Something for Everyone at Duwamish River Festival

The 18th annual Duwamish River Festival: Home for All was a celebration of community, environmental justice, and restoration. I attended the festival with two of my daughters and my best friend, and from the moment we arrived, the vibrant energy of the event was palpable.

We started our day by exploring the various booths that lined the festival grounds, each offering something unique to discover. The Chaotic Noise marching band set the tone with a lively brass-infused rendition of “Cake by the Ocean,” getting everyone around us grooving to the beat.

Registration was a breeze—just grab a ticket, and you’re set for a day of fun. The free food was a major highlight, with food trucks like “Thai U Up,” “Mike’s Shaved Ice,” and “Tachiera Muy Macho” serving up delicious eats. The lines moved smoothly, and the portions were more than generous, keeping everyone satisfied as they wandered from one booth to the next.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the festival was the sense of community. People of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages—from kids to adults—came together in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It was a true reflection of the diverse and vibrant community that calls the Duwamish River home.

From Duwamish River Community Coalition

Although we didn’t take advantage of the free kayak tour, it offered a peaceful and scenic view of the river. Later, we were moved by the words of wisdom shared by the great-great-grandson of Chief Sealth, who reminded us of the importance of preserving our environment and respecting the land.

Educational booths provided valuable insights into climate issues, and art projects kept festival-goers of all ages engaged and entertained. There were even fun prizes for participation, making the learning experience all the more enjoyable.

Parking was hassle-free, thanks to the free parking at the adjacent Boeing lot and shuttles running every 20 minutes—a thoughtful touch that made attending the festival even easier.

Paulina Lopez, the Executive Director of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, perfectly captured the spirit of the event, saying, “Our Festival is the best way to honor our River and our community. We engage with our neighbors about the latest updates of the neighborhood while we engage with some amazing local artists representing the different cultures and languages. We brought this year about 900 people who joined our 18th year anniversary.”

The Duwamish River Festival is an event that truly has something for everyone. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and the environment, and one that I look forward to enjoying again next year.