The Sustainable Ballard Festival will return to the Loyal Heights Community Center lawn on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The free, all-ages festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2101 NW 77th St.
This year’s theme is “The Power of Community,” highlighting the people, organizations, and partnerships involved in sustainability efforts around Ballard.
The festival has been a longstanding fall tradition in the neighborhood, bringing together local organizations, sustainability projects, food vendors and performers. Last year’s Sustainable Ballard Festival also took place at the Loyal Heights Community Center, with activities focused on practical ways to live more sustainably.
Sustainable Ballard’s projects will host booths focused on tool lending, gleaning, gardening, mending, and making. The festival will also include booths from local businesses and nonprofits.
Activities will include fresh cider pressing, a game and puzzle swap, solar car races, harmonograph drawing, hula-hooping, crafts, and prize wheels. Attendees can also watch live music, talks, demonstrations, and movie previews.
Food trucks will be on site, along with zero-waste stations and reusable service items. The festival will also hold a raffle featuring an electric bike and other prizes.
Attendees are encouraged to bring games and puzzles to exchange at the swap.
Sustainable Ballard is also seeking volunteers to help before and during the festival. Opportunities include preparing materials, setting up activity areas, greeting attendees, staffing the information booth, helping with crafts, sorting recycling and compost, taking photos, and assisting with cleanup. Volunteers can choose from several shifts and will receive snacks, a festival tote bag, and an invitation to a volunteer appreciation party. Questions can be sent to volunteer@sustainableballard.org.
Photos by Sustainable Ballard