Discover Gymnastics, co-owned by Stephanie Gundel and Jeremy Murray, is opening at 1418 NW 53rd St. According to Gundel, the gym aims to provide “a positive, inclusive environment where athletes of all ages feel supported as they learn, grow, and develop a lifelong connection to movement.”

Gundel said she has been involved in gymnastics since age 6 and has coached the Ballard High School gymnastics team for 23 years, including the 2025 state championship team. Murray has worked at REI for the past 12 years.

According to the gym’s website, Discover Gymnastics is positioned as a recreational facility focused on helping participants build confidence, coordination, and strength through movement, with classes designed for a range of skill levels, from beginners learning basic skills to more advanced athletes developing technique.

The facility will offer a range of programs for a wide variety of ages and experience levels, including gymnastics classes for kids, teens, and adults. Youth programming includes preschool and toddler classes focused on early movement and coordination, as well as traditional gymnastics and tumbling classes for older kids, along with ninja classes.

Discover Gymnastics has all the trappings of a traditional gymnastics gym, with uneven bars, trampolines, balance beams, a tumbling area, a vault, and a foam pit.

Adult classes are designed to help participants build strength, flexibility, and foundational skills in a supportive environment. The gym will also offer a competitive team, open gym sessions, and birthday parties.

Class registration opens Tuesday, April 21, at noon through the gym’s website. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where families can tour the space and meet coaches.

The first day of classes is planned for Saturday, May 2.

Photos: Discover Gymnastics

According to a notice sent to neighbors, work with noise impacts is scheduled to begin as early as 8 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m., in line with a noise variance for the project.

Crews will use a crane, dump truck, and excavator as they continue shaft excavation work. The construction will take place on NW 56th Street between The Ballard Independent and Noma Condominiums, across 24th Avenue NW from Merrill Gardens and AMLI Mark 24.

Additional work is planned at the project’s laydown yard at NW Market Street and 24th Avenue NW, just east of Ballard Yards. That work will also involve a dump truck and excavator.

The work is part of Seattle Public Utilities’ Ship Canal Water Quality Project, a major infrastructure effort designed to reduce the amount of polluted stormwater and sewage that enters the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Salmon Bay, and Lake Union. The project includes the construction of a large underground storage tunnel that can capture and hold millions of gallons of combined sewage and stormwater during heavy rains, preventing it from overflowing into local waterways.

The project spans several neighborhoods, including Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, and Queen Anne, and includes multiple construction sites and a new pump station. During storms, Seattle’s combined sewer system can exceed capacity, leading to overflows into the canal; the new system is designed to reduce those events significantly and improve long-term water quality and public health.

Construction is expected to continue through the next few years, with ongoing impacts such as traffic changes, heavy equipment, and noise typical of large-scale infrastructure work in Ballard and surrounding areas.

Urban ArtWorks is hosting community paint days on Saturday, April 25 and Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The events will take place at the underpass on 8th Avenue NW, beneath the Holman Road overpass.

According to Urban ArtWorks, the mural is part of a community-driven project designed to “bring brightness and vibrancy to the area” while reflecting the vision of the neighborhood. The project is being created by the organization’s Base Crew Youth Program in partnership with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, with support from the Neighborhood Matching Fund and guidance from the Crown Hill Village Association and area neighbors.

Volunteers can sign up for 90-minute shifts, with the option to participate in multiple time slots. Organizers say the event is open to painters of all skill levels, and participants are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for painting.

The project builds on earlier outreach efforts, including a community survey to help shape the mural’s design. As previously reported by My Ballard, the mural is part of a broader effort to activate and improve the underpass, a key corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers connecting Crown Hill and Ballard.

Urban ArtWorks, a Seattle-based nonprofit, works with youth and professional artists to create public art projects across the city. Its Base Crew program provides paid mentorship and training for teens who have completed the organization’s mural apprenticeship program.

Free street parking is available near the site. Organizers have also shared contact information for day-of logistics questions for each paint day.

Photo: 8th Ave NW/Holman Road underpass (Google Image Capture Sept. 2025)

According to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, candidates will run for Position #6, designated for a property owner or businessperson, and Position #7, designated for a property owner. Both terms would expire June 30, 2028.

