West Seattle, Washington
04 Thursday
When the Alki Art Fair‘s 2020 cancellation was announced two weeks ago, organizers promised special “at home” programming ahead. Today – the first presentation! Here’s the announcement, with word of more next weekend too:
Although we are unable to gather in our usual beautiful beach location this year, the Alki Art Fair is excited to announce #AlkiArtFairatHome – a Virtual Art Fair throughout the month of May. Over the next few weeks we will feature local artists, performers and businesses. Tune in to Facebook and Instagram for artist spotlights, studio tours, live performances, creative tutorials and more!
Mother’s Day Concert w/ Jaspar Lepak of Raising Hazel
5/10 @ 5-6 pm PTGabriel Wolfchild of the band Wolfchild
5/16 @ 7 pm PTTo learn more about these artists you can visit alkiartfair.org and also explore a variety of local artists and performers. You’ll find a wide range of performers, painters, illustrators, ceramicists, sewers and more for you to peruse in your pjs.
Local artists add more than just beauty and sound to our community so let’s continue supporting them. Many artists have a true passion for making our community a better place to live through their work. So stay healthy, stay safe and support your local creative community.
Tonight’s the night – we’re now less than 2 hours away from the West Seattle Food Bank “Instruments of Change” event to help WSFB continue helping neighbors in need. Here’s the reminder:
There’s still time to register and join us for the first-ever virtual Instruments of Change!
Join us tonight from 5:30 – 6:15 pm. This short virtual event celebrates our community and the merger between the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline and raises funds to support our programs to keep our neighbors safe, fed, housed, and healthy. While short, this online event will include fun games, an exciting auction, and a compelling program.
For more information and to register, visit westseattlefoodbank.ejoinme.org/IOC
WSB is among this year’s community co-sponsors.
(WSB photo taken earlier this spring at Click! Design That Fits, part of Thursday’s ‘spree’)
The next phase of in-person retail won’t be open in time for this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10th) but the West Seattle Junction Association has a shopping solution for you: A “Virtual Shopping Spree” this Thursday (May 7th). Every half hour, starting at 4 pm and continuing through 7:30 pm, The Junction will take you live to another local shop – eight in all. Plus, every shopper gets a chance to win a $150 gift card to each store – they’ll pick a random winner for each “spree” visit, from among those who comment either with an order or by saying “Pick me!” (You’ll be able to shop via Facebook or through the store’s Instagram Live page; the business will then contact you for delivery and payment.) See the schedule/lineup, and find the link to participate, by going here.
The need is greater than ever – for helping prevent hunger and homelessness. The West Seattle Food Bank does both. If you can help, you’re invited to register for the WSFB’s virtual “Instruments of Change,” now a little more than one week away – here’s a reminder:
Every year we celebrate our community and raise money to support our neighbors through our annual Instruments of Change Dinner/Auction. While we cannot gather together in person this year, we are adapting this event for the virtual world!
Join us on Saturday, May 9th at 5:30pm for our virtual Instruments of Change. We will celebrate our community, the merge between the West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline, and raise funds to support our neighbors. This interactive event will include exciting auction items, fun activities, and a compelling program about the West Seattle Food Bank services.
You can join for free — just register here! And for those who want to get a head start, the event’s online auction will be open at 10:00 am on Monday, 5/4. All who register and attend are automatically entered into a drawing to win 2 round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines!
We want this to be a party, so invite your friends!
Can’t wait to spend time with you celebrating and supporting our community!
WSB is an Instruments of Change co-sponsor.
Many big spring/summer events have beeb canceled because of the pandemic, but some have gone online, and the next example is coming up this Saturday, when the YMCA of Greater Seattle (parent of longtime WSB sponsor West Seattle & Fauntleroy Y) presents an online edition of Healthy Kids Day! Here’s the announcement:
Healthy Kids Day is the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s annual fun and free day dedicated to encouraging healthy habits in kids and their families heading into the summer months. This year, Healthy Kids Day will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2020, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and feature an at-home Virtual Scavenger Hunt, a live family bootcamp class, and an exciting live scavenger hunt award ceremony hosted by a Y District Executive.
Yes, there are prizes! For families that participate, you will be entered to win a free week of camp, Ybucks to spend on great YMCA programs, a family personal-training session, and more.
Event Schedule
9:30 am Live Family Bootcamp Fitness Class on Facebook
10:00 am to 12:00 pm – Scavenger Hunt via the GooseChase App
12:00 pm – Live announcement of Scavenger Hunt winners on FacebookHow the Scavenger Hunt Works
Before the event, download the GooseChase App so you’re ready to go on Saturday morning! It’s free.
