The Next 50, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, April 21 – October 21, begins Saturday at 10 a.m. with a series of fun events for the whole family.
Most of the festivities begin on Saturday, April 21 with a full day of activities, beginning at 10 a.m. to mark this important milestone on the Center grounds.
But the history buffs in the crowd will want to visit the Century 21 History Café on Thursday, April 19. Paula Becker and Alan Stein, the two authors of the official book of the anniversary, “The Future Remembered,” share stories of the fair at 7 p.m. at the Roy Street Coffee and Tea restaurant at 700 Broadway East.
The official opening day of celebrations begins with a ribbon cutting at the International Fountain Pavilion at Seattle Center. There will also be three exhibits exploring the 1962 World’s Fair and its impact today. The Opening Ceremony, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the newly restored Mural Amphitheatre, features speakers and special guests highlighting the past, present and future of Seattle Center and the Pacific Northwest. At the ceremony’s conclusion, invited dignitaries will literally launch The Next 50 with stomp rockets.
The afternoon offers live music and dance performances, children’s activities, mobile food vendors, beer garden, free zip line ride, NASA’s Driven to Explore Exhibit, Emerald City Search kick-off, skateboarding party, and many more free, festive, and fun activities throughout the Seattle Center grounds.
Free parking is offered on Opening Day until 10 a.m. in three Seattle Center Garages, 1st Ave N Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Mercer Garage.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy exhibits from NASA and Our Sustainable Futures Experience. At the Living City Design Competition Exhibit visitors will be asked to imagine a truly sustainable, socially just and ecologically restorative civilization. They will be able to peer into the next 50 years to see what the future just might hold for cities and the world.
The Next 50 launch date and six-month duration correspond to those of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Similar to the Fair, The Next 50 looks to the future for much of its inspiration and programming ideas. Arts, culture and design and history tie the celebration together.
The organizers of the World’s Fair left the legacy of Seattle Center to allow for a place in the core of our region for public gatherings, arts cultivation and family activities.
In keeping with their vision, The Next 50 challenges our community to engage in the critical discussions of our day, essential celebrations, and inspiring presentations.
For more information on The Next Fifty and Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.
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