Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend Debuts with 350+ Artists, July 25-27

This summer, two of Bellevue's long-standing and beloved arts traditions are joining creative forces. The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) and Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) will co-produce the Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend from July 25-27, 2025.

The partnership unites the 79th annual, award-winning BAM Arts Fair at Bellevue Square and the 33rd annual Bellevue Downtown Arts Market for a single three-day immersive arts experience. Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend features artists and activities that will span the heart of downtown, from 106th Avenue NE and NE 6th Street to the Bellevue Arts Museum and Bellevue Square's west parking garage. Annually, the events have attracted about 150,000 visitors to Downtown Bellevue.

“We’re creating a more accessible and seamless celebration for artists and attendees alike,” said Patrick Bannon, President and CEO of the Bellevue Downtown Association. “This collaboration is bringing fresh energy to what has been a nearly 80-year tradition of making Downtown Bellevue a must-visit destination the last weekend of July. We also thank Amazon for supporting this event and helping us elevate the experience for our community.”

More than 350 legacy and emerging artists will exhibit and sell handcrafted works across 20+ mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, painting, printmaking, photography, glass and 3D mixed media. Full event details, including the artist directory, hours and directions, are available at bellevueartsfair.com.

“Our partnership represents a renewed commitment to creative excellence and community connection for Bellevue,” said Shelly Crocker, BAM Receiver. “We’re excited to deliver an enriched experience that celebrates the past while making space for a more inclusive and dynamic future within the Eastside’s cultural hub.”

What to expect at Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend:

• Stunning artwork, along with immersive cultural performances, educational experiences, a wide variety of food vendors and hands-on interactive art projects designed to inspire all ages and backgrounds.
• A deeper focus on inclusive and diverse experiences co-created with community members and organizations including new artist exhibitor categories: Emerging artists and Artist Collectives at Bellevue Square.
• 20+ food vendors.
• Free family programming.
• Four live music and performing arts stages offering programming throughout the fair weekend.
• After-hours ticketed BAM rooftop concert series with food, cocktails and dance.
• A History of the Fair exhibition in the BAM 3rd floor main gallery. Admission is free and accessible to the public between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. throughout the Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend.

Event Sponsors and Media Partners

Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend is sponsored by Amazon. Arts Fair at Bellevue Square is made possible with generous support from The Bellevue Collection. Media partners: The Seattle Times, 425 Magazine, Greet Magazine, ParentMap, Cascade PBS, Movin 92.5, Warm 106.9, and KNKX.

About Bellevue Arts Museum & BAM Arts Fair | bellevuearts.org

Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) is notably the product of the annual and historic Bellevue Arts Fair. One of few museums that grew out of an art fair, it was founded by a handful of dedicated volunteers in 1975, 28 years after the first fair was held in 1947. After undergoing a series of transformations, BAM opened the doors to its first permanent home, designed by renowned architect and Washingtonian Steven Holl, in 2001. Exclusively dedicated to art, craft, and design since 2005, the Museum grew to be an important contributor to the region's cultural vibrancy. While the museum is currently under Receivership, the 2025 BAM Arts Fair at Bellevue Square continues to be a core community program as part of the new Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend.

About Bellevue Downtown Association & Bellevue Downtown Arts Market | bellevuedowntown.com

The Bellevue Downtown Arts Market began in 1970 as an artist-led fair called “Funsville” in a parking lot where Lincoln Square stands today at NE 8th and Bellevue Way – just across the street from the Pacific Northwest Arts & Crafts Fair (now known as BAM Arts Fair). In 1990, the BDA was invited by former organizers and the property owner to take over management of the event, eventually renaming it to the 6th Street Fair. A decade later, the BDA moved the event to its current location at NE 6th Street and 106th Avenue NE.

Since 1974, the BDA has supported its members with best-in-class advocacy, community promotion, and strategic programs to help the Downtown area thrive. The BDA works to spotlight member successes and sustain the leadership and collaboration needed to shape Downtown Bellevue's growth and progress.

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.