FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THE TEA FESTIVAL
When is the 2025 festival?
Saturday, Sept 27 10am - 6pm and Sunday, Sept 28 10am-4pm
How much is the festival?
The admission fee is $25 per person and allows entry to both Saturday and Sunday. You’ll receive a tasting cup and a tote bag, while supplies last. Children under twelve are admitted free.
Remember to bring your tasting cup with you if you return Sunday!
Where is the festival located?
The 2025 festival will be at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall (near McCaw Hall), 301 Mercer Street, Seattle. Map here.
What public transportation options are there?
There are many bus routes that go near the Seattle Center. You can also take the Monorail from downtown Seattle. If you’re coming from north or south of Seattle, the Light Rail is an option to connect to the Monorail. There is more information here.
Where should I park?
Paid parking is available on nearby streets as well as the Mercer Street Parking Garage across Mercer St. and in other nearby parking lots.
Where do I enter the festival if I bought my admission ticket online?
Look for the Ticket Holder signs. Be ready to show QR code in the ticket email you received on your phone or bring a printed copy. The subject line is Your tickets for: NWTF 2025
Festival volunteers will scan the QR code. Note that if the festival is at capacity, you may need to wait until some attendees leave before entering.
Where do I purchase admission tickets for the festival in person?
Look for the Ticket Buyers signs. You have the option of paying with cash or with a credit card. Note that if the festival is at capacity, you may need to wait until some attendees leave before entering.
When should I go to avoid the crowds?
Saturday afternoon between 3-6 and Sunday afternoon are the least busy times. Typically, Saturday from 10-3 is the busiest time at the festival.
How do I get a seat at a stage presentation?
The stage presentations are included in the ticket price and are first come, first served for seating. You can view the schedule here. There will also be printed programs at the festival.
Are there any workshops this year?
Yes, there are workshops. All of the workshops are filled, but we will create a waitlist line next to the workshop location a few minutes before the start of each workshop. We will open up seats if the registered participants have not checked in by 5 minutes before the start of the workshop.
We invite you to spend time at the Tea Bar to experience mini-workshop tastings throughout the weekend. No registration needed..
Most of the vendors will have teas to sample at their booths and are happy to talk in depth about their teas. View the list of vendors here.
Will there be food at the festival?
Three bakeries (Askatu Bakery, La Liath Bakery and Miss Orange Teahouse Bakery) will have booths at the festival. Imo Madoi will have artisanal Japanese vegetable snacks at their booth. There are a variety of food options at the Seattle Center. Here’s a list.
Are animals allowed inside the Exhibition Hall?
There is a no animals policy except for Service Animals consistent with the rest of Seattle Center facilities.
The following items are not permitted inside the Exhibition Hall:
- Aerosol Cans
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes, Marijuana, Vape Pens, etc. (in use)
- Drones
- Illegal Drugs and/or paraphernalia
- Pamphlets, fliers, handbills (unless previously approved)
- Professional Photography Equipment (unless previously approved)
- Signs, banners, flags, etc.
- Weapons of any kind: pepper spray, tear gas, handcuffs, stun guns, etc.
- Any other item deemed inappropriate by Northwest Tea Festival management