Fun stuff to do 1874 results

Tibbetts United Methodist Church hosting first-ever Drag Tea

West Seattle’s drag scene is booming. Along with the longrunning West End Girls monthly “drag extravaganza” at The Skylark, there’s now also regular Out At The Box nights at Box Bar, shows at Admiral Pub, the new Kenyon Hall Cabaret, and more. (We list them all on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar when we get advance notice.) Now a new addition – the first-ever Drag Tea at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – here’s the invitation they asked us to share:
We are thrilled to be hosting a Drag Tea on April 1st from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Yes Tea, Yes Shade, Yes Pink Lemonade! Come delight in an afternoon of tea, snacks, community, and FUN with drag queen Ms. Penny Cost! All ages welcome!

100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Beloved Arise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth of faith. Beloved Arise seeks to build relationships, offer support, and inspire youth to embrace life to the fullest.

Pay what you can. Every dollar will go to support Beloved Arise. Suggested Donations: $20 adult, $10 kids and youth

Attire: You do you! Wear what makes you feel most yourself! Dress casual or dress up, just be YOU!

Learn more about Tibbetts UMC by visiting our website. Tibbetts is at 3940 41st Ave SW; enter the Fellowship Hall at the corner of 41st and Andover.

Please reserve your seat! Tickets & info here.

Ready to make somebody laugh? Comedy open mic at SSC tomorrow

It could be argued that we need humor more than ever these days. If you’re ready to provide some – or enjoy some – here’s a new West Seattle opportunity: South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to a Comedy Open Mic tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15th). It’s happening at the Alki Café on campus (no relation to the one at the beach), 3-6 pm. If you’re interested in performing, email CafeAlki@seattlecolleges.edu. No need to RSVP if you just want to go get a few laughs. No admission but you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of Alki Café’s fare: “Available for purchase will be Alki Café’s usual offerings of specialty coffee drinks and pastries along with wood-fired pizza (made fresh by Culinary Arts Students) and NWWA Red created by Wine Studies students (for those 21 and older).” If you haven’t been to the café, it’s in the Culinary Arts Building, CAB toward the center of the campus map.

DEAL: Register for Loop the ‘Lupe 2023 before next price increase

If you’re thinking about being part of this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe – our area’s only obstacle-course 5K – this is the week to sign up. Prices go up Friday for three of the five levels at which you can participate this year – the Family Wave Obstacle Course 5K, the new Elite Wave Obstacle Course 5K, or Fun Run 5K. You can get in on the early prices by going here to sign up. Loop the ‘Lupe happens June 3rd at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), next to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose community social work is supported by the event. (Loop the ‘Lupe also includes Senior Saunter and Youth 1K options, but those prices don’t change until just a couple days before LTL.) Set your calendar for June 3rd even if you don’t want to run/walk/dodge – music, food, and a beer garden will be set up on the sidelines for everyone to celebrate a day in the park. (WSB is a Loop the ‘Lupe community sponsor.)

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Original ‘Snow White’ meets harp and viola

A one-of-a-kind event happens Saturday night at historic Kenyon Hall – the century-old silent movie telling the “Snow White” fairy tale, accompanied live by a Vashon Island musician’s 21st-century harp and viola score. Here’s what it’s all about:

Everyone knows Disney’s classic animated film “Snow White,” but few are aware that that a teenage Walt Disney growing up in Kansas City saw the original silent movie of the fairy tale, and it was this 1916 silent that inspired him to blaze a path in filmmaking and make his own version in 1937.

Like all silent films, Snow White was made on flammable nitrate film stock, and for many years, it was rumored to have been destroyed in a vault fire. But a single theatrical print was discovered in the Netherlands in 1992, and a heroic restoration was performed by the George Eastman House film archive.

Now the whimsical silent fantasy returns to the silver screen, and West Seattle film lovers can see the long-lost Snow White with live musical accompaniment. Harpist-composer Leslie McMichael’s magical score brings the silent film alive at 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 11 at Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Avenue SW.

Vashon Island harpist McMichael will perform live on the concert harp for the 63-minute film, and her original score also features her sister Barbara McMichael on viola.

