West Seattle, Washington
21 Monday
Saturday brings one more comeback – for a local summer event that’s been gone for more than the pandemic hiatus: West Seattle Outdoor Movies. The long-running series needed a new presenting organization after the summer of 2018, but that didn’t happen, so those were the last screenings … until now. The West Seattle Junction Association revived the series this year, but the first one is outside The Junction:
Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is where you can watch the first movie, “The Goonies,” on Saturday (July 23rd). The Camp Long Advisory Council is helping get the word out. In case you’re not familiar with Camp Long, we asked for details on where in the park the screening will happen. Here’s how Camp Long’s Matt Kostle explains it:
Movie screen will be located at the south end of the field to allow people to put down blankets or short back chairs on a little bit of the grassy area and those in the back can take advantage of the already established wooden bench style theatre seating which is normally used for our large fire ring. Photo attached for reference of the view point from behind the wooden benches looking out into the field.
If folks are unfamiliar with the park, once you park in the parking lot, you can either walk down to the south end of the parking lot and turn left by the shed there and follow the maintenance road that leads directly down to the south end of the field. If you park in the lot and walk down the main stairs located near the Lodge, you will end up at the North end of the field and will have to walk across the field to the viewing area.
Two comfort stations will be open at the park that night. No concessions, so bring your own snacks/(non-alcoholic) beverages/picnic dinners/etc. The gates open at 7:30 pm, and the movie will start at dusk. Admission is free. After this weekend, the next four Saturdays’ movies will be at Hotwire Coffee‘s courtyard (4410 California SW) in The Junction:
JULY 30 – “The Never-Ending Story”
AUGUST 6 – “Encanto”
AUGUST 13 – “Coco”
AUGUST 20 – “Back to the Future”
(WSB photo from 2019 Float Dodger 5K)
Don’t wait until race day – register online before 8 pm for the return of the Float Dodger 5K, a fun (costumes encouraged!) run/walk on the West Seattle Grand Parade route just before the parade. The start/finish is at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW), where a free kids’ dash starts the morning at 8:45 am, with runners/walkers heading out at 9:30. The “float” in the 5K’s name has two meanings – when you get back to Hiawatha, the second one kicks in, with root-beer floats for runners! West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) founded and presents the Float Dodger 5K, which this year is raising money for the West Seattle Food Bank. You can register right now by going here.
(WSB photo, 2018 Concert in the Park)>
Another beautiful evening is forecast for Tuesday – clear and warm. Spend part of it outside enjoying live, lively music from the West Seattle Big Band, bringing back its annual Concert in the Park. New location this year – High Point Commons Park (3201 SW Graham) – since Hiawatha’s closure means it’s out of the mix as a concert venue this year, even for outdoor shows. This is an annual free concert that the WSBB performs for the community – you’ll see and hear about 20 musicians, directed by Jim Edwards, performing classic songs, both instrumental and vocal arrangements. (Never seen them? Check out video of past concerts.) The WSBB is celebrating its 25th anniversary, founded by West Seattle High School alumni in 1996 (here’s the backstory). They donate their time at other shows throughout the year to support local students – this one, however, is free, so bring a picnic dinner, blankets and/or chairs, and enjoy the Concert in the Park starting at 7 pm Tuesday.
Now that West Seattle Summer Fest has wrapped up, time to start counting down to two big in-the-street events next Saturday (July 23rd) – the Float Dodger 5K and West Seattle Grand Parade. Both happen on California SW, from The Admiral District to The Junction (and back, for Float Dodger).
(WSB photo, 2019 Float Dodger 5K, organizers Lori McConnell & Tim McConnell at left)
The 5K is coordinated by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and starts on the field at Hiawatha (2700 California SW) with a free Kids’ Dash at 9:15 am 8:45 am preceding the run/walk at 9:30 am. Runners head out onto California SW, run/walk down the parade route to The Junction, turn around and head back. You can register online until Thursday – do it here!
