About PAFE

Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside is a volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing a fun and educational experience for young performers in the Greater Puget Sound area in Washington state since 1986. The festival is adjudicated by distinguished collegiate and conservatory musicians and artists selected by the PAFE board.

Many former PAFE students are now graduates of the finest music schools and conservatories, including Juilliard, Colburn, Eastman, Peabody, and Indiana.

Check out pictures from Past Festivals on our Facebook Page.

For current and previous award notifications, see our Placements page.

Our Mission:

  • To promote the study of music.
  • To provide an opportunity for students of all ages to perform for audiences
  • To provide an opportunity for students of all ages to be adjudicated by professional and collegiate master performers.
  • To provide awards and recognition for outstanding Festival participants.
  • To contribute to the cultural growth of the diverse communities in the Greater Eastside.

Our History:

A group of people that included Barbara and Stanley Miller, and Edgar and Verna Borup, presented the Eastside Music Festival in 1986. In 1987, the same group of people, along with Richard Engstrom, established PAFE and presented the first Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside. Those same people led the board of directors for many years.