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Remembering ‘Be,’ and two ways she’ll be honored

From Jade Nguyen, proprietor of recently reopened Bonjour Vietnam and adjacent speakeasy The Alley in The Junction, where Be’s Restaurant – operated by her mom – used to be:

To our West Seattle Neighbors, Family & Friends

(WSB photo, 2020)

For those who remember Be’s, it was a cherished diner in the neighborhood since 1986. Built by Be herself, and for decades it was more than just a diner – it was a home. She created a space where strangers became regulars, and regulars became family. Since her retirement, her daughter had introduced a new vision, bringing Vietnamese cuisine to the space while honoring that same spirit of connection.

In recent years, Be’s health declined, and it is with heavy hearts that we share her passing.

As we honor her memory, we’ll be rebranding and looking ahead to continue serving the community she loved so dearly. We appreciate your kindness and patience as we take time to grieve this loss.

With love and gratitude,
Bonjour Vietnam, formerly Be’s
We will be hosting a casual Celebration of Life September 14 , 6 pm, 4509 California Ave SW

In honor of my mom’s favorite pastime, we will be hosting karaoke at 8 pm

Regarding the rebranding, Jade adds, “I am planning to rename the business back to Be’s, in honor of her memory.”

Here’s who found treasure in Summer Scramble 2025!

Those are the winners in this summer’s first West Seattle scavenger hunt, Summer Scramble, coordinated again this year by Alice Kuder as a way to have fun and support independent local businesses. Today Alice sent us the wrapup report!

More than 175 West Seattleites participated in the 3rd Annual Summer Scramble Treasure Hunt from July 31st to August 3rd. Young and old, families and individuals, long-time residents and newbies, all reported experiencing fun and laughter while making lasting memories. In all, 58 teams submitted 232 selfies to compete for four treasure chests.

Contents of the chests were donated by these generous (and playful) business owners (listed in alphabetical order):

Angora Rugs & Decor – 4517 California Ave SW
Charcuterie by Annalise – 6032-B California Ave SW
Fine Baking Company – 6969 California Ave SW
Good Sister – 6059 California Ave SW
Great American Diner & Bar – 4752 California Ave SW
Hagosa’s House – 4800 Delridge Way SW
Inner Space Design – 6031-B California Ave SW
Just in Case, Disaster Preparedness – justincaseplans.com
Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar – 6503 Calif Ave SW
Nepenthe Massage – 9447 35th Ave SW
Panterelli’s Patisserie – 4210 SW Alaska St
Seattle Style Salon – 7350 35th Ave SW
Snapdragon Bakery – 4500 California Ave WA
Space Bar Wellness – 2705 California Ave SW
West Seattle Runner – 2743 California Ave SW
Willow West Seattle – 4536 California Ave SW

The above-named businesses joined the more than 100 local businesses that have supported the eight Scavenger Hunts I have sponsored in the past five years. One more reason to declare that West Seattle is the Best Seattle!

Please show these fabulous merchants your appreciation for their presence in our neighborhoods by patronizing their shops. Shopping locally really does strengthen our community.

This year, the non-business clue sites were all designated Emergency Communication Hubs. If you aren’t aware of the hubs, I encourage you to check them out so you know where to go for information when a natural disaster happens.

*Pictured above* are the four teams who won the treasure chests through a combination of solving the clues, sending in selfies, and being chosen in a random drawing of others who did the same. From left to right, the team names are: Mad Hunters; Thompson Team; Super Squid Muffins; and Lucy & Annie’s Big Adventure.

If you weren’t able to participate in Summer Scramble as it was happening, you can still download the clue sheet and map and Scramble on your own. The free downloads are available at wondersinaliceland.com.

The 4th Annual Summer Scramble will happen July 30-Aug. 2, 2026. And don’t miss the 6th Annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, coming Dec. 5-14.

