West Seattle, Washington
19 Wednesday
Before Thursday ends, two coyote sightings within one hour of each other in separate West Seattle neighborhoods.
ARBOR HEIGHTS: Amanda sent that one just before 8:30 am, saying it was right outside Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club.
HIGH POINT: Susan sent that one before 9:20 am, saying it was at Morgan and Lanham.
See our 19 years of archived coyote sightings here.
7:14 PM: A highlight of West Seattle Summer Fest Eve 2026 so far – Walk-All-Ways became Dance-All-Ways right after Jennifer Cepeda‘s DancePowered dancers put on a show:
The main stage on California between Oregon and Genesee is where you’ll see full slates of live music Friday and Saturday, and the Farmers’ Market pn Sunday. Tonight is also West Seattle Art Walk night – Dolly is crocheting outside VAIN:
Carmen Leslie is the guest artist at Verity CU:
(added) Carolyn Autenrieth is showing her work at CAPERS Home (WSB sponsor):
Many Junction food/beverage venues already have their outdoor cafés set up:
It’s a night to just hang out and/or wander with your friends:
Or if you feel like sharing your opinions, SDOT has a table in front of KeyBank until 8 pm with info about the new Junction parking study we reported on last week (with an online survey that’s open until July 27):
Right across SW Alaska, a line waited for tonight’s special sold-out performance by The Head and The Heart at Easy Street Records (free to buyers of the ESR-exclusive vinyl).
More on that later (in a separate story)!
9:54 PM: Some other Summer Fest Eve live music – we happened onto Aurora Ave at the KeyBank corner (which will be The Big Dark Corner, a performance space programmed by West Seattle’s own The Big Dark Records, during the festival):
And here’s a bit of The Disbarred Owls‘ set at the Elliott Bay Brewing festival café:
Check in here often during the festival – we’ll be on site for the duration, with lots of updates, info, photos, as it unfolds.
The barricades are up, and California Avenue SW is clear of motor vehicles in the heart of The Junction:
These lanes [map] won’t be empty long – it’s time to start setting up for West Seattle Summer Fest, which officially begns at 1 pm tomorrow – not just the vendor booths, stage, and Kids Zone, but also the year-round businesses’ sidewalk cafés, and more. Summer Fest Eve will also feature music and art, as previewed here last night, so we’ll be there this evening to report on what’s happening.
(Screenshot from Delridge/Juneau traffic cam)
Just in from SDOT:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will perform median maintenance and invasive weed removal along Delridge Way SW on Saturday, July 11, to help maintain healthy landscaping and support long-term plant health.
What: Median mowing and invasive weed maintenance by SDOT Urban Forestry crews.
When: Saturday, July 11th from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Delridge Way SW between SW Hudson Street and Puget Boulevard SW.
Why: Crews will cut back invasive weeds and maintain the landscaped median to help establish healthy ground cover and support long-term plant health.
Travel impacts:
*Drivers should expect lane shifts and minor delays while crews are working.
*No parking will be permitted on either side of Delridge Way SW within the work zone from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
*Please use caution when traveling through the area and follow directions from crews and traffic control.For questions about the work reach out to SDOT Customer Care: 206-684-ROAD (7623) or 684-Road@seattle.gov
(Photo courtesy Seattle Parks)
The Camp Long Advisory Council is raising money for programs and evets by offering you the chance to try one of the park’s unique features, its high ropes course The Enchantments. As a fundraiser, they’re opening two sessions on each of three Saturdays – July 11 and August 1 and 22, 9 am-noon and 1 pm-4 pm each day. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Suggested donation is $75 per person. You can read more about it and register here.
(Photo from spl.org)
1:03 PM: Back in March, we reported that the West Seattle (Admiral) Library was preparing for a three-month closure this year to install long-awaited air conditioning. The start date has just been announced, in a message to local library users:
The Seattle Public Library’s West Seattle Branch (2306 42nd Ave. SW) will be closed from Sunday, August 9 until early November 2026 for the installation of a modern, electric HVAC system to provide air conditioning and improved ventilation, prevent unscheduled branch closures during hot weather, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Service Impacts
Saturday, August 8 will be the last day of service at the West Seattle Branch before its temporary closure. The branch book return will be locked and its parking lot will be inaccessible for the duration of the project.
The historic 116-year-old library is one of five SPL branches installing new HVAC systems with a federal grant that we noted two years ago.
ADDED 3:07 PM: Some added information from the news release just sent by SPL:
Patrons may continue selecting the Fremont and West Seattle branches as pickup locations for new holds through Wednesday, July 29. On Thursday, July 30, these locations will be temporarily removed as options for new holds. You will be able to select them again when the branches reopen. You may change your preferred pickup location for new holds anytime through your online account.
On Friday, July 31, all pending Fremont Branch holds will be transferred to the Ballard Branch, and all pending West Seattle Branch holds will be transferred to the High Point Branch.
If you have holds pending for either the Fremont Branch or West Seattle Branch and prefer they be transferred to a different branch for pickup, please ask a Library staff member for assistance, call the Library at 206-386-4636, or reach out online through Ask Us.
