Ballard SeafoodFest

Ballard SeafoodFest is an iconic Seattle 3-day festival that attracts more than 70,000 attendees each year. While visitors are drawn year after year to the incredible bounty of seafood delicacies, the event now celebrates a live performance stage curated with artists in conjunction with KEXP, an expansive beer and cocktail garden that highlights the best of Ballard’s beverage scene, an eclectic mix of artisan craft vendors, family-friendly and all-ages activities, and much more. It all started in 1974 as a neighborhood salmon barbeque celebrating Ballard’s fishing industry and Scandinavian heritage while raising funds to support the Ballard community. The gathering quickly became a beloved tradition. Each year, Trident Seafoods shares their salmon catch, while Alder trees are selected and felled by hand. The salmon is then artfully prepared over open flame, creating an impressive aromatic, visual and edible centerpiece to the 50+ year community festival. The event remains free of charge to the public. All proceeds from Ballard SeafoodFest are reinvested back into the neighborhood through projects and programs that help ensure Ballard remains a vital and vibrant corner of Seattle.