We’re rolling out a new weekly event roundup feature on My Ballard to let you know what’s happening around the neighborhood and (slightly) beyond.
Here’s what’s on this week, May 4-10:
Monday, May 4
- Moomins’ Sea Adventures & Tove and the Sea, National Nordic Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Dive into the whimsical world of Moominvalley and the life of its creator, Tove Jansson, with “Moomins’ Sea Adventures” and “Tove and the Sea”. “Moomins’ Sea Adventures” brings Moominvalley to life with illustrations and life-sized characters from the stories. In the center of the exhibit is an interactive island complete with a lighthouse and rowboats that invites visitors to imagine adventures of their own. “Tove and the Sea” offers a more intimate counterpoint, tracing Tove Jansson’s lifelong relationship with the Finnish archipelago through large-scale photographs and reflective texts.
- Dive into the whimsical world of Moominvalley and the life of its creator, Tove Jansson, with “Moomins’ Sea Adventures” and “Tove and the Sea”. “Moomins’ Sea Adventures” brings Moominvalley to life with illustrations and life-sized characters from the stories. In the center of the exhibit is an interactive island complete with a lighthouse and rowboats that invites visitors to imagine adventures of their own. “Tove and the Sea” offers a more intimate counterpoint, tracing Tove Jansson’s lifelong relationship with the Finnish archipelago through large-scale photographs and reflective texts.
Wednesday, May 6
- Edible & Medicinal Plant Foraging Class, Skål Beer Hall, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- In this class you will learn the most easy-to-identify local medicinal and edible plants, what to bring with you whiLe you forage, & basic ways to prepare these plants. Our class leader, Matt Houghton, is the owner/operator of Valley of Giants Nature Tours in Quinault Washington, and has been a forager/wilderness guide for many decades.
- In this class you will learn the most easy-to-identify local medicinal and edible plants, what to bring with you whiLe you forage, & basic ways to prepare these plants. Our class leader, Matt Houghton, is the owner/operator of Valley of Giants Nature Tours in Quinault Washington, and has been a forager/wilderness guide for many decades.
Thursday, May 7
- Book Talk at Ballard Locks: “Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal”, Ballard Locks, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Join local historians David B. Williams and Jennifer Ott for a conversation about their newly released book, Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal: A History and Guide, copublished by HistoryLink and the University of Washington Press. Through an engaging discussion and visually rich presentation, you’ll learn how this engineering marvel fits into the natural and cultural history of the city. Book signing to follow.
- Air Dry Clay Class: Mini Fruit Magnets, Swoon City, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- In this 2-hour, beginner-friendly, hands-on class, you’ll create tiny, adorable fake pastries using polymer clay and oil pastels! Pastry chef and miniaturist Rosalie Cass will provide guided instruction on how to sculpt, shade and decorate mini fruit bowls and tarts. Follow step by step or let your imagination lead the way! Each student can make up to 5 magnets to bring home.
- Not Another Isekai, Jet City Improv, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- isekai [ee-seh-kai] (noun): a Japanese genre of fantasy or science fiction in which a protagonist is transported to or reincarnated in another world. Not Another Isekai!! Or That Time I Got Reincarnated in an Improv Show is a fully improvised fantasy comedy where a special guest from 2026 is transported into another world live onstage. Their story shapes the characters, relationships, and events that unfold, with the cast and narrator building the world around them in real time. A fast-moving mix of magic, monsters, and unexpected turns, the show blends high fantasy spectacle with comedy, identity, and transformation.
- Name That Tune with Miss Texas, Skål Beer Hall, 8 – 9 p.m.
- You’re that friend who starts belting out the song two seconds in?! This night is for you! Come Name That Tune in our new event series hosted by the talented Drag Queens of Seattle. We kick off this bi-weekly competition with Miss Texas as host! Face-off against the competition in this King or Queen of the Hill format. Two contestants will compete at a time. When you know the song, buzz in and score points for correctly naming the song and the artist. Get the most right and you’ll move on to face the next challenger. Prizes will be awarded to top performers. No entry fee.
- You’re that friend who starts belting out the song two seconds in?! This night is for you! Come Name That Tune in our new event series hosted by the talented Drag Queens of Seattle. We kick off this bi-weekly competition with Miss Texas as host! Face-off against the competition in this King or Queen of the Hill format. Two contestants will compete at a time. When you know the song, buzz in and score points for correctly naming the song and the artist. Get the most right and you’ll move on to face the next challenger. Prizes will be awarded to top performers. No entry fee.
Saturday, May 9
- Coffee Blossom Roastery Pop-Up at Kuma Coffee, Kuma Coffee, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Launching our Spring Merch collection with a party at the roastery:
- Arturo Paz Geisha on espresso, Pastries by @maddysbakesho, Make your own bouquets with @melodramaseattle , Kuma Photobooth with @hashtagmaxmoyer, and featuring merch based on the artwork of Kuma team member @johnscottatkins
- Launching our Spring Merch collection with a party at the roastery:
- Mother’s Day Native Art Market, Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- This Mother’s Day weekend, the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation hosts the Native Art Market. Native Art Market. Featuring authentic masterworks from over 30 Indigenous artisans, the market offers a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while directly supporting the local Native economy. Every piece is represented in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, ensuring your purchase honors and supports Indigenous creators.
- Author Signing: ES Brandon, Swoon City, 12 – 3 p.m.
- Join us on Saturday May 9th, for a book signing by author E.S. Brandon. E.S. Brandon is the pen name of married writing team Elizabeth and Stephen Brandon, who bring their love of science fiction, fantasy, and romance to every page. With over twenty years together, they write characters with authentic intimacy and emotional depth, believing the greatest adventures are the ones that stir the heart.
- Ballard ArtWalk, Multiple venues, 6 – 9 p.m.
- This engaging community event is brought to you by the Ballard Alliance and Ballard businesses, and it takes place every second Saturday of the month from 6-9 pm. Come out and show your support for local artists and the venues that open their doors to showcase their creativity and be a part of the thriving arts community in Ballard. Your presence makes a difference.
- This engaging community event is brought to you by the Ballard Alliance and Ballard businesses, and it takes place every second Saturday of the month from 6-9 pm. Come out and show your support for local artists and the venues that open their doors to showcase their creativity and be a part of the thriving arts community in Ballard. Your presence makes a difference.
Sunday, May 10
- Punch Needle Class, Swoon City, 2:30 – 5 p.m.
- Punch needle is the craft of using a manual to make a field of loops on a fabric surface, creating an image. In this workshop, you will learn all about this very fun, approachable and beginner-friendly craft! Design your own image or choose one of Clé’s templates, learn to transfer the design to a embroidery hoop and use the punch needle tool to create a colorful and beautiful piece of art to display in your home with pride. Punch needle tool will be available for purchase at the end of class for those who want to continue their punching journey at home!
- Punch needle is the craft of using a manual to make a field of loops on a fabric surface, creating an image. In this workshop, you will learn all about this very fun, approachable and beginner-friendly craft! Design your own image or choose one of Clé’s templates, learn to transfer the design to a embroidery hoop and use the punch needle tool to create a colorful and beautiful piece of art to display in your home with pride. Punch needle tool will be available for purchase at the end of class for those who want to continue their punching journey at home!
Have an event to share? Add it to the Ballard event calendar!
Photo: Ballard Ave (Courtesy SDOT)