The first Saturday of May brings the Opening Day of Boating Season (206/527-3801, www.seattleyachtclub.org [1]) with a big parade of boats and the Windermere Cup Races, where top university rowing teams from around the world compete on the Montlake Cut. This is the top event of its kind in the nation.
On the third weekend of May, the University District Street Fair (206/547-4417, www.udistrictchamber.org [2]) attracts hundreds of artists who display their wares on University Way Northeast—also known as The Ave. Also here are food booths and live music.
More than 6,000 musicians, dancers, and craftspeople display their talents while enormous amounts of food are consumed at the Northwest Folklife Festival (206/684-7300, www.nwfolklife.org [3]), held at Seattle Center [4] on Memorial Day weekend.
In late May, the Pike Place Market Festival (206/587-0351, www.pikeplacemarket.com [5]) has free entertainment and music, a beer garden, chalk art, and a kids’ area.
Links:
[1] http://www.seattleyachtclub.org
[2] http://www.udistrictchamber.org
[3] http://www.nwfolklife.org
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/seattle/sights/seattle-center-and-belltown
[5] http://www.pikeplacemarket.com