50th annual SeafoodFest starts today in Ballard

The biggest free summer festival of the year is kicking off today: SeafoodFest is taking over downtown Ballard starting this afternoon.

The SeafoodFest is mostly centered around 22nd Ave NW, NW Market St, and Ballard Ave with vendors selling seafood and activities spread from Ballard Commons’ Festi-Bowl down to the music stage and beer garden on Ballard Ave.

Here’s the map:

The festival runs from 5 p.m. Friday, July 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 14.

Some of the highlights include:

• Free live music happening all weekend at the main stage on 22nd Ave NW and Ballard Ave (across from the bell tower)
• Festi-Bowl skateboarding competition Saturday, July 13th, from 12-8 p.m. at Ballard Commons skatepark
• Salmon BBQ on Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 14, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 22nd Ave NW and NW 56th St.
• Kids deck activities on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on NW 56th St near 22nd Ave NW
• Ruff and Tumble Dog Lounge in front of Rough & Tumble pub on Shilshole and NW 22nd Ave NW all weekend long

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 a.m. on Friday, July 12 through the evening of Sunday, July 14th.

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 p.m. on Friday, July 12. All streets will be opened and ready for normal operation by 1:30 a.m. on Monday, July 15.

Photo: Ballard Alliance/SeafoodFest