(2017 West Seattle Grand Parade WSB photo, All-City Band)
The West Seattle Grand Parade follows at 11 am, also starting in the 2700 block of California and heading south to The Junction (California/Edmunds). The parade is presented by the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation. Parade chair Keith Hughes says more than 60 entrants are confirmed so far – including longtime favorites including the All-City Band plus classic cars, antique fire trucks, community organizations. Two announcing stations this year – California/Charlestown as well as California/Alaska. It all starts rolling southbound on California at 11 am Saturday, so grab your spot on the curb and cheer the parade’s return. More previews to come as the week goes on!
Up for outdoor music? Later this month, you have abundant options without leaving the peninsula. We’ve already talked about West Seattle Summer Fest – now just two weeks away, July 15-16-17 in The Junction, with music on Friday and Saturday. Also ahead:
(WSB photo from 2019 Concert in the Park)
CONCERT IN THE PARK: The West Seattle Big Band‘s annual summertime concert is at a new location this year, since Hiawatha (as previously discussed) is unavailable. You can enjoy the WSBB’s swinging sounds at 7 pm Tuesday, July 19th, in High Point Commons Park (3201 SW Graham).
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: At 8:30 pm Saturday, July 16th, at the Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW), and same time Thursday, July 21st, at High Point Commons Park, the Seattle Chamber Music Society brings this series back to West Seattle. An up-and-coming chamber ensemble will play live for a half-hour, and then you’re invited to stay and watch a big-screen presentation of one of the SCMS’s Summer Festival Concerts.
ALKI ART FAIR: The three-day beach festival celebrating creativity is back, and music’s a big part of it. On Friday night (July 22nd), a DJ will spin. Then on Saturday and Sunday (July 23rd-24th), two full slates of live performers – morning through evening on Saturday, morning through afternoon on Sunday. You can see the full lineup on the Alki Art Fair website.
(WSB file photo, Float Dodger 5K)
On this semi-quiet-so-far holiday weekend, we’re reminding you about some of the huge West Seattle summer events happening later this month. On Saturday, July 23rd, it’s a doubleheader, with the West Seattle Grand Parade preceded by the Float Dodger 5K. The run/walk is presented again this year by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), and registration is open. Participants head down the parade route – on California SW from The Admiral District to The Junction – and back, starting at 9:30 am (an hour and a half before the parade begins). Post-Float Dodger, a beer garden – also featuring root-beer floats – awaits you at a beer garden near the start/finish line at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW). Both the run/walk and beer garden are fundraisers for the West Seattle Food Bank. For the youngest members of the community, a free Kids’ Dash precedes the Float Dodger 5K. You can sign up for either or both by going here.
(2019 Seafair Pirates Landing photo by David Hutchinson)
If you haven’t already seen it in our calendar – the Seafair Pirates Landing returns to Alki Beach on Saturday (June 25th). But it’s a “scaled-down” version of the event, Seafair tells us – no vendors, but, “There still will be a PA system for commentary and the usual shenanigans.” They’re expected to land around 1:30 pm, “storming the beach to steal the key to the city,” says Seafair. This time around they’re under the skullduggery of the incoming Captain Kidd, Michael “Mouthfish” Brown, who’s taking the wheel from the outgoing Captain Kidd, Damian “Terrible” Terrell. Remember there’ll be offshore cannon fire as the Pirates approach, so the event’s not for the easily startled. If you’re new – the Seafair Pirates have sailed the summer seas of Seattle since 1949, and participate in countless parades and festivals as well as devoting time to various charitable deeds. Be mindful that 1:30 pm time is approximate – we advise not waiting till the last minute! The actual landing is usually in the vicinity of Alki Bathhouse.
As featured in our daily event list and calendar, a new summer-solstice celebration is debuting today! The gardenkeepers (above) invite you to stop by the Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for all-ages fun until 7:30 pm. We went over just as it was getting started.
You can buy dinner from West Seattle’s own Chef Gino Williamson, proprietor of TheHomeSkillit.com – he’s on the Delridge side of the garden (by the sidewalk) and at center in our top photo. Organizers told us this is an extension of their regular 6 pm Tuesday storytime. (added) Several kid activities:
A small plant sale too:
You can even spend $1 on an entry to guess how tall the P-Patch’s tallest sunflower will be at season’s end!
With the weather finally warming, time to think about even more of what’s happening this summer. As we first reported in March, outdoor movies are returning. The current plan is for five Saturday nights in the Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW) courtyard, site of many summers, though Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB the location might change for the final one. Start time is expected around 9 pm for the July movies, 8:30 pm for August.
