Summer family fun is in full swing this weekend, and with so many options it'll be hard to choose. If you and the kids want to get down and dirty, read on about a mucky, messy run in the mud at the Bivalve Bash. Looking for something cultural? Don't miss the Native American pow wow at Discovery Park. Want to introduce the little ones to some new tastes? The Bite of Seattle is the place to be. And if you're looking for more events and activities, be sure to check out our full calendar.
The Samish Bay Bivalve Bash
Muck it up at this weekend's ninth annual Bivalve Bash held in Bow on July 16. The shelltastic festival runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with two low-tide mud runs scheduled at 11:47 a.m. (kids) and 12:07 p.m. (ages 13+). Other than trying your luck in the muck, the Bivalve Bash offers a day filled with activities for families, including the world's only oyster shell sculpture contest, an oyster shucking competition, live music and dancing, kids' games and a local fresh seafood menu that is well worth the trip north. Note: There is no parking available on-site, as the festival takes place at the Samish Bay Taylor Shellfish Farm on Chuckanut Drive. Carpooling is encourage and free parking is available in designated areas with shuttles running throughout the day.
July 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. // Taylor Shellfish Farm, Bow // $5; free for kids under 6 // More info
Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow
If you haven't yet been to the Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow, you're missing an amazing treat. Sit back on a comfy picnic blanket and watch the pageantry as 400-600 Native American dancers, singers and drum groups compete at Discovery Park's Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. Other family-friendly activities include a princess pageant, arts and crafts vendors and a salmon bake (with frybread and tacos included).
July 16, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; July 17, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. // Discovery Park, Seattle // $5 // More info
Lavender and Herb Celebration
Love lavender season as much as we do? Dr. Maze's Farm in Redmond is celebrating this soothing aromatic herb with plenty of kid-friendly fun included. Test your luck in the rubber ducky race, visit with the local farm animals, find your way through the mazes or sit back and enjoy a fun hayride. There will be lavender crafts for all ages, homemade lavender lemonade and tea and of course, plenty of lavender for picking or purchase.
July 15-17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. // Dr. Maze's Farm, Redmond // Free // More info
Northwest Trek's 36th Birthday
One of our favorite local alterna-zoos, Northwest Trek is inviting the public to join its birthday celebration this weekend. Families can see critter friends enjoy special birthday treats and kids can take advantage of interactive games and crafts underneath the park's outdoor birthday tent.
July 16, 17 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. // Northwest Trek, Eatonville // $9-18 // More info
Comcast Bite of Seattle
Love keeping up on the Seattle food scene? Get out this weekend for the 30th annual Bite of Seattle held at the Seattle Center. Featuring more than 50 Seattle-area restaurants and over 30 food product companies, this tummy-filling fest has something for everyone, including the pickiest of eaters. Besides offering a wide variety of cuisine from all over the world, this weekend family-friendly festival includes cooking demonstrations from local celebrity chefs, live bands, a kids' stage and much more. Now, who's hungry?
July 15-16, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; July 17, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. // Seattle Center // More info