Community members are invited to nominate candidates for the board. Nomination forms must be submitted to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Ballots and self-addressed, stamped envelopes will be mailed to registered voters on Friday, May 8, 2026. Completed ballots must be received by mail no later than Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Residents, business operators, and property owners within the Ballard Avenue Landmark District boundaries are eligible to vote if they register at least 14 days before the election date. The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Voter registration forms, candidate nomination forms, and election procedures are available on the district’s election website. Those with questions can contact Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board Coordinator Minh Chau Le at 206-684-0229 or minhchau.le@seattle.gov.

The Ballard Avenue Landmark District was established in 1976 and is a nationally recognized historic district. The board reviews and approves changes to building exteriors and public spaces within the district, including signage, awnings, paint colors, and new construction.

Photo: City of Seattle

In a newsletter to customers, owners Polly Yakovich and Kevin Smith said “economic and political uncertainty, rising food costs, staffing pressures, healthcare, and a fundamental shift in how people are dining” have brought the business to a crossroads.

As part of those changes, the restaurant’s Le Beastro service (which has operated on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the past seven years) will pause beginning in May. The owners said the decision was made for financial and strategic reasons “to ensure the whole business can continue to thrive.”

Starting May 1, Beast & Cleaver will return its primary focus to its butcher shop operations. According to the announcement, that includes expanding casual, grab-and-go offerings such as sandwiches, dry-aged burgers, and smoked meats available during daytime weekend hours.

The business will continue its Friday night dinner service at The Peasant, which the owners described as unchanged.

Additional changes are also planned for Little Beast, which opened in summer 2025. Beginning May 6, the restaurant will add Wednesday dinner service, while continuing its monthly burger pop-up on the last Wednesday of each month. By mid-May, the weekend schedule will shift to introduce a new English breakfast service on Saturday and Sunday mornings, followed by a brief closure and reopening for dinner service, including Sunday roast.

The owners framed the changes as a response to broader challenges facing Seattle’s restaurant industry, describing the current period as “one of the most turbulent stretches any of us can remember.” They said the goal is to maintain sourcing standards while adapting to customers who are “looking for value, cooking more at home, and craving quality they can count on.”

Le Beastro will remain open for its final two weekends of service before the pause.

“Small businesses in Seattle need everything we can get!” they wrote.

In their message, Yakovich and Smith thanked staff for their flexibility and said the changes are intended to protect jobs and sustain the business long term.

Photo: Beast & Cleaver

Crews have recently completed installation and commissioning of new traffic signals at the intersection of 15th Ave NW and NW Leary Way.

Looking ahead, construction will focus on removing and replacing concrete roadway panels near the intersection and at bridge on- and off-ramps. This work is scheduled to take place on weekends, from Friday evenings through Monday mornings, to reduce weekday impacts.

During this time, people traveling through the area can expect temporary lane reductions on the ramps and along NW Leary Way, as well as short-term parking restrictions nearby.

Additional upcoming work includes completing sidewalk replacement at the eastbound bus stop, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps at multiple corners of the intersection, and continuing sidewalk and driveway work along the north side of NW Leary Way east of 15th Ave NW.

In Fremont, construction is also ongoing along N 36th St, Fremont Ave N, and Fremont Place N, with a mix of sidewalk upgrades, paving work, and transit changes.

A longstanding transit stop at Fremont Ave N and N 34th St has been relocated to accommodate a new northbound protected bike lane. As of late March, the northbound Route 40 stop has moved to Fremont Place N near the Lenin statue, while stops for Routes 31, 32, and 62 have shifted to N 35th St east of Fremont Ave.

Crews have recently completed pavement installation at several locations and sidewalk replacement on parts of N 36th St. In the coming weeks, work will continue with additional asphalt removal and repaving, sidewalk replacements on both sides of N 36th St and Fremont Place N, and installation of new traffic signals and bus stop features at key intersections.

The Ballard and Fremont construction is part of a broader effort to improve transit reliability, pedestrian safety, and overall corridor operations along the Route 40 corridor.

Featured photo: Google Image Capture Sept. 2025

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has contracted a private security company to work at Golden Gardens due to a limited number of park rangers, according to SPR Community Service Branch Manager Jon Jainga, who shared the news at the community meeting on noise and partying concerns on April 11.