Northwest Film Forum commissioned McMichael to compose a new score for Snow White in 2016, and the 100-year-old film, and McMichael’s live music premiered at opening night of Children’s Film Festival Seattle that year. Since then, the old film and new live score have toured across the country accompanying screenings of the historic film.

How did McMichael approach the project of scoring the film? The harpist says that her DVD remote and digital timer were two modern tools that she relied on to compose a soundtrack that seamlessly fits the onscreen action. After watching the 63-minute film and writing longhand notes about every scene and character, she developed musical themes to reflect the moods in the storyline. Certain motifs reappear in her score whenever a character appears – sweet Snow White has specific music, as does the Witch, the Huntsman, the Prince, and, of course, the Seven Dwarves!

McMichael adds, “It’s thrilling to play live and pair the visuals of film with my music. With every performance, we get to use our instruments to underscore the expressive acting so typical of the silent era – very fun!”

For advance tickets to the Snow White film screening with live harp and viola accompaniment, go here. General admission is $15, $10/seniors and students, and children under 6 are free.

WEST SEATTLE 5K: Registration now open for first one since 2019, with new features!

(2018 West Seattle 5K photo by David Hutchinson)

As we first told you last month, the West Seattle 5K is returning this year for the first time since 2019. Today, we have details on what’s new, as well as how to register – which you can do right now. The WS5K is presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA, with co-sponsors including WSB. Here’s the update:

After a three-year break for COVID, West Seattle High School and the PTSA are excited to announce the 12th running of the West Seattle 5K on Sunday morning, May 21, 2023. All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K will provide funding for West Seattle High School to provide classroom tools, books, supplies, and much more to its students and teachers.

Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of the Puget Sound area and beyond have participated in this 5K over the previous 11 years. Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top three adult and student male and female finishers.

New this year is a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefitted the high school so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair.

Other new 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5K if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is the community’s High School and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to give back.
“This is a really important year for the 5K to be back,” says Brian Vance, West Seattle High School principal. “We had a levy expire in 2020-21 school year for WSHS. We are facing the loss of intervention dollars to run after-school supports, tutoring center and Saturday school. Events like the 5K make up for those lost funds.”

Registration is live now. Adults are $35. Late registration for adults starts 5/1 at $40. Kids under 6 are free. Youth 19 and under are $20. Late registration starts 5/15 at $30. West Seattle High School staff members get to register at same rate as students. We brought student/staff rate down to $20 (was $30 in previous years). Students and staff go up to $30 during late registration starting 5/15.

We have amazing sponsors to thank: Portage Bay Cafe, School of Rock, Sea Pines Physical Therapy, West Seattle Blog, Dragonfly Yoga Pilates Dance, and West Seattle Realty and so many more. Please go to westseattle5k.com to see all sponsors!

That is also where to go to sign up.

WEST SEATTLE MUSIC: 2 more chances to create it and/or enjoy it

Two West Seattle events in the next week welcome musicians as well as spectators:

PIANO BAR AT ‘THE JEWEL OF THE JUNCTION’: Pianist Larry Knapp invites you to the next monthly edition, this Thursday (March 2):

I will be your host at the piano with three of Seattle’s finest jazz artists joining me.

TONY FOSTER, Piano
MICHAEL BARNETT, Upright Bass
ERIC EAGLE, Drums

At Piano Bar, we feature music of the Great American Songbook and the early jazz era. Bring your friends and come join the fun! Proceeds benefit the West Seattle Senior Center. 7-1 pm March 2 at the Senior Center (4217 SW Oregon), $10.

Tickets available at the door or you may click on the link below to secure your tickets online.

fundraise.givesmart.com/form/wRkSvw?vid=xduri

NEW OPEN MIC: And from Cole, an invitation to a new weekly open mic starting next Monday (March 6):

My name is Cole and I am the organizer and host of the BedHead Open Mic, a new weekly event hosted at the West Seattle Church Of The Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau)!

During our first month, we will be accepting donations for the development of Maarten Park, in honor of our friend and neighbor Maarten Verburg who passed away on February 13th after a nearly year-long battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

gofund.me/35817731

Our first open mic will be held on Monday March, 6th. Sign up at 6:30 PM. Performances at 7 PM.

