This weekend, Dragon Fest returns to Seattle’s Chinatown/International District, marking 40 years in the neighborhood. Hosted by the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA), Dragon Fest is the largest Pan-Asian American street-fair in the Pacific Northwest and was first organized as the summer fest in 1975.
Dragon Fest takes place on Saturday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition to the Dragon Fest, the Chinatown/International District will host the Night Market event on Saturday, July 11 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
The International Examiner caught up with CIDBIA interim executive director Wren McNally to talk about what to expect from this year’s festivities.
International Examiner: Dragon Fest keeps coming back bigger every year. What makes this year’s festival stand out?
Wren McNally: Of the various CIDBIA initiatives focused on cultivating a safe, attractive, and activated Chinatown-International District, Dragon Fest is one of our more tangible and lively activities. It has become the largest Pan-Asian American summer street-fair in the Pacific Northwest and we have an exciting event planned again this year. This year is particularly important because it marks the C/ID’s 40th Dragon Fest. The festival will feature local businesses and organizations through the $2 food walk, street fair, and cultural performances. We will also have live music, dancing, and numerous vendors. The food walk will feature businesses in all three neighborhoods: Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon. The event will activate King Street from 5th Ave S. to 8th Ave S. This world-class event would not be possible without our small but dedicated staff, our community supporters, and the district businesses.
IE: What do you think Dragon Fest represents for the International District community?
McNally: Dragon Fest provides an important venue to showcase Seattle’s important cultural heritage, promote the district’s numerous businesses and organizations, and activate the Chinatown-ID. From the CIDBIA’s perspective, equally important to hosting a successful annual event is that Dragon Fest catalyzes ongoing support of the district—culturally and economically. As the festival has grown, the CIDBIA has maintained its focus on highlighting the C/ID as an important cultural destination and a vibrant business district.
IE: What does Dragon Fest represent for the people who flock to it from all over the city?
McNally: For Dragon Fest’s tens of thousands of participants, the event is a tremendous opportunity for both the local community to celebrate its district and for visitors to gain first-hand exposure to the great dining, shopping, and cultural experiences the C/ID has to offer. The C/ID is a regional asset and Dragon Fest is an perfect way to celebrate it.
IE: There are a lot more cultural performances on stage this year. How do you think showcases like this help in people’s understanding about the diversity of the API community?
McNally: Live cultural performances provide a fun and impressive way to feature Seattle’s Chinatown/ID’s rich cultural history. The performances are also highly inclusive—they are a great way for all people to enjoy and learn about the district’s diverse API community.
IE: Is there anything else you’d like Dragon Fest attendees to know?
McNally: The fact that this is the fourth decade of Dragon Fest illustrates the value of the event to this vibrant the community and a testament to the incredible support from the neighborhood, community partners, and sponsors.
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Travis Quezon (Editor in Chief) is descended from Filipino settlers in Hawaiʻi. He worked as a journalist and newspaper editor in Honolulu since 2002 before moving to Seattle in 2012. In Seattle, Travis was the editor in chief of the International Examiner (2013 to 2017) and executive director of the Seattle Globalist. Travis was most recently working in marketing and communications for community health organizations. Travis rejoined the International Examiner as editor in Chief in 2025. Contact Travis at: [email protected]
