West Seattle news 68958 results

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday watch, with West Seattle Summer Fest street closures and bus reroutes

6:55 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 10, 2026, and West Seattle Summer Fest begins this afternoon.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST STREET CLOSURES, BUS REROUTES

Streets are closed and buses are rerouted for the Friday-Saturday-Sunday festival in The Junction. The festival is on California SW from SW Genesee to SW Edmunds, on SW Oregon (closed for the first time) from midblock just west of California to midblock just east of it (alley to alley), and on SW Alaska between 42nd and 44th. The streets will remain closed to motor vehicles until festival breakdown is complete late Sunday night. (Here’s the official festival map.)

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Today’s forecast is partly sunny, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:21 am today; sunset will be at 9:07 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule, except for the festival-zone reroutes as mentioned above.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays (tonight!) and Saturdays.

Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

A few from the SDOT map:

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

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

VIDEO: The Head and The Heart at Easy Street Records on West Seattle Summer Fest Eve 2026

(Photos and video by WSB contributor Anne Higuera)

To celebrate the new vinyl release of a 15-year-old recording, The Head and The Heart appeared at Easy Street Records on Thursday night during West Seattle Summer Fest Eve. The “Live at Neumo’s” record is an Easy Street exclusive, and purchase was required for admission to the in-store show during which three of the band’s members performed, with the others joining them for Q&A afterward. That was moderated by Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan, who introduced the band and talked about how they started as a “consignment band”:

Members share a bit of history too – our video below is their song “Down in the Valley,” which singer Jonathan Russell explained was inspired about a night shortly after he moved to Seattle from Virginia, when he was stranded at a bar in Fremont and ended up walking seven hours to the Central District:

Russell, Charity Rose Thielen, and Matt Gervais played the songs, and then were joined by bandmates for the Q&A.

Russell answered a question about how songwriting has changed for the band over time, and mentioned that, though they don’t all live in they plan to gather in Seattle this fall to work on a new album, though he acknowledged it’s hard to just be able to work together for a couple of weeks and have it be productive. “To take a week or 2 and meet up and just hope that things are working and firing and sometimes it doesn’t, sometimes it does … And I think, you know, this band basically merged out of a collective mindset. We’ve remained like a democratic band in terms of, you know, sharing, splitting everything equally … movement within that collective … but at the heart of who we are, we’re a real band (where) everyone kind of contributes and steps up in different ways in terms of the right writing and performance … And so it’s going to be amazing.”

Admission to the performance was contingent on the purchase of the band’s new vinyl album, The Head and The Heart Live at Neumo’s, recorded in 2011. “What prompted the release of a 15-year-old recording?” asked Easy Street’s Vaughan. Several band members took turns answering. They said they felt insecure about it in the immediate aftermath, so “it was put away for a long time,” until they started working on their 15th anniversary package and ended up talking with Sub Pop about making the custom release. “It’s such a fun listen to go back and eel the energy from that time … it was such a hurricane, it was like a whirlwind that was happening in this city around us and it’s such a good document now. So I’m just proud that we kept it …”

Besides the capacity crowd inside, people gathered in the carless-for-the-festival street, and the windows were opened after a while so they could listen in as the music rolled out.

WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Two sightings within one hour

Before Thursday ends, two coyote sightings within one hour of each other in separate West Seattle neighborhoods.

ARBOR HEIGHTS: Amanda sent that one just before 8:30 am, saying it was right outside Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club.

HIGH POINT: Susan sent that one before 9:20 am, saying it was at Morgan and Lanham.

See our 19 years of archived coyote sightings here.

VIDEO, PHOTOS: West Seattle Summer Fest Eve 2026

7:14 PM: A highlight of West Seattle Summer Fest Eve 2026 so far – Walk-All-Ways became Dance-All-Ways right after Jennifer Cepeda‘s DancePowered dancers put on a show:

(WSB video, added 9:40 pm)
They’ll do it again at California/Alaska at noon Saturday. Summer Fest Eve is a chance for you to wander The Junction while crews set up for the three-day festival, which starts at 1 pm Friday:

The main stage on California between Oregon and Genesee is where you’ll see full slates of live music Friday and Saturday, and the Farmers’ Market pn Sunday. Tonight is also West Seattle Art Walk night – Dolly is crocheting outside VAIN:

Carmen Leslie is the guest artist at Verity CU:

(added) Carolyn Autenrieth is showing her work at CAPERS Home (WSB sponsor):

Many Junction food/beverage venues already have their outdoor cafés set up:

It’s a night to just hang out and/or wander with your friends:

Or if you feel like sharing your opinions, SDOT has a table in front of KeyBank until 8 pm with info about the new Junction parking study we reported on last week (with an online survey that’s open until July 27):

Right across SW Alaska, a line waited for tonight’s special sold-out performance by The Head and The Heart at Easy Street Records (free to buyers of the ESR-exclusive vinyl).

More on that later (in a separate story)!

9:54 PM: Some other Summer Fest Eve live music – we happened onto Aurora Ave at the KeyBank corner (which will be The Big Dark Corner, a performance space programmed by West Seattle’s own The Big Dark Records, during the festival):

And here’s a bit of The Disbarred Owls‘ set at the Elliott Bay Brewing festival café:

Check in here often during the festival – we’ll be on site for the duration, with lots of updates, info, photos, as it unfolds.

TRAFFIC ALERT: West Seattle Junction street closures begin for Summer Fest setup

The barricades are up, and California Avenue SW is clear of motor vehicles in the heart of The Junction:

These lanes [map] won’t be empty long – it’s time to start setting up for West Seattle Summer Fest, which officially begns at 1 pm tomorrow – not just the vendor booths, stage, and Kids Zone, but also the year-round businesses’ sidewalk cafés, and more. Summer Fest Eve will also feature music and art, as previewed here last night, so we’ll be there this evening to report on what’s happening.

ROAD WORK ALERT: Delridge Way median mowing, weeding this Saturday

(Screenshot from Delridge/Juneau traffic cam)

Just in from SDOT:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will perform median maintenance and invasive weed removal along Delridge Way SW on Saturday, July 11, to help maintain healthy landscaping and support long-term plant health.

What: Median mowing and invasive weed maintenance by SDOT Urban Forestry crews.

When: Saturday, July 11th from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where: Delridge Way SW between SW Hudson Street and Puget Boulevard SW.

Why: Crews will cut back invasive weeds and maintain the landscaped median to help establish healthy ground cover and support long-term plant health.

Travel impacts:

*Drivers should expect lane shifts and minor delays while crews are working.
*No parking will be permitted on either side of Delridge Way SW within the work zone from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
*Please use caution when traveling through the area and follow directions from crews and traffic control.

For questions about the work reach out to SDOT Customer Care: 206-684-ROAD (7623) or 684-Road@seattle.gov

Ever wanted to try Camp Long’s high ropes course The Enchantments? Here’s your chance to explore – and help

(Photo courtesy Seattle Parks)

The Camp Long Advisory Council is raising money for programs and evets by offering you the chance to try one of the park’s unique features, its high ropes course The Enchantments. As a fundraiser, they’re opening two sessions on each of three Saturdays – July 11 and August 1 and 22, 9 am-noon and 1 pm-4 pm each day. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Suggested donation is $75 per person. You can read more about it and register here.

FOLLOWUP: Here’s when West Seattle (Admiral) Library’s three-month closure to install air conditioning will start

(Photo from spl.org)

1:03 PM: Back in March, we reported that the West Seattle (Admiral) Library was preparing for a three-month closure this year to install long-awaited air conditioning. The start date has just been announced, in a message to local library users:

The Seattle Public Library’s West Seattle Branch (2306 42nd Ave. SW) will be closed from Sunday, August 9 until early November 2026 for the installation of a modern, electric HVAC system to provide air conditioning and improved ventilation, prevent unscheduled branch closures during hot weather, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Service Impacts
Saturday, August 8 will be the last day of service at the West Seattle Branch before its temporary closure. The branch book return will be locked and its parking lot will be inaccessible for the duration of the project.

The historic 116-year-old library is one of five SPL branches installing new HVAC systems with a federal grant that we noted two years ago.

ADDED 3:07 PM: Some added information from the news release just sent by SPL:

Patrons may continue selecting the Fremont and West Seattle branches as pickup locations for new holds through Wednesday, July 29. On Thursday, July 30, these locations will be temporarily removed as options for new holds. You will be able to select them again when the branches reopen. You may change your preferred pickup location for new holds anytime through your online account.

