It's hard to believe the Ballard SeafoodFest celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Founded in 1974 to celebrate the neighborhood's Nordic roots, it has since grown to become north Seattle’s largest and longest-running free festival! (Yes, FREE!)
“We look forward to an amazing talent lineup for our 2019 Ballard,” said Ballard SeafoodFest Director Mike Stewart. “Ballard SeafoodFest is not only a seafood festival that celebrates the Ballard neighborhood but it is also the only free music festival providing this level of entertainment in Seattle this summer.”
And while the series always prioritizes local music, this year, they're going global with Welsh band The Joy Formidable headling the weekend. KEXP is proud to co-host this year's Ballard SeafoodFest, held Friday, July 12nd through Sunday, July 14th, across the neighborhood. Check out the full musical line-up below.
Friday night kicks off with a free all-ages concert featuring local bands NiteWave and #All4Doras. For those 21-years-and-older, the SeafoodFest Beer Garden also opens on Friday evening and several food trucks will be available for all ages.
And then on Saturday and Sunday, in addition to the great music line-up, Ballard SeafoodFest will present fun for the whole family: the Ballard Market Kids’ Deck will take over Ballard Commons Park; Festi-bowl in the Ballard Commons skateboard bowl, an all-ages all-skill levels skateboarding competition; Game Plank, an adult-friendly and dog-friendly play area; the Beer Garden, featuring all locally crafted beers, ciders and cocktails; Crab Shack serving Alaskan crab; hand-crafted arts and crafts vendors; seafood-inspired food vendors; the Lutefisk Eating Competition which promises to gross and delight; and as always, the famous Trident Seafoods sponsored Alder Smoked Salmon Barbeque.
So, while you're waiting for summer (and practicing eating your lutefisk), enjoy some past KEXP in-studio performances from some of the artists performing this year. See you on Market Street!