More information is here. For an explanation of Maarten Park, see the obituary we recently published for its namesake.

VIDEO: Fun in the sun at Polar Plunge 2023’s Alki ‘winter beach party’

February 25, 2023 12:13 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Fun in the sun at Polar Plunge 2023’s Alki ‘winter beach party’
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

12:13 PM: Jumping into Elliott Bay – where the mid-40s water temperature is 10 degrees warmer than the mid-30s air temperature – is the main event at the Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Washington, but it’s just part of the fun. Fundraising plunges start at about 1 pm but food trucks and a beer garden are already here and open until late afternoon.

More photos to come!

ADDED 3 PM: More than 300 people registered for today’s Polar Plunge. Many came in costume – above, the Funny Farm won the group award in the pre-plunge costume contest, by onlooker acclaim. Other contenders included The Avocados:

Produce was a popular theme. “The Strawberry” got honorable mention in the individual costume competition.

Shortly afterward, the crowd moved to the beach for the main event – Polar Plunging. First in, Special Olympics athletes, who are the people the event is about – raising money to ensure costs are covered for all SO athletes:

Next in, the top team fundraiser, the Nearly Nekkid Norwegians:

The participants continued plunging in waves throughout the afternoon.

The event, including the food trucks and beer garden, is expected to wrap up by 4:30 pm. Preliminary fundraising total: More than $115,000; you can donate to Special Olympics any time by going here. The next competition is the Winter Games in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Mission Ridge next weekend.

POLAR PLUNGE: Two updates on Saturday’s ‘winter beach party’ at Alki

February 23, 2023 3:50 pm
|    Comments Off on POLAR PLUNGE: Two updates on Saturday’s ‘winter beach party’ at Alki
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2020 Polar Plunge)

Just two days until this winter’s next big West Seattle event – the Polar Plunge “winter beach party” benefiting Special Olympics Washington at Alki Beach on Saturday (February 25th). Today, we have two updates – first, a last-minute call for volunteer help:

Special Olympics Washington is hosting its annual Polar Plunge fundraiser this Saturday at Alki Beach and Bathhouse and they are still looking for a few more volunteers. Roles include Set-up, Registration, Guest Control, Beer Garden Support (must be 21+), and Clean-up. Teens at least 14 years old can volunteer with set-up and clean-up but adults are needed for all other roles. Pre-registration is requested at 2023polarplungevols.my-trs.com. You can also visit that link for more information on specific shift times and role descriptions.

Second, if you’re not planning on “plunging” but interested in dropping by to cheer the plungers and/or enjoy the rest of the party, including food trucks, beer garden, and music, we asked for specifics on what people will find – here’s the information we got in reply:

FOOD: There will be seven food trucks: The Cheese Pit, Alaska Scallops, Whateke, Seoul Bowl, Theo’s Gyros, Off the Rez, and Kathmandu MoMoCha.

BEER: The breweries in the beer garden will include Big Time Brewing Company, Georgetown Brewing Co., Old Stove Brewing Co., Ravenna Brewing Co., Seattle Cider, Two Beers Brewing, White Claw, and Matchless Brewing.

MUSIC: DJ Shane, who is a former Special Olympics Athlete, will be the main DJ. DJ Harmony Soleiol, the DJ and Music Director/Assistant Program Director/on-air host with C89.5, will also be doing a set.

And it’s not time to register to plunge – you can go here for that. The event starts at 8 am and the plunging is set to start around 1 pm, after a 12:10 pm costume contest (if you’re there in the crowd, you get to help “judge”).

COUNTDOWN: 1 week until ‘Polar Plunge’ party on Alki for Special Olympics

Next Saturday (February 25th) is the day – you’re invited to the Polar Plunge “winter beach party” at Alki, benefiting Special Olympics Washington. Even if you don’t plan to participate in the plunging, you can stop by to watch, play beach games, contribute, and/or enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, and liv music. As explained by Special Olympics, the event is to raise money “that directly goes to providing athletes with year-round opportunities to train and compete, as well as receive free health screenings and leadership training … (ensuring) that over 7,500 Washington children and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to participate at no cost to them.” Events start near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) at 8 am next Saturday, with a costume contest at 12:10 pm (the crowd gets to judge), and “polar plunging” beginning at 1 pm. Individual and team registration starts here.