On Friday, July 31, all pending Fremont Branch holds will be transferred to the Ballard Branch, and all pending West Seattle Branch holds will be transferred to the High Point Branch.

If you have holds pending for either the Fremont Branch or West Seattle Branch and prefer they be transferred to a different branch for pickup, please ask a Library staff member for assistance, call the Library at 206-386-4636, or reach out online through Ask Us.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Grand opening Saturday for West Seattle expansion of NW Fitness Project

(Photo courtesy Northwest Fitness Project)

When Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) announced its plan to move to The Admiral District, proprietor Frank Gross also said he already had a tenant for the old TRG site in Morgan Junction – NW Fitness Project, which we first heard from a year ago when they were considering a different West Seattle spot. Now they’re ready to open their doors at 6400 California SW and plan to do o with a 9 am-2 pm open house this Saturday (July 11). Part of the festivities, as announced by NWFP:

… Paying homage to Thunder Road Guitars, training team member and musical talent Camaira Metz takes the stage at 12 pm. Two free classes will anchor the Open house schedule, though only the 11 am session still has open spots so anyone hoping to sweat that morning should RSVP and book here before slots fill up. Plenty of chances to enter their raffle featuring prizes from LSKD, LMNT, Ascent Protein Powder, Lei & Mar, as well as 5 class packages and merch from NWFP..

The NWFP team has spent the past month building out the space by hand: restoring the original ceiling joists, upgrading the bathroom, and outfitting the floor with new equipment from Rogue and Perform Better. This Saturday, that work is open to the neighborhood, and the whole community is invited in.

West Seattle is led by co-owner and General Manager Jeremy Stewart, alongside Executive Trainer and Youth Athletic Director Steven Pust, and Peak Trainer and Physical Therapist Jacob Millsap. All three are also longtime West Seattle residents. …

NWFP also is sponsoring West Seattle Summer Fest and will have a booth at the festival.

SUMMER FEST: Is your local business planning something special?Tell us!

While West Seattle Summer Fest features many visiting vendors, the year-round West Seattle Junction merchants are at the heart of the festival – which started decades ago as a “sidewalk sale” for businesses, and continues as a festival presented by the merchants’ association. We’ll again be reporting on Summer Fest on-site all weekend, based at the Info Booth, and we want to be sure we don’t miss chances to spotlight local businesses – so if yours is having a Summer Fest sale, special, giveaway, activity, etc., please tell us about it so we can mention it! westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you, and we’ll see you at Summer Fest on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Summer Fest Eve, Art Walk, more for your West Seattle Thursday!

(Newest image from SDOT camera at California/Alaska)

The Junction is at the heart of everything tonight, getting ready for West Seattle Summer Fest, and that’s part of our highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):

THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, reopening today after a break. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine.

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Today through Saturday, the saltwater pool at Lincoln Park is closed to public use because of swim-meet activity.

WADING POOLS: With sunshine and 70-degree weather expected this afternoon, these wading pools will be open in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm,

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY: 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), watch the France vs. Morocco quarterfinal match.

STRESS REDUCTION & CALMING TECHNIQUES: 1:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about them from a healer.

ICE-CREAM SOCIAL: At 2:30 pm, you’re invited to The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) for a free ice-cream treat.

DROP-IN CHESS CANCELED: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is NOT happening today.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE: After the streets in the heart of The Junction close at 4 pm, local venues start getting ready for a special informal night of pre-festival fun – sidewalk cafés, music, and more – see our preview!

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: In The Junction and elsewhere, dozens of venues around West Seattle are hosting art and/or offering food/drink specials, 5-9 pm. See where to visit by using this map – click on a spot to get venue/artist info.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Classic Eats.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle. It’s a stop on the West Seattle Art Walk, too, continuing to feature a West Seattle Art Tour preview.

POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run OR track workout.

DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Monty Banks, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)

THE HEAD AND THE HEART AT EASY STREET, SOLD OUT: If you did get a ticket, this is your reminder that the band’s special in-store show to celebrate an Easy Street vinyl exclusive is at 7 pm tonight. (4559 California SW)

TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).

AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features DJ Supreme La Rock starting at 8 pm.

KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to close. (9454 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

SPORTS: Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club’s visiting coach arrives to level up your tennis skills

Interested in – or already playing – tennis? The Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club asked us to share this opportunity with you:

(Pictured left to right are Youth Coaches and Tennis Pros: Mason, Nick, Siggy, Caerwyn, Clara, Honora)

If you’re looking to start or refine tennis skills, or meet other tennis players, look no further! Top-notch Adult and Youth/Junior Tennis instruction is available in West Seattle (no more driving across the Bridge!) Caerwyn Evans, Founder & Tennis Pro of WynTennis Academy, and his coaching staff (Siggy Menzel & Josh Bailin) will be at “The Arb” through August 31st. Arbor Heights Swim & Tennis Club is fortunate to have partnered with WynTennis to bring their dynamic and fun squad to the PNW. Caerwyn was recently awarded the Manager of the Year for Coachella Valley and he is excited to be teaching in the northwest to escape the desert heat. Classes are open to non-members! Additional info and registration can be found here.

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday watch, with West Seattle Summer Fest street closures and bus reroutes

9:55 AM: Two-vehicle crash on eastbound bridge by 1st Avenue exit. No injuries. Police say the vehicles are driveable and will clear the scene shortly.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 9, 2026.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST STREET CLOSURES, BUS REROUTES

Setup for the Friday-Saturday-Sunday festival in The Junction starts this afternoon, with street closures starting around 4 pm and bus reroutes – detailed here – beginning at 2. The festival will be on California SW from SW Genesee to SW Edmunds, on SW Oregon from midblok west of California to midblock east of it (alley to alley), and on SW Alaska between 42nd and 44th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Today’s forecast starts as partly sunny, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:21 am today; sunset will be at 9:07 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule, except for the reroutes starting this afternoon in The Junction, as mentioned above.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.

Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

A few from the SDOT map:

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

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

PREVIEW: West Seattle Summer Fest Eve 2026 is tomorrow! Here’s what to know

After the streets close and buses start diverting tomorrow afternoon in advance of West Seattle Summer Fest, the stage will be set for what might be the biggest Summer Fest Eve yet in The Junction. Lots will be going on – topping the list, fans of The Head and The Heart will crowd into Easy Street Records for their live in-store show at 7 p. Please note, it’s SOLD OUT – tickets were free, first-come first-served, to buyers of an ESR-exclusive vinyl version of their new album. But as with most Easy Street shows, there’ll no doubt be a crowd outside.

That’s not the only live music planned – we got a note late today from Phil with West Seattle band The Disbarred Owls:

Elliott Bay Brewing is hosting our band, The Disbarred Owls for West Seattle Summer Fest Eve, July 9 from 6-9 PM. We are five guys, all from West Seattle, who play a mix of familiar and not so familiar cover songs. From L-R; me, Philip Kelley on bass & vocals, Brent Sindelar guitar, Jerry Stein guitar and lead vocals, Mike Goldfine drums, and Mr. David Sorey on keys. Jerry and I have been EBB patrons since they opened, and that’s a long time ago. We’re excited!!

We heard a rumor at least one other local band might be there too … Even if live music isn’t what you’re looking for, how about art? Summer Fest Eve always coincides with the July West Seattle Art Walk, and this is the one Art Walk of the year when you can walk in the street as you wander from venue to venue. Here’s the map showing who’s participating and spotlighting some of the artists’ displays – among them, Carolyn Autenrieth at CAPERS Home (WSB sponsor) – as well as the food/beverage venues offering Art Walk specials. Many of the local year-round restaurants/bars planning outdoor cafés for Summer Fest will set them up tomorrow, so you can enjoy outdoor dining/drinking Thursday night too.

IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION INFO, STARTING ON SUMMER FEST EVE

*Bus reroutes will start as early as 2 pm Thursday, per Metro advisories – you can find them all here; click through to get full details such as stop relocations.

*Parking restrictions will be enforced, so get your car out of the festival zone before the streets start closing around 4 pm.