BIZNOTE: Filigree & Shadow fragrance studio closing this fall

(Filigree & Shadow’s James Elliott, in 2023 WSB photo)

Filigree & Shadow (WSB sponsor) is a unique West Seattle business – proprietor James Elliott creates fragrances, in a studio south of The Junction. He’s announced his studio will close at the end of September because the building’s been sold, so you are running out of time to make an appointment to visit. Here’s the announcement he sent us:

It has been a joy to welcome so many of you into the space over the years, whether you came in to discover a new fragrance, attend a workshop, or simply share your love of perfume. West Seattle has been a wonderful home for Filigree & Shadow, and I’m deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendship this community has shown me. I’ve always loved being able to share my fragrances — and the fragrance collections of my friends and colleagues around the world — and to help demystify the art of perfume, making it more accessible. Thank you, everyone, for coming along with me on this journey of smelling what often seemed impossible possible.

If you would like to visit before closing, I encourage you to schedule an appointment in September, as availability will be limited. Orders placed through the website will continue to be fulfilled until the closing date of September 30, 2025.

Thank you for being part of this chapter of my journey. The experiences I’ve had here have given me the confidence to look forward to what comes next, and I hope the fragrances created in this studio continue to bring you joy for years to come.

James opened this studio 2 1/2 years ago, after seven years in business online.

Learn about SSC, celebrate at SW Library, dance, play, more on our list for your West Seattle Monday

(Steller’s Jay, photographed in Admiral by Stan Delles)

Here’s our Monday list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):

WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT OVER: Here’s where and when they were all found.

SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: Through month’s end – if you have to haul something, find an alternative, or wait.

LAST WEEK FOR SUMMER FOOD: As originally noted here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break – this is the last week for this year’s program.

FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caregivers. (9010 35th SW)

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm for two more weeks. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Also continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm. Fee.

WADING POOL: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is the last West Seattle pool still open for the season, and the city says it WILL be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE INFO SESSION: Find out about learning at SSC! 1 pm in-person session – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION: 1-3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) – story time, crafts, and free cake!

NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular 2 pm Monday “briefing meeting” is NOT happening today because the council is on recess until after Labor Day (here’s the calendar).

CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!

LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee. (4034 California SW)

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three places to play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LISTENING PARTY AND GIVEAWAY: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be one of the first to hear Minus The Bear‘s new LP, and get a chance to win an autographed test pressing.

ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45; the meditation meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)

SALSA & BACHATA CLASSES: Learn the dances with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW), 7 and 8 pm classes.

POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

COMEDY SHOW – SOLD OUT! Tickets are all gone for Susan Rice‘s show at Otter on the Rocks.

MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Is this the ‘write’ activity for a student in your household?

The next “Write YOUR Story” free workshop for young writers still has a few spaces – here’s the announcement:

Now enrolling!

Write YOUR Story Fall 2025
Theme: Silly Superman

Who is invited? People age 7-11 who like stories

When? Every Sunday, September 24 – December 7, 2025 (12 sessions) 4:00—5:00 pm

Where? Upstairs activity room, Curious Kidstuff toy store
4740 California Ave SW

Stories we’ll read:

The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen and
I, Crocodile by Fred Marcellino

Write YOUR Story, est. 2012, is a free workshop led by local writers for local kids

“We read, we write, and we have a lot of fun.”

jdouthwa.wixsite.com/writeyourstory1

For info or to enroll contact: juliawsea@gmail.com

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Monday info

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, August 18, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, then clearing,high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:09 am; sunset will be at 8:15 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Overnight Highway 99 tunnel closures for resurfacing are scheduled to start tonight – details here.

Admiral Way Bridge seismic work continues.

-The low bridge is scheduled to close this weekend, August 23-24, for cylinder work. (We’ll be re-verifying specifics with SDOT this week.)

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday (tonight!) and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.

STADIUM ZONE

Reign FC match vs. Chicago Red Stars, 7 pm.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem 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!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing in Westwood

12:43 AM: Police and fire are responding to what’s reported to be a stabbing at or near Westwood Village. The victim is at a bus stop in the area. The attacker is described as a white man, blond hair, dressed all in black, 5’9″, heavy build, last seen running westbound on SW Barton, or possibly into Roxhill Park.

