Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Croatia at CroatiaFest on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall. This free, family-friendly festival will immerse guests of all ages in the vibrant spirit of Croatia.

CroatiaFest promotes and preserves Croatian culture, and educates future generations of Croatian Americans and the general public about its richness and beauty.

Step into Croatia’s heritage with exhibits such as A Legacy in Costume featuring museum-quality folk garments from handwoven fabrics, Through the Lens of Martin Koenig photography of rural Croatian communities, and Who Were They and Where Were They From? highlighting Croatian immigration history and accomplishments in Western Washington.

You can also enjoy a special travel talk by adventurer Marko Pavela on exploring the Cetina River valley, and the film presentation Leaving=Arriving by Dalibor Martinis: a documentary exploring cyclical migration through personal stories from the Croatian island of Vis.

Live entertainment will showcase traditional and contemporary Croatian culture, including performances by musicians playing traditional Croatian instruments, folk dance groups, singers, and local artists. Award presentations will honor Ivana Prpić of Vancouver, B.C., as the 2025 Featured Young Croatian and Kenneth A. Malich of Gig Harbor, Wash., as the 2025 Outstanding Croatian, with recognition by Croatian Ambassador to the U.S. Pjer Šimunović.

The Croatian culinary experience will be in full force with authentic dishes such as kobasice (sausages), lamb roasted on the spit, ćevapčići (Croatian-style links), sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), burek, palačinke (crepes), and baklava — prepared by local community groups including Anacortes Sister Cities, Balkan Store, Baked in Bosnia, and the Balkan Task Force. Guests can also enjoy cooking demonstrations of njoki (gnocchi) and London štangle fruit bar cookies.

If you’re over 21 years-of-age, the lively Konoba (Wine & Rakija Room) offers tastings of Croatian wines and spirits from regional producers, accompanied by live Croatian music throughout the afternoon.

Lastly, be sure to explore the bustling CroatiaFest marketplace inside the Armory, with treasures ranging from handmade wood products and ceramics to olive oil, jams/spreads, apparel, baked goods, and specialty imports.

CroatiaFest is part of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round series of 25 free cultural festivals.

Learn more about Festál at seattlecenter.com/festal