THE BALLARD BULLETIN: August 21 Edition

AUGUST 21, 2026

PARDON THE MESS - BALLARD BUSINESSES ARE OPEN

Construction is part of a growing city, but for the small businesses surrounded by road closures, detours, and noisy equipment, the disruption is very real. Just as Ballard began to recover from the Route 40 construction project, several new infrastructure and building projects are now making it harder for customers to reach some of our neighborhood shops, restaurants, and service providers that help make this community vibrant.

The good news is that these businesses are still open, still welcoming customers, and still worth the extra effort. Most of the current projects should be completed in 2027 or early 2028. That is a very long time for a small business to endure impacts. You can help them by stopping in, order takeout, book an appointment, or recommend them to a friend. These small individual steps taken by an entire community make a meaningful difference and will keep these businesses a part of our bustling little business core for years to come!

Crews are working hard to complete the current projects around the neighborhood, but some work areas will most certainly remain in place through 2027. In the meantime, businesses along the affected corridors are facing reduced visibility, re-routed traffic patterns, and customers who may assume they are closed.

For example, the much-needed SPU Ship Canal Water Quality project is on schedule, but it’s created some road closures and detours.

Here are some businesses impacted by constructions projects and ways that you can help them

Located next to a major apartment construction site, local favorite Spice Waala has spent more than a year navigating the challenges created by heavy construction just outside its doors. If you already love their Indian street food, consider visiting a little more often. If you have never been, this is the perfect time to try it. Local tip for regulars or first-timers: Spice Waala serves fresh, hot dosas on Saturdays from 9–11 a.m. They are only available during that window, so add to your weekend plans and bring a friend.

Next door is another local fav – Pink Bee. This spot is great for grabbing a sandwich or Thai curry dish and heading down to the Locks for a flavorful picnic. Other nearby businesses and local favorites include Mr. Gyros, Verve Bowls, A La Mode Pies, Sushi Licious and Niche.

Businesses in the SPU Ship Canal project’s construction zones are open. Don’t let the detours and orange cones keep you away from: Salt & Sugar Cafe and Bakery, Peoples Bank, Tumbles Gym, Huntington Learning Center, Aimee Nail Studio, Therapeutic Associates Ballard Physical Therapy and Banfield Pet Hospital.

If you haven’t been to Salt & Sugar Café, this is a must-try spot that may quickly become a part of your routine. They offer house-made bakery goods, artisan coffees and a full menu of Lebanese dishes in a bright inviting space located at facing 24^th Avenue NW. This family-owned café is open Sunday – Wednesday 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Next door, on the corner of 24^th Avenue NW & NW 57^th Street is Aimee Nail Studio. This is clean and bright spot filled with talented technicians that will pamper your hands and feet.

Tumbles gym has STEAM classes in addition to their gym offerings. Get your kids moving their bodies and growing their minds at this fun and enriching space across from QFC on NW 57^th Street.

What’s a new business owner to do when the sidewalk near them is covered in scaffolding and a huge development project is underway close by? Swoon City’s owner Marissa Coughlin is not letting it hold her back from filling the store with special events and classes almost every day of the week. Swoon City is a romance bookstore and creative space where you can get the perfectly titillating summer read and take a fun craft class in the same visit. There is even a secret room inside the shop filled with their racier titles so you can shop without blushing. Speaking of blush you can find their blush-colored shop at 1716 NW Market Street. Swoon City shares that stretch of NW Market with Inspire Ballard and The Old Pequliar Pub.

Small actions by our already supportive neighbors do add up. This week, choose one business in a construction zone and make a point to visit, place an order, buy a gift card, leave a positive review, or share their information with a neighbor. A short detour or a brief walk near a noisy construction zone for you, could equate to the sales each day that keep a local small business afloat.

MORE NEWS, EVENTS & STORIES...

BUSINESS RESOURCE NEWS

With all the seismic activity around the Pacific Rim this spring and summer, it is a good reminder to prepare not only your household for a natural disaster, but your business as well.

The Seattle District of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting a "Disaster Preparedness for Small Business" series.

