Ballard’s annual 17th of May celebration returns tomorrow, Saturday, May 17, marking 136 years of Norwegian Constitution Day festivities in the neighborhood. The day includes live music, community events, and the largest Syttende Mai parade outside of Norway.
Activities begin at 11:00 a.m. across the neighborhood, including music at Bergen Place Park, an open house at the Leif Erikson Lodge, a luncheon at the National Nordic Museum (now sold out), and all-day specials at Skål Beer Hall.
The parade begins at 4:00 p.m. at NW 62nd Street and 24th Avenue NW. The route travels south on 24th, turns east on NW Market Street, continues south on 22nd Avenue NW, and finishes along Ballard Avenue NW at Ione Street.
Traffic and Parking Impacts
Drivers and transit riders should plan ahead, as multiple road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect for the parade:
“No parking” signs will be posted on the following streets starting early afternoon and lasting until 8:00 p.m.:
- NW 64th Street to NW 60th Street between 24th Ave and 28th Ave NW
- 24th Ave NW from NW 63rd Street to NW Market Street
- NW Market Street from 24th Ave NW to 22nd Ave NW
- 22nd Ave NW from NW Market Street to Ballard Ave NW
- Ballard Ave NW from Market Street to NW Dock Street
Roads along the parade route will close shortly before the 4:00 p.m. start time.
King County Metro routes 17, 40, and 44 will be rerouted through downtown Ballard from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Event organizers recommend arriving early and walking, biking, or using public transportation if possible.
For those new to the area, the celebration is open to all and highlights Ballard’s deep-rooted Norwegian heritage with music, dancing, and a community parade featuring over 100 participating groups.
Photo: 17th of May 2019