12:47 AM: The victim is reported to have a stab wound to the abdomen. Police are calling in a K9 team to help with the search.

1:11 PM: Based on what the K9 team is finding, the search has expanded southward. No word on the victim’s condition, meantime.

1:50 PM: The track grew cold so the K9 search – with a team borrowed from King County SO, since SPD had none available – has ended.

9:04 AM: SFD says the victim is a ~30-year-old man who was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

NOON: SPD says the victim – who had “several severe lacerations to his hands, upper chest, and left leg” – told officers he was asleep when the attacker stabbed him. If you have any information, call the SPD tip line at 206-233-5000 and refer to case 25-237023.

UPDATE: Short-lived house-fire response in 8800 block 12th SW

11:29 PM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a possible house fire in the 8800 block of 12th SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.

11:32 PM: First units on scene say it was a small fire, “now out,” and most of the response is being canceled.

TUESDAY: Block-party barbecue benefiting Fauntleroy Fall Festival

This Tuesday evening (August 19), you’re invited to a block-party barbecue dinner on SW Henderson west of 35th SW to benefit the Fauntleroy Fall Festival! The free festival runs on donations and volunteers, and The Birdhouse is cooking up this dinner pop-up with 20 percent of the proceeds going to the festival. Just plan to drop by for dinner 5-7 pm that night – The Birdhouse isn’t usually open for dinner but has a special menu for the occasion; see it here – it includes vegetarian options as well as sides and desserts. Take-out if you prefer, but SW Henderson will be closed in front of The Birdhouse, with tables and chairs so you can dine on-site with your West Seattle neighbors.

P.S. This year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival is set for 2-5 pm Sunday, October 19 – exactly two months after Tuesday’s fundraising dinner.

CAN YOU HELP? Educator searching for West Seattle baker

Cheyanne Chadwick, a STEM educator who is program manager for HEART at West Seattle Elementary, is looking for a community member to help with an upcoming project:

This fall, my students and I will be working on a science of baking project I’m lovingly calling The Great West Seattle Bake-Off. The goal is for students to learn about the chemistry behind baking by discovering what all the ingredients in cupcakes actually do.

I’m looking for a baker (preferably someone from the West Seattle area) who might be interested in coming into my classroom in November for an hour-long demonstration/lesson on baking. No teaching experience is needed, obviously. Bakers would provide the expertise in baking itself, and I’d lead the teaching elements. I can provide more specific details (the when, where, how, whatnot) to anyone who might be available/interested.

Potentially interested? Email Cheyanne at cheyanne.chadwick@stempaths.org.

WHALES: Orcas passing west-facing West Seattle shores

Ready for Sunday whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports orcas are headed southbound “toward Lowman Beach,” mid-channel so binoculars are likely needed. Let us know if you see them!

FOLLOWUP: Here’s what West Seattle High School’s Ethan Thomas plans to do with that grant from Barry Manilow

(Photo courtesy Ethan Thomas)

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

When Ethan Thomas first learned he had been awarded a $10,000 grant, he didn’t believe it.

“One of the counselors saw it on the news and mentioned it to me in passing,” the West Seattle High School band teacher said, “I thought she was mistaken, but she sent me and my colleague Taylor Fritts the news article link. I was astonished when I found out I won.”

As we reported one month ago, the grant was awarded as part of the Manilow Music Project, a program organized by award-winning musician Barry Manilow. Last month, Manilow performed at Climate Pledge Arena for the last time, as a part of his final tour, titled “The Last Concerts.” At each stop along the tour, community members have been invited to vote for their favorite music teacher, with nominated teachers receiving grants to help support their music programs.

We followed up with Thomas to find out his plans for the grant.