Scavenger missions may include:
-Safety Around Water activities
-Active family challenges
-Playing family favorite board games
-Making healthy snacks
-Engaging the entire neighborhood by making sidewalk obstacle courses
-Shoutouts to favorite Y staffMake sure to look your quarantined best as many tasks will include photos and videos. And remember, participating families will be entered to win prizes announced in our live video after the hunt ends.
This is all happening 9:30 am-12:30 pm on Saturday – go here to find out how to be part of it.
11:47 AM: Tonight is the second Thursday of the month, and that would usually mean West Seattle Art Walk night, at venues all over the peninsula. Though in-person events are still out of the question, the Art Walk team has put together a virtual version for you to enjoy! Here’s the lineup, via the Art Walk website. Organizers explain:
We are excited to feature 40 (!!!) artists, double our regular number, and many of whom haven’t yet had the chance to exhibit at Art Walk. The post is set up like a virtual gallery space, with each artist providing up to 10 images, whether they are hosted by a business or “freelance” / artist-led.
All art is for sale, as for any other Art Walk. If you are interested, just contact the business if listed, or the artist if not.
At 5 pm, we will drop a video playlist of a selection of artists on our Facebook page, so it will be a little bit more like a real walk around!
Thank you for your support of the arts, even in a time of discomfit!
ADDED 5:55 PM: Here’s the video playlists!
WSB is an Art Walk co-sponsor.
Two organized plans for Saturday night neighborhood fun:
PIGEON POINT ‘STREET DANCE’: Pete on Pigeon Point shares the PP plan:
There’ll be a social-distancing street dance in the neighborhood on Saturday night at 5:30 pm. Just come outside and bust a few moves. Decide who will provide music on your section of the block!
Certainly an idea that’s adaptable/adoptable anywhere.
WEST SEATTLE SINGALONG: Kerriann sent word of this: 7 pm Saturday night, a peninsula-wide singalong to Seattle band Foo Fighters‘ 2003 song “Times Like These.”
The invite:
Let’s gather together (in song) as the strong West Seattle community that we are! On Saturday, April 4th, at 7 pm, join your neighbors in singing “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters!
Sing out of your windows, open your front door, stand in your yard, driveway, or on the sidewalk! We can come together while still social-distancing!
You can find the lyrics online in many places; here’s one.
This has apparently already started in some neighborhoods – Jeremy emailed us this morning saying he happened onto it last night on a street in North Admiral – but now there’s a citywide call to #MakeAJoyfulNoise starting at 8 pm tonight to show gratitude. The announcement:
Let’s make some noise, Seattle! Seattle’s cultural community in association with the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture encourages residents to participate in a civic-wide celebration of people on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Starting 8 p.m. sharp Thursday evening, we’re asking Seattleites to join a movement that began in European countries, opening our windows, standing on our balconies, from our front yards, backyards and or anywhere you can to make a joyful noise letting the healthcare and front line workers know how much we appreciate them. People can clap their hands, raise their voices, bang some pots and pans to show solidarity, and let the front line know how much they are appreciated.
The message is simple #MakeAJoyfulNoise asks us to:
Applaud our healthcare workers
Celebrate those on the front lines
Make a joyful noise at 8 p.m. starting Thursday (26th of March)We are doing this to celebrate the front lines, which include grocery store workers, supply chain specialists, janitors, Fire, Police, nurses and doctors and health care workers, sanitary workers, and so many more. We’d also like to bring some cheer to these dreary days in Seattle.
(WSB photos)
The sun’s out! (For now …) Celebrate with ice cream at the Delridge Grocery Co-op‘s House Party, continuing until 4 pm.
You can see the future store space – where architect Parie Hines of LD Arch Design (WSB sponsor) tells us construction is now 80 percent complete. The “house party” theme today even includes furniture:
Some of the store’s future fixtures are in place – this will be the coffee/water station:
The party’s at 5444 Delridge Way SW. As the store works toward opening, the co-op is continuing to welcome new members – more on that here – and can help you have your own “house party” to get neighbors, family, and friends involved too.
*NEW DATE: MAY 1ST*
Got plans for Saturday night next weekend? Go back in time and help local students get ahead! Here’s the invitation:
Madison Middle School’s Roaring ’20s Gala
Come Join Us For an Evening of Fun, Food, and Fundraising!
Saturday, March 7th from 5:30-11:00 PM at the beautiful The Sanctuary at Admiral- we’d love to have you participate!
