Croatian Themed Gift Items

If you're looking for gift items, imported Mediterranean foods, crafts, or Croatian-themed apparel, come to the main floor of the Armory. Our vendors have unique and hard-to-find items as well as Croatian candies, cookies, ajvar, and Dalmatian olive oil. We are excited to welcome back five of our favorite Croatian vendors and will welcome a few new ones this year as well.

Balkan Store: Imported Croatian and Mediterranean food and beverage products

Drusk Trading Company: Olive oil from Croatia

Andy's Fine Woods: Bowls, platters, and gifts made from exotic woods

Croatia Gifts: Handcrafted ceramics and gift items

CroatiaFest Souvenir Booth: One-of-a-kind CroatiaFest souvenir apparel

J.P. Designs: Croatian themed items - cutting boards, boxes, and trivets

SABS: Cookies, cookbooks, and gifts

Croatian Heritage Corner: Imported kitchen items from Croatia

Color In Croatia:  Photography by Mariana Tomas-Savage

Matt's Canned Salmon: Wild caught Bristal Bay Sockeye salmon

The merchants are located on the main and 3rd floors of the Armory. Come visit -- you will be pleased with the variety of offerings. You are certain to find something with that special Croatian touch to take home and enjoy or give as a unique gift.

YOU WON'T GO HUNGRY!

A variety of delicious Croatian foods will be available for purchase both inside and outside the Seattle Center Armory.

Outside the Armory

Balkan Store will again have whole lamb roasted on the spit and grilled ćevapčići (Croatian-style links). Both meats will include bread and condiments.

Anacortes Sister Cities will be grilling kobasice.

Inside the Armory

On the main floor of the Armory, the Balkan Support Team will offer palačinke (Croatian crepes) and baklava. You can also purchase a cup of kava (Turkish coffee) to go along with these sweets.

Baked in Bosnia will serve traditional Croatian sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls). They will also be serving slices of their delicious apple and bee sting cakes and other tasty items such as pita/burek and princes krofne (cream puffs).

WINE CELLAR RETURNS IN 2026

Last year’s CroatiaFest Konoba experience was a success and we are looking forward to bringing it back again, this year with even more music! Just come on in (if you are 21 or older), bring your food and snacks with you, enjoy the entertainment, and buy a glass of wine, a bottle, or a shot of rakija and take in this wonderful experience. Tokens for glasses of wine and rakija shots will be available for purchase at the door.

Joining us this year is Croatian-American family vintner Jason Morin of Ancestry Cellars (www.ancestrycellars.com), the wonderful team from Vinbero Wine Bar of Edmonds (www.vinbero.bar), Balkan Store in Lynnwood, and the CroatiaFest Rakija Stand. Živjeli!

WITH PROFESSOR NICHOLAS LOVRICH AND JASMINA CERNAK

Washington State University Professor Nicholas Lovrich and Jasmina Cernak will be hosting the Kako Se Kaže booth at the entrance to the 3rd floor art gallery of the Seattle Center Armory on October 4th. Bring copies of your cherished old country letters and birth, baptism, or marriage certificates for Jasmina to translate.

Explore a display board of various objects for you to identify using your family’s dialect. This engaging activity offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss linguistic diversity with Professor Lovrich, who has done extensive research of different Croatian dialects.

A TRADTIONAL CROATIAN FISHING SKIFF

Croatian fishermen have used the batana since the 1750s. The skiff is characterized by its flat bottom, which curves slightly toward the ends. Because the bottom of the boat is flat, a batana is generally used for fishing in shallow water, close to shore.

The “Brač” batana was built at the Gig Harbor Boat Shop by volunteers under the supervision of master shipwright Michael Vlahovich . A longtime Gig Harbor resident, Vlahovich now lives in Sumartin on the island of Brač, Croatia. He hopes this project will spark an on-going cultural exchange between Gig Harbor and Sumartin. Both have commercial fishing and boat building traditions.

The “Brač”will be on display at CroatiaFest on Sunday, October 4th on the main floor of the Seattle Center Armory. In addition, there will be a net mending demonstration and instructions for kids of all ages on the art of filling net mending needles. Be sure to stop by the display to admire the age old craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations.

NEW THIS YEAR

A variety of stylish tee shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies will be available for purchase at the CroatiaFest apparel booth next to the main stage of the Seattle Center Armory on Sunday, October 4th.  We are happy to announce our new hat and tote bag accessories this year. The high quality stretch and ventilated cap is designed for fitted comfort and the tote holds up to 25 pounds!  Swing by the apparel booth to check out what is new. Be sure to take home your custom made souvenir!


 

Interpretive Kiosk at Roslyn Historic Cemetery

The Interpretive Kiosk at Roslyn Historic Cemetery complex was dedicated in 2021 to be a gathering place for services and other cemetery events.  It serves as a gateway to the rich histories of individuals resting in the sacred grounds, allowing visitors and families to explore and contribute to a living tapestry of memories. 

The kiosk is a digital storyteller and a navigator, guiding users to specific grave sites.  Visitors can enter a name to access detailed profiles, complete with photographs and stories, bridging the gap between past and present.

CroatiaFest 2026 is pleased to welcome The Roslyn Cemetery Legacy Project team to the festival on October 4th.  The project team will be located on the 3rd floor of the Armory.  They will present how to access the computer on site or at home plus how you can contribute your family’s profile and history.  You are encouraged to bring your information and photos of family members. 

Volunteers Will Be On-Site To Answer Questions

CROATIA TODAY:  Travel agents from Adriatic Travel answer your questions about travel to Croatia

KAKO SE KAŽE:  Learn about Croatian language and compare regional dialects

ACAP:  Association of Croatian American Professionals

ROSLYN CEMETERY LEGACY PROJECT: The project team will present how to access kiosk computer plus how you can contribute your family’s profile and history.

CROATIAFEST INFORMATION BOOTH:  Pick up your souvenir programs and schedules of activities

STEP AND REPEAT: Bring your camera to take a selfie or photo with family and friends in front of the CroatiaFest logo banner

BRAĆ:  See the locally-built Batana boat with net mending demonstrations.  

CHRIS' KIDS CORNER:  Kids activities

CroatiaFest October 4, 2026

Consulate General of Croatia from Los Angeles, California will be available for Consular Days Sunday October 4th  from 12:00 – 4:00 pm on the 3rd floor of the Seattle Center Armory for passport renewal, citizenship applications and notary services. Please make sure to bring copies of all required documents. We will not be able to accept incomplete applications.

Citizenship applications require two packets with all required documents: one original set and one complete copy for each individual applying. Copies cannot be made on site.

By appointment only! 

The office will start taking appointments September 1st.   Please e-mail the Consulate at  losangeles@mvep.hr.  Appointments are available on a first come first served basis. Please note we only accept personal checks or money orders payable to the Croatian Consulate.