This weekend marks the long-awaited return of the Fremont Solstice Parade, that Seattle rite of passage known primarily for its elaborately painted (and sometimes just wild 'n' free) nude bicyclists.

 

The procession, organized by the Fremont Arts Council, starts at 2 pm on Saturday from Leary Way and 3rd Ave NW, parading down 36th St to N Evanston before returning via 35th St to the Fremont Solstice Fair. 

 

The fair itself runs 10 am–8 pm both Saturday and Sunday (Father's Day!) with activities including a craft market, live music from the likes of Kuinka and Parisalexa, beer gardens, and a dog parade on Sunday at 2 pm.

 

If you're in the neighborhood, Dreamland Bar and Diner is also hosting a Daylight Disco on Saturday with live DJs, and Nectar and High Dive will have an all-day party with drink specials and live music.

 

Outside Fremont, there are also a couple of other big festivals planned to celebrate the arrival of summer, even if it doesn't quite feel like it yet. Bellevue's family-friendly Midsommar Festival at Vasa Park Resort on Saturday will feature Volvos (Swedish cars that they are) and Viking demonstrations, and the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way will stay open late for a solstice celebration.

 

Our solstice calendar has even more events listed, if you need 'em. Happy summer!