Is Bite of Seattle Worth the Trip (and the Money?)

The Bite of Seattle food festival is one of the city’s most celebrated events. Here, you can savor tasty eats and thirst-quenching brews while soaking up the unique vibe of the Emerald City.

But is this annual party worth it?

We’re scrounging up the details of this world-class festival to help you decide.

Let’s dig in!

A man and woman enjoy fried, spiraled potatoes at an outdoor food festival, like you might see in Seattle.

What’s the Deal with Bite of Seattle?

Each year in July, locals and visitors flock to Seattle Center for one of the most iconic food festivals around. Known by locals as The Bite, this event includes hundreds of vendors from around the Pacific Northwest who offer scrumptious eats and sensational beers, wines, and ciders.

It began in 1982 when restauranteur Alan Silverman suggested a festival to promote local businesses. While they anticipated around 25,000 attendees, the turnout was triple their expectations.

Since then, The Bite has earned the title of Best Food Festival in the US twice. Today, over 450,000 hungry guests turn out for the three-day extravaganza.

As far as the food is concerned, you can taste just about any cuisine you can imagine. Some notable vendors include Lobsterhaus, Sushi Pizzeria, and Bone N Marrow, an eatery specializing in fire-roasted bone marrow creations.

You can also drink fruity cocktails out of a Big Baby Bottle, munch on freeze-dried candies, and cool off with a massive Hawaiian Honey Cone.

In addition to tasty treats and delightful beverages, you can enjoy the tunes of over 65 musical acts. A maker’s market showcases handmade jewelry, art, and other goodies. You can also check out cooking demonstrations, activities for the kids, and much more.

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How Much Does Bite of Seattle Cost?

If Bite of Seattle sounds too good to be true, just wait until you find out that admission is completely free. That’s right! You don’t have to spend a dime to soak in the ambiance and aromas of this heavenly event.

Of course, vendors are there to sell their culinary creations, so be sure to bring cash or a card to fill your belly. Unlike some festivals where you need to link a credit card to your wristband, The Bite is old school. No need to download an app or fiddle with virtual payment platforms.

We hear many spots sling sampler plates for a small fee, so you can try a little of everything. Others offer full-blown entrees. We suggest tasting around a bit and finding something you can’t get enough of!

Where Is Bite of Seattle?

The vibrant city of Seattle, Washington, is known for its eclectic atmosphere and thriving arts scene. If you want an incredible cup of coffee, world-class museums, and a great music scene, it’s the place to be!

The Emerald City is on an isthmus between Lake Washington and Puget Sound. It’s a bustling metropolis surrounded by striking natural wonders. In fact, Travel + Leisure called it the Ultimate City for Outdoor Adventure Lovers. Several national parks, such as Rainier, North Cascased, and Olympic, are an easy day trip from Seattle.

Undoubtedly, you’re never far from exciting outdoor recreation here. Hiking, mountain biking, and paddling are common activities for both locals and visitors.

Ready to plan your trip? Find out if Seattle is Safe for Tourists!

Other Fun Events Near Bite of Seattle

While Bite of Seattle might be the city’s preeminent food festival, it’s certainly not the only event worth checking out. Here are two more summer soirees to hit while you’re in town.

Ballard SeafoodFest

The Ballard neighborhood is steeped in fishing culture. It continues to celebrate its Scandinavian maritime traditions. In fact, many stars of the hit TV show Deadliest Catch live here. We can’t think of a more authentic place for a seafood festival!

During this three-day event, the city closes several streets to make room for local vendors and breweries. Live music sets the tone all weekend, and you can participate in fun activities like Festi-Bowl, an all-ages skateboarding showcase.

Just like Bite of Seattle, the Ballard SeafoodFest is totally free!

Seattle Art Fair

Anyone who appreciates contemporary art will want to stroll through the Seattle Art Fair. This four-day affair features works from modern galleries around the world as well as local creators. As you wander through the Lumen Field Event Center, you’ll encounter quirky, whimsical, thought-provoking pieces from a wide range of exhibitors.

Whether you’re looking for a new installation for your home or inspiration from the masters, the Seattle Art Fair has it all.

Tempted yet? Check out our Deep Dive into the Seattle Art Fair!

Best Places to Stay Near Bite of Seattle

We recommend sticking around town to take in as much of Seattle as possible. After all, there’s a lot to the Emerald City, and you won’t want to miss a thing! Here are just a few great options to consider.

Lake Pleasant RV Park

You’ll find Lake Pleasant RV Park about 30 minutes north of The Bite’s venue, Seattle Center. The lakeside campground features nearly 200 asphalt sites, many of which can accommodate 80’ setups.

In addition to full hookups, free WiFi, and cable TV, you’ll have access to laundry facilities, modern restrooms, and a dump station. There’s also a dog run for your four-legged friends and a playground for the kiddos.

Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed & Breakfast

For more upscale accommodations, consider the Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed & Breakfast. This 14,000-square-foot Tudor Revival home offers eight elegant guest rooms and several lavishly decorated common areas in the Capitol Hill area, about ten minutes from Seattle Center.

The deluxe continental breakfast features delicacies like smoked salmon, prosciutto, and freshly baked pastries.

Neon signs at Seattle Public Market. You can expect some of these vendors to appear at Bite of Seattle.

The Edgewater Hotel

For the ultimate luxury stay, you’ll want a room at the Edgewater. This high-end spot has a rich musical history, hosting guests like the Beatles, Foo Fighters, and Pearl Jam.

The Edgewater is on Pier 67 overlooking Elliott Bay. Choose from rooms with skyline or waterfront views, grab a snack at Six Seven Restaurant, or break a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center. Best of all, you’ll only be a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Bite of Seattle.

Can’t make it to Seattle? Bring the flavors to you with Caffe Umbria Seattle Roasted Coffee!

Is a Road Trip to Bite of Seattle Worth It?

Bite of Seattle is the ultimate food festival in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll want to experience cuisines from around the world, expertly crafted brews, and tons of live music at this unbeatable event.

We suggest sticking around for a while to enjoy other lively festivals like the Seattle Art Fair and Ballard SeafoodFest. That way, you’ll get a well-rounded idea of what the Emerald City is all about!