JULY 23 – “The Goonies”
JULY 30 – “The Never-Ending Story”
AUGUST 6 – “Encanto”
AUGUST 13 – “Coco”
AUGUST 20 – “Back to the Future”
Those were chosen from a list of 18 on which WSJA (as we also reported at the time) sought votes in March. No admission charge, bring your own chair; more details as it all gets closer.
Rather than grieving on the first anniversary of the fire that ravaged its community-owned building, Highland Park Improvement Club is throwing a party.
Next Saturday is June 25th, one year since the early-morning HPIC fire. That afternoon and evening, at nearby Riverview Playfield (7226 12th SW), HPIC is presenting Reset Fest, with live music, food, and fun for all ages. (So far the forecast looks promising – sunny and 70s.) It’s also a chance for you to see and hear about the plans for HPIC’s rebuild (here’s our most-recent report) – architect Matt Wittman will be there to present the design and answer questions. Plus, the celebration is a fundraiser as HPIC, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, starts seeking what it’ll take to rebuild beyond the basic insurance coverage. Be at Riverview for the party between 2 pm and 7 pm next Saturday.
(WSB photos)
It’s a summer full of comebacks for events that went on pandemic hiatus. This weekend’s big return: The West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual Rock and Gem Show at Alki Masonic Hall (which is in The Junction at 40th/Edmunds). You can look at and learn about rocks and minerals of many sizes, shapes, and colors:
You’ll see items made from rocks, too – like the clothespins above! Admission is free, but if you have a few quarters, you can try your luck here:
The show continues until 5 pm today and again 10 am-5 pm on Sunday.
The weekend’s almost here and you have many options for how to spend it. If you haven’t already seen this one in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – here’s a reminder of one option for celebrating our greenspaces, sent by Judy Bentley:
On National Trails Day, Saturday, June 4, follow the water in the Puget Creek Watershed. Under the guidance of Steve Richmond, long-time advocate for restoring the health of Puget Creek, follow the creek from its origins near Puget Ridge Edible Park to its outlet into the Duwamish Waterway near the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center. Part of this three-mile trail from ridge to river and back is standard gravel; other parts are unimproved social trails. Begin at the Puget Ridge Edible Park, 1899-1801 SW Brandon St, at 11 a.m. RSVPs welcomed at wdgtrails@gmail.com.
(WSB photo from 2019 Loop the ‘Lupe)
Even if you’re not registered yet, it’s not too late to get in on this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, four events this Saturday (June 4th) at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle). For one, you can still register online – price goes up tonight at midnight. You can get a discount if you sign up for Loop the ‘Lupe AND July 23rd’s Float Dodger 5K (look for the bundling option here). Packet pickup is tomorrow, 4-6 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for those who have registered by then – and your bib number will be good for a discount on shoes and running gear while you’re at WSR. You can also wait to get your packet on race day, and if you decide to wait until then to sign up, on-site registration starts at 10 am. (Event schedule: 11 am obstacle-course start, 11:45 am 5K, noon Senior Saunter, 1 pm Youth Dash.) One more thing – even if you’re not running/walking/etc., you are invited to the barbecue and beer garden – $4 burgers/hot dogs and $5 Georgetown beer), with live music from West Seattle School of Rock. You can also donate on-site to the Loop the ‘Lupe beneficiary, Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s community programs (explained here).
(Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary)
Weekly tours of Alki Point Lighthouse are returning, as just announced by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary! Last year, two tours were given, in September, after a tour-less 2020, so this is the first full season since 2019. Here’s the announcement:
The tours of Alki Point Lighthouse will be back this year! First day of the season is this Sunday, May 29th. First visitors enter the site at 1 p.m. Last tour begins at 3:45. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary plans to provide tours every Sunday afternoon during the summer season through Labor Day weekend, pending availability of sufficient volunteer staffing. Tour updates will be published on Friday each week.
This year, in order to enhance safety and reduce crowding, the tour team is piloting a new system to manage the number of visitors in the lighthouse, in the tower and on site. No reservations are needed but there will be a sign up sheet at the gate on the day of the tour for visitors to sign up for a tour time slot for that afternoon. They may also be assigned a specific time to go up to the tower’s lantern room.
