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Seattle Arab Festival Showcases the Sights, Sounds and Tastes of 22 Arab Nations | Aug 13 & 14

Men dancing holding a flag.

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Festival Showcases Dance, Music, Art, Food and Beverage August 13 and 14

SEATTLESeattle Center Festál hosts Seattle Arab Festival on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Armory Food & Event Hall and the Mural Amphitheatre. This free, in-person event is the largest all-ages festival in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to Arab culture and art.  

“Seattle Arab Festival has always been the place for Arabs to connect and get together,” said Amani AbouAmmo, co-director of Seattle Arab Festival. “Not only does it showcase our food, but also our unique cultures. Being part of the Arabs festival, we as SAF family continue to learn more about this which is why we have become so passionate to reflect this to Arabs and even non-Arabs who are interested to know more about us.” 

Festival programming includes Arabic cuisine food trucks, children’s activities, live music and folk dancing performances, a hookah lounge, exhibits and art workshops, and a traditional bazaar marketplace of handmade items like jewelry, oud scents, abayas and more.  

“Our vision for One Seattle is a city where we uplift and celebrate the many cultures that make our city special while also embracing the commonalities that bring us together,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “The Seattle Arab Festival is a great opportunity to bring the community together to honor and share the rich cultural traditions of a multitude of Arab nations.” 

The festival is a means of bringing the larger Seattle community together to share arts, food and Arab culture. 

“We are proud to host Seattle Arab Festival on Seattle Center’s campus,” said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. “It’s only fitting that we have a convergence of so many cultures on our grounds in the heart of Seattle.” 

About Seattle Arab Festival 

Seattle Arab Festival is a non-profit cultural organization that aims for fostering a deeper understanding of the Arab world and cultivating an appreciation for its cultural richness and vibrancy through educational programs and community outreach events. Information on the festival is available at www.seattlearabfestival.org and www.seattlecenter.com, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

About Seattle Center Festál 

Seattle Center Festál cultivates a deeper understanding of the cultures and ethnic diversity that contribute to the rich vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest. This unique series links together 24 free festivals presented on weekends from February to November, each with its own cultural focus, identity, and range of engaging activities. 2022 commemorates the 25th Anniversary of Festál, ushering in a new era of hybrid programs during this return to in-person events. Seattle Center Festál is where the world will gather to celebrate the people, the places, the stories, the traditions, and the next 25 years of innovation. Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership with 24 different community groups and supported by 4Culture, City of Seattle, and Seattle Center Foundation. Festál is also part of the ArtsFund Cultural Partners Network

About Seattle Center 

Seattle Center is celebrating 60 years with all that is “New, Now, and Next” as Seattle’s hub for arts, sports, community events, and cultural festivals. Originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the dynamic 74-acre campus has transformed over the years to respond to, reflect, and represent the region’s ever-broadening community. Seattle Center and its iconic International Fountain are often referred to as the “Heart of Seattle,” serving as a treasured community gathering place where the local, regional, national, and international visitors come together every day. Today more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations reside on the grounds, along with a diverse variety of public programs and thousands of events attracting more than 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, part of Uptown Arts & Cultural District and home to Climate Pledge Arena, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences, and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.864 billion in business activity and $631 million in labor income. 

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