$10,000 may seem like a lot, but according to Thomas, music programs are costly. “Depending on the year and the SPS budget,” he said, “my colleague and I receive around $300 from the district to run our entire music program.” Typically, this amounts to roughly one dollar per student. Instead, West Seattle depends primarily on community support through bi-annual fundraisers, which usually raise about $20,000. This money goes towards new music, instrument repairs, band trips, uniform expenses, and scholarships for all three band programs. For some context, the cost of a single Alto Saxophone ranges between $600 to $2,500, and a single High School band can consist of anywhere between 50 and 150 members.

Fortunately for Thomas, the Manilow Music Project has a deal with online music retailer Sweetwater, which gives them special pricing on instruments, and there are no spending or time stipulations on the grant. This means they’ll be able to spend it on anything they need. Currently, one of West Seattle High School’s most pressing needs is a new tuba, which can often cost upwards of $6,000. They’re also considering buying a new bass, which is similarly expensive.

“We want our programs to be equitable and accessible to all students, and owning an instrument can be a barrier for some,” Thomas said. “We want to be able to provide students with a quality instrument that they can borrow from the school for free. … Without that money from the Manilow Music Project, we would be responsible for raising all the money for those purchases on our own. We are certainly grateful to the Manilow Music Project for supporting music programs in the cities they visit.

“I am so very grateful to work in the WSHS community,” concluded Thomas, who has been West Seattle High School’s band director since 2012. “It is humbling to think that enough people voted for me to win this award. I am very thankful for my students, their families, and those in our community that voted for me and their faith in me as a Music teacher.”

COUNTDOWN: Six days until Admiral Block Party 2025! Here’s the music schedule

Looking ahead past this weekend, next weekend’s biggest even is the third annual Admiral Block Party, a street festival on California SW north of SW Admiral Way. The street will close for setup (and advance revelry) on Friday night (August 22), and then the Block Party is all day and into the evening on Saturday (August 23). That includes main-stage live music; we’ve published the performer plan, but the times are now set too, as provided by Dan Jacobs from the Admiral Neighborhood Association – which presents the Block Party:

Justin Kausal-Hayes – 11 am
Sad Dad Autumn – 12:00 pm
School of Rock – 1:15 pm
Michael Pearsall – 2:30 pm
Potholes – 3:45 pm
Baby Crow Flight School – 5:15 pm
Six Killers – 6:30 pm
Sun King – 7:45 pm

Again, those times are all for Saturday, August 23. We’ll have vendor highlights in our next preview.

Back-to-school swap shop, Makers’ Art Market, Sundays in the Alley, playground cleanup, more – here’s our list!

(Banded Alder Borer, photographed by Hilda Burton)

Good morning! Time to make the most of what’s left of summer, so here are our notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT: All floats have been released but as of early today, two are listed as not yet found.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run leaves from Ampersand Café (2536 Alki SW).

BACK TO SCHOOL SWAP SHOP: As previewed here, 9 am-1 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – 9 to 10 am, drop off swap items and help prepare, 10 am-noon swap and shop, noon cleanup and prepare leftovers for donation.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Find the market on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, still the heart of summer produce season (stone fruit, berries, cherries, greens), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.

MASTER GARDENERS: They’re at the market today, also 10 am-2 pm, if you have a garden question/challenge/etc. that would benefit from expert advice.

SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: While you’re in The Junction, visit the alley behind Carmilia’s boutique (4528 California SW) for food, music, and fun, “a neighborhood party!”, 10 am-3 pm.

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)

SPRUCE UP LAFAYETTE’S PLAYGROUND: As previewed here, community volunteers are needed to help spruce up the Lafayette Elementary (California/Lander) playground before school – (corrected, 9 am-11 am).

DONATION DRIVE – CLOTHING AND FOOD: 11 am-3 pm outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – our preview has details on what’s most needed right now.

MAKERS’ ART MARKET: 11 am-5 pm outside Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), more than two dozen makers will be showing and selling today – see the list here.

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm, through Labor Day.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today as its 7-day-a-week season continues for two more weeks – noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.

