West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)
Caftans, wigs, and … bowling balls! That’s how this year’s West Seattle Mrs. Ropers Romp got rolling this afternoon. The goofy group of ’70s TV-character imitators began their annual Junction crawl at West Seattle Bowl. A long list of other venue visits was to follow, including the annual group shot (sadly we couldn’t hang around for that). Today’s festivities came just five weeks after the group won first place in their category in the West Seattle Grand Parade.
Tomorrow’s the day! 10 am Sunday, the place for families to be is the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW). We got more details today about tomorrow’s free-admission KindieWest concert – and more:
We are so excited and the lineup has gotten even bigger! Head over to KindieWest Music Fest at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (behind the building in the back parking lot) tomorrow for our free family-friendly community concert.
What’s happening on August 23rd 10 am-1 pm
Music program:
West Seattle Community Orchestras Instrument Petting Zoo
Sunshine Music Together LLC interactive program
The Harmonica Pocket
Eli Rosenblatt
Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies
Westside School teacher finalePlus!
Off The Block Games with lawn games
Fauntleroy Children’s Center student-led store and playground open
@filterandshotcoffee (yes for tired parents)
Sugar and Spoon dessert truck
La Casa Del Sabor food truck (local neighborhood favorite)
No RSVP required – just show up!
4:33 PM: In addition to the planned closures of the West Seattle low bridge and the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge, one more area bridge is out of service right now – the South Park Bridge is out of service due to a mechanical problem. No ETA on a fix. (Thanks for the tips!)
5:38 PM: SDOT says the bridge is working again.
(Our first as-it-happened report on today’s festival is here)
3:36 PM: Still a lot of music left at the 2026 Admiral Block Party – above is our clip from Troy Aylesworth‘s powerful set last hour, and after Admiral Neighborhood Association president Joanie Jacobs delivered another round of announcements, Billy Rosewarne is on the main stage now, and while vendors will fold up around 6 pm, the music is set to go three hours beyond that, so lots of time to come down and enjoy it while dining outdoors in expanded spaces like Arthur’s and Mission Cantina:
Though they’re outside the festival zone, other Admiral venues will welcome you too – Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor), The Benbow Room, Otter on the Rocks … Here’s the list from the festival website:
Meantime, for kids who love face-painting, an artist is set up in front of the Admiral Theater!
4:52 PM: On stage right now, for a few more minutes, The Royal Oui:
Shortly after 5 pm, before the music continues, a special event on stage – the ANA will honor this year’s recipient of a special community-spirit award they launched last year in the spirit of the late WSB co-founder Patrick Sand. We’ll be there for that and will update here afterward!
5:44 PM: Congratulations to Lori McConnell of West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor)! Full report with video later.
Onstage after the presentation, it’s the local band Not Dead Yet:
P.S. Still time to get to the ANA booth by West Wings and buy a $10 prize-drawing ticket to help them raise money for future events – besides the Admiral Block Party, the ANA also presents Admiral District trick-or-treating, Winter Wonderland, the West Seattle Fourth o July Kids’ Parade, and the concert series Admiral Music in the Parks.
8:35 PM: Thanks to Ian for the photo from DAD’s set:
12:00 PM: SFD is sending a big “rescue extrication” response to an address near the Chelan Cafe. Updates to come.
12:05 PM: This is reported to be a two-vehicle crash with initial concern that someone was trapped, but police on the scene say no one’s trapped.
(WSB photos)
12:14 PM: Our crew just sent that photo from the scene, which is better described as under the bridge, and says the two vehicles are a Grand Cherokee and a BMW, and that westbound traffic is blocked. (They added that a Honda was towed from the scene but its involvement wasn’t clear.)
12:31 PM: According to the log, and our crew, all SFD crews have cleared the scene. We’ll be checking with them regarding injuries.
3:55 PM: SFD tells us a 57-year-old man was treated, and in stable condition when taken to a hospital by AMR ambulance.
10:59 AM: The West Seattle Ukulele Players – who meet to jam every week – are the first musicians on the main stage at the 2026 Admiral Block Party, just wrapping up its first hour!
We’re on site to cover the street festival all day, right next to the booth for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, which coordinates and presents the ABP.
Bigger than ever! It’s free to attend but you can support the ANA via $10 prize-drawing tickets on sale at their both (right by West Wings).
On the other side of us is the PCC West Seattle booth, with free samples. Lots of coverage to come.
And remember that if you’re riding your bike here, there’s a special secure bike corral outside Alki Bike and Board on California just across Admiral Way from the south end of the festival zone.
11:35 AM: One of this year’s new ABP features is the health/wellness zone -it’s over in the festival’s north end, by Anytime Fitness. And along the way, there’s fun stuff for Block Party-goers of all ages:
This is your chance to meet local businesspeople, too – here are two whose new digs are just south of the festival zone:
That’s Chad from The Bass Shop and Frank from Thunder Road Guitars, both now headquartered at 2611 California SW (both are also WSB sponsors).Their table is right by the festival stage, fittingly enough. They have merch, swag, and an invitation:
While we’re talking about music, the second band of the day is coming up at noon,Sad Dad Autumn.
12:34 PM: After unrelated breaking news, we’re back on festival patrol.
The Mariner Moose is here, posing for photos with fans.
And the music continues!
1:12 PM: Above is a sample of Sad Dad Autumn‘s set. On stage now are other young local musicians, from School of Rock.