The plan is for one or two private security firm officers to monitor Golden Gardens from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday nights from May 1 to September 30.

At the community meeting, Jainga said the private security firm officers will be the “eyes and ears” for Seattle Parks. They’ll be keeping an eye on after-hours activity, deter late-night parties, and improve police response when needed.

Seattle Parks also just announced the summer hours for Golden Gardens. Starting May 1. Golden Gardens will be open 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Beach fires will be allowed strating May 22 at designated fire pits at Golden Gardens seven days a week on a first-come, first-served basis. Fires must be extinguished by 10 p.m., and staff will be on site to help extinguish fires.

Photo: Seattle Parks

Wilson announced in a recent community briefing that the site at 1551 W. Armory Way, just north of Whole Foods, will turn into a micro-shelter village for people with behavioral health needs. The site was previously proposed in 2024 for a 144,000-square-foot project featuring a hotel, 19 pickleball courts, restaurant and bar space, and nearly 200 parking stalls.

Tiny home villages, such as those operated by Low Income Housing Institute, typically consist of small, wood-built structures that function more like cabins and are designed for longer-term stays, with a greater sense of stability and community. In contrast, micro-shelters developed by Pallet are smaller, modular units made from composite panels and designed for rapid deployment, often as a more temporary, emergency shelter option with shared facilities and shorter stays.

The shelters will consist of individual units measuring about 70 square feet, are designed for single adults. The units will include shared bathroom and hygiene facilities.

Services at the site will be provided by Immanuel Community Services, including case management, mental health care and substance use treatment.

The proposed micro-shelter project on Armory Way isn’t the first time a site has been linked to both pickleball plans and temporary housing. Further along 15th Ave W, the Salmon Bay tiny home village (3435 15th Ave W) operated in the interim before Pickle at the Palms broke ground.

The Interbay location sits a few parcels away from the existing Interbay Village (1601 15th Ave W) operated by the Low Income Housing Institute.

According to Mayor Wilson, additional shelter sites are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and will be distributed across the city.

Photo: Google Image Capture Sept 2025

The march, planned for Sunday, April 19, comes as Sound Transit evaluates changes to its expansion program to address long-term financial challenges. The agency recently presented three options to its board through its Enterprise Initiative, all of which would not extend light rail to Ballard, despite the project being approved by voters as part of Sound Transit 3 (ST3) in 2016.

“All three options would cut light rail to Ballard, which was approved by voters a decade ago. That’s completely unacceptable,” Councilmember Dan Strauss wrote in a recent newsletter.

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Strauss has urged the agency to follow through on the voter-approved plans. In a statement, he said the Ballard extension is projected to serve the most riders of any project in Sound Transit history and called for a plan that maintains the connection to Ballard.

Sound Transit has said it is working to address the impacts of inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions on the project. It estimates it faces a $34.5 billion funding gap to deliver the full ST3 program. As part of a broader effort to address the long-term financial challenges, Sound Transit has launched a public survey to gather feedback from residents.

In his newsletter, Strauss highlighted the urgency to take action.

“I just want to really highlight the importance of this moment. It is critical that we finish the spine. It’s critical that we keep Issaquah going. We have to keep the pressure up for West Seattle,” he said. “But of all of that, Ballard is one of the only regional centers in this area not currently connected by light rail.”

According to organizers Save Ballard Rail, the Ballard march is intended to demonstrate community support for completing the ST3 plan as originally approved by voters. The event on April 19 is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Gemenskap Park, with participants walking along the proposed route to the planned station location at Smith Cove.

The group is calling for the full line and all stations to be built, while also maintaining other projects included in the ST3 package.

More information about the campaign is available at saveballardrail.org.

Photo: SDOT

Read more:

Councilmember Strauss urges Sound Transit to maintain Ballard light rail plans

Mayor Harrell pushes Sound Transit to stay on track with Ballard and West Seattle light rail

Mayor Harrell signs legislation to speed up Ballard Light Rail expansion

Sound Transit Board identifies preferred alternative for Ballard light rail

It sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud… and yet it’s one of the biggest barriers keeping people out of gyms, out of strength training, and out of spaces that could genuinely change their lives.