Visit our website for tickets, to make a donation, and learn more about our mission.
Thank you for supporting our group and our goals!
for questions, email: fundraising@madisonptsa.com
Fun fact– Madison Middle School & The Sanctuary both opened in the 1920s!!
(The venue is a former church, designated a city landmark in 2009.)
Celebrate Leap Day by seeing what’s up with Delridge Grocery Co-op since the ceremonial groundbreaking back in November (WSB coverage here). You’re invited to an ice-cream party at the store space on Saturday – here’s the announememt:
Delridge Grocery Co-op invites you to a special afternoon House Party this coming Saturday (Leap Day, February 29). Come see how construction is progressing, enjoy some special ice cream, and learn about how you can help spread the word about our growing Co-op (more on that below).
Working with Full Tilt Ice Cream, we’ll be serving a special flavor whipped up just for this occasion — Vegan Marionberry with Chocolate Swirl. Thanks to our social media community for a lot of great ideas, and Carly Glenn (who follows us on Instagram) will be getting a DGC T-shirt for helping us decide to go non-dairy.
Girl Scouts will also be on hand selling cookies in front of the Co-op — perfect for adding to your ice cream.
Our Ice Cream House Party is the kickoff to our new DGC House Party Plan — a return to our roots in how we spread the word about our Co-op and a way that our members can help keep us growing.
To make our store successful and move forward with our goals — healthy food available at affordable prices, investing in our community — we need to grow the number of owners we have (currently standing at 570).
And that’s where our Co-op owners and interested members of the community can help by spreading the word with neighbors and friends in West Seattle at your own house party, dinner soiree, or pub hangout.
If you want an excuse to have a gathering that can help make a difference, a DGC board member can stop by to give a short introduction about the Co-op to your guests. We’ll tell you all about it at our own House Party.
It’s happening 2-4 pm Saturday at the DGC future-store space, 5444 Delridge Way SW.
(First 10 photos by Meghan Jones for WSB)
Those are the Walmart R60 Plungers, just one of many groups that turned out and ran into the water at Alki Beach today during the Seattle Polar Plunge, raising money for Special Olympics of Washington, which supports athletes with intellectual disabilities. Photojournalist Meghan Jones was there for WSB. This was the second year the Seattle event – one of several around the state – was held at Alki after a few years away. A hallmark of the event, costumes:
They weren’t in costumes or uniforms, but members of the pro rugby team Seattle Seawolves took the plunge, too:
The water today was in the mid-40s, about the same as the air. Plunges went into the water in groups based on how much they’d raised – those with the most went first.
Augmenting the splashing – an SFD fireboat:
Public-safety workers are among the most fervent supporters of Special Olympics, so many agencies were represented. Below, members of the King County Sheriff’s Department Fire Unit and the Monroe Police Department congratulated each other on braving the brisk water:
Law enforcers weren’t just participants – they were there as protectors too. These SPD divers were standing by and also helped out by finding a pair of lost keys and a wedding ring that slipped away during the plunge.
Two officers from the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol – which is based in Highland Park – were on shore, too:
As noted in our previews, the Polar Plunge was accompanied by a beer and food-truck festival:
Missed it all? You can support Special Olympics by donating online.
More than a dozen Special Olympics of Washington supporters just spent a long soggy day going into the water at Alki twice an hour.
This was the Super Plunge, a preview of sorts for tomorrow’s Polar Plunge. Everybody participating – mostly law enforcers – raised at least $1,500 in order to qualify as a Super Plunger. There’s still time for you to be a Polar Plunger if you show up in time for the plunge at 1 pm Saturday.
Just look for the “igloo” by Alki Bathhouse!
Don’t want to swim but do want to support Special Olympics? On Saturday, in connection with the Polar Plunge, there’s also a beer and food-truck festival, 11 am-4:30 pm, as previewed here.
Somebody somewhere declared this “National Love Your Pet Day,” so in honor of that, the West Seattle Junction Association has opened registration for the third annual PAW-rade, set for Saturday, July 18th, right before the West Seattle Grand Parade. Free! Prizes! See the categories on the registration form. Then show up at 4400 California SW on PAW-rade day and show off for thousands!
Join hundreds of neighbors in supporting thousands of local kids and their families – WestSide Baby’s Community in Bloom brunch is approaching, and this is prime time for tickets:
We are about one month away from WestSide Baby’s signature fundraising event with a new, fresh twist – BRUNCH!
