After more than a decade of providing free healthcare to people who struggle to afford or access it, the Seattle/King County Clinic will close for a final time following its April 29–May 2, 2027 event at Seattle Center.
The four-day clinic has provided free medical, dental, vision and social services to roughly 3,000 patients annually since launching in 2014. While most patients are adults, whole families have benefitted from the care. In 2026, 2.1% of clinic patients were children. Clinic operators assume that many of their patients are parents and grandparents but do no track that demographic detail.
Awaiting services at the Seattle/King County Clinic (Photo courtesy the Clinic)
Many parent volunteers have also participated in the clinic, from providing health care services to helping patients in other ways.
Seattle Center officials announced the closure Nov. 12, citing rising operating costs, staffing changes, increasingly limited funding and the loss of essential equipment and services. Organizers say the combination of challenges makes it impossible to maintain the clinic’s standards beyond 2027.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision to make,” said Seattle Center Project Executive Julia Colson in the announcement. “We understand this news is hard and impactful for many in our community, particularly at a time when there are increasing challenges to healthcare access.”
The closure comes as Washington faces additional healthcare coverage losses. KUOW reports that new Medicaid requirements could leave an estimated 250,000 Washington residents without coverage next year. Another 11,000 lawful immigrants lost Medicaid coverage in October.
“In the early days of the Clinic, it was widely assumed that the demand for this event would be temporary,” Christine Lindquist, executive director of the Washington Healthcare Access Alliance, said in preface to this year’s clinic event. “Today, deep cuts to the healthcare safety net threaten even those who are stably housed and employed. We expect a dramatic increase in the need for free healthcare in 2026.” At the time, Lindquist noted that the clinic serves those in need and those provding care:
“Helping make this event possible is a powerful way to connect across barriers and show care for your community,” she said.
Organizers say the final clinic will place additional emphasis on helping patients connect with ongoing healthcare services. Seattle Center also plans to work with community organizations to explore longer-term solutions and redirect clinic resources to permanent healthcare providers.
Volunteers are the heart of the event (Photo courtesy Seattle/King County Clinic)
How to get care at the final clinic
The Seattle/King County Clinic provides services free of charge, regardless of income, insurance coverage or immigration status. Patients do not need to provide proof of income, insurance or immigration status to receive care. As has been the case every years, during the 2027 session, ervices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with admission tickets distributed each morning. Demand is high, and tickets can run out early. Organizers expect to release additional information about the 2027 clinic in January.
Families who need affordable healthcare before then can search for providers through the Washington Healthcare Access Alliance’s clinic directory.
Final Seattle/King County Clinic: April 29–May 2, 2027, at Seattle Center. Visit the official clinic website for details and updates.
