Folk and Traditional Arts Program

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    The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has extended the closure of all state parks to May 4. The closure coincides with the extension of Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” order. Additional Info...
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Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s mission involves both a commitment to care for the state’s most treasured lands, waters and historic places and a desire to connect all Washingtonians to their natural, cultural, and artistic heritage through memorable experiences in the parks.

Since 2004, the Folk & Traditional Arts Program has added to those memorable experiences with events in state parks by musicians, dancers, craftspeople and storytellers who represent a wide variety of old and new Washington traditions. From tribal canoe family journeys to Cinco de Mayo festivities, from fisher poetry to Ecuadorian song, from Hawaiian hula to old-time square dances, the program brings people together — some to celebrate a common heritage and some to learn about the traditions of others.

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2020 Folk & Traditional Arts Program Events

The 2020 Folk & Traditional Arts Program season is pending review based on the evolving Covid-19 situation. Events may be cancelled or postponed.

  1. Cultural Festivals
  2. Performance Series

DATE

EVENT

PARK
June 6 Canoe Families Celebration
presented by the Chehalis, Nisqually, Puyallup and Skokomish River Road Canoe Families. Singers, drummers, storytellers, cedar bark weavers, Indian fry bread and salmon BBQ lunch for sale. FREE CANOE RIDES! 12-4PM
 Millersylvania
June 13 Salish Sea Native American Cultural Celebration
presented by the Samish and Swinomish Tribes. Singing, crafts, traditional smoked salmon lunch for sale. FREE CANOE RIDES! Bowman Bay, 12-4PM
 Deception Pass
June 28 Skandia Midsommarfest
A traditional Scandinavian spring festival featuring folk dance, music, the raising of the Majstång (Maypole), Nordic foods, flower crown making, crafts, and games. 11 AM-6 PM. 
 Saint Edward
July 12 Celebrating Cultures
Concert featuring HooDoo Marimba Ensemble and Squirrel Butter. 2-5PM.
 Pearrygin Lake
July 18 Inclusion Celebration Lake Sammamish
July 26 Sundae Sermon
presented by Golden Bricks Events, a spirited event with a diverse set of black performers including youth, young adults and elders, black-owned vendors, artists, non-profits, and businesses. 2-3PM activities, 3-6PM performances.
 Saltwater
August 8 Cambodian Cultural Festival
Cambodian music, traditional food, crafts, muay thai martial arts demonstration, children's activities and extraordinary dance performances. 9AM-5PM.
 Saltwater
August 15 India Independence Day Celebration
Dance drama with costumes, music, and participants of all ages presented by Dancing Silhouette. 2-6PM. 
 Lake Sammamish
 

September 25-26 Heritage Days
Two-day festival featuring Umatilla Generations Dancers, Yakama Nation Warriors, Lewis & Clark Trail re-enactors, activities for families, and more. Presented by Friends of Sacajawea State Park.
 Sacajawea

Folk & Traditional Arts Program Funders

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WSP Foundation Logo

Learn more about the Folk & Traditional Arts Program: View a video

For more information about the Folk & Traditional Arts Program, send an email or call (360) 902-8635.