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Expect infectious rhythms, joyful dance, and spicy flavors to celebrate this Brazilian Folklore Day in late August.

Performers from all over the world converge for this Labor Day weekend festival that transforms Seattle Center into the arts capital of the Pacific NW. Its four days are packed with concerts, intimate theater productions, independent film presentations, and literary arts.

Pay tribute to your ancestors Latin American-style with altars, artwork, food, and music in October.

The shoestring staff at the non-profit Earshot Jazz held between October and November present a well-respected event. The festivals have consistently showcased successful as well as struggling jazz artists, enriching and enlightening the Seattle community at large. Well-known performers have included Bill Frisell and John McLaughlin.

Seattle’s celebration of the West African Mansa of the Mali Empire, in mid-February, represents African and African American cultural traditions.

All floats at this innovative parade must be entirely human powered, stimulating the imaginations of Fremont’s anarchic arts community. Crews propel samba bands, dancers, and rock quartets using battery-operated amplifiers. It’s held on or near the summer solstice (June 21).

November marks the end of harvest, a time for relaxing, and preparing special foods.

Music and dance events comprise two days of authentic Irish culture in mid-March.

This early-October festival is all about fun and food.

A free May celebration of the Pacific NW’s ethnic music, dance, and arts and crafts, Folk-life is a magnet for all the old (and new) hippies in the region. Given the diversity of Seattle’s Pacific Rim population, it’s virtually a festival of and for the world.