A 5K run that ends with a beer and raises money for the Ballard Food Bank headlines a packed week in the neighborhood, with a Viking artisan market, live Scottish folk music, and free storytime at the Locks all on the calendar through Sunday, August 9.
Saturday, August 8
5K Beer Run at Lucky Envelope Brewing | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | 907 NW 50th St
The Washington Brewery Running Series brings its untimed, non-competitive fun run back to Lucky Envelope Brewing. The route loops through Ballard to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and back, finishing with a locally crafted beer. Proceeds benefit the Ballard Food Bank, which serves families out of its location at 1400 Leary Way NW. The run is open to joggers and walkers, too.
Ballard ArtWalk | 6–9 p.m. | Multiple venues
The Ballard Alliance's monthly second-Saturday gallery walk returns with participating businesses across the neighborhood opening their doors. A venue map is available at visitballard.com/artwalk. Free.
Sunday, August 9
3rd Annual Viking Faire at Skål Beer Hall | 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Eight local artisan vendors set up in Skål's outdoor space for a Norse-themed market with mead, food, and curiosities. The full kitchen and bar will be open. This is the third year for the faire, which has become a summer fixture on the Ballard calendar.
Ballard Bookworms Community Storytime at the Locks | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Ballard Locks lawn (Visitor Center if rain)
Ballard Preschool Co-op's Teacher Katie and special guest Baby Jam host a free storytime on the lawn at the Locks. Recommended for ages 5 and under, though older siblings are welcome. Bring a picnic blanket.
Iona Fyfe at Macleod's Scottish Pub | 6–8 p.m.
Aberdeenshire folk singer Iona Fyfe, a two-time Scots Singer of the Year and the first vocalist ever named Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, performs at Macleod's. She has toured across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia.
Also this week
Beer Hall Trivia at Skål | Wednesday, August 5, 7 p.m. | $5 per person, cash prizes for first and second place. Five rounds including a music round, hosted by local trivia host Ian.
Drinkers with Knitting Problems at Hazlewood | Thursday, August 6, 8–11 p.m. | Happy hour specials for anyone knitting, crocheting, embroidering, or sewing. Neck lamps recommended.
Book Trivia at The Ink Drinker | Thursday, August 6, 8–9:30 p.m. | Free entry, prizes for the top three finishers. Teams and solo players welcome.
Name That Tune with Miss Texas at Skål Beer Hall | Friday, August 7, 8–9:30 p.m. | One of Seattle's premier drag queens hosts a musical guessing game.
Sights from Seattle: Jimothy! at Push/Pull | Friday, August 7, 6–8 p.m. | A watercolor painting night inspired by Jimothy, the short-spined raccoon who became a Seattle internet sensation after a celebration in Bergen Place Park on Sunday, July 26, hosted by City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck.
First Friday Flash Tattoos at Old Stove Gardens | Friday, August 7, 5–11 p.m.
Don't forget: Ballard Farmers Market
The Ballard Farmers Market runs every Sunday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., rain or shine, along the cobblestone stretch of Ballard Avenue NW between 22nd Avenue NW and 20th Avenue NW. It accepts EBT/SNAP, WIC/Senior FMNP, Fresh Bucks, and SNAP Market Match. Sunday street parking meters are free.