Dine! Bid! Support students’ tech adventures! Skunk Works Robotics invites you to dinner

(File photo)

Skunk Works Robotics is a scrappy regional program, founded in 2006, that draws 8th through 10th graders from West Seattle to Burien and beyond. This spring, they’ll compete in the international FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics events. The program’s mission is “to inspire students to excel as robotics and engineering professionals, and to help them prepare for college and the future.” They’re looking for your support and offering a fun way to provide it: On Saturday, February 25th, head south to The Cove at Normandy Park (1500 SW Shorebrook Drive) for a spaghetti dinner and auction to support the team. They’re selling $25/person tickets through February 12th, and here’s what you’ll get:

The evening will include a silent and live auction with awesome items such as a signed Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, two roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines anywhere Alaska flies, a two-night stay at Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, a signed Julio Rodriguez Mariners jersey, cooking classes, a salon haircut & blowout, restaurant gift certificates – including some local favorites such as Circa, Srivilai Thai, Salty’s on Alki, and so much more! The night will also include a fun Dessert Dash, a tasty Wine Pull, specialty cocktails, beer and wine, a first-time reveal of our 2023 robot, and beyond.

Skunk Works is a 501(c)(3), so your contribution is tax-deductible. And it’ll help this program continue recovering from not only pandemic-era challenges but also a burglary last year that left them without thousands of dollars in equipment. But they’re building back, and you can help – get dinner/auction tickets here.

RETURNING: West Seattle 5K

(WSB photo, 2019)

Many big West Seattle events returned last year for the first time since before the pandemic – but not all. One that skipped last year WILL be back this year – the West Seattle 5K. This event raising money for WSHS students via the PTSA is set for Sunday, May 21st, the first WS5K since 2019. It’s a run/walk along Alki, with the start/finish line right in the hart of the beach business district. Organizers tell us they’ll be relaunching the West Seattle 5K website next week, so watch for registration details soon.

VALENTINE NOTES: Jewelry, flowers, Elvis …

February 7, 2023 2:38 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Exactly one week until Valentine’s Day. Three West Seattle notes:

JEWELRY: Thinking about diamonds for a gift? Lauren’s Jewelry (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village is having a special shopping party this Friday (February 10th), 4-7 pm. The independently owned shop promises, “We will have diamonds of all prices and sizes, spin the wheel, party favors, bites, & beverages for all of our attendees. Each guest will get the chance to win up to 30% off!” This is an RSVP-required event – get on the list by emailing hello@laurensjewelrystore.com or calling 206-937-9200.

FLOWERS: On Valentine’s Day afternoon – 2 to 4 pm Tuesday, February 14th – HomeStreet Bank‘s West Seattle branch (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to stop in for sweet treats and, if you’re among the first 40 visitors, a long-stemmed rose. Also for visitors: “We will have a drawing for one of our favorite restaurants in the area.”

(Photo provided by Senior Center of West Seattle)

ELVIS! Also on Valentine’s Day, get your evening started early with Elvis tribute artist Bret Wiggins at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 4-5:30 pm, performing a show themed “Love Me Tender” – classic love songs along with Elvis’s biggest hits from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Tickets are $10 members, $15 non-members, refreshments included, and you can reserve yours right now by going here.

Another summer event to get set for: Obstacle-course fun run Loop the ‘Lupe 2023

For the second time today, we’re inviting you to look ahead to June – this time it’s because registration is open for Loop the ‘Lupe 2023, coming up June 3, with new features this year:

We’re BACK with Loop The ‘Lupe, Seattle’s best 5K obstacle course fun run! This event will take place at Walt Hundley Playfield in West Seattle on Saturday, June 3rd. Here’s what’s in store for 2023:

NEW!!! ELITE WAVE: We’ve heard from racers that they’re looking for an extra challenge, and we’ve got it for you! We’re starting the Loop the ‘Lupe this year with an “Elite Wave” for racers 16 years old and up to increase the level of competition. We’re also ADDING TWO OBSTACLES just for this wave, creating a total of nine obstacles per lap!

