West Seattle comes alive in the summer, with the salty breeze off Puget Sound mixing with the energy of outdoor concerts, parades, food fairs, and neighborhood block parties. Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of your summer or a visitor hoping to experience the authentic spirit of Seattle, West Seattle’s summer festivals offer something unforgettable.
West Seattle Summer Fest (July 12–14, 2025) – The Heartbeat of Summer
Location: Junction Neighborhood (California Ave SW & Alaska St)
Admission: Free
West Seattle Summer Fest is the peninsula’s signature summer event. Celebrating its 42nd year in 2025, this three-day festival transforms the Junction into a pedestrian-friendly wonderland of music, food, vendors, and family fun.
Expect over 150 booths featuring local artists, craftspeople, and small businesses. There’s a beer garden serving up local brews, a community stage showcasing talent from schools and nonprofits, and a robust kids’ play area with inflatables, crafts, and carnival games. The live music lineup is a perennial highlight. Past years have seen performances from rising indie stars and well-loved regional acts.
West Seattle Grand Parade (July 19, 2025) – A Beloved Tradition
Location: California Ave. SW
Admission: Free
The West Seattle Grand Parade is a cherished annual event that has been a community highlight since 1935. Hosted by the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, the parade is a vibrant showcase of the area's diverse community and spirit, drawing participants and spectators from across the region.
The parade is a lively spectacle featuring a variety of participants, including the Seafair pirates, clowns, and drill teams. Attendees can expect to see an impressive display of marching bands, creative floats, and various forms of community pageantry. This event serves as a lead-up to the larger Seafair Torchlight Parade, which takes place the following weekend.
Alki Art Fair (July 20–21, 2025) – Creativity by the Coast
Location: Alki Beach Park
Admission: Free
For a more laid-back but equally inspiring experience, the Alki Art Fair showcases over 100 local artists right along the shores of Elliott Bay. There’s something magical about browsing handcrafted ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and woodwork with the Olympic Mountains in the background.
The fair also includes live music across two stages, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Interactive art experiences and a kids’ tent make this a family-friendly event that sparks creativity at all ages.
Local tip: Parking can be tight, so bike, bus, or water taxi it in from downtown Seattle for a fun, scenic journey.
White Center Jubilee Days (July 17–21, 2025) – Classic Americana with a Twist
Location: Downtown White Center
Admission: Free
Though technically just outside the traditional West Seattle boundary, White Center Jubilee Days is a can’t-miss event for anyone nearby. This five-day festival includes a carnival, car show, street fair, live music, and the beloved Jubilee Parade, which kicks off the main weekend events on Saturday morning.
Jubilee Days has a retro Americana vibe, with modern multicultural flair. Expect diverse food options, performances from a wide range of ethnic groups, and a community that turns out in full force.
Admiral Neighborhood Summer Concerts (July–August 2025) – Music Under the Stars
Location: Hiawatha Community Center
Admission: Free
If you’re a music lover, the Admiral Neighborhood Association hosts a free concert series throughout July and August on Thursday evenings. The lawn at Hiawatha Community Center becomes a picnic paradise, with families, dogs, and friends gathering to enjoy everything from jazz to rock to kids’ music.
Bring your own snacks, or grab takeout from one of Admiral Junction’s many excellent restaurants. It’s a quintessential summer evening in West Seattle — low-key, friendly, and always entertaining.
Summer Concerts at the Mount (Fridays, July–August 2025)
Location: Providence Mount St. Vincent
Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
Another favorite among locals is the “Concerts at the Mount” series, held on Friday evenings in the gardens of Mount St. Vincent. These concerts support senior programs at the Mount and create an intergenerational atmosphere of joy and connection.
The setting is idyllic, and the lineup spans Motown, Latin, classic rock, and more. You can bring your own picnic or enjoy the on-site BBQ and beer garden.
Community highlight: It’s not uncommon to see toddlers dancing next to residents in wheelchairs — true proof of the inclusive West Seattle spirit.
Delridge Day Festival (August 10, 2025) – A Neighborhood Celebration
Location: Delridge Community Center Park
Admission: Free
Delridge Day is a true grassroots festival that highlights the diversity and resilience of the Delridge neighborhood. This one-day event includes performances from local musicians and dancers, nonprofit showcases, games, and the ever-popular Seattle Police Department “Picnic in the Precinct.”
There’s an emphasis on youth and family engagement, with hands-on activities and community outreach booths that reflect the inclusive ethos of West Seattle.
Fun fact: Delridge Day is also home to the “Find It, Fix It” community walk, where residents and city officials collaborate to identify and improve local infrastructure and safety concerns.
Why Summer Festivals Matter in West Seattle
These events do more than entertain — they build bridges between neighbors, support local businesses and artists, and maintain the rich cultural identity of each West Seattle neighborhood. Whether you’re catching a band on a makeshift stage, chatting with an artist about their process, or watching your kids delight in a face-painting booth, summer festivals here create moments of connection.
Make West Seattle Your Home
If you’ve found yourself enchanted by West Seattle’s lively summer scene, why not consider making it your home? From beachside condos with sweeping views to charming bungalows in leafy neighborhoods, there’s a property to match every lifestyle.
Mara Haveson offers deep local knowledge, an eye for detail, and a passion for connecting clients to not just homes — but communities. Visit
marahaveson.com to explore current listings, schedule a consultation, and learn more about life in this beloved Seattle enclave.