We hear it all the time:

“I’ll start once I lose some weight.”
“I’ll come in when I feel more in shape.”
“I just need to get a little fitter first.”

And honestly, we get it. Walking into a gym can feel intimidating. New environment. New movements. People who look like they know what they’re doing.

But here’s the truth: no matter your age, background, experience level, identity, schedule, injury history, or how many times you’ve stopped and started, you deserve to take up space in a gym just as much as anyone else.

There is no “type” of person who gets to belong. There is no look that qualifies you. There is no prerequisite to taking care of your body, and the faster we let go of that idea, the faster we build stronger, healthier, more inclusive communities.

At Seattle Strength & Performance, that belief is at the core of everything we do. Our job is to meet you exactly where you are, and help you move forward safely, consistently, and with confidence. Yes, we have experienced lifters. Yes, we have athletes. And we love them.

But the heart of SSP has always been something else: the person walking in unsure. The person starting over. The person doing this for the very first time. That’s who we’re here for.

Wherever you choose to train, and whatever path you take, we hope you find a space that reminds you of this. 

For more information on SSP, visit seattlesp.com for more information. SSP’s Ballard location is located at 6410 32nd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107.

According to organizers, the event—called the Spring Beer Hop—is on Saturday, April 18, and will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., spanning an approximately 1.5-mile route through the Ballard Brewery District. The event will include seven participating breweries: Stoup, Obec, Old Stove Gardens, Fair Isle, Urban Family, Reuben’s, and Rooftop.

The Hop is designed as a walking or biking route between locations. Tickets are priced at $20 for the general public and $15 for supporting members. Organizers note that tickets are limited and available for advance purchase.

Proceeds from the event will support Sustainable Ballard’s ongoing community projects.

Photo: Stoup Brewing

Barre3 opened in 2016 its original space in Ballard is just up the block from their new studio. They announced the expansion in December, saying they decided to open a new studio space to offer more classes.

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Barre3’s classes blend elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga with functional strength training. Classes focus on low-impact movements designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

The studio provides options for different experience levels, including prenatal and postnatal classes, as well as sessions that target specific areas like arms, glutes, or abs. The approach emphasizes both physical activity and mindful movement.

To celebrate the new space, Barre3 is hosting a “grand re-opening” with an open house on April 22 and free classes from April 23 to 24.

Verity Credit Union closed its 24th Ave NW location in 2024.

Photo: Google Image Capture

Thanks Michael for the tip!

Have a tip for My Ballard? Email us at tips@myballard.com

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has redeveloped its Ballard campus into a mixed-income housing project with two eight-story buildings, including 84 affordable family units and more than 200 additional apartments. The project also includes a new church space and is aimed at providing housing for residents earning at or below about 60% of the area median income.

The St. Luke’s development is part of a broader effort to address the shortage of affordable family housing in Ballard.

“I have been working with St. Luke’s to bring this desperately needed family affordable housing to Ballard since my first days in office. Families need two and three-bedroom apartments, and Ballard needs apartments families can afford,” Councilmember Dan Strauss told My Ballard. 

“In 2021, I sponsored legislation to allow more churches and religious organizations to build affordable housing. That legislation allowed this project to thrive and create homes that will help our bus drivers, baristas, nurses, and other working families stay in our community. I cannot express how proud and excited I am for this dream to become a reality,” Strauss said.

The project was developed through a partnership between BRIDGE Housing and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Apartments include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and are designated for households earning up to 60% of the area median income.

The amenities include a community room, bike storage, shared laundry facilities on each floor, and a rooftop deck and play area. Resident services will be provided by FamilyWorks.

Featured photo by Exxon Pacific

Related coverage:

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to break ground on new affordable housing project this month

First look at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church affordable housing project

New design plans released for St. Luke’s redevelopment in Ballard

Closer look at affordable housing coming to St. Luke’s development

Former owner of the now-closed Ballard Loft, Dan Murphy, opened Shingletown in 2015.

In a message to customers, Murphy said the “little country Honky Tonk” will hold its final party on April 25, marking the end of 11 years in operation. He cited rising rent under a new lease, an unstable Seattle economy, the cost of doing business, and changing late-night and hospitality trends as reasons for the closure.

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“This last year has been difficult on us,” Murphy said, adding that continuing operations is no longer financially sustainable.

