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Turkfest Brings Turkish Treasures, Tastes, and Tales to Seattle Center
The free, family-oriented event returns to Seattle Center, October 11-12
SEATTLE— Discover the traditions of Türkiye and Turkic peoples at Turkfest, returning to the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall on Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, October 12, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., as part of the Seattle Center Festál series.
This free, family-friendly festival explores this year’s theme, “From the Balkans to Middle Asia,” celebrating the diverse cultures and connections of Turkic communities.
Guests can enjoy live performances ranging from traditional folk dances to contemporary Turkish pop and rock music. Featured acts include Nihat Cem Inan, Ahmet Serkan, Curcuna Duo/Trio, American Turkish Academy of Washington Kids Choir, Anadolu Turkish Musicians, and dance performances representing Turkey, Turkmenistan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and beyond.
The culinary experience will be a highlight, featuring Turkish food vendors serving savory classics and sweet delights such as kebabs, gözleme, and baklava. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a baklava competition and food-eating contests, while a Turkish coffee corner offers the perfect chance to sip and savor this cultural staple.
Additional activities include a Turkish 101 class, a Turkish library book swap, and family-friendly cultural exhibits.
“Turkish food, coffee, dance, and music bring a piece of Türkiye across the oceans and continents to Seattle,” said Burcu Birka, Turkfest festival producer. “We are known for hospitality—come and join us for two festive days.”
This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 cultural festivals presented by community groups and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year to embrace the region’s ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
About Turkfest and Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington
Turkfest is organized by the Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington, a 501c-3 non-profit organization and its group of committed volunteers from the Turkish-American community. Since its inception in 2001, Turkfest has grown to boast an increasing variety of traditional and contemporary performances, art and textile exhibitions, documentaries, youth activities, cuisine, workshops, and genuine Turkish product vendors.
About Seattle Center Festál
Seattle Center Festál is a unique public program series of 25 free cultural festivals, each offering its own celebration of heritage and identity. These events provide a range of engaging programs and activities to cultivate a deeper understanding of the diversity of our region. Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership with community groups, presented on weekends from January to November and supported by City of Seattle, Seattle Center Foundation, and 4Culture.
About Seattle Center — The Cultural Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of the city. It is home to more than 30 partner organizations—including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others—alongside world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events for all ages, centered around the iconic International Fountain.
As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts & Cultural District, Seattle Center serves as a hub for creative expression, cultural diversity, and civic life. It also manages the City’s new Waterfront Park in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle, delivering cultural programming, operations, and civic care on Seattle’s revitalized downtown waterfront.
In 2025, Seattle Center is projected to generate over $900 million in visitor spending, contribute more than $2 billion in total regional economic impact, and support more than 18,600 jobs. With the support of our Official Partners—Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi, Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank— Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest. www.seattlecenter.com