NEW!!! FAMILY WAVE: So, you’re ready for the ninja challenges (wall-climbing, mud-crawling, all your favorites), but not ready to run with the elites? The 7-obstacle Family Wave is all you! NEW OBSTACLE: We’ve replaced our balance beams with a NEW balancing obstacle and we’re ready to go!

YOUR FAVORITES ARE BACK: We’ll have the 5K run/walk, the Senior Saunter walk (100% flat, no obstacles), and the Youth Dash (a 1K loop with 7 obstacles & adult supervision).

YOU CAN SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE: This event is one of the major fundraisers for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church each year. As you may have seen in recent news coverage, the need for churches like OLG are great, and your registration and donations support important social outreach work — meals for shut-ins, homeless services, and help with migrant communities, too. So, join us for the Loop, and have some fun while raising much-needed funds for those in need!

VIRTUAL RACING: Not feeling up to a trip to the park? No problem! Register to get a race t-shirt, contact us at loopthelupe@gmail.com, and record a video of yourself on your own crazy home obstacle course, then post it to our on our Facebook page! Prizes for the top entrants!

ALL PARTICIPANTS: The Loop’s live music, food, and beer garden are back, too, this summer, with a new layout for post-race relaxation at the park!

There’s an advantage to signing up early – prices go up in a few weeks. Registration starts here.

FOLLOWUP: Conversation and celebration Friday as next step in rebuilding Highland Park Improvement Club

January 30, 2023 6:33 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Conversation and celebration Friday as next step in rebuilding Highland Park Improvement Club
 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

(Inside HPIC, shortly after 2021 fire)

As mentioned in our coverage of last week’s HPAC meeting, Highland Park Improvement Club is set to take the next step in its plan to rebuild after the fire that ravaged its building – with a special Corner Bar event this Friday. We just received the announcement and community invitation:

Come meet your neighbors and enjoy a beverage this Friday night as we roll out our plans to rebuild a community space that’s been central to our neighborhood for more than 100 years: the Highland Park Improvement Club!

In 2021, the Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC) building was tragically destroyed in a fire. Once home to monthly gatherings, live music, a community garden, regular yoga classes, and more – HPIC is no longer the bustling center of neighborhood activity it once was. Now the burned building sits vacant on the corner of 12th and Holden in West Seattle, deemed unsafe for use after the blaze.

This is not the future anyone wants to see for this rare gem that has played such a vital role in connecting and supporting the surrounding communities, like it did when community leaders used it as a food insecurity resource during the pandemic. To keep HPIC alive, the executive board and trustees have been hard at work for the last year creating a vision for the future to make sure it can be sustainably restored – including working with architects, designers, contractors, donors, volunteers and more to bring this space back to life.

Now – it’s crunch time. We’re about a third of the way there on fundraising, but we need more help to cross the finish line and raise about two million dollars this year. That’s where you come in! Join us for a fun night of community conversation about how to restore this wonderful place and make it even better than before!

Who: You!
What: Corner Bar
When: February 3, 2023, 6 pm-10 pm
Where: Highland Park Corner Store- 7789 Highland Park Way SW
Why: To build community support around the REBUILDING TOGETHER fundraising Campaign. Help us reach our capital fundraising goal of 3.4 million dollars by Q3 2023!

Our goal is demolition and groundbreaking in the fall, hoping to open in late 2024. Board members for the Rebuilding Together campaign will be on site to talk more about HPIC’s Nine-Month Fundraising Sprint at Friday’s event. Hope to see you at the Highland Park Corner Store on Friday, February 3rd for fun, music, and the kind of community enthusiasm we need to keep HPIC’s future alive!

COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until Polar Plunge ‘winter beach party’ at Alki for Special Olympics Washington

(WSB photo from February 2020 Polar Plunge at Alki)

Outdoor events are few and far between in the heart of winter – but here’s an exception: We’re now four weeks away from the return of the Polar Plunge “winter beach party” to Alki, benefiting Special Olympics Washington. Here’s how organizers explain it:

The Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge, on Saturday, February 25, is a Seattle tradition. The annual event brings together supporters throughout the area to Get Cold for a Cause. The 2023 installment of this Winter Beach Party is expanding to offer something for everyone. Partygoers can show up to plunge or participate in the festivities and cheer others on.