“We thank all of you for the support over the past 11 years. You all embraced our little country bar and made it the most happenin’ place around. We treasure all the friendships and memories that we all made especially those that found love at our bar. 10 Marriages! At our little honky-tonk. We love all of you and thank you for all the memories. Stay tuned for a list of events over the next three weeks. Let’s keep this party rocking and go out with a bang.”

In the final weeks, the bar will remain open Wednesday through Saturday and plans to host a series of events leading up to its closing. The owners also said they are offering discounted drink specials, including $5 well drinks, drafts, and house cocktails, during the final stretch.

Photo: Shingletown Saloon

According to police, officers responded around 8 p.m. on April 7 to reports of a man attempting to cross the bridge despite the gate blocking foot traffic. When officers contacted the individual, he provided a false name that corresponded to a person with a felony assault warrant, which he then denied.

Officers later confirmed the man’s identity using a mobile fingerprint reader. Police say he was wanted by the Washington State Department of Corrections on a second-degree murder warrant for escaping community custody after “absconding from house arrest,” according to the report.

After being taken into custody, the suspect attempted to flee while in handcuffs but was unsuccessful. A search of the man led officers to find a meth pipe and methamphetamine.

Police booked the suspect into the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail in Des Moines.

Photo: SDOT

A former Seattle dog kennel worker has pleaded guilty to first-degree animal cruelty in connection with the death of a dog in Ballard, according to King County prosecutors.

The charge is the most serious animal cruelty offense under Washington state law. The case stems from a 2025 incident in which the defendant Dejean Cornelius Bowens, who worked at the now-closed Ballard dog daycare Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, kicked and punched a black lab that later died from its injuries.

As previously reported, prosecutors said the employee assaulted the dog, named Mitch, after becoming angry when the dog knocked something over, continuing the attack even after the animal tried to hide under a table. The dog was later taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it died.

The defendant initially pleaded not guilty after being charged in September 2025 and was held on electronic home monitoring while awaiting trial.

The incident also led to the closure of Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, with the company citing backlash and safety concerns for staff following the charge.

In the latest development, the defendant pleaded guilty as charged to first-degree animal cruelty and was sentenced within the standard range set by state law. According to court documents, the range is one to three months, based on an offender score of zero due to no prior convictions. Prosecutors sought the high end of that range.

Court records show the defendant was found guilty on April 8, 2026, of first-degree animal cruelty. Superior Court Judge Ken Schubert sentenced 21-year-old Bowens to three months in jail for one felony count of animal cruelty in the first degree.

As part of the sentence, the defendant was ordered to have no contact with animals, meaning no possession, care, or ownership. The felony conviction also prohibits the defendant from legally possessing firearms and would increase penalties for any future felony convictions.

State law requires that the defendant receive credit for time already served on electronic home detention.

Prosecutors said changes to sentencing guidelines for animal cruelty cases would need to come from the state legislature.

Related coverage

Former Seattle kennel worker charged with animal cruelty after dog’s death in Ballard

Lazy Dog Crazy Dog closes after former employee’s animal cruelty charge

“Yeah… we’re having a bad week,” Paseo shared in an announcement. “Our entire plumbing system had to be repaired at Fremont, which cost us about $42,000, and could not have come at a worse time. Luckily, we’re now back up and running but at a time when us and many other small businesses are struggling with rising costs of operating, this is a pretty terrible setback for us.”

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Paseo is running a $2 churro and $2 beer special going for the next week. They say the best way to support them is by stopping in or ordering delivery.

“Thanks for always showing us so much love, Seattle. We wouldn’t be here without you,” Paseo wrote.

Photo: Paseo

As previously reported by My Ballard, the explosion caused significant damage to the store, leading to a months-long closure before it reopened in April 2025. No one was injured in the incident.

To mark the anniversary of the reopening, the market is inviting the community to stop by on April 9 and 10. The event also commemorates the date of the explosion.

“In memory of that fateful day (we continue to be so grateful no one was hurt!), we invite everyone to join us April 9 and 10 for our delicious BLAST special (get it?),” the owners shared in their announcement.

The BLAST sandwich includes bacon, lettuce, avocado, grilled salmon, and tomato on toasted Como bread from Grand Central Bakery. The store’s full menu will also be available.

In a message to customers, the business said it remains grateful that no one was hurt in the explosion and is welcoming neighbors to stop in during the anniversary.

Photos: Take 5 Urban Market

A spokesperson from OfficeMax told My Ballard that its last day open will be Saturday, April 11. The building will soon become an AutoZone, which purchased the building for $7.8 million in late 2025.

OfficeMax’s parent company, Office Depot, has been closing stores around the country following a company restructuring.

According to an email sent to customers, the store will be selling all goods at steep discounts until it closes this weekend.

Thanks Brent for the tip!

A spokesperson from Seattle Fire says the initial call came at 8:20 p.m. on April 3, and the leak was secured just before 9 p.m. All eight floors were affected by the leak and needed ventilation before allowing residents back inside, which took another hour. Residents were allowed back in at about 10 p.m.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Photo: 15th Ave NW and NW Market St (Google Image Capture Sept 2025)

The meeting, happening Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse, is open to anyone affected by late-night gatherings at Golden Gardens over the past year, including neighbors who have reported noise, trash, and property damage associated with overnight parties.

A previous community meeting on the issue was held in October 2025, when Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Police Department met with neighbors to discuss ongoing after-hours parties at Golden Gardens.

At the time, residents reported more than 30 overnight gatherings over the summer involving amplified music, alcohol and drug use, trash, and property damage, and city officials outlined existing park rules while hearing proposals for increased enforcement and security measures.

The upcoming meeting agenda includes updates and discussion around park operations, enforcement, and safety. Topics are expected to include potential changes to closing procedures, enforcement of park rules, and security coverage after hours. Attendees will also hear about how Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Police Department plan to respond to noise complaints and large gatherings.

Additional discussion points include how to contact park staff after hours, whether citations may be issued for violations such as alcohol use, illegal fires, amplified sound, and fireworks, and whether towing or increased fines could be implemented for rule violations.

Community members also plan to discuss street light repairs along Golden Gardens Drive and signage improvements at the dog park crosswalk.

The meeting will conclude with a 30-minute question-and-answer session.

Photo: File photo of Golden Gardens beach

Seattle Fire said the man was working on the rooftop of a construction site in the 3600 block of NW 62nd St when he made contact with the power lines. Crews were able to lower him off the roof and he was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

We’ll update with any news about his condition.

Photo: 3600 block of NW 62nd St (Google Image Capture Sept 2025)

The festival, happening July 10–12, is introducing an updated name and branding while continuing a 52-year tradition as one of the largest and longest-running celebrations of seafood, craft beer, live music, and community.

Organizers say the name change reflects the festival’s evolution into a multi-day music event, while maintaining its focus on seafood and community gathering. The festival remains free and open to the public.

Music will begin Friday evening with headliner NITE WAVE. Saturday’s headliner, Built To Spill, is scheduled to perform July 11 at 8:30 p.m. Sunday’s lineup will feature a range of local artists, with Wild Rumours closing out the weekend.

The full lineup presented by KEXP includes Built To Spill, Low Cut Connie, NITE WAVE, The Dusty 45s, Wild Rumours, Coral Grief, Seattle’s Last Waltz, The Maya Experience, Joyla Red, BeatleConcert, Phinney Ridge Steel Band, #All4Doras, and School of Rock.

Here’s the schedule:

Friday, July 10
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Nite Wave
7:15 – 7:45 p.m. – #All4Doras
6:00 – 7:15 p.m. – DJ

Saturday, July 11
8:30 – 10:00 p.m. – Built to Spill
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Low Cut Connie
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – The Dusty 45s
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Coral Grief
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – The Maya Experience
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Joyla Red

Sunday, July 12
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Wild Rumours
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Seattle’s Last Waltz
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Beatleconcert
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – School of Rock
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Phinney Ridge Steel Band
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Zumba w/Ballard Health Club

According to the Ballard Alliance, the festival draws more than 75,000 attendees each year. It began in 1974 as a neighborhood salmon barbecue and fundraiser and has since expanded into a three-day event featuring music, seafood, craft beverages, and all-ages activities. Proceeds continue to support neighborhood improvement projects and programs administered by the organization.

Organizers are also seeking volunteers for this year’s event, noting that hundreds of community volunteers help make the festival possible. They’re still looking for help with the beer garden, set-up, salmon bbq, info booth, kids deck, kids cove, barricade-minders, and tear-down.

Photo: Ballard Alliance

The Picklr is an indoor pickleball court franchise with locations in 31 states. The Fremont location at 124 N 35th St (home of the former Theo Chocolate factory) has 27,000 square feet of space with 10 indoor courts, including one championship-size court. The facility also includes a pro shop and private event space.

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The Picklr is one of a few different projects in the works to bring more indoor pickleball to the area. There’s also a large facility underway in Interbay called Pickle at the Palms, and the former Joann Fabrics could turn into a pickleball gym right in the middle of Ballard.

The Fremont club is part of Picklr’s expansion into the Seattle area. Additional locations in Washington and across the U.S. are expected, according to the announcement.

The grand opening event on April 4 is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include open play, opportunities to play with a pro or instructor, food and drink, chiropractic services, and raffles.

“Bringing The Picklr to the neighborhood of Fremont in Seattle is a game changer for our community,” said owner Rajiv Khatri in a statement. “As the birthplace of pickleball, Washington holds a special place in the sport’s history, and we’re proud to continue that legacy by offering a best in class indoor pickleball experience.”

The company says the facility is designed to serve players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors.

Photo: The Picklr

The market happens every second Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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In markets past, they’ve had mixed media artists, jewelry makers, potters, tarot card readers, and tattoo artists.

The next market is on Sunday, April 12, and the market organizers are looking for artists to join in and sell their wares. To find out more, you can email hangoverfleamarkets@gmail.com.

Photo: Tractor Tavern Makers Market

Owner Kip Brookbank says the space will open with two separate “pods”: Whispering Cedar, which includes 10 suites (four deluxe and six classic), and Ginkgo Perch, which includes four suites (two deluxe and two classic). Each pod has its own dedicated enrichment space, where cats take turns for playtime or can be out with their family. Cats are not mixed with unfamiliar animals.

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Brookbank says the design prioritizes calm, low-stress environments for cats.

“Cleanliness and safety have been a huge focus for us,” Brookbank told My Ballard. “We use shoe coverings between suites, fully sanitize enrichment areas between each use, and built our protocols with guidance from a local care advisory circle that includes veterinary professionals.”

Whiskers Lodge has partnered with Phinney Veterinary as its official veterinary provider. Clients receive priority booking to stay current on FVRCP and rabies vaccines, and the clinic is located about 10 minutes away from the facility.

The business is also working with several local partners, including Catnip Takeout for handmade toys, SeaBear Smokehouse for salmon treats, and New Leaf Floral for cat-safe floral arrangements.

Additional features include on-site parking and a location just off Aurora Avenue, which Brookbank says makes it convenient for travelers heading to and from the airport.

As we previously reported, Brookbank is opening the lodge after working for more than a decade at Amazon, Microsoft, and Xbox, and has over 17 years of experience caring for and boarding cats.

Photos courtesy Kip Brookbank

Christine Dennett, a former machine knitting instructor at the Wool Friends studio, is the founder of Seattle Knitting Lab. She says she created the space to offer more consistent and in-depth learning opportunities for people interested in machine knitting.

Dennett, who also runs the local knitwear brand COMMAND knitwear, originally trained as an architect before discovering machine knitting. She later pursued additional training through courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and workshops with Helen Sharp at The Knitting School.

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Dennett says her background in architecture informs her approach to the craft, which she describes as focused on understanding fabric as a system of structure, geometry, and material behavior. According to her bio, she aims to help students understand both how to create textiles and how the machines and materials function.

Seattle Knitting Lab plans to offer a range of programming, including weekly machine knitting courses for all skill levels, open studio hours for those who want to work independently, private lessons, and team-building workshops for groups. Classes will focus on both foundational techniques and more advanced skills, with an emphasis on helping students create garments using domestic knitting machines.

“This studio is designed to be a place where beginners feel welcome, experienced machine knitters can explore new techniques, and everyone has access to tools that are often hard to source,” Dennett said.

To mark the opening, the studio will host a public open house on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour the space, meet the instructor, and try out the knitting machines that will be set up for use. The first round of classes is scheduled to begin the following day, April 12.

More information about class schedules and registration is available on the Seattle Knitting Lab website.

Photo: Seattle Knitting Lab will open above Annie’s Art & Frame on NW Market St. (Google Image Capture)

Pankaj Luthra, a longtime Seattle resident who previously lived in Fremont, said he built the web-based app PlateBuddy after years of dealing with blocked driveways and other parking frustrations common in dense neighborhoods.

“I got tired of the parking conflicts that come with living in dense neighborhoods,” Luthra told the neighborhood blog Wallyhood. “After years of dealing with blocked driveways in Fremont, either by leaving frustrated notes on windshields or calling parking enforcement … I decided to build a solution.”

PlateBuddy lets users send a message to a vehicle owner using their license plate number. Messages can be sent by text or email, and are designed to address situations such as blocked driveways, minor vehicle damage, or issues like headlights being left on.

PlateBuddy allows drivers to communicate by searching a vehicle’s license plate and sending a message tied to common parking scenarios, such as blocked driveways or vehicle issues. Messages are selected from a pre-written list, and senders can choose whether to remain anonymous or share their contact information.

The system relies on drivers voluntarily registering their vehicles. Users sign up with their license plate number and contact details, which are stored privately and not shared publicly. When someone searches a registered plate, they can see that the vehicle is in the system and send a message, but they cannot access the owner’s personal information.

Vehicle owners receive notifications by text or email when a message is sent and can choose whether to respond. The app operates through a web interface and does not require a download.

According to Wallyhood, the app currently has about 700 registered users, including roughly 150 in Washington state.

“I know Ballard has the same issues—tight streets, permit zones, constant visitor parking conflicts,” Luthra told My Ballard in an email. “I genuinely want to understand if this helps solve a real problem, and if there’s a better way we should be thinking about neighborly communication around parking.”

Photo: Bumper-to-bumper parking on NW 59th St in Ballard (Google Image Capture Sept 2025)

The plans call for a new mixed-use development at 1740 NW Market St., where Holland Partner Group is pursuing an eight-story project with 239 apartments, 140 parking spaces, and ground-floor retail.

The development, designed by Ankrom Moisan Architects, received a master use permit last fall. Demolition permits have since been added as the project continues through the city’s approval process.

The project site includes the former Ballard Blossom building and neighboring properties, where several businesses have recently closed or relocated due to the planned redevelopment. Sip & Ship closed in December after 23 years in Ballard, with the business citing the upcoming redevelopment of the site. Sip & Ship still operates its Greenwood location at 7511 Greenwood Ave N.

Nearby, Cookie’s Country Chicken also closed its original Market Street location tied to the same project, though Cookie’s has since relocated within Ballard.

Holland recently secured control of a city alley behind the site, a step that allows for service access and a planned garage entrance. The alley transfer removes a logistical constraint that had previously complicated the proposal.

Plans on file with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections are listed under project number 3042325. The eight-story building would include apartment units above the ground-floor retail, with the parking located behind the Market St storefronts.

Public outreach materials submitted to the city reflect mixed feedback from nearby residents and businesses. Some have expressed support for additional housing, while others have raised concerns about the project’s scale and potential impacts on traffic and existing businesses.

Final design review approvals and additional permits are still required before construction can begin.

Image by Ankrom Moisan Architects

Built in 1926, the space has operated under a range of names over the past century, including the Josephine, Jigsaw Records, Estradasphere, the Chummery, 608 Warehouse, Ballard Playhouse, and Woodland Theater. It has also hosted a variety of groups and businesses, such as the Sun City Girls, Bombshelter Video, P.R. Hart & Company, and Woodland Ski Arena, which operated an indoor ski slope around 1960.

Today, the venue functions as a multi-use creative space for musicians and artists, hosting all-ages shows, films, exhibits, workshops, and markets throughout the year. Its organizers are now part of the Vera Project.

To mark the centennial, organizers are working with Tome Press to publish a commemorative book featuring historical images and stories that reflect the building’s history. They are particularly seeking memories and materials from the pre-social media era between 1980 and 2010.

Community members can submit stories or photos by contacting the organizers on Instagram.

Photos courtesy Tom Eykemans