*Remember that the Oregon/California intersection will be closed to vehicles for the first time, so the festival zone will stretch continuously on California from Genesee to Edmunds. SW Alaska will be closed to motor vehicles from 42nd to 44th, and the SW Oregon closure will be “alley to alley” – stopping short of 42nd and 44th to preserve access for the residential buildings on those streets.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About the big police response at 48th/Alaska

Thanks for the tip. Here’s what the sizable police response at 48th SW and SW Alaska was about, according to police radio: Someone reported a car with its engine running and a sleeping or passed-out man inside. When police finally were able to check it out, they discovered it was a stolen car. The man was still inside. So they called for backup and set up devices so the man, when awakened, couldn’t drive away. They eventually took him into custody. The car was described as a 2018 gray Toyota RAV4.

Hillside fire between Myers Way and Highway 509

A traffic camera looking southward over Highway 509 captured the column of smoke from a fire burning on what’s described as a hillside between Myers Way at 101st – south of the city-limit line – and southbound Highway 509. Before its location was pinpointed, Seattle Fire crews were dispatched as well as King County units; one West Seattle engine is reported to be still on scene helping.

MORE SUMMER MUSIC: See the lineup for Admiral Block Party 2026! Plus, last call for vendors

(WSB photo, 2025 Admiral Block Party)

Before we get back to West Seattle Summer Fest previews – we just received the music lineup for next month’s Admiral Block Party! It’s expanding this year to start with acoustic music on Friday afternoon/evening and then the full day/night of music on Saturday. From the Admiral Neighborhood Association, which organizes the Block Party:

Friday, August 21st, Acoustic Mainstage

3 pm – Ashton Wecker
4 pm – Self Doubt
5 pm – Ben Bruce
6 pm – MoonGirl
7 pm – Acoustic Crisis
8 pm – close – local DJ

Saturday, August 22nd

11 am – WS Ukelele Players
12 pm – Sad Dad Autumn
1 pm – School of Rock
2 pm – Troy Aylesworth
3 pm – Billy Rosewarne
4 pm – The Royal Oui
5 pm – Not Dead Yet
6 pm – Bad Honey
7 pm – DAD Band
8 pm – NOVACHROME

And don’t forget, the ANA has another big music event ahead, the three-concert AMP series, starting next week. Back to the Block Party, one more message: “We are nearly out of vendor spots. There are 2 weeks to go to join us or when everything is full. People can go to this link to join us!”

FOLLOWUP: Not quite ‘move-in time’ at new Alki Elementary School

(WSB photo, Monday, 59th SW side of new Alki ES)

Though the previous update had said Seattle Public Schools was hoping to start “move-in” at the new Alki Elementary School this week, it’s going to be a little while longer, according to an update today:

Our team is focused on the last elements of the interior work: final cleaning, punch list
items, commissioning the heating and ventilation systems, commissioning the automated doors and security systems,
and completing the remaining work at Whale Tail Park.

We anticipate that the building will get its final inspection and approval by the City of Seattle in mid-July.

Reminder: the South Alki Playground will remain under construction throughout the summer.

As we first reported last week, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new school is set for 10:30 am Wednesday, August 26.

New at 2026 West Seattle Summer Fest: Four game options for Teen Night!

We are now just two days away now from the peninsula’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction! We’ve been spotlighting some of what’s new this year, so right now we’re going to shine the light on Teen Night, a ticketed event this Saturday – here’s how festival organizers at the West Seattle Junction Association explain it:

Calling all teens (and parents who love seeing their kids have an unforgettable time) — this is the night you don’t want to miss during Summer Fest 2026.

Parents, you can feel good knowing your teens are in a safe, welcoming environment while you enjoy the Main Stage music and beverage garden from 8-9:30 pm on Saturday night, July 11th. We have four fun programming choices sure to thrill your teen.

Mario Kart Race by 4th Emerald Games. Teams compete against each other for first place.
Escape Room by Surelock Escapes – 13th Floor. Haunted tales and lost treasures. *Room shakes under controlled environment and may cause slight unsteadiness*
Escape Room by Surelock Escapes – Spell Struck. Hidden mysterious woods and witches. *Players must climb a flight of stairs, and be able to bend/crawl*
Board Games by The Missing Piece. A variety of your favorite board games along with snacks

$48 per teen – TICKETS HERE

More Summer Fest previews to come – including Summer Fest Eve tomorrow night after the streets close for setup!

West Seattle’s ‘Little STP’ ride returns Sunday!

