Redmond, Washington is located near Seattle in the northeast part of the state. The state is known for its regional wines as well as its jazz music. Several communities celebrate either the area's wine or local music with annual festivals. Redmond is only a short drive from several festivals.
This annual festival is held in the town of Bellevue, about seven miles southwest of Redmond. The jazz festival has a long history in Bellevue, operating from the 1970s until 1993 when it went on hiatus. In 2008, the festival was started up again by the Bellevue Downtown Association and is now an annual, four-day event held in June. Jazz is featured all over the downtown area and can be seen at the Meydenbauer Theater, bars, hotels and outdoor venues. The 2010 festival featured more than 40 different entertainers, ranging from professionals to high school jazz bands.
Bellevue Downtown Association
400 108th Ave. NE, Suite 110
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-453-1223
bellevuedowntown.org
Snohomish is located 18 miles north of Redmond and held its first, annual wine festival in March 2010. Around 20 wineries showed off their wines to several hundred visitors. Festival guests get a wine glass and can test about one ounce of each of the wines. Snacks are provided by local restaurants and local musicians, like Mill Creek's Bubble and Fog, provide entertainment.
Snohomish Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 135
Snohomish, WA 98291
425-345-3643
snohomishwinefestival.com
The Washington Wines Festival is located in Carnation, about 12 miles from Redmond. The annual, three-day festival has been held since 1991 and takes place in July. The festival promotes the local wine industry and also helps raise funds for charities. Events include auctions, dances, dinner on Saturday and Sunday and breakfast on Sunday, live music and wine tasting from more than 50 wineries. Activities around campfires, dessert bars and cigar smoking are also festival features. Food is prepared by local chefs, including the staff at Wild Ginger, a restaurant that prepares dishes like Wild Ginger Fragrant Duck and Seven Flavor Beef. Staff at the Waterfront Seafood Grill also make an appearance. Their restaurant's menu features items like Stuffed Wild Baja Prawns and Grilled Pacific Swordfish. The event has been hosted at Carnation Farm since 2008.
Carnation Farm
28901 N.E. Carnation Farm Road
Carnation, WA 98014
425-844-3100
washingtonwinesfestival.com