2:09 PM: It’s turned into a sunny, mildly breezy day – come on down if you haven’t been already! Two more of the businesspeople you can meet, also WSB sponsors – Paula with Timeless Kitchen Design, whose canopy is in front of Hoste:
And Ross from West Seattle Coworking (which has locations in Westwood and north of The Junction as well as a new addition in Columbia City:
Ross is down near the north end of today’s festival zone, at California/College, and is next to a vendor selling plants – you’ll also find, art, apparel, and jewelry in that area! Meantime, the School of Rock has wrapped up its main-stage set, and Troy Aylesworth is up next.
P.S. Our coverage continues withe report #2 – see it here.
For those asking about the emergency response at 44th/Fauntleroy, originally dispatched as a “scenes of violence” call – this was dispatched as a suspected suicide victim in a vehicle.
If you or anyone you know experiences thoughts of self-harm, the 988 hotline is always available.
10:02 AM: Most of the responders have cleared and the street is fully open.
ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office says the victim was a 36-year-old man who indeed died by suicide.
Atop our highlight list today – the Admiral Block Party!
ADMIRAL BLOCK PARTY: Bigger than ever and happening in the street, starting at 10 am, with dozens of vendors, a new health/wellness zone, and live music beginning at 11 am. California is closed between Admiral and College, and College is closed between California and 42nd. The festival presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Restaurants in the festival zone have set up sidewalk/street cafes. Here’s the music lineup:
More info here – we’re among the community co-sponsors, and we’ll see you there!
Here are Saturday’s other highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8:15 am, get your weekend going with an at-your-pace run. (2743 California SW).
BULL STEWART ALKI BEACH CLASSIC: Starting at 9 am, the 30th anniversary edition of this competition will bring lifting and other strength feats/sports to the beach. Free admission.
CAMP LONG FUNDRAISER: Today’s the last of three dates with two times the high-ropes course at Camp Long is open as a fundraiser, 9 am and 1 pm sessions. (5200 35th SW)
FREE MEDITATION: For a calm start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am, free – details in our calendar listing.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New location this season! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
DACHSHUND WALK: 10 am Saturdays, bring your dachshund to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am, free, in-person, active writing group – see our calendar listing for info on how to participate.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, swim in the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW); here’s the session schedule.
WADING POOLS: Two West Seattle wading pools open today – Hiawatha (2700 California SW, last day of the season) noon-5:30 pm and Lincoln Park noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WESTWOOD VILLAGE END-OF-SUMMER FESTIVAL: Noon-3 pm activities and kids’ entertainment at the shopping center (2600 SW Barton).
LAST GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH: Noon-4 pm today and tomorrow, Avalon Glassworks is open for one last round of this almost-fall favorite. (2914 SW Avalon Way)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, wine bar and tasting room open on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
KING QUINTET AT KENYON HALL: 1:30 pm, program details on the Kenyon Hall website (7904 35th SW) along with ticket info.
WHITE CENTER BLOCK PARTY: Music and wrestling in the street! The entertainment starts on 16th SW in downtown WC at 2 pm – here’s the schedule.
WEST SEATTLE MRS. ROPER ROMP: Get your wig and caftan ready and join the fun, starting with 3 pm bowling and continuing into the night. Details and locations in our calendar listing.
FLUTES IN THE FOREST: 3 pm, free classical music concert in Schmitz Preserve Park, flutes and keyboard, featuring a “variety of trios.” (5551 SW Admiral Way)
WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3 pm short, specific sessions at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW).
WINE IN THE WOODS: 4 pm benefit for DNDA at a local home – RSVP link is in our calendar listing.
SUNRISE HEIGHTS BLOCK PARTY: Music, food, fun, neighborhood camaraderie,5-10 pm on 30th SW between SW Myrtle and SW Othello.
LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 6-10 pm, Sprig, Bonita Fishwife, Rodeo Coven at Mr. B’s Mead Centere (9444 Delridge Way SW), no cover, all ages.
(Friday night sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, be among the first to hear new music by Alex Warren, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
‘RENT’ AT VASHON CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Take the ferry to see the fourth night of this production of the classic musical! (19600 Vashon Highway)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Yost, Jessi Alice, Clash Valian starting at 8 pm, $10 cover, 21+. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm with DJ King Coko. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk and hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm, Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night karaoke with Rone starts at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Planning a West Seattle event that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; it’s free to list something in our Event Calendar, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
First, the two bridge-closure reminders:
NORTHBOUND 1ST AVENUE SOUTH BRIDGE: Closed to all surface traffic now through late Sunday night.
WEST SEATTLE LOW BRIDGE: Scheduled to close to vehicle traffic 7 am today through 4 am Monday; SDOT says the bike/foot path will remain open.
Three other closures:
BIKE/FOOT PATH ALONGSIDE BRIDGE: Sound Transit says part of the path will be closed for about a week of its investigative work starting today.
ADMIRAL BLOCK PARTY: California between Admiral and College, and College between California and 42nd, are closed to traffic for this festival, through late tonight.
WHITE CENTER BLOCK PARTY: 16th SW will be closed through late tonight for this festival.
5:18 AM: Police checking out calls about suspected gunfire in South Delridge around 3 am didn’t find evidence until an hour later, when, according to dispatch audio, they got a call from someone who had seen it. They told dispatch that they found casings in the bus lane at Delridge Way and SW Henderson, after seeing someone firing a gun out of the window of a van. The investigation was going to be taken over by the King County Sheriff’s Office, as they have jurisdiction at bus-related facilities, after an initial SPD response. No injuries reported.
6:07 AM: Police investigating new reports in the South Delridge/Roxhill Park area a short time ago so far say people they’re talking to in the area believe this one was fireworks. (Call 911 if you find evidence otherwise.)
| 0 COMMENTS