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Bold Hat is committed to making a difference locally and globally by producing and enhancing world-class events, improving the communities where we live, work and play, and enriching business and non-profit partners through creativity and professionalism.

2026 PROJECTS

Lake Chelan Winterfest, January 16-25, 2026
Benefitting the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
U District Street Fair, May 16-17, 2026
Benefitting the U District Partnership
Fremont Fair, June 20-21, 2026
Benefitting the Fremont Chamber of Commerce
Kirkland Uncorked, July 17-19, 2026
Benefitting the Bold Giving Foundation
South Lake Union Block Party, August 7, 2026
Benefitting the Bold Giving Foundation
Fremont Oktoberfest, September 18-20, 2026
Benefitting the Fremont Chamber of Commerce
U District Chow Down & Street Party, September 26, 2026
Benefitting the U District Partnership

News

Bold Hat receives marketing awards, Hall of Fame induction

November 5, 2025

SEATTLE – Bold Hat Productions received multiple awards during the annual Summit Awards in November, produced by the Washington Festival and Events Association (WFEA). John Thorburn, Bold Hat’s Marketing Director since 2014, was inducted into the WFEA’s Hall of Fame during the event, following Phil Megenhardt, Bold Hat’s President / Creative Director, being inducted in 2024. Fremont Fair and Fremont Oktoberfest also received several marketing, sponsorship and programming awards, including Best Sponsorship Proposal, Best Social Media Campaign, Best Volunteer Program, and Best T-Shirt. Since 2001, Bold Hat Productions has received more than 50 awards during the annual Summit Awards. Thorburn’s induction into the WFEA Hall of Fame recognizes his 22-year career in event marketing, and leading the WFEA as its Board president during the industry’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2024, Thorburn completed WFEA education training, becoming a Certified Live Event Planner (CLEP).

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Marketing

We build community, create brand evangelists, increase visibility and multiply connections through appropriate marketing channels that drive results. By establishing clear objectives and measurable outcomes, Bold Hat develops strategies that are mission fulfilling to the benefit of every stakeholder.

Social Media

Bold Hat offers full-service social media management services for brands & events. Transform your social media presence with high-quality content & daily activity to achieve your mission.

BRAND ACTIVATION

We help brands meet their audience where they already gather—at community events that inspire connection and conversation. Bold Hat Productions designs and manages brand activations that feel authentic, local, and unforgettable.

Sponsorship

Meeting your business and marketing goals through sponsorship is our strength. Bold Hat events feature a range of audiences to match your initiatives and engage in the local community. Our team helps to create and manage unique activations to provide a memorable experience for both attendees and sponsors alike.

Production

With more than 20 years of event production, design, permitting & security management, Bold Hat is your go-to expert to guide you from project creation through completion to maximize profitability & ensure your goals are met in a safe & legal way.

Consulting

Our experience in event and project management allows us to deliver proven solutions that are both effective and cost-efficient. We identify areas within your budget and plan to lower costs, increase revenue and reduce time to ensure your high-priority project meets its fullest potential for success.

Explore

Our Projects & Clients

View More Projects

Fremont Oktoberfest

Kirkland Uncorked

Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest

Fremont Fair

“
Bold Hat understands how to present a quality event. The layout is always thoughtful; the needs of the city and the experience of the guest always top of mind. The City of Kirkland counts Bold Hat Productions as a time honored and respected partner. Kirkland Uncorked has become emblematic of the city and its waterfront in the summer season.

Ellen Miller-Wolfe
Economic Development Manager, City of Kirkland
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Bold Hat Productions has authored events for over 15 years, working closely with the Special Events Office and Committee through the review, approval, and permitting process. We have found the Bold Hat Productions team to be professional, creative, and responsive throughout every step of the process.

Chris Swenson
Chair, Seattle Special Events Committee, City of Seattle
“
Vulcan and the South Lake Union Block Party have subcontracted Bold Hat Productions for the past 10 years as our experts in permitting, event consultation and production. Through our successful partnership, we have produced outstanding events for our growing community.

Josh Lackey
Marketing Manager, Vulcan Real Estate
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Bold Hat events are always seamless because of their level of detail in planning. I am continually impressed with their focus on safety and fun, while being engaged and accommodating to requests in the community.

Jessica Vets
Former Executive Director, Fremont Chamber of Commerce
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Bold Hat Productions has been a game-changer since we started working with them four years ago. Our small-town festival had seen dramatic growth and BHP has helped us formalize our event planning and production. This has enabled us to continue our dramatic growth while achieving financial sustainability.

Erin McCardle
Councilmember, City of Chelan
“
Homeward Pet Adoption Center has been honored to be the beneficiary of Kirkland Uncorked for the last 3 years. The partnership with Both Hat has helped us raise more than $30,000 to help the animals in our care and the production team really goes above and beyond to make sure our experience at the event is top notch. We couldn’t be happier to call Bold Hat a community partner as they truly are a champion for our mission!

Lindsay Roe
Event Manager, Homeward Pet Adoption Center