SeafoodFest to take over Ballard this weekend with music, vendors, and the return of the skatepark competitions

Meghan Walker Ballard

The busiest weekend of the summer is nearly here: SeafoodFest will take over Ballard Friday through Sunday.

The three-day free festival will be July 14 to 16 and will take place all over downtown Ballard. The main drag will be on NW Market St between 20th and 24th Avenues NW, and on Ballard Ave from NW Market St to 22nd Ave NW.

The main attraction of SeafoodFest is—unsurprisingly—the seafood: Expect food vendors selling scallops, mussels, fish tacos, applewood smoked salmon barbecue, and more.

However, the music festival is always a huge draw for attendees, and this year there’s a packed lineup.

Here’s the music schedule:

Friday, July 14

  • 7:45 – 10:00 PM: Nite Wave
  • 7:00 – 7:30 PM: #All4Doras
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM: DJ

Saturday, July 15:

  • 8:30 – 10:00 PM: The Black Tones
  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM: Smokey Brights
  • 5:30 – 6:30 PM: Smoker Dad
  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM: La Fonda
  • 2:30 – 3:30 PM: Linda From Work
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Peyote Ugly

Sunday, July 16

  • 6:30 – 8:00 PM: Shaina Shepherd
  • 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme
  • 3:30 – 4:30 PM: Wild Rumours
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Breaks and Swells
  • 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Seattle School of Rock

There will also be kid-friendly activities all weekend long at the Illumination Learning Studio Kids Deck including music, games, improv, and art.

The Festi-Bowl is back this year on Saturday at the skate park with a Sonic Boom 360 contest, a “No Push” race, and a women’s bowl competition.

“We are thrilled to bring back Ballard SeafoodFest for another incredible year,” Mike Stewart, Executive Director of the Ballard Alliance, said in a statement about the festival.

“This festival is not just about indulging in delicious seafood; it’s a celebration of our community, maritime heritage, and Seattle’s talented music scene. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and provide an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Ballard.”

The festival hours will be:

  • Friday, July 14: 5:00 p.m. — 11:00 p.m. (beer garden, food trucks, and music only)
  • Saturday, July 15: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 16: 11:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.

SeafoodFest street closures

Ballard Avenue from NW Market to Vernon Place; and 22nd Avenue NW from Market Street to Shilshole will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14 thru Sunday, July 16th. NW Market Street (between 24th Ave NW and 20th Ave NW) and Leary Avenue between NW Vernon and NW Market) will be closed beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14. 

All streets will be opened and ready for normal operation by 1:30 a.m. on Monday, July 17.