Music, bicycles to descend on Ballard

In one week, Ballard will be the music capital of Seattle, as well as bicycle central.

Caspar Babypants performing during the 2010 Hood-to-Hood in West Seattle, courtesy the West Seattle Blog

Next Friday, KEXP (90.3 FM) will host Hood-to-Hood 2011 – Ballard Day. Last year, Ballard won the Hood to Hood Challenge during the 2010 pledge drive, bringing the music fest to our ‘hood. The station will broadcast live from The Sunset Tavern (5433 Ballard Ave NW) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with acoustic performances in the afternoon at Cupcake Royale (2052 NW Market St) with featured showcases at eight different venues in the evening. Quite a few Ballard businesses will be offering discounts to KEXP members.

There will also be a food drive for the Ballard Food Bank. Bring a non-perishable food item or hygiene item to the KEXP tent at Bergen Place (5420 22nd Ave NW) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also next Friday is the annual Bike to Work Day, with a party in the afternoon here in Ballard. The F5 Bike to Work Day Street Party will take place on 22nd Ave NW between Market St. and Ballard Ave. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. “Cascade Bicycle Club transforms the heart of Ballard into a bike block party!” the website states. “Roll in after work or school to play in the streets with us!”