KIRKLAND, WA — From October 3 to 5, downtown Kirkland came alive with color, rhythm, and imagination during the first-ever Umbrella Fringe Festival. Produced by the Kirkland Arts Center, the three-day celebration brought together artists, musicians, dancers, storytellers, and community members for a weekend of creativity and connection.

Inspired by the spirit of the original Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Umbrella Fringe invited audiences to experience the unexpected, blurring the lines between performer and spectator while celebrating art in all its forms. The name “Umbrella Fringe” pays playful homage to Kirkland’s rainy climate while symbolizing the festival’s broader mission: creating an inclusive canopy under which creativity can thrive.

A Weekend of Art, Performance, and Community

Friday: The Kickoff

The weekend opened Friday evening at the Kirkland Performance Center with a high-energy concert by Good Day Sunshine, a Seattle-based band that reimagines the music of The Beatles. Their inventive arrangements and vibrant stage presence set the tone for the entire festival, blending nostalgia with creative reinvention.

Saturday: Art Everywhere

On Saturday, downtown Kirkland transformed into a living gallery. At Kirkland Urban, THE MOD filled the plaza with paintings, sculpture, live music, and interactive installations. Visitors wandered through outdoor exhibits while enjoying spontaneous performances that unfolded throughout the day.

Across town, multiple venues hosted an exciting variety of performances that captured the eclectic spirit of Fringe.

Among the day’s highlights were:

  • Ollie Yama’s “Been There”, a moving blend of spoken word and original music exploring grief and resilience.

  • Shelby Natasha, who fused Chinese guzheng, lo-fi beats, and introspective songwriting into an ethereal soundscape.

  • Africans on the Eastside Fashion Show, celebrating youth and cultural identity through fashion and performance.

  • Music with Marco Cortez, a bilingual storytelling set for families inspired by Latin American traditions.

  • Sharbani Datta’s “Sakhi – A Journey Through Time”, an Odissi dance piece tracing friendship and reconnection across eras.

  • Beatbox Panda, captivating audiences with live vocal percussion and improvised rhythm.

  • Naga Lakshmi Bhagavatula’s “Not Your Quiet Goddess”, a powerful solo dance reclaiming feminine strength through classical Indian movement.

  • Wasabi Samba, closing the evening at Moss Bay Hall with a fusion of jazz, samba, and R&B grooves.

As the sun set over Lake Washington, late-night performances kept the creative energy flowing. Stand-up, cabaret, and live music acts such as Gabey Lucas, Lexi Nguyen & Band, and Bar Stories carried the celebration into the night.

Sunday: Encore and Exploration

The festival’s final day continued at Kirkland Urban's THE MOD, drawing both returning visitors and new faces eager to experience more. Art displays and performances filled the plaza, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and full of discovery.

Sunday’s lineup featured a more experimental tone, showcasing artists who pushed the boundaries of form and genre.

  • Taal Tarang opened with a rhythmic blend of Kathak dance and mythic storytelling.

  • NST followed with an improvised performance combining electronic music, poetry, and movement.

  • Ascended Reality explored identity and self-expression through layered soundscapes and spoken word.

  • Eastside Improv closed the day with a burst of laughter, transforming audience suggestions into lively, unscripted scenes.

By the end of the afternoon, it was clear that the Fringe’s mix of creativity, curiosity, and community had left a lasting impression.

Why Umbrella Fringe Stood Out

Umbrella Fringe distinguished itself through its range and accessibility. By offering both free and ticketed events, the festival made the arts available to everyone while ensuring direct support for participating artists. Performances took place in theaters, galleries, libraries, and public parks, weaving art into the everyday fabric of downtown Kirkland.

Another defining feature was the diversity of its lineup. Audiences encountered an impressive spectrum of artistic traditions, from Indian classical dance and Latin rhythms to electronic improvisation and contemporary storytelling. Each performance contributed to a broader dialogue about creativity, culture, and community.

Just as important, the festival championed an artist-first philosophy. Artists were paid through sponsorships and promoted sustainability in the creative community.

Looking Ahead

The success of the inaugural Umbrella Fringe Festival marks an exciting new chapter for Kirkland’s cultural landscape. It demonstrated that the city is ready for bold, experimental, and community-driven arts experiences.

Looking forward, organizers envision deeper partnerships with local businesses, expanded outdoor performances, and additional opportunities for artist residencies and audience participation. With its blend of innovation, inclusivity, and joyful expression, Umbrella Fringe has planted the seeds for a new Kirkland tradition, one where creativity shines beneath every umbrella and you can dare to experience the unexpected.