Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival is May 31 – June 1: 11am-7pm at the Armory Food & Event Hall. The festival is part of the Seattle Center Festál series. It is free and open to the public.
The festival commemorates the anniversary of Philippine Independence with the word ‘Pagdiriwang’ meaning ‘festival’. It offers a glimpse of Filipino heritage and culture through music, dance, arts, history, literature, and crafts.
DANCE
Audiences can enjoy colorful and captivating performances from a wide array of dance groups including FCS Kalahi Cultural Dance Ensemble (with visiting dancers from Magsayawan Ketchikan and the Filipinas Performing Arts of Washington State), SAYAW Filipino Folk Dance Troupe, FACES Dance Group, The Young Once, IDIC Dance Group, and the FCS Dazzling Divas.
MUSIC
The music lineup features everything from classical to modern with performances by FAAIE Bayanihan Rondalla, Balakiya, SinginGANG (a cappella), Barriotiques, Fil-Am Society Choir, and vocalists Rigor Coloma, Veronica Bella, and Anne Razel Timajo. Filipino rock band Tigas Tito and Ihaw Ihaw band will also take the stage.
VISUAL ARTS, WORKSHOPS & EXHIBITS
Explore a diverse mix of visual and literary arts including a solo exhibit by Noel Bote, artifact displays by Burton Holt, Violet Noriega’s culinary art showcase, and Adrian Alarilla’s DIWA Film Showcase. Attend literary readings by Kultura Arts with Bob Flor and Troy Osaki, and seminarson traditional tattoos and ancient scripts from Lane Wilcken and Kristian Kabuay and Rizal, Heroes & Martyrs by SIKLAB coordinated by Roger Rigor. Family-friendly activities include Filipino games like sungka, yo-yo demos, and cultural crafts for children.
FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS
Festivalgoers can indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine and international flavors from popular food trucks and booths, including Egg Roll Hut, Kathmandu MoMoCha, LBee's Filipino Deli, Uncle Mike's Filipino Comfort Foods, 2Guys Grill on Wheels, and Autumn’s Ice Cream.
This year’s programming ties in with the theme, “Discover Philippines,” meant to elevate that Filipino culture is not a monolith. “The 2025 theme emphasizes that this heritage is actually a diversity of cultures within one nation, the Philippines,” said festival organizer Juan Pablo “JP” Paredes. “The festival is special because it not only features performances but is actually educational as well for both the public at large and US-born Filipinos who would benefit from the information presented at workshops and interaction with exhibitors.”
