Hmong New Year Fills the Seattle Center Armory Tonight, and It Is Free

Looking for something warm and dry to do on a rainy Saturday? Seattle Hmong New Year is on today, Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Armory Food and Event Hall at Seattle Center, with dancing, singing, a fashion show and Hmong food from noon into the evening. A night concert runs until 10 p.m. Admission is free.

Seattle Center Festál presents the festival with the Hmong Association of Washington.

What the celebration is

Hmong New Year marks the end of the harvest season. It is a time to give thanks to ancestors and welcome a new beginning, and Seattle Center calls it the biggest festive holiday wherever Hmong communities live. Traditionally the celebration lasts ten days; in the United States it has been shortened.

Many people come dressed in traditional Hmong clothing, and you are welcome to wear yours. Watch for pov pob, a ball tossing game played between two people that is a traditional form of courtship.

Today's schedule

Seattle Center lists the day program from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Armory stage, with performances starting at noon. Highlights:

• Noon: Welcome remarks, then the opening ceremony at 12:15 p.m.
• 12:25 to 2:50 p.m.: Dance groups, a traditional instrument performance, church choirs, guest artists and talks by cultural practitioners
• 3 p.m.: Live Q&A with cultural practitioners
• 3:30 p.m.: Fashion show
• 4 to 5 p.m.: More dance and singing, ending with the band MOUAwithin

The night program runs from 6 to 10 p.m., with MOUAwithin at 6, then A Lor, J.A.M.E.S., Johnny Lo, Treasure Moua and Coolaycoo through 9:30 p.m.

In the Armory Lofts, a Hmong Heritage Exhibit is open during the festival.

Food and shopping

Seven food vendors set up outside, including Hmong sausage, barbecue and Thai tea. Inside, more than a dozen booths sell Hmong clothing, jewelry, crafts and snacks, alongside information tables from community groups and the Hmong Student Association at the University of Washington.

Plan around the weather

The National Weather Service gives Seattle a chance of light rain this afternoon and near certain rain tonight, with a low around 50 and south winds gusting to 25 mph. The stage and the indoor booths are inside the Armory, but the food vendors are outdoors, so bring a hood if you plan to eat outside.

Getting there without a car

Seattle Center says parking is limited and encourages carpooling. Transit is easy:

• Link and the Monorail: Ride the 1 Line to Westlake Station, then walk up to the Monorail at Westlake Center. Trains leave about every 10 minutes and reach Seattle Center in about two minutes. The Monorail runs until 11 p.m. on Saturdays, so you can stay for the whole night program and still ride back.
• Buses: King County Metro routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31 and 33 and the RapidRide D Line serve Seattle Center. The RapidRide E Line and routes 5 and 28 stop nearby on Aurora Avenue North.
• On foot: If you are coming from the south side of campus, note that the 3rd Avenue North path between Harrison Street and August Wilson Way is closed until spring. Use Seattle Storm Way (2nd Avenue) instead.