Ballard Music & SeafoodFest

About The Festival

52 years of SeafoodFest

Ballard Music & Seafoodfest (formerly Ballard SeafoodFest) is an annual festival held in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The festival’s origins can be traced back to 1971 when leaders from Ballard’s industrial and fishing community joined forces with the Ballard Elks to start Ballard SeafoodFest to promote the neighborhood’s fishing industry and draw attention to the area’s Scandinavian heritage. The event began as a two-hour barbecue to raise money for a financially strapped Chamber of Commerce and officially began in 1974.

The festival was a hit and has since grown into a highly anticipated event that draws thousands of visitors yearly. The festival celebrates the community’s Scandinavian and maritime roots and has become a beloved summer tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Over the years, Ballard Music & Seafoodfest has evolved and expanded, incorporating more activities, entertainment, and food vendors to cater to a larger audience. However, at its core, the festival remains focused on showcasing the best of Ballard’s seafood offerings and celebrating the community’s unique cultural heritage.

Today, the festival features a diverse range of seafood dishes from local restaurants and vendors, as well as live music performances, art exhibits, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. The festival also includes an alder-smoked salmon BBQ, which has become a staple of the event and a highlight for many festival attendees. In 2026, we renamed to better represent the festival experience and to accurately express the equal emphasis on incredible music talent and delicious seafood. Thank you to all of our past, present and future Ballard Music & Seafoodfest supporters!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the festival located?

Ballard Music & SeafoodFest is located in Ballard, a neighborhood on Seattle’s northwest side along Shilshole Bay. The festival footprint is on NW Market Street, from 20th Ave NW to 24th Ave NW, and Ballard Ave NW from NW Market St. to 22nd Ave NW.

Is the festival free of charge?

Yes, Ballard Music & Seafoodfest is a FREE community event with no tickets required for entry. Some individual attractions require tickets and charge a fee.

Is Ballard Music & Seafoodfest accessible?

Yes, though crowded, the festival is accessible to allow for wheelchairs including all the concerts on the main stage. Some ADA parking is available on Tallman Avenue (just south of Market St.), in the parking lot of the former Ballard Blossom building at 1766 NW Market St, and in the Bank of America parking lot at 20th Ave NW and NW 56th St. You may also use the Visit Ballard Map & Guide parking feature to find lots next to the festival footprint.

Will there be food at Ballard Music & Seafoodfest?

YES! Food is available to purchase from dozens of festival food vendors offering a wide variety of cuisines and local restaurants. Check out our vending page for a complete list of food and treats vendors. We will also have the famous Trident Seafoods alder-smoked salmon BBQ fired up – along with steamed mussels, clams and fried shrimp and fries! To purchase these items go to the Info Booth and get your tokens -then head to the seafood pick up area near the BBQ. All other food vendors accept cash and credit card payment directly.

What should I know about alcohol?

Alcohol is available for purchase by those 21+ with a valid ID. Alcohol purchased at the beer booths inside the beer & cocktail garden may be carried within the fenced boundaries of the beer & cocktail garden. If you buy alcohol at a bar or restaurant, you may not leave the establishment with the drink.

When does the festival start and end?

Friday, July 10, 2026: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
(Music, Beer Garden and a few Food Trucks Only)

Saturday, July 11, 2026: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Music and Beer + Cocktail Garden: Noon – 10 p.m.
Food Vendors 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Salmon BBQ until approximately 9 p.m.)
Arts & Crafts Market: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Kids Deck: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Purple Slide and Bouncy Houses open until 8 p.m.)

Sunday, July 12, 2026: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Music and Beer + Cocktail Garden: Noon – 8 p.m.
Food Vendors 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Salmon BBQ – while supplies last)
Arts & Crafts Market: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Kids Deck: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Purple Slide and Bouncy Houses open until 7 p.m.)

Will streets be closed?

Ballard Avenue from NW Market to Vernon Place; and 22nd Avenue NW from Market Street to Shilshole will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10 thru Sunday, July 12. NW Market Street (between 24th Ave NW and 20th Ave NW) and Leary Avenue between NW Vernon and NW Market) will be closed beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10. All streets will be opened and ready for normal operation by 1:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13.

How do I purchase food, drinks and merchandise at the festival?

Cash, Credit Card, and Venmo. There are ATMs onsite, and please use @BallardSeafoodFest for Venmo payments.

Can I purchase a 2026 festival poster?

Ballard Music & Seafoodfest posters will be available for sale at the Information Booth at the corner of NW Market St and 22nd Ave NW starting Saturday, July 11th at 11 AM through Sunday, July 12th at 8 PM. Commemorative t-shirts, hats and more are also available for sale at the Information Booth.

Are animals allowed at the festival?

Yes. All well-behaved pets are allowed into the festival, except in the Beer & Cocktail Garden. If your pet has sensory sensitivities, please note that it does get crowded, and there will be live music and performances. Also, this is a summer festival and it may be hot. Please be mindful of your pet’s paws on the hot pavement and cobblestone.

Experiences