Seattle summers are made for outdoor events—think bustling street fairs, waterfront festivals, farmers markets, and food truck rallies. Whether you’re an event organizer or a vendor, one thing’s for sure: the right signage can make or break your summer event success. Great signs don’t just help people find their way—they grab attention, boost your brand, and enhance the overall vibe.
At McNamara Signs, we’ve been helping local businesses and event pros make a big visual impact for decades. So as the 2025 summer season heats up, here are our top tips for creating signage that stands out and works hard.
1. Start with a Sign Strategy
Before you even design your first sign, map out a signage game plan. Walk through the event layout—where will the crowds gather? What are the must-find spots (restrooms, first aid, stages)? How will foot traffic flow? Identify where signage will help most and what each sign needs to communicate. A little planning goes a long way in making your event feel seamless and professional.
2. Turn Up the Color
Summer is all about bold colors and good vibes—your signage should match! Go for high-contrast color combos that pop in daylight and stay legible as the sun sets. Big, clean fonts are key—think readability at a glance, even from 20 feet away. And don’t be afraid to play with summer themes or event branding in your design. It’s a party, after all.
3. Help Guests Navigate with Directional Signage
Lost attendees aren’t happy attendees. Use directional signs to point the way to food trucks, vendor rows, music stages, parking, and exits. Maps at key entrances are super helpful. Bonus tip: tie in some local Seattle flair—iconic landmarks, neighborhood names, or playful PNW graphics can add personality while keeping things clear.
4. Vendor Signage That Sells
If you're a vendor, your sign is your silent salesperson. It should show off your brand, what you offer, and what makes you special. Use vinyl banners, feather flags, or custom chalkboards to grab attention. Include pricing, specials, and a clear call to action. And remember: the more visible you are, the more traffic you’ll draw in.
5. Keep Things Consistent (Without Losing Personality)
A cohesive look helps your event feel polished. If you’re organizing the event, consider setting some signage guidelines—consistent sizes, font styles, or color schemes—while still giving vendors room to shine. Uniform directional signage + creative vendor branding = a visually balanced and memorable event.
6. Go Weather-Proof with Durable Materials
Seattle’s summer might be gorgeous, but we all know a rogue rain shower (or wind gust) isn’t out of the question. Choose signage materials that can take on the elements: think vinyl banners, corrugated plastic signs, waterproof posters, or durable A-boards. Portability is also a plus—easy setup and takedown means less stress.
7. Bring It to Life with Digital Signage
Digital signs add a modern, dynamic touch to any event. Use them to display live updates, performance schedules, sponsor shoutouts, or Instagram feeds. They’re especially handy for large crowds or multi-day events—plus, they give you flexibility to change messaging on the fly.
8. Add Interactive & Shareable Moments
Want to keep people engaged? Make your signs part of the experience. Try QR codes that link to maps, menus, or contests. Create Instagram-worthy backdrops or selfie stations. The more fun your signage is, the more likely people are to share their experience—giving your event extra exposure online.
Ready to Elevate Your Event? We’ve Got You Covered.
Whether you need full event signage packages or last-minute vendor banners, McNamara Signs is your local go-to for custom signs that work and wow. We know what Seattle summers are all about—and we’ll help you create signs that turn heads, guide guests, and leave a lasting impression.
Let’s make this summer unforgettable.
Call us at (206) 284-0809 or contact us online to get started on your custom signage today!