(File photo – past West Seattle ‘Little STP’ group)

It’s a memorable way to get to West Seattle Summer Fest on Sunday – the West Seattle Bike Connections “Little STP” ride! We just got the official announcement:

West Seattle Little STP Bike Ride
Sunday, July 12th, 2026 – 9:15 am to 1:00 pm

Meet at Hamilton Viewpoint Park
1318 Palm Ave SW

It’s time again to ride from Seattle Street to Portland Street in West Seattle! Join us for our 14th annual riding of this event starting at Hamilton Viewpoint Park in West Seattle on a 10.2-mile route at a leisurely 10-12 mph pace! Register at the start. We invite and welcome everyone including people of all ages, languages, ethnicities, genders, races, and abilities. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We will be riding from SW Seattle Street [North Admiral] to SW Portland Street [Gatewood], and back north to Summer Fest at the West Seattle Junction, for a fabulous finish-line party. After some time at the festival, participants can ride home independently, or ride with a leader back to Hamilton Viewpoint.

Our goal will be to stay together as a group. Be prepared for a moderately hilly route. There are a couple of hills that some may wish to walk up. We will regroup at the top of hills. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at mile 2.7 at the Alaska Junction.

Check brakes and tires before leaving home. Arrive in time for 9:15 ride description and safety briefing. Must be present at the safety briefing to participate. Helmets required. No ear buds. Steady rain cancels. We will ride if there are just light showers.

Questions? You can ask ride leader Nick via westseattlebikeconnections@gmail.com

How to avoid burnout; upcycling; listening; reading; more for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s our Wednesday list, delayed by breaking news, with highlights mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Some local sites are now open – see our story for locations and other information.

strong>TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).

STRATEGIES FOR AVOIDING BURNOUT: Free noon lunch-and-learn at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor) to help you avoid burnout.

SPRAYPARK’S OPEN: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

SWIMMING POOL’S OPEN: Daily operations also continue at Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.

WADING POOLS: Two are scheduled today in West SeattleDelridge, 12-5:30 pm (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Lincoln Park, 12-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).

QUIET READING AT CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING: 4-6 pm, bring your own book and settle into a cozy corner to read. (4217 SW Oregon)

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is happening at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.

UPCYCLE NIGHT AT MR. B’S: 6-9 pm, bring your upcycle-able item(s) to Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Elliott Bay Brewing (4720 California SW).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces.

PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH SPEAKING: New local group of Spanish-language learners, dedicated to practicing it, gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

GET RAINWISE: 6:30-7:30 pm in-person session at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) with information about the stormwater systems and a chance to meet contractors.

MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.

LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be among the first to hear new music by Jack White. Free, all ages.

JAM SESSION: Musicians and singers are invited to a 7 pm “contemporary Christian music” jam session at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.

MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) now has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays, tonight’s focus: the 2000s … Admiral Pub trivia at 7:10 pm (2306 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale, South Parkk).

KARAOKE X 2: One of our newest listings – karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW), pm … Or, sing at Admiral Pub starting at 9, after trivia. (2306 California SW)

Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation/visitation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

UPDATE: Bicycle rider to hospital after crash on Admiral Way

9:48 AM: As initially mentioned in our traffic roundup, emergency crews are at the scene of a crash on Admiral Way east of Schmitz Park. A bicyclist and vehicle driver are reported to have collided. A texter says Admiral is currently blocked both ways.

10 AM: We haven’t heard an update on the rider’s condition but the log indicates they’re being taken to the hospital, so we’ll add followup information from SFD when available.

10:22 AM: SFD’s Kaila Lafferty tells WSB that the rider is a man in his early 50s who was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

Attention, artists! Fauntleroy Art Show applications open

(2025 Fauntleroy Art Show photo by Ana Del Claro)

Here in the heart of summer, planning continues for fall – here’s an alert for local artists:

This fall’s popular Fauntleroy Art Show will be accepting applications through September 4 for the November 13-15 event.

Hosted by Fauntleroy Church, the show has been spotlighting the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship of local artists and artistic crafters since 2008.

Applicants working in any medium must reside in or have studio space in West Seattle, Burien, South Park, Georgetown, or Vashon Island. Find details and the application form at fauntleroyucc.org/art-show.