If you haven’t browsed the calendar lately and have missed earlier previews – here’s a quick look at three major local events NEXT weekend:

FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING – WEST SEATTLE RELAY FOR LIFE: You are welcome to drop by West Seattle Stadium to experience the ceremonies and cheer the West Seattle Relay for Life walkers, raising money for the American Cancer Society.

(WSB photo from June 2013 Relay for Life)
They start at 7 pm Friday and go all night and into the morning. Highlights include the survivors’ lap at 7:30 pm (right after the opening ceremony), the luminaria ceremony (honoring those who are fighting cancer and those who have in the past) at 10 pm, and the closing ceremonies at 11:30 am. The stadium’s off 35th just about a block south of Avalon.

SATURDAY MORNING/AFTERNOON – SEAFAIR PIRATES’ LANDING: Somewhere around or after 11:30 am Saturday, the Seafair Pirates will get the summer party started on Alki by appearing offshore and storming ashore.

(2012 WSB photo by Nick Adams)
The actual landing is just part of the festival-like atmosphere set up at the beach, both sides of the boardwalk, usually including bouncy rides and vendor booths, and the popular West Seattle Kiwanis-provided pirate hats for the first wee ones to arrive. Soon as we can dig more details out of the treasure chest, we’ll share them.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING – SOUTH PARK BRIDGE PARTY: Exactly four years after the old South Park Bridge closed (June 30, 2010) with a feisty sort-of wake, the brand-new one opens Monday (June 30, 2014), the day after a major party. The celebration starts at noon Sunday (June 29), with a dedication ceremony at 3 pm, a parade across the bridge at 4:30 pm, and Lucha Libre (Mexican-style masked wrestling) in the street at 6 pm – more info here. The partying will be mostly north of the central SP intersection of 14th Avenue S./S. Cloverdale – here’s a map.