Visitors age six and up may climb to the lantern room at the top of the tower. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult while on the lighthouse site. Service animals are welcome, but no pets are allowed. For more information about the site and other visitor guidelines, go here.
Questions can be emailed to: alkilighthouseteam@gmail.com
The lighthouse is at 3201 Alki SW and has a long history you can read about here.
Three years after the last West Seattle Car Show, there’s a new event for showing off amazing automobiles.
West Seattle High School automotive-technology instructor Carmin Thomas sends word that they’re hosting a car show on June 11th – open to the public to enter, as well as to students. It’s non-competitive, so you won’t have to figure out what class you’re entering – just sign up and show up. The full version of the flyer has a QR code you can use. Entry fee is $5 for students, $10 for non-students. Even if you’re not interested in entering, you’re welcome to come look, 1-4 pm on Saturday, June 11th. The school is at 3000 California SW.
Help buy a new roof for the Log House Museum! That’s part of what the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is raising money for by presenting its Bridging Our Communities Together celebration on June 3rd. Tomorrow (Monday, May 23rd) is the deadline to register, according to this update from the SWSHS:
We look forward to seeing you on June 3rd for Bridging Our Communities Together: Celebrating 25 Years of the Log House Museum. We’ll host an evening reception, silent auction, and hear from a panel of some of our founders as we raise a toast to our past and craft a vision of our future together. Registration closes on May 23rd, so purchase tickets now if you have not already!
Your ticket will help put a new roof on the beloved Log House Museum, fuel a brand-new lecture series, and support our work preserving the stories of the Duwamish Peninsula.
Bidding on auction items opens on May 30 and closes on June 3. More of our 20+ auction items are posted every week!
Register HERE today and be sure to follow the instructions below:
*If you registered for last year’s auction you can utilize the same login information to register for the event.
*Remember to register for the auction after purchasing your ticket.
*If you are registering for the first time, click on “Create Account” at the top of the page to register for your Personal Link which will allow you to bid on auction items. You will need to set up a login which you can use to access the auction items.
The June 3rd event is happening at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor).
Looking for something to do with the rest of your sunny Saturday afternoon? Also from our daily preview, The Heron’s Nest is hosting its first monthly outdoor market.
16 vendors are there today; co-organizer Maari Falsetto says they are hoping to build to 40 at the third-Saturday event. (Added: That’s Maari, who you might know from Inner Alchemy, at left below, with Waiman and Amanda from Heron’s Nest.)
Food, art, more – get to 4818 Puget Way by 6 pm.
Next month’s market will be 10 am-6 pm Saturday, June 18th.
You can dine, dance, learn, and enjoy entertainment this Saturday night (May 21st) while giving a boost to the many programs under the wings of DNDA. Here’s the reminder we just received:
Join DNDA to awaken new possibilities in support of art, nature, and neighborhood, as community members come together to raise funds and support DNDA’s programs in SW Seattle. Destination Delridge: Awaken is this Saturday, May 21st at DNDA’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. The event will generate proceeds to sustain DNDA’s low-income housing facilities, youth arts and educational programs, and environmental restoration efforts in Southwest Seattle.
Destination Delridge: Awaken
Saturday, May 21
6 pm Doors | 7 pm Dinner | 8 pm Dancing
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW
Tickets available hereDelicious food and drink will be provided by Chef Mulu Abate of Phresh Eats, and entertainment includes live music from Goody Bagg and Sabyu, live painting by Cleopatra Cutler, poetry from Jamaar Smiley, an intergenerational dance performance from Northwest Tap, an aerial performance by Gabby Leiva, and a dance party with KEXP’s DJ Toya B.
“Not only is Destination Delridge a great party featuring stellar performances,” said DNDA Executive Director David Bestock, “it’s rooted in our community and is an important event to sustain all of our innovative art, nature, and neighborhood programming.”
Destination Delridge attendees will mix, minglem, and learn about DNDA’s exciting programs, such as the Restorative Justice program for students at Interagency Academy, Seattle Public School’s alternative high school. Testimonials from DNDA’s other programs, such as the Summer Youth Program and Urban Forest Restoration Program, will be interweaved throughout the event as well.
