The 1962 World’s Fair launched Seattle’s future as one of the world’s most vibrant cities. In 2012 we will celebrate the 50th anniversary and envision the next 50 years of innovation for our region.
From April 21 to October 21, 2012, people through the community will come together at festivals and concerts, exhibits and demonstrations, speaker series and forums to envision the future of a region that is home to creative and practical solutions for the world’s biggest issues. Be Part of It!
Seattle Center Foundation helps bring the magic alive during the darkest part of the year as Seattle Center annually glows with the lights and excitement of Winterfest. From the Ice Rink to various local performers who fill Center House with music to the model trains that chug past delighted children, Winterfest brings joy and warmth to all who visit Seattle Center in December.
Every holiday season, Seattle Center Foundation teams with people like you and local organizations to fulfill the wishes and needs of low-income children, teens and senior citizens (guaranteed!). Whether a blanket for a senior citizen or a bus ticket for a homeless teen to visit his grandmother, your gift makes a difference. Select a wish, buy a gift, and create big smiles with Sharing Gift Box!
Seattle Center Whirligig! is an annual phenomenon of fun for kids. This wacky world of child-sized action transforms Center House into a vibrant House of Bounce for two weeks during spring break. Seattle Center Whirligig! offers amusement aplenty for all pre-teen children. Kids can glide, slide and ride on super-cool, super-sized inflatable rides. Eye-popping colors, roaming clowns, face painters and FREE entertainment add to the mix of non-stop fun that keeps kids coming back for more! Seattle Center Foundation supports Free Thursday at Seattle Center Whirligig!
The concert series collaboration between KEXP 90.3 FM and Seattle Center presents prominent bands to the community free-of-charge. From the Seattle Mural Stage artists perform and celebrate the best of the Seattle music scene. Concerts may be broadcast live on the radio by KEXP, further reaching a wide and diverse audience of listeners.
In August, FREE movies are shown under the stars on a 45-foot screen at the Mural Amphitheatre. Attendees sit on the gently sloped lawn with the Space Needle standing sentry above. Colorful lanterns fill the trees as families, friends and neighbors picnic or snack on movie treats from the concession stand.
Seattle Center partners with the Ethnic Heritage Council to host this ceremony on July 4th each year at the Fisher Pavilion courtyard. Annually, it can be anticipated that as many as 500 petitioners from more than 70 countries will be sworn in as new U.S. citizens. The program includes speeches, the swearing-in ceremony, presentation of a Spirit of Liberty award to a new citizen, music by a Navy band and choir, voter registration and passport processing.
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A revolutionary arts access program that partners with leading arts organizations to provide $5.00 tickets to teens between the ages of 13-19. Teen Tix members receive a weekly e-newsletter to keep them informed about the wide range of offerings in theatre, dance, music, opera, film, and museums. Seattle Center Foundation is proud to support Teen Tix, serving young people by making Seattle’s rich cultural life affordable and accessible.
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Festal is a year-long series of world cultural festivals and events that honors and preserves community cultural traditions. Through a wide variety of events, installations and activities including music, dance, exhibits, ceremonies, crafts and food, Festal showcases the region’s rich and diverse cultures, promoting understanding and cultural kinship in the Pacific Northwest.
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