Cultural Focus, Meraki: Our Souls Supreme.