Hub of Art, Culture, and Innovation
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Take a Glimpse Into Fremont's Past
Fremont has always been a place for creators, craftspeople, water and nature lovers. And since the beginning, it has been at the Center of the Universe. Historians note that Fremont’s geographic location, set between salt and fresh water, was a significant factor in its settlement, from the days of the Duwamish people to the European-American settlers. Created as a residential suburb, Fremont was also a center for the logging and lumber industry. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Fremont grew rapidly thanks to its new connectivity. Surface streetcars ran to downtown, the Interurban Railroad ran through Fremont to Everett, and the opening of the Fremont Ship Canal and the Hiram Chittenden Locks allowed easy vessel transit from the lakes to the Sound.
Beginning in the 1960s, the culture of Fremont shifted to embrace the counterculture movement sweeping the nation. Free-spirited residents crafted and installed public art, created beloved traditions such as the Solstice Parade and of course, installed a giant troll under the Aurora Bridge. Today, Fremont is a mix of new and old, brimming with fresh creative artwork—and creative residents.
Want to learn more? Read about Fremont’s fascinating history in our blog.
DISCOVER THE HEART OF FREMONT AND DOWNLOAD OUR MAP
Fremont, a dynamic and unique neighborhood in Seattle, offers residents a high-quality lifestyle. Known for its artistic flair, scenic parks, and lively atmosphere, Fremont provides a blend of creativity and community. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant social life, outdoor adventures, or a close-knit neighborhood vibe, Fremont has it all.
Fremont’s close proximity to downtown Seattle makes commuting or enjoying a night out easy. With access to public transit, bike lanes, and major highways, getting around is a breeze. The walkable streets and pedestrian-friendly layout also make exploring the neighborhood enjoyable on foot.
THINGS TO DO IN FREMONT
Explore the Best of Fremont:
The “Center of the Universe” Awaits
Welcome into our orbit here in the Center of the Universe! Love breweries? Art? Funky festivals? Live music? A smorgasbord of cuisine? How about outdoor recreation – biking, running, kayaking, walking and maybe even hot tub boating (for real!)? You’ll find it all in Fremont.
FREMONT CANAL PARK
Wander the north side of Lake Washington Ship Canal from Phinney Ave N to 3rd Ave NW, follow boats sailing to and from the Sound, watch salmon (and boats) run through the Chittenden Locks, or simply relax under the leafy canopy above.
FREMONT OKTOBERFEST
Munich comes to Fremont in September each year with Seattle’s largest beer festival! Music, beer (lots of beer), tasty food, Bavarian drinking games and general revelry take over the streets for three days of German-inspired fun!
FREMONT SUNDAY MARKET
For over 30 years, the Fremont Sunday Market has welcomed strolling shoppers, dogs, families and visitors alike. Food trucks, live music, vintage clothing, colorful flowers and artisan goods will tempt your tastebuds without overtaxing your wallet.
FREMONT BREWING
Love all things local? Have a taste for small batch beer? Check out locally-owned Fremont Brewing, a craft brewery creating exceptional beers in Fremont since 2009. Their kid- and doggo-friendly Urban Beer Garden serves up beer and cider daily.
Fremont solstice parade
Celebrate Spring the Fremont way! Every June 60+ community groups parade through Fremont with “giant puppets, stilt walkers, floats, dancers, cyclists (including the famous naked variety), and musicians in this kaleidoscope of joyous human expression.”
FREMONT ABBEY MARKET WALK
Stroll the road less traveled in Upper Fremont Urban Village, between Market Time Foods and the fascinating Fremont Abbey Arts Center. Discover delights galore and maybe become a regular for tostones at Paseo or affogato at Lupo.
WHERE CREATIVITY TAKES CENTER STAGE
Must-See Art in Fremont: Iconic Pieces and Hidden Gems
A troll. Statues wearing seasonal clothing. Cold War era symbols. Vibrant murals. Fremont is an everyday art walk full of unusual sights.
THE FREMONT TROLL
You’ve heard of trolls and monsters living under bridges? The Fremont Troll holds court under the Aurora Bridge, clutching a VW Beetle with of course, California plates. Did he swipe it from the bridge? Is he hungry and seeking a Bug Breakfast? Hard to say. Go ask Fremont’s colossal troll for yourself and find out!
THE INTERURBAN SCULPTURE
How do you tell what holiday is approaching? Or perhaps what season is upon us (in case the rain didn’t alert you)? Check the ever-changing costumes on this cast aluminum sculpture at the northern end of the Fremont Bridge, depicting six people and a puppy waiting for the Seattle-Everett Interurban, which ran through Fremont in the early 1900s.
THE LENIN STATUE
In the 80s, a Washingtonian traveled to eastern Europe and found a Lenin statue in a Czechoslovakian scrapyard with a man inside. He brought it home with grand intentions, but the statue ended up at Fremont Place North, N 34th, and Evanston Ave N, where it sits today, dressed smartly for celebrations and seasons.
FREMONT MURALS COLLECTION
There are murals to be found throughout the neighborhood making every walk a gallery… Get your steps and see some art too! Murals surprise and delight pedestrians at every corner in Fremont, and more appear as the months pass. Some of the murals have been commissioned by building owners while others are created during the Solstice celebration each year.
The Fremont Rocket
Every neighborhood needs a totem to gather around, and Fremont is no exception. The Fremont Rocket, a salvaged “rocket fuselage,” was rescued from a Belltown surplus store in 1991. Painted with Fremont’s coat of arms and motto, De Libertas Quirkas (Freedom to be Peculiar), it gives us permission to be ourselves.
FREMONT VIEW PUBLIC ART
We love the Fremont art scene. So much so that we created a gallery experience at Fremont View. A mural, a repurposed VW bus nose and even a time capsule offer an in-house art walk. Stop by to check it out and be sure to give "Yoga bear" a rub for some good luck as you arrive!
Dive into our blog to explore Fremont's vibrant lifestyle!
