The Festival at Mt. Si is set to bring three days of summer celebration to North Bend from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10. Now in its 77th year, the long-running tradition honors the past while showcasing the best of local music, food, and community.
Organized by the North Bend Educational and Cultural Association (NBECA), the entirely volunteer-run festival includes a full weekend of events at Si View Park and downtown North Bend, from the Friday night Downtown Music Crawl to Sunday’s popular chili cook-off.
Friday kicks off with live music at four local venues during the Downtown Music Crawl, running from 7 p.m. to midnight. Unlike traditional street closures, participants will walk between venues along North Bend Way using sidewalks and crosswalks, allowing the downtown area to remain open to traffic.
On Saturday morning, the 5k Fun Run returns to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, followed by the beloved Kiddie Parade and Grand Parade along North Bend Way. That stretch of road will close to through traffic from 9:30 a.m. to noon to accommodate parade festivities.
Throughout Saturday, Si View Park becomes the festival’s central hub, offering food trucks, vendor booths, a beer garden, live music, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Si View Hoop Shoot, a pickleball tournament, the cherry pie eating contest, and performances from local and regional musicians on the main stage. The day concludes with a fireworks show at Torguson Park beginning at 10 p.m.
Sunday brings a more laid-back atmosphere, with the Kids Fun Zone, vendor booths, and another day of live music in the park. The 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off also returns, inviting guests to sample entries and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice category, with winners announced at 2 p.m.
Road closures are limited but include SE Orchard Drive and Healy Avenue S near Si View Park from Saturday morning through Sunday evening, with local access allowed. Parade-related closures on Saturday will also affect North Bend Way between Torguson Park and Bendigo Boulevard.
While the Festival at Mt. Si is packed with entertainment, its mission goes deeper. NBECA uses proceeds to fund the Judy K. Boyce Community Service Scholarship, awarded to Mt. Si and Two Rivers students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism. Since 1999, NBECA has led festival planning and fundraising efforts as a nonprofit, relying on local donations and volunteer power to keep the tradition alive.
To view the full schedule or learn how to get involved, visit www.festivalatmtsi.org. For festival-related questions, email hello@nbeca.community.