Attendees can expect a full-on beach party with live music, beach games, a beer garden, food trucks, costume contests, and great prizes along the way! Individual and team registrants are encouraged to raise donations in support of Special Olympics Washington athletes. As they raise funds, they can also earn prizes including airline vouchers and Papa John’s gift cards for the top individual and team fundraisers.

The Polar Plunge campaign kicks off the year strong by raising funds that directly go to providing athletes with year-round opportunities to train and compete, as well as receive free health screenings and leadership training. Proceeds from the event ensure that over 7,500 Washington children and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to participate at no cost to them.

On Saturday, February 25, festivities kick off at 8:00 a.m. at Alki Beach & Bathhouse [60th SW & Alki Avenue SW]. The costume contest will begin at 12:10 p.m., with winners awarded based on crowd response. Polar plunging starts at 1:00 p.m.!

Unlike the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim, this isn’t an en-masse jump-in-run-out event – but immersing yourself in Puget Sound is part of it. Individual and team registration starts here.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle Timebank’s annual Soup Swap

It is undeniably soup season. If you like making your own, you might be interested in the West Seattle Timebank‘s annual Soup Swap. It’s happening outdoors this Sunday at 2 pm. In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, we’re mentioning it this afternoon while there’s still enough time to make and freeze the soup you’ll bring. Here’s how it works. That page includes the RSVP link (you’ll get the address after you RSVP). If you’re just interested in the Timebank, not soup, they’re having a meeting online Sunday night at 6:30 – the link is also in our calendar listing for both events. (Image courtesy Pixabay)

Wordplay returns to Skylark with one-night-only ‘Spelldown’

January 2, 2023 10:36 pm
|    Comments Off on Wordplay returns to Skylark with one-night-only ‘Spelldown’
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Back in the fall, The Skylark in North Delridge saw success with a multi-week series of “adult spelling bee” nights. Now the game is back for one night only – 7 pm this Friday, January 6th – and Skylark proprietor Matt Larson asked us to share the invitation:

The Skylark Cafe and Quizfix’s SPELLDOWN AFTER DARK returns for a ONE-NIGHT ONLY spelling s-p-e-c-t-a-c-u-l-a-r! No pre-signup necessary – everybody who comes has a chance to be a contestant. Be the champion of “The Final Spelldown” – OR supply the word that knocks the last contestant OUT – and win fabulous prizes. Space is limited – get your tix today!

Doors at 7, Spelldown at 8:00 21+ Full bar and restaurant.

“Spelldown After Dark” is an adult spelling bee contest that awards cash and non-cash prizes to participants and winners. It feels like an in person game show with all the excitement of real competition and cash prizes, with drinks involved! Spelldown may incorporate some naughtiness, but in general is intended as PG- to R-level event that attracts participants who want to be named as the Spelldown 2023 King or Queen and are there to compete and have fun.

Haven’t been to The Skylark? It’s at 3803 Delridge Way SW.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: Not-So-Silent Night Parade returns

December 28, 2022 9:58 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | Holidays | West Seattle news

hpmye1(WSB file photo)

A lively all-ages way to start your New Year’s Eve is back this year – the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s Not-So-Silent-Night Parade Since HPIC’s building remains closed, awaiting rebuilding after last year’s fire, the parade will start at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) and proceed to Riverview Playfield. Bring a light, noisemaker(s) – drums, tambourines, whatever you have – costumes if you want. There’ll be free cider as everyone gathers at HPCS between 5:30 and 6, and hot chocolate and cookies at the end of the parade. It’s on no matter what the weather does (so far, the NYE forecast looks fairly calm, mostly cloudy, 40s, slight chance of rain. The parade is a tradition dating back to 2009!

This is one of the NYE/NYD options in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, and we’re still adding to the list – let us know if you have something to add!

