(Mid-July low-tide photo by Trileigh Tucker)
Last weekend, it was wall-to-wall events around West Seattle. This weekend, not so much, but Seafair’s big Torchlight Night has West Seattle ramifications too. So we’ll start there:

TORCHLIGHT TRAFFIC ALERT – VIADUCT CLOSURE TONIGHT: We’ve been reminding you for a week; now it’s here – the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct closes 5:30-7:45 pm (times approximate, and we know the SDOT readerboards say until 8 pm) for the Torchlight Run. If you’re going downtown, remember 4th Avenue closes tonight for the parade itself – all the traffic effects are detailed in this citywide roundup.

TORCHLIGHT FANFEST: Starting at noon, you can go to Seattle Center and get an early look at the floats (participants include the award-winning West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival float, of course) starting at noon – details here.

TORCHLIGHT PARADE: Starts near Seattle Center at 7:30 pm and heads south on 4th Avenue (till almost the end) – the lineup and map are here. Scheduled West Seattle participants include the aforementioned Hi-Yu float (toward the end of the order) and County Executive Dow Constantine. (Are you in the parade too? Please let us know so we can watch for you – editor@westseattleblog.com)

Now, as for what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight:

BENEFIT CAR WASH: West Seattle High School‘s 2014-2015 Cheer Squad is washing cars again today at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) 10 am-3 pm to help pay for uniforms and camp. (35th/Webster)

LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Though the tide is not THAT low today, it’s still low enough for exploration – -0.8 at 11:19 – and you’ll find volunteer beach naturalists at Constellation Park and Lincoln Park beaches 10:30 am-1 pm.

CATS ARE LOOKING FOR YOU … at the Friends of the Animals Foundation cat/kitten adoption event, 11:30 am-3:30 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction. (4543 California SW)

WSHS ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME: The first-ever West Seattle High School alumni basketball game and showcase starts at noon and runs through 5 pm – details in our Friday preview. (3000 California SW)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Just a few more chances this summer to tour Alki Point Lighthouse – no tours next weekend because of Seafair, so it’s this weekend 1-4 pm both days, and then a scant few weekends in August. (Alki SW/Beach Dr. SW)

SALSA ON ALKI: 5:30 pm lesson, 6:30 pm dance, by Statue of Liberty Plaza; details in the calendar listing. (61st/Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES, WEEK 2: Spice up your Saturday night with “Spice World” – yes, the Spice Girls‘ mid-’90s movie is feature #2 in this year’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies series! Gates open at 6:30 pm at the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard; preshow fun long before the movie splashes onto the screen at dusk (still 9-ish). Free, but bring a few $ for charity-benefiting raffle and concession if you can. WSB is media sponsor for the series and we’ll see you there! (4410 California SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Tonight, Greenstage presents “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in Lincoln Park, 7 pm. Free! (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, look for the signs)

MORE! Just check the calendar directly.