Event Details
Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend is a premier annual event celebrating the arts and showcasing the creative talents of artists from around the country. More than 350 artists will exhibit and sell handcrafted works across 20+ mediums, accompanied by live performances, food trucks, and hands-on programming.
History
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.
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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.
Parking & Transportation
Attendees are encouraged to utilize public transportation.
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Public Transportation
Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend is easily reachable by bus. Visit www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org, Metro Transit or Sound Transit to plan your trip today!
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The South Bellevue Park and Ride (garage) is open and provides 1,500 parking stalls. You can ride the light rail to the (recently opened) Downtown Bellevue Station and walk .7 mile to BAM Arts Fair.
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Parking at The Bellevue Collection
Parking is plentiful and free (or free with validation) at the Bellevue Collection. Find complete driving and parking directions to the Bellevue Collection here
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No Parking at BAM
NO Arts Fair parking at Bellevue Arts Museum.
ONLY Authorized Staff, guests, and monthly permit holders may enter the BAM garage.
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Bellevue Connection Parking Garage
Parking will be available Saturday and Sunday for $8 for the first two hours and a flat rate of $15 after the first two hours. Find complete driving and parking directions to the Bellevue Connection Parking Garage here
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Directions
I-405
Take the NE 4th Street (Exit 13A) west exit. From NE 4th Street, continue straight (west) cross Bellevue Way & turn right around Bellevue Square for easiest parking into the garages.
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I-90 E
Take the Bellevue Way exit heading north. Take a left (west) on NE 4th Street and turn right around Bellevue Square for easiest parking into the garages.
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520 E
Take the Bellevue Way exit heading south. Take a right (west) on NE 4th Street and turn right around Bellevue Square for easiest parking into the garages.
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