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Beer Church Turkey Bowl returns Saturday

November 11, 2022 8:00 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(File photo, donated food at a past Turkey Bowl)

The Beer Church Turkey Bowl is a beer-release party and early-holiday-season benefit all in one, and it’s back, tomorrow (Saturday) at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon). Here’s the announcement from Kim at the Beer Church (philanthropic arm of the West Seattle-headquartered Washington Beer Blog):

Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 12, Beer Church Turkey Bowl returns to the West Seattle Bowl after a two-year absence. The event is happening from 4 to 7 p.m. 100% of proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

While the bowling event is sold out, everyone is welcome to stop by. Guests can purchase a $5 raffle ticket for prizes (drawing around 5:30, must be present to win). We will also be enjoying the release of Beer Church Hoppy Pale Ale (also benefiting the food bank), brewed by the West Side Beer Trail brewers at Future Primitive Brewing.

The West Seattle Food Bank will be present to accept donations of money or non-perishable food.

Find out more about the event and the new beer by going here.

YOU CAN HELP: Wine-tasting event Thursday to benefit Senior Center of West Seattle

The Senior Center of West Seattle isn’t just for seniors. You’re invited, regardless of your age, to an event this Thursday (November 3) that’s at, and raising money for, the center. In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement!

Wine Tasting This Thursday at the Senior Center
Thursday, Nov. 3, 6-8 pm; live music from 7-10 pm

Community members of all ages are invited to a wine tasting and live music this Thursday at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Bring your friends and join us for a fun and festive evening featuring red and white varietals from local wineries Darby, Pine Lake Cellars, and Welcome Road. Tickets are $50 each and include snacks from Brown Girl Charcuterie, live music by Larry Knapp, and wine tasting. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center. The Senior Center is located at 4217 SW Oregon St. with its main entrance off SW Oregon St. Purchase tickets (here).

REMINDER: Admiral District Trick or Treating returning this year, happening on Halloween

If you missed our previous mentions here or here – the businesses of The Admiral District want to be sure you know their trick-or-treating event is returning, and is happening on Halloween itself this year, so this formal announcement is just in from Brent Amacher:

Admiral District merchants of West Seattle are proud to announce the return of the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2022. The Admiral District “Trick or Treating” event will occur on Halloween, giving families the opportunity to trick or treat in a safe environment on the holiday itself. This long-standing Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite.

Trick or treating in The Admiral District is 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW. Each year, local businesses give back to the community by providing a safe place for families to enjoy the holiday. Find your favorite costume, grab the kids, and come out on Monday, October 31st, to join in on this popular West Seattle event!

If you are interested in finding out whether a specific business in your area will be participating, stop by in advance, or give them a call. This event is well attended and most Admiral area storefronts take part in the fun. On the day of the event, simply look for the sign (shown above) in business windows, and stroll through the Admiral District with family and friends.

Trick or Treating will happen between 3 pm and 6 pm on 10/31/22 in The Admiral District.

Laughter is what they’re after: 2 West Seattle comics bringing it to you via Cozy Comedy

(WSB photo: Marc Moreno and Travis Sherer of Cozy Comedy)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In these often-grim times, it’s hard to argue with the idea that we need more laughter in our lives.

West Seattleites Travis Sherer and Marc Moreno are doing their best to bring it to you. Not just through their own careers as performing comics, but by producing shows in a variety of venues – West Seattle and beyond – through their company Cozy Comedy.

Here on the peninsula, they’ve been presenting a monthly comedy night at Otter on the Rocks in The Admiral District. And starting this week, they’re adding one at Great American Diner in The Junction. More on that later. First, here’s what they, and Cozy Comedy, are about.

Sherer explains that the name originated with the venues where they produce shows – not just bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, but also condo and apartment buildings’ communal spaces.

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HALLOWEEN SEASON: Free magic show to appear at Kenyon Hall

We continue to regularly update the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar with myriad local events, and this one requires reservations for a limited number of free tickets, so here’s an early heads-up: At 8 pm (corrected) Saturday, October 22nd, Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) will host a family-geared Halloween magic show with magician Raymond W.

Tickets are free, and you’re asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. Space is limited so registrations are being accepted now via email – check availability via seattlemagicshow@gmail.com. Find out more about Magician Raymond at seattlemagicshow.com.