Seattle Boba Fest returns to the U District on Saturday, August 1!
Bubble tea fans have a reason to celebrate as Seattle Boba Fest returns to the U District this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Organized by The U District Partnership, the annual event highlights the neighborhood’s reputation as Seattle’s hub for bubble tea, with dozens of cafés and restaurants offering everything from classic milk teas to creative boba-inspired desserts, cocktails, and special menu items.
Visitors can start their day by picking up an event guide at the Welcome Tent, located in front of the U District Station at 43rd Avenue and Brooklyn, or browse the online event map to plan their route through participating businesses.
If you’re new to bubble tea, Boba Fest is a great opportunity to explore the many ways to customize your drink. You start by choosing a base such as milk tea, fruit tea, brewed tea, or a fruit smoothie, then add flavors like mango, lychee, peach, strawberry, taro, matcha, or brown sugar. Finish it off with toppings ranging from boba balls (the classic chewy tapioca pearls) to fruit jellies, pudding, red beans, aloe, or even popping boba filled with fruit juice. Don’t forget the signature wide straw, designed for sipping up the toppings along with your drink.
New for 2026 is Boba Quest, a scavenger hunt that encourages attendees to explore the neighborhood. Participants can snap a selfie at each of the six designated Boba Quest locations, complete the event survey, and return to the Welcome Tent between noon and 6 p.m. to claim a prize. No purchase is required to participate.
The six Boba Quest stops are YAN Tea, Elixir Dessert + Bar, Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery, Sizzle & Crunch, Shiga’s Imports, and Boba Up. Look for the star icons on the event map and enjoy discovering some of the U District’s favorite local spots along the way. For menus and a map of all the locations participating this Saturday, visit the festival website.