WADING POOLS: Also at Lincoln Park, a 70-degree-plus/partly sunny the wading pool is expected to be open (check after 9:30 am at 206-684-7796); same for the EC Hughes wading pool (2805 SW Holden) – hours for both today are noon-7 pm; this is the last scheduled day of the season at EC Hughes.

NO ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Reminder, no more tours this year (as explained here).

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Kick back and enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

LIVE MUSIC AT TIM’S: 2 pm, Blues Afternoon with KornerBlues. (16th SW/SW 98th, White Center)

MAKE PINCH POTS: 2 pm class at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW).

BOOK PARTY AND ‘WRITE YOUR STORY’ SIGN-UPS: 3-4:30 pm, upstairs at Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), celebrate the book of stories published by “Write YOUR Story” participants, and sign up for the next free sessions, for ages 7-11, explained in our calendar listing.

YOGA AND CREATIVITY CLASS: 5 pm at Limber Yoga (7901 35th SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

GRATITUDE: Dozens of musical instruments donated in dropoff drive, and that’s not all

(WSB photo – early donations during last Saturday’s drive)

One week ago, we visited the heart of The Junction as volunteers from the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) collected instrument donations for Music4Life. Tonight, Rotarian Brian Waid, who coordinated the dropoff donation drive, reports on the results:

I’m pleased to report that on August 9, with the support of the West Seattle KeyBank branch, the Rotary Club of West Seattle received donations of 43 used musical instruments for the benefit of Music4Life, including: drums (3, including an unusual split drum), flutes (6), clarinets (10, including 3 Buffet clarinets), trumpets/cornets (6), french horn (1), trombone (1), saxophone (1), recorders (2), guitars (4), and a banjo (1). We also received a generous cash donation for Music4Life, an instrument tuner, clarinet repair kit, music books, and several music stands.

Missed the drive? You can still donate instruments and/or money – here’s how. Music4Life works with 15 school districts in the region, including Seattle.

WEEKEND SCENE: South Park Summer Party – SOPASUPA – 2025

(WSB PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN)

Whether flying through the air, or riding down a ramp …

SOPASUPA – the South Park Summer Party – has been delivering high-energy fun all afternoon. Yes, you can engage in the traditional festival booth-browsing too:

But the highlights include two sets by Lucha Libre Volcanica, the local troupe specializing in Mexican-style masked, costumed wrestling – our photos are from the 2 pm set:

Lucha Libre Volcanica’s second set starts at 6 pm. Like the Lucha Libre ring, the main stage was behind the businesses on the southwest corner of 14th/Cloverdale – performers included Her Mountain Majesty:

And the “skate party” was at River City Skatepark a few blocks west – bands there too:

Festivalgoers could even get a pedicab ride to the skatepark!

SOPASUPA continues until 9 pm, with more mainstage entertainment after the second Lucha Libre set. South Cloverdale is closed to through traffic west of 14th Avenue South, so if you’re heading to or from the South Park Bridge tonight, you’ll have to take a detour.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Alki Beach Pride 2025

The sun returned and it’s a perfect afternoon for Alki Beach Pride 2025 – entertainment is under way on two stages (see the main-stage lineup in our Friday preview). The afternoon-and-evening festival includes closure of Alki Avenue between 57th and 61st; if you’re going, we highly recommend walking, bicycling, skating, transit – parking is full for literally miles around. Once you’re at the beach, the vendor and organization tents line Alki Trail: the DJ stage is close to the east end. Dance floor:

Flags are fluttering everywhere and there’s a rainbow arch by Alki Bathhouse:

While many people are browsing the booths, some are just enjoying the sun and sand:

Vendors even include two mobile bookstores, Beguiled and Blue Kettle, which has some books on display outside, for all age:

The party segues to an outdoor movie (“Bottoms“) at Alki Playground (59th/Stevens) at 8 pm.