Community in Bloom – A Brunch to Benefit WestSide Baby!
Table of 10: $750
Single tickets: $75Sunday, March 22, 2020 – Sheraton Grand Seattle
Social Hour begins at 12:15 pm with Program and brunch served at 1:00 pm
We are inviting our community to gather around tables with a common goal – ensuring children have their most basic needs met! These tables can be hosted by YOU and will be filled with delicious food, refreshing beverages and inspiring connections. Plus, enjoy a VIP experience for all with mimosas, tea, coffee and delicious brunch fare to celebrate and support WestSide Baby.
Get your tickets here.
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West Seattle has four community centers, one teen center, and one indoor pool run by Seattle Parks, but you only have to browse one brochure to see the events, classes, and public sessions for spring/summer. Just before the holiday weekend, Parks announced the new brochure’s available – see it here (PDF). If you are interested in events/classes that require registration, here are the dates to know: Noon on March 3 is when spring registration starts; noon May 5 is whn summer signups begin.
From the West Seattle Food Bank, your invitation to this fun(draising) event:
Come out and support the West Seattle Food Bank
Friday, February 28th
At WEST SEATTLE BOWL
(6 to 8 pm)Nathan Bowls for Food!
(Is your team better than a second-grader?)
Nathan Tavel is a second-grader at Arbor Heights Elementary School, and a pretty good bowler. He will bowl for one hour from 6 to 7 and one hour from 7 to 8. Your team can choose to bowl during one or both of those times. We will add up Nathan’s total pin count for each hour and each team will have their pin total for the hour compared to Nathan’s. If you beat him you get 3 free games, shoe rental and a pitcher of beer or soda. However, if Nathan beats your team, your team must donate a minimum of $100 to the West Seattle Food Bank.
– $20 per person gets you shoe rental and 1 hour of bowling.
– Teams of 2 to 8 people are welcome.
– There will be food and drink specials and a few raffle prizes as well.
– 6 to 8 PM on Friday, February 28th at West Seattle Bowl.
Come and bowl with us for a good cause!
To RSVP – Just email ptavel@gmail.com and let us know how many you have coming and how many lanes you need. Pay on the night of the event. Call 206-949-8680 with any questions.
(Photo from February 2019 Polar Plunge, courtesy Andrew Malinak)
Saturday (February 22) is the big day: The Seattle Polar Plunge at Alki, with an all-day beer and food-truck festival, benefiting Special Olympics of Washington. The Plunge is at 1 pm; the beer tent and food trucks open at 11 am. Not registered yet? You can sign up to plunge alone or as part of a team – all the info, and the registration link, can be found here. Beer and food are separate, but you can get advance tickets for the beer festival by going here.
You probably have Valentine’s Day handled by now. How about a date night on Leap Day (Saturday, February 29th, just two weeks away)? The West Seattle High School Class of 2020 has an offer for you:
On February 29, 2020 the West Seattle High School Senior class ASB will be hosting our ‘Parents Night Out’ fundraiser, to raise money for our senior class and 2020 prom.
We’re offering child care for children ages 3+. This includes dinner (pizza), healthy snacks, drinks, activities, and a movie.
The event will be held on February 29, 2020 from 5:00-10:30 pm at West Seattle High School, 3000 California Ave SW. Parents should drop their kids off at the historical entrance on the (north) side of the building or follow our signs.
Pricing will be $40 for one child, $35 sibling discount per child, or with a donation of 2 cans of food for the West Seattle Food Bank.
Interested? Or, questions? Email wshsasb206@gmail.com.
Haven’t bought that Valentine’s Day gift yet? Via the West Seattle Junction Association, here are two ideas (though the presents’ payoffs are delayed):
(WSB file photo)
FLOWERS: You can adopt a flower basket that’ll hang in The Junction all summer, with a plaque honoring your Valentine. $159 covers the entire season. Go here to get started.
WINE: The spring Wine Walk in The Junction isn’t until May 15th, but tickets sell out way in advance, so get yours now, and you’ll have a date night to anticipate all spring. Here’s how.
(February 2019 photo by Andrew Malinak)
The post-holidays stretch of winter tends to be a little light on big events, but one is now just under four weeks away: The Seattle Polar Plunge at Alki, with an all-day beer and food-truck festival, happening Saturday, February 22nd, benefiting Special Olympics of Washington. The Plunge is at 1 pm; the beer tent and food trucks open at 11 am. You can sign up to plunge alone or as part of a team – all the info, and the registration link, can be found here. Beer and food are separate, but you can get advance tickets for the beer festival at a discount by going here.