You are invited to their next online session, Disaster Preparedness for Small Business: Earthquakes and Tsunamis, on Tuesday, September 1 from 1 - 2 p.m. Click here to register for this free webinar.

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT ALLIANCE AFTER HOURS NETWORKING EVENT

The Ballard Alliance produces a regular series called the Alliance After Hours.

The event is an opportunity for members and anyone interested in networking to come hang out with us at a BIA business for some casual networking.

The next event will be held at Macleod's Scottish Pub on Wednesday, September 30 from 4 - 6 p.m. Save the date on your calendars and an email invite will be sent out early next month.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wines of Mexico @ Après by Aluel through September 27

Praxis Yoga x Fuego Summer Social @ Fuego Restaurant & Lounge on August 21 | 6 - 10 PM

EMO Night Music BINGO @ Channel Marker Cider on August 25 | 7 - 9 PM

How to Get Published with Dana Ma @

The Ink Drinker on August 25 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Movies in the Park hosted by Sweet Mickey's @ Ballard Commons Park on August 26 | 7 PM

Beer Hall Trivia @ Skal Beer Hall on August 26 | 7 - 9 PM

Open House @ Salmon Bay Eagles on August 29 | 6 - 11 PM

Curated Ballard's Grand Reopening @ Curated on August 29 | 2 - 9 PM

Back to School Clothing Swap @ Illumination Learning Studio on August 30 | 9 AM - 2:30 PM

Sustainable Ballard's Plus-Size Clothing Swap @ Sunset Hill Community Center on August 30 | 2 - 4 PM

Ballard ArtWalk @ many locations on September 12 | 6 - 9 PM

SEA-Nordic Film Festival @ National Nordic Museum on September 15 - 19

Blood Drive @ Mighty-O Ballard on September 16 | 8 AM - 2 PM

Rummage Sale @ Ballard NW Senior Center on September 18 & 19

BALLARD SIDEWALK SALE TO HOST 40 LOCATIONS

Shopping outside has never been easier with more than 40 Ballard Sidewalk Sale businesses participating this year!

We have an interactive map of all the locations so you can start planning your shop and stroll experience.

Expect to find treasures at a discounted price in front of participating businesses on August 27 - 30 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day.

Here is a list of participating businesses:

2ETN STUDIO, ALDEA HOME & BABY, ANNIE’S ART & FRAME, ATRIA, BALLARD BOOKS, BALLARD CONSIGNMENT, BALLARD FC & SALMON BAY FC TEAM STORE, BALLYHOO CURIOSITY SHOP, BARRE3 BALLARD, BON VOYAGE VINTAGE, BUFFALO EXCHANGE, CATHEDRAL, CURATED BALLARD, FAIR TRADE WINDS, GOLD DOGS, GOOD & WELL SUPPLY CO, KURFUNKLE KIDS MARKET, LUCCA GREAT FINDS, LUCKY DRY GOODS, LUPE’S SITU TACOS, MARKET STREET SHOES, NICHE, ORIGINAL QI, PERCY’S & CO., PRISM, RE-SOUL, RHAAY CURATED USED CLOTHING, SECRET GARDEN BOOKS, SMÅL MARKET, SOFT GOODS VINTAGE & RETAIL, SONIC BOOM RECORDS, STANDARD GOODS, STEELE BARBER + SPA, SWEET MICKEYS CANDY SHOPPE, SWOON CITY, THE STRAY FOX, THREAD HUNTER, V’ALLURE BOUTIQUE, VENUE, WOODLAND MOD

CATCH THE LAST MOVIE IN THE PARK FOR THE SUMMER

One more chance to enjoy a free movie in the park with your neighbors is next Wednesday. Bring the whole family to a showing of Despicable Me (2010) hosted by Sweet Mickey's Candy Shoppe.

The movie begins at 7:00 p.m. but families are encouraged to come down early and enjoy a dinner picnic in the park. Veraci Pizza will start serving individual pizzas (at a discount) at 5 p.m. and Sweet Mickey's will be on site serving up drinks and treats! Bring your own chairs and blankets and get ready for some family-friendly fun on August 26 in Ballard Commons Park!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS - THIS WALL NEEDS YOUR MURAL!