(Photo courtesy Northwest Fitness Project)
When Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) announced its plan to move to The Admiral District, proprietor Frank Gross also said he already had a tenant for the old TRG site in Morgan Junction – NW Fitness Project, which we first heard from a year ago when they were considering a different West Seattle spot. Now they’re ready to open their doors at 6400 California SW and plan to do o with a 9 am-2 pm open house this Saturday (July 11). Part of the festivities, as announced by NWFP:
… Paying homage to Thunder Road Guitars, training team member and musical talent Camaira Metz takes the stage at 12 pm. Two free classes will anchor the Open house schedule, though only the 11 am session still has open spots so anyone hoping to sweat that morning should RSVP and book here before slots fill up. Plenty of chances to enter their raffle featuring prizes from LSKD, LMNT, Ascent Protein Powder, Lei & Mar, as well as 5 class packages and merch from NWFP..
The NWFP team has spent the past month building out the space by hand: restoring the original ceiling joists, upgrading the bathroom, and outfitting the floor with new equipment from Rogue and Perform Better. This Saturday, that work is open to the neighborhood, and the whole community is invited in.
West Seattle is led by co-owner and General Manager Jeremy Stewart, alongside Executive Trainer and Youth Athletic Director Steven Pust, and Peak Trainer and Physical Therapist Jacob Millsap. All three are also longtime West Seattle residents. …
NWFP also is sponsoring West Seattle Summer Fest and will have a booth at the festival.
While West Seattle Summer Fest features many visiting vendors, the year-round West Seattle Junction merchants are at the heart of the festival – which started decades ago as a “sidewalk sale” for businesses, and continues as a festival presented by the merchants’ association. We’ll again be reporting on Summer Fest on-site all weekend, based at the Info Booth, and we want to be sure we don’t miss chances to spotlight local businesses – so if yours is having a Summer Fest sale, special, giveaway, activity, etc., please tell us about it so we can mention it! westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you, and we’ll see you at Summer Fest on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
(Newest image from SDOT camera at California/Alaska)
The Junction is at the heart of everything tonight, getting ready for West Seattle Summer Fest, and that’s part of our highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, reopening today after a break. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine.
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Today through Saturday, the saltwater pool at Lincoln Park is closed to public use because of swim-meet activity.
WADING POOLS: With sunshine and 70-degree weather expected this afternoon, these wading pools will be open in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm,
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY: 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), watch the France vs. Morocco quarterfinal match.
STRESS REDUCTION & CALMING TECHNIQUES: 1:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about them from a healer.
ICE-CREAM SOCIAL: At 2:30 pm, you’re invited to The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) for a free ice-cream treat.
DROP-IN CHESS CANCELED: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is NOT happening today.
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE: After the streets in the heart of The Junction close at 4 pm, local venues start getting ready for a special informal night of pre-festival fun – sidewalk cafés, music, and more – see our preview!
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: In The Junction and elsewhere, dozens of venues around West Seattle are hosting art and/or offering food/drink specials, 5-9 pm. See where to visit by using this map – click on a spot to get venue/artist info.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Classic Eats.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle. It’s a stop on the West Seattle Art Walk, too, continuing to feature a West Seattle Art Tour preview.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run OR track workout.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Monty Banks, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
THE HEAD AND THE HEART AT EASY STREET, SOLD OUT: If you did get a ticket, this is your reminder that the band’s special in-store show to celebrate an Easy Street vinyl exclusive is at 7 pm tonight. (4559 California SW)
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features DJ Supreme La Rock starting at 8 pm.
KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to close. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Interested in – or already playing – tennis? The Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club asked us to share this opportunity with you:
(Pictured left to right are Youth Coaches and Tennis Pros: Mason, Nick, Siggy, Caerwyn, Clara, Honora)
If you’re looking to start or refine tennis skills, or meet other tennis players, look no further! Top-notch Adult and Youth/Junior Tennis instruction is available in West Seattle (no more driving across the Bridge!) Caerwyn Evans, Founder & Tennis Pro of WynTennis Academy, and his coaching staff (Siggy Menzel & Josh Bailin) will be at “The Arb” through August 31st. Arbor Heights Swim & Tennis Club is fortunate to have partnered with WynTennis to bring their dynamic and fun squad to the PNW. Caerwyn was recently awarded the Manager of the Year for Coachella Valley and he is excited to be teaching in the northwest to escape the desert heat. Classes are open to non-members! Additional info and registration can be found here.
9:55 AM: Two-vehicle crash on eastbound bridge by 1st Avenue exit. No injuries. Police say the vehicles are driveable and will clear the scene shortly.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 9, 2026.
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST STREET CLOSURES, BUS REROUTES
Setup for the Friday-Saturday-Sunday festival in The Junction starts this afternoon, with street closures starting around 4 pm and bus reroutes – detailed here – beginning at 2. The festival will be on California SW from SW Genesee to SW Edmunds, on SW Oregon from midblok west of California to midblock east of it (alley to alley), and on SW Alaska between 42nd and 44th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Today’s forecast starts as partly sunny, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:21 am today; sunset will be at 9:07 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule, except for the reroutes starting this afternoon in The Junction, as mentioned above.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
A few from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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