From Seattle Parks‘ Lifelong Recreation program:
If you are an adult aged 50+ in West Seattle, Lifelong Recreation (Seattle Parks and Recreation’s senior program) has some great programs coming up! Scholarships are available for all programs.
New class looking for more participants like you! Relaxation Meditation
Explore a personal journey of relaxation and stress relief using easy and effortless meditation techniques. Each week you be guided to step into the gift of silent awareness and walk out feeling a little lighter! Classes run on Tuesdays, 10-11 am, through March 17. $50 for the series.
Join us on a pleasant and informative trip to our state capitol in Olympia. Receive a guided tour of the Legislative Building beginning at noon, then enjoy free time to explore the inviting, spacious grounds. Thursday, January 30 from 9:30 am-3:30 pm, $31 (online registration ended, but call to check for spots)
Field trip to Seattle Art Museum: Aaron Fowler Exhibit and Others
Join us to see works of great new art! Fowler’s large-scale sculptural assemblages (using found materials) are showcased around the world and are infused with personal meaning that call attention to a range of complex concerns, issues, and ideas- American history, identity issues and black experiences. Pick-ups from Hiawatha and High Point Community Centers, lunch fee on your own. Thursday, February 6 from 10 am-2:30 pm, $11
Field trip to Seattle Repertory Theater: “The Children”
Love theater but hate driving and parking downtown? Join us in for a matinee performance of of this potent, witty drama which is a recent Broadway hit and has been nominated for a Tony Award. Thursday, February 27 from 9:15 am-3:15 pm, $25
We also have several other great classes, such as Zumba, yoga, Tai Chi, book clubs, walking groups, pickleball, and so much more! For more info, browse our brochure, or the online catalog. For more information about programs or scholarships in West Seattle, please contact Masha at 206-256-5403 or masha.shtern@seattle.gov
The Vashon Center for the Arts has joined the WSB sponsor team to ensure you know about entertainment options like this, a ferry ride away:
Rise Up, the Hamilton Tribute Band! is coming to the Kay White Hall on Saturday (January 25th), 1 and 7 pm! Rise Up is an ensemble of top Seattle vocalists and musicians that performs the amazing music of “Hamilton,” a record-breaking Broadway musical and winner of 11 Tonys including Best Musical. It is a sweeping national cultural phenomenon with music that marries hip hop, R&B and Broadway.
Rise Up delivers a performance that captures all the sophistication, detail and emotion of the music of “Hamilton”. Rise Up has performed extensively in the Northwest, selling out venues including The Triple Door in Seattle, Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia, Rialto Theater in Tacoma, Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland, and many others. Rise Up was named runner up for Best New Musical Act in Seattle Weekly’s Best of Seattle 2018. (Note: This is not a theatrical performance of the musical “Hamilton” but rather a live performance of the smash hit’s music.(
VCA Members – $24, Sr./Students – $26,
General Admission – $30, Premium Seats (first 2-3 rows) at $35
Tickets are available online.Vashon Center for the Arts started more than 50 years ago, making it the oldest private non-profit community arts organization in the State of Washington! VCA is a one of a kind art center located on beautiful Vashon Island. A short 20 minute ferry ride away from West Seattle, it’s home to The Kay White Hall – a 300 seat performance theater built in 2016 which attracts international, regional and local talent. The 2000 sq. foot art gallery presents art exhibits on a regular basis (usually monthly) that include paintings, sculpture, mixed media, photography, wood, glass, ceramics and fiber. And VCA offers a variety of dance and art education classes for youth and adults year round and has robust scholarship opportunities for families in need.
Here are some quotes from our visitors: “Intimate venue, professional acoustics and bonus lobby art gallery.” “Beautiful space and excellent selection of both performing and visual arts.” “The hall has amazing quality sound. Nice comfortable venue.” These reflect how people experience the Kay White Hall and art gallery, but VCA offers so much more. Our Dance school and Arts Education program have been cornerstone to bringing the arts into the lives of children and adults for generations. We frequently hear from students that their experience at VCA has changed their lives. Here’s an excerpt from a handwritten letter from one of our dance students. “You have opened my eyes to the thing I love the most. I am so grateful for you pushing me and giving me so many opportunities.” Art changes live. For many of us, it’s our life blood. That’s why people keep coming to VCA and why all of us who work here believe in what we do. We hope you venture across the waters and join us for performances, classes, summer camp, or a leisurely walk through the gallery!
VCA is at 19600 Vashon Highway SW – here’s a map.
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