Every city has their special, one-of-a-kind neighborhood gems. Here in Seattle, the International District (ID) is chock full of cultural delicacies and businesses rich with history. Since it’s such a uniquely diverse neighborhood, it’s no surprise that the Seattle-based non-profit organization, C-ID, works to improve the quality of living and to promote economic vitality in the Chinatown-International District.

As one of many efforts to uplift the businesses in the Chinatown-International District, the C-ID also helps facilitate and organize a bevy of annual events to celebrate the many cultures represented in the neighborhood. These events showcase what the neighborhoods within the ID have to offer! Check out some of the awesome festivals coming up:

DragonFest 2012 | Saturday, July 14, 12-8pm & Sunday, July 15, 12-6 p.m.

DragonFest is an annual Asian cultural festival that takes over the streets of the ID. The weekend long event features Chinese Lion and Dragon dances, Japanese Taiko drumming, Indian dance performances, Chinese martial arts demonstrations, large-scale outdoor Asian food market, and more! This festival is completely free to the public.

JamFest | Thursday, July 19, 5:30-9pm & Thursday, August 16, 5:30-9 p.m.

Hosted by the Wing Luke Museum, JamFest is a summer festival that takes place on the third Thursday of every month from June through August. Highlighting businesses in the neighborhood, JamFest brings local artists to ID storefronts and galleries to celebrate rich music traditions. Children under 12 are free. $8 general admission, $6 students/seniors and $5 for the Wing members and Hostelling International members. Season pass pricing is also available.

Nihonmachi Nite | Saturday, August 11, 4-9 p.m.

Within the ID there are also smaller pockets of Asian communities. Nihonmachi Nite celebrates the historic Seattle Japantown by bringing together local community groups, business owners, artisans and musical and cultural performers! Nihonmachi Nite is a totally free event.

Celebrate Little Saigon | Saturday, August 18, 5 p.m.

The International District is home to a huge variety of businesses that both sustain and promote Vietnamese culture! The Celebrate Little Saigon festival offers a community hub for Seattle’s Vietnamese Americans with an evening of food, traditional dances and performances, and more.

Keep up with C-ID and all the fantastic events they do on C-ID’s website, or like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!