WHEN TO GO
Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Los Angeles
Loading…
United StatesSaved
The free Seattle Center Festál event returns November 14, 2026, with a celebration rooted in Hmong New Year traditions.
All times are local to the venue · America/Los Angeles
At the close of the harvest season, Seattle Hmong New Year offers a public occasion to learn about a holiday associated with gratitude to ancestors and a fresh beginning. Seattle Center presents the celebration with the Hmong Association of Washington at the Armory Food & Event Hall.
In its history of the holiday, the Hmong Association of Washington describes Hmong New Year as a time to honor ancestors and welcome a new beginning. The association says the celebration traditionally lasts ten days, though observances in the United States have been shortened.
One tradition the association describes is Pov Pob, a ball toss between two people that serves as a form of courtship. It is part of the holiday’s broader cultural context, not a confirmed activity on the 2026 Seattle program.
Further reading: Seattle Hmong New Year ↗
Seattle Center describes the festival through clothing, dance and food. Its background on Hmong arts notes embroidery on hemp and cotton and needlework in traditional clothing, as well as silverwork in jewelry. Specific performances, makers and activities for this edition have not been announced.
The setting is a gathering place with a history of its own: the Armory was built in 1939 and became the Food Circus for the 1962 World’s Fair. Today its Food & Event Hall combines restaurants with space for public cultural events; restaurant hours can vary.
Further reading: Seattle Hmong New Year ↗ · Seattle Center Armory ↗
Festival opening and closing times have not been announced. Check for an update before making time-specific plans.
For special services or auxiliary aids, Seattle Center asks visitors to call 206-684-7200 ten business days in advance.
An adult changing and nursing room is on the Armory’s second floor; ask customer service near the north end of the Food & Event Hall for a key.
The festival is at Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall, 305 Harrison Street. The Seattle Center Monorail connects the campus with Westlake Center, and several bus routes serve Seattle Center.
The 3rd Avenue N pathway between Harrison Street and August Wilson Way is blocked through spring 2027 for Memorial Stadium redevelopment. Seattle Center directs pedestrians to Seattle Storm Way and posted signs.
Seattle Center recommends the 5th Avenue N Garage for Armory visitors. Its entrances are on Harrison and Republican streets, just east of 5th Avenue N; the garage has designated accessible spaces, including van-accessible stalls.
Yes. The festival is free and open to the public.
Opening and closing times for November 14 have not been announced.
Pov Pob is described as a Hmong New Year tradition, but it has not been confirmed as an activity at this edition.
Seattle Center asks visitors who need special services or auxiliary aids to call customer service at 206-684-7200 ten business days ahead.
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-29 against the linked sources.