(Added: Photo by Victoria Gnatoka)

YOU CAN HELP: The two things that Sunday’s Alki UCC donation drive needs most

Most months on the third Sunday, Alki UCC hosts a donation drive for community participation – you don’t have to attend the church or even go inside to drop items off. This month’s donation drive is tomorrow (Sunday, August 17) and here’s what they need most:

This month’s priority needs:

Men’s Work/Casual Clothing and Fresh Garden Produce

Westside Interfaith Network is really low on men’s work/casual clothing. The community we serve counts on us to have clothing they can wear for their construction and day labor jobs. Needed: work pants, jeans, khakis, hoodies, sweatshirts, t shirts, long/short sleeve shirts, work/hiking boots, casual shoes and SOCKS (preferably new).

AND … Bring in your overflow garden bounty for us to distribute to a community that doesn’t get a lot of fresh produce.

We also welcome non-perishable food, hygiene items and camping gear. Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.

Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds, and you can drop off donations between 11 am and 3 pm Sunday.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Free carnival games and fresh-made cotton candy at Westwood Village End of Summer Festival

Westwood Village‘s End-of-Summer Festival was just getting started when we ran over for some photos a little while ago. Chalk artist Anne had just finished the chalk lettering to welcome people into the festival zone in the northwest corner of the parking lot, west of the Post Office:

Several booths are set up for old-fashioned carnival games:

Players get tickets they can redeem for prizes including backpacks:

Balloon artist Brenna is ready to make custom creations:

And there’s a cotton-candy machine with pink or blue options:

Everything’s free, with a DJ providing the soundtrack, and it’s set to continue until 2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 37 things to know

(Photo by Tom Trulin)

From early morning until late night, here’s what’s on our list for you, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ENDURANCE RUN AT LINCOLN PARK: This is the first time Orca Running has presented One Step Closer, putting endurance runners on a 2-mile route through Lincoln Park, looping it for designated lengths from 3 hours to 18 hours. The runners doing the latter will start at 5 am; everyone is staggered so they’re finished in time for an 11 pm party. More info here.

WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT: As of very early this morning, three floats remained unfound – clues are here.

GARAGE/YARD SALES: See the newest listings in the WSB Community Forums.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs – go run with them today!

ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: First day for “GET Fit, a free group training program for the Seattle Marathon for getting people off the couch to do a half marathon.” Also 8 am start.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: 9:30 am, meet at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum (6000 16th SW, north lot), for this month’s free guided hike, followed by a celebration (see a few listings down).

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

ADMIRAL DISTRICT HISTORY TOUR: Sold out!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!

MASTER GARDENERS: Have a garden-related question? They’re ready to answer! Saturdays this summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.

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 weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.

CELEBRATING FRED EPPS: Today is the Celebration of Life for Pegasus Book Exchange‘s Fred Epps, 11 am-3 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). His family says, “All are welcome – please come and share your stories!”

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT TRAILS CELEBRATION: Following the aforementioned hike, this starts at 11 am at the SSC Arboretum – gather to celebrate 30 years of restoration work in Seattle’s largest contiguous forest – then take an 11:30 am hike to visit some of the important locations.

SOPASUPA – SOUTH PARK SUMMER PARTY: 11 am-9 pm at multiple South Park locations, free fun including a skate party, entertainment, Lucha Libre masked wrestling, more; our preview has the schedule and locations.

WESTWOOD VILLAGE END-OF-SUMMER FESTIVAL: Parking lot party 11 am-2 pm with “carnival-style activities” including games, prizes, treats, face painting, north side of the center. (2600 SW Barton)

WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)

ALKI BEACH PRIDE: Noon-8 pm at the beach, the 11th annual celebration of love and community – with performers, vendors, DJs, health/wellness offerings, more, and a street party, with Alki Avenue closed to through traffic 57th to 61st. For the entertainment schedule, see our preview.

SUPER DELI MART CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY: Free food and fun, including kids’ activities, noon-5 pm. (35th SW/SW Barton)

TOUR DE PINTS, WEST SEATTLE: Ride your bike to multiple West Seattle venues, starting in White Center at noon at Future Primitive Brewing (9832 14th SW). Free.

