The Waterfront: Winter by the Water—New Festival Launches with “Umbrella Parade”
As a tribute to its debut in Seattle, Seafair first opens its Winter by the Water on February 21, 2026, at the rejuvenated waterfront (11AM-8PM), inverting the no umbrella myth with enthusiasm of Umbrella Parade, passport hunt play, and Pier 66 stage finale concert. Free access; passport upgrades (20-30) include stamping food/music stops, prizes such as tickets to sports events/ Alaska voucher- first 100 people get Seafair umbrellas. Hydroplane shows and friendly to families, Pirates/Clowns, BECU marketplace; chowder/oysters are everywhere. Here, it is by Downtown Seattle Association/ExplorePNW, and it will be the winter-time warmth during rain, and it will attract locals/visitors to the Olympic Sculpture Park-Pier 66 route.
Passport Adventure Details
Collect stamps at iconic stops: food trucks, live bands, experiences—chance win prizes. Upgrades access exclusives; free basic fun.
Umbrella Parade Spectacle
Participants wield Seafair umbrellas promenade-wide; it transforms gray into a rainbow. First 100 passports snag branded ones.
Concert Finale
Pier 66 caps 4PM with indoor music—warm/dry post-parade. Lineup TBA Jan; family-appropriate vibes.
Practical Logistics
11AM-4PM quest, 4-8PM after-party. ADA elevators Union/Bell St; cashless likely vendors.
Official Social Update
FAQs
Free or paid access?
Free entry/public activities; passport upgrades $20-30 unlock stamps/concert/prizes. Kids/under 12 free passports.
Umbrella Parade how join?
Grab Seafair umbrella (first 100) or own; stroll promenade post-stamps creating colorful “moving parade” spectacle.
Weather/rain policy?
Rain-ready umbrellas core theme; indoor Pier 66 finale shelter. Outdoor stops have tents/heaters.
Parking/transit best?
Light Rail Waterfront Station walkable; ferries Pike Pl. Limited garage—carpool/Uber advised.
Family/kid-friendly?
Yes—Clowns, Pirates, hydro display; stamps engage kids prizes like sports tix family appeal.