Guests will engage in interactive art, a raffle, wine ring toss, a raise-the-paddle, and an online silent auction, with all proceeds benefitting DNDA’s programs and the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Tickets for the event can be purchased through the organization’s website. For more information, call the DNDA office at 206-935-2999 or email destinationdelridge@dnda.org.
If you haven’t already seen this on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – you can dine and dance (or sit and listen) this Friday night while giving student musicians a boost:
West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance
Friday, May 13th from 6-9 pm
West Seattle High School Courtyard (Commons if inclement weather)Featuring the West Seattle Big Band, with performances from our high-school musicians, including our Jazz Bands. Dinner will be provided by Thai U Up, with dessert from our very own WSHS culinary students.
Dinner/Dance tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door for adults and $20 students/children; $10 dance-only tickets are available. wshsmusic.org
Not only a community performance, this event will help Raise Funds for Fundamentals! Money raised will help us build our foundation with instrument purchases, sheet music, and coaching. We will have direct donation opportunities and a raffle for some really nice baskets filled with gift cards, opportunities, services, much more. We are still accepting donations if you or your business would like to donate!
Please visit wshsmusic.org for reservation and payment instructions. Any questions, donations, concerns can be sent to westseattle.musicboosters@gmail.com.
As explained on its website, the WS Big Band was originally formed by WSHS alumni 26 years ago.
Until 1 pm, Seattle Fire Department stations all over the city are open for visitors as part of Neighbor Day. Above, Station 37 is at 35th/Holden, and it’s been housing extra apparatus during the West Seattle Bridge closure – like Ladder 13, shown in the photo. 37 is one of five SFD stations in West Seattle; the others are
–Station 11 in Highland Park (16th/Holden)
–Station 29 in North Admiral (2139 Ferry SW)
–Station 32 in The Triangle (38th/Alaska)
–Station 36 by the bridge (3600 23rd SW)
If you would like to support the West Seattle Food Bank‘s work fighting food and housing insecurity, you can enjoy a night out at this year’s Instruments of Change event – but hurry and get your ticket(s), because today is your last chance to get in on the in-person event! WSB is media sponsor for this year’s IoC – and we’re sharing the WSFB reminder:
Today, May 2nd is the last day to purchase tickets for Instruments of Change 2022
Hybrid In-Person & Virtual Event and Auction
This celebration will include an auction, fun activities, and an informative program about the impact your donations have made in the community. This year there is an option to participate in person (ticket includes dinner) at the Seattle Design Center or join remotely from your own home.
Why?
To celebrate our community and raise funds to continue keeping our neighbors safe, fed, healthy, and housed during these challenging times. Share an evening with some of your most-caring neighbors.
Saturday, May 14, 2022
In Person at Seattle Design Center – Doors at 6:00 pm
Online virtual program – 7:15 pmAt Seattle Design Center or Online!
In Person: 5701 6th Ave S.
Online: West Seattle Food Bank YouTube Channel
All attendees will be emailed a link to participate in the program and auction. Must be registered to receive link to live show and online bidding link.
Tickets!
Ways to Participate:
In-Person: Enjoy dinner, cocktails, games, and more with your neighbors at the Seattle Design Center. Ticket price is $125.
Register for dinner tickets by May 2nd
Online: Take part in the auction and watch the live program streamed on our YouTube Channel for FREE! (Registration still required for online bidding)
Purchase Tickets here:
No need to worry about the weather – Healthy Kids Day fun is happening indoors at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor). We stopped by to see how it’s going. Kids can bounce and jump in the gym:
Art-making too:
It’s all free, membership NOT required, and happening until 1 pm!
Tomorrow’s the day – the return of Healthy Kids Day at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) in The Triangle! The Y welcomes families to help them celebrate “30 years of healthy kids … to celebrate kids being kids and to set them up for a summer of success!” It’s happening 10 am-1 pm Saturday, all free, membership not required. Don’t worry if the weather’s iffy – Healthy Kids Day includes indoor options too. Our calendar listing includes some of the activities you’ll be able to check out during HKD.
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