WADING POOLS: City-run wading pools scheduled to be open in West Seattle today IF afternoon weather permits – call 206-684-7796 after 9:30 am – are Lincoln Park (12 pm-7 pm) and Hiawatha (12 pm-5:30 pm, last day of its season).

COLMAN POOL: 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the exhibit about Seattle Teriyaki, only two weeks left! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

MAKE AN EGG CARTON WITH POTTERINGS: Get creative at the cozy pottery studio during this 1-4 pm workshop – our calendar listing has the registration link and details. (3400 Harbor SW)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:

The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.

FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.

ALSO AT NEPENTHE: Summer mini-market starting at 3 pm!

P-PATCH PIZZA: Fresh-baked pizza at Barton P-Patch as a fundraiser for its operation, by donation, 4-6 pm. Live music too. (34th SW/SW Barton)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), The Local Music Scene Presents: Seattle Summer Showcase with Asterhouse, Batbox, and Camden West. $15. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ John Simmons at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).

SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Closing out our Saturday list, there’s 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Scenes from August’s West Seattle Art Walk

Major stories got in the way of our usual “as it happens” West Seattle Art Walk coverage last night, but we do have some pics to show you!

(First six photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)

Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) hosted another session of its pop-up artists’ market “Emerge – we found Vineta Jackson selling custom night lights!

Other artists at the Jet City Labs pop-up included watercolorist Carrie Scroggins:

This Sunday (August 17) you can pop into JCL to check out the next 206 Makers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm, same hours as the adjacent Farmers’ Market.

A few doors north of JCL, Compass Real Estate (4531 California SW) hosted 11-year-old photographer Colton Haveson:

The photographer’s proud mom Mara Haveson is managing broker of the office, which has a tradition of displaying community artists’ work. Colton’s photographs span thousands of miles of inspiration, from West Seattle life to recent travels in Europe.

South of The Junction, West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW) hosted an artist this month – Macki Stratton brought a selection of her paintings under the umbrella “Growing Moss.”

She says “Moss has been a source of inspiration for color and form for many years …”

She added in her artist statement that, “In these unprecedented times in our country, this primordial plant has some valuable lessons to draw from, like how community can make all the difference for resilience and survival.”

The Art Walk also brimmed with music again last night, including Easy Street Records‘ presentation of The Sinister Six:

Thanks to Ian for sending that photo of the garage-rock band performing what was its third-to-last show before going on hiatus for reasons including a search for a new drummer.

The major music presence during the night was the five-show slate for The Art of Music, the collection of mini-concerts complementing the Art Walk many months. It’s curated by John Redenbaugh, who shared a few photos – here are Belle Shea and Selena Tibert at Due Cucina:

And Fae Wiedenhoeft at West Seattle Grounds in North Admiral:

Here’s a sneak peek at The Art of Music lineup planned for the next West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday, September 11:

Admiral Way Bridge work may look done, but SDOT says it’s not, yet

No cones, no crews. The top side of the Admiral Way Bridge (technically two bridges) is clear again. So does that mean the earthquake-resistance work is finally done? No, SDOT tells us:

It’s too soon to say whether work is done in that area. We’re close to wrapping up the project but it remains an active work zone, and conditions change periodically. We still have work scheduled through the end of the month and there will most likely be final punch list items to work on in the following months.

It’s been a year now since the top-side work began; Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge(s) has been closed even longer and will remain that way until the project is done. Originally, the project was expected to require full closures of the bridge, but SDOT amended the plan to avoid that.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Tree down at Delridge/24th

6:32 PM: Police report 24th SW is blocked “from Delridge” by a fallen tree. SDOT is being summoned to clear it.

7:27 PM: No sign of a crew yet. Looking at it from the south end of the Boren STEM K-8 parking lot, it appears actually to be a tree-size tree limb.