Welcome to a weekend of artistic exploration and cultural enrichment! Nestled in the verdant Pacific Northwest, Bellevue, Washington is more than just a city. It's a vibrant canvas, filled with innovation and aspiration, and the irresistible allure of creativity. Our beautiful city has pops of color everywhere, from adorable pink and yellow lanterns hanging from the trees to masterfully painted power boxes peppered throughout the streets, Bellevue is the perfect backdrop for an artsy weekend exploring the BAM ARTSfair and the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market on July 28- July 30th.

What to Expect at the 77th BAM ARTSfair

Imagine a fairground filled with the stunning work of 300+ independent artists, each chosen for their unique approach to their craft. Expect everything from enchanting woodwork and gleaming glass sculptures to vibrant ceramics and mesmerizing paintings. Even though it’s only July, this could be a great opportunity to get some extra special gift shopping done for the holidays! So be sure to wear sneakers, take it slow, and enjoy searching for that piece that speaks most to you.

Bringing out the artist from within

With all this inspiration, you’ll want to pick up a paint brush and join in on the fun. You'll get the chance to become an artist yourself in community art-making programs, enjoy local food stands, or even bring the kiddos to the KIDSfair. After you’ve walked enough, grab a bite to eat and groove live music at the BAMboozle stage, before heading back to the fair.

A Brief History of BAM ARTSfair

Founded in 1947, the BAM ARTSfair has grown exponentially from a small-town fair that attracted 30,000 people to a premier event drawing thousands of art lovers each year. From the esteemed Dale Chihuly to the remarkable Chuck Close and Patti Warashina, the fair has hosted an array of noteworthy artists.

Bellevue Downtown Arts Market

As part of the vibrant arts fair week, the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market brings together over a hundred juried artists from across the Pacific Northwest. The bustling streets along 106th Ave NE & NE 6th St. transform into an open-air gallery, promising a rich and diverse assortment of art.

Showcasing Talent Across the Pacific Northwest

Prepare to be swept away by the array of talent on display, ranging from abstract art to handmade clothing and stunning landscape photography. Here, creativity has no bounds. While art might be the star of the show, the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market is also a feast for your other senses. Satisfy your taste buds with delicacies from food trucks like the Cascadia Pizza Company and Road Dawg, while your ears relish the symphony of live music performances spanning different genres. Behind this remarkable event is the Bellevue Downtown Association. Established in 1974, it has been at the forefront of promoting community growth and progress through strategic programs, making downtown Bellevue a thriving hub of creativity and innovation.

A Weekend of Delights

Art lovers, this is your ultimate weekend getaway. An exciting convergence of two major arts events provides you with an unparalleled cultural experience. We’ve put together a three-day itinerary that will help you get the most out of the festivities while getting to experience some attractions and delicious restaurants in Bellevue.

Day 1: Immersing in the World of BAM ARTSfair

Dive headfirst into the world of art at the BAM ARTSfair. Meet independent artists, learn about their process, and maybe even take home a piece that catches your eye. For dinner, explore Bellevue’s outdoor dining options. Through the Al Fresco Dining program, some of Bellevue’s most popular restaurants are participating, and it gives you the opportunity to explore the different neighborhoods of Bellevue like the Spring District and Old Bellevue.

Day 2: Delving Deeper into the BAM ARTSfair

Immerse yourself in live performances, enjoy delicious local food, or engage in community art-making programs. There's always something for everyone. Head to the BelRed Arts District to explore the artful beautifications the City of Bellevue has added and pursue the impressive galleries. For dinner, head to the renowned Facing East Taiwanese restaurant for some Taiwanese Pork Burgers which were recently voted in the top ten of The Hill’s top 100 burgers in the U.S. list.

Day 3: Exploring the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market

Walk the bustling streets of the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market, engage with local artists, and perhaps find that unique piece you've been looking for. When you’re done with the hustle and bustle of the market, head to the Bellevue Botanical Garden for a serene walk where you can take it the glory of nature’s beauty. Now that your eyes have had their fill, treat your taste buds to some vibrant Vietnamese cuisine at Monsoon Bellevue for dinner.

Wrapping Up an Artful Weekend

Bellevue will be full to the brim with artistic expression, and it’s the perfect place to surround yourself with creativity and craftsmanship. Filled with the beauty and restorative power of art, this artful weekend in Bellevue promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of the vibrant and diverse world of art. For those that would like every square inch of their weekend painted with color, we recommend staying at the W Bellevue to ensure a 360 degree surrounding of art. From stunning murals to colorful rooms, the W Bellevue is an artistic haven for those looking to relax in style. For more booking options, head to our Book Direct tool and avoid third-party fees. Wherever you decide to stay, we hope that you enjoy a wonderful artsy weekend in Bellevue.

FAQs

  1. What are the dates for the 77th BAM ARTSfair and the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market?
    • The 77th BAM ARTSfair and the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market will take place from Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30, 2023.
  2. Are tickets required to attend these events?
    • No, both the BAM ARTSfair and the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market are free to attend.
  3. What are the parking options for the BAM ARTSfair?

    • Parking for the Bellevue Artful Weekend is plentiful and free or free with validation at the Bellevue Collection. Detailed driving and parking directions to the Bellevue Collection can be found here. Valet services are available at Bellevue Square in the Northeast & Northwest Parking Garages on Level 1, Bellevue Place at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, and Lincoln Square at the Westin Bellevue. Please note that the Bellevue Arts Museum parking garage is only available for permit parking.

      If you prefer to use public transportation, the Bellevue Arts Museum Fair is easily accessible by bus. You can plan your trip by visiting www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org, Metro Transit or Sound Transit websites.

Let this artful weekend in Bellevue be your getaway, a chance to immerse yourself in the creative, vibrant, and ever-evolving world of art.