Bellevue, Washington, is a city that thrives on creativity and cultural expression. From its renowned museums and galleries to dynamic festivals and public art installations, Bellevue offers a rich tapestry of artistic experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Bellevue Arts Museum
At the heart of the city’s art scene is the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM). Known to locals as “BAM,” the museum is a leading destination in the Pacific Northwest to experience art, craft, and design. BAM engages people of all ages through extraordinary exhibitions, programs, and publications featuring Northwest artists as well as national and international artists. Docent-led tours are offered at 1 p.m. daily, and admission is free on the first Friday of every month. Additionally, BAM hosts the BAM ARTSfair every July, the largest award-winning arts and crafts festival in the Northwest, featuring 300 artists showcasing unique, handmade arts and crafts. The festival has been held annually on the last weekend of July since 1947.
Public Art and Walking Tours
Public art installations have been part of the fabric of Bellevue since 1992, symbolizing the belief that art is for everyone. Bellevue’s downtown highlights nearly 130 works of public art. Art can be found indoors and outside throughout Bellevue, including in Downtown Park, at Meydenbauer Center, and at the Bellevue Regional Library.
BelRed Arts District
For those seeking a more eclectic arts experience, the BelRed Arts District is a must-visit. This area boasts the highest concentration of arts and cultural businesses, organizations, and artists in Bellevue and on the eastern side of Lake Washington. BelRed is a creative place where children and adults learn to dance, bands practice and record, artists paint and sculpt, startups seek to innovate, instruments get fixed up, and so much more.
Annual Festivals and Events
Bellevue’s cultural calendar is dotted with events that celebrate its artistic spirit. The Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend, held annually on the last weekend of July, is a highlight. This event features artists and activities that span the heart of downtown, from Bellevue Square’s west parking garage and Bellevue Arts Museum, through the NE 6th Street corridor to 106th Avenue NE. Attendees can enjoy stunning artwork, immersive cultural performances, educational experiences, a wide variety of food vendors, and hands-on interactive art projects designed to inspire all ages and backgrounds.
Another notable event is the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival, an annual festival held in late spring or early summer. This community cultural event attracts a diverse audience wishing to share and explore their passion for live jazz and blues. Performances are held at various venues in Bellevue, including Meydenbauer Center Theatre, Resonance at SOMA Towers, and Bake’s Place Bar & Bistro.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual observer, Bellevue’s arts and culture scene offers something for everyone. The city’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural expression ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to discover.