Hjarta Condominiums would like an artist to create a 450-square-foot mural celebrating the Ballard neighborhood.

The Ballard Alliance and the Ballard Alliance Public Arts Committee is calling all qualified artists to apply for this opportunity.

The mural will be painted on the west side of the building, facing 7-Eleven, at 1530 NW Market Street. (see photo)

Qualified artists are those with relevant experience—or can demonstrate the ability—to paint a large-scale mural. The selected artist should be comfortable collaborating with the property owner on the design concept and creating artwork that reflects the character, history, and/or spirit of Ballard.

The project budget is $3,425, including materials. The wall measures approximately 30’ W x 15’ H, for a total of about 450-square-feet of space.

To apply, please email Wren Wilson at Wren@BallardAlliance.com by August 31, 2026 with the following details: Include your name, email address, examples of your work or style, and a brief statement about why you would be a good fit for the project. You are also welcome to share any initial mural ideas or additional information you would like us to consider.

Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline, and artists will be contacted with results by Friday, September 18. Please note: The painting schedule will depend on the design process and weather, with the goal of completing the mural by mid-October.

For questions about this project or other Ballard Alliance public art projects please email Wren@BallardAlliance.com.

CURATED BALLARD CELEBRATING GRAND REOPENING ON AUGUST 29

Curated Ballard is celebrating their 1st anniversary with new additions. They've expanded their wine selection and now pour wines by the glass! Everyone is invited to celebrate their one-year milestone at their Grand Reopening on Friday, August 29 from 2 - 9 p.m.

Curated is more than a gift shop. Their thoughtful team helps create a unique shopping and gifting experience for each customer. Whether you're looking to create a special package for your bridal party, a friends birthday, corporate client boxes or just get something special for yourself, the Curated team will help you create the perfect gifts. Their name says it all. They carefully curate all the products and merchandise they carry in their shop located at 2000 NW Market Street. They pay special attention to supporting local businesses and makers and providing sustainably-sourced items.

If you haven't been to the shop yet, the Grand Reopening party on August 29 is the perfect excuse to discover all that they offer. The event will feature gourmet snacks to sample, great music and the chance to meet one of their favorite wine makers, Vivianne Kennedy from RAM Cellars who will be pouring her wines for guests. Stop in and check out the latest curated items, wish the Curated team congratulations with a cheers, and celebrate one of our favorite Market Street small businesses at their Grand Reopening event!

CLEANUP HONORING JIMOTHY HAPPENING RIGHT BEFORE MOVIES IN THE PARK

It takes a village and you are a part of that village. Join your neighbors and fellow Jimothy lovers for a clean-up event on Wednesday, August 26 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Meet at Ballard Commons park by 6 p.m. and dress accordingly. Supplies will be provided to volunteers.

After the cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to stick around and enjoy a showing of Despicable Me at Movies in the Park hosted by Sweet Mickey's Candy Shoppe.

ENROLL IN THE U of LITTLE BEAST AND EARN A DELICIOUS DEGREE

Head back to school and learn all the culinary secrets from the experts at Little Beast by enrolling in one of their University of Little Beast classes. These classes, and their reservations for dinner,

fill up quickly so be sure to sign up soon if you are interested. Sorry, but the How to Cook the Perfect Steak Class has sold out. Here are all the details about upcoming classes with spots available from our friends at Little Beast:

Wednesday, August 26: Whole Pig Butchery — Learn to butcher a whole pig and the best way to cook and prepare it through this in-depth demo. We'll walk through whole pork butchery and how to make use of every muscle for home curing projects — think capicola, lomo, smoked hams, rillette, and more.
Wednesday, September 9: Meat Pie Class — Learn to make our classic Lamb Korma Pie — the pie that launched a thousand Instagram posts! You'll master the core techniques — spiced fillings, pastry work, and the perfect bake — so you can turn your skills into any classic meat pie.
Wednesday, September 23: Cocktail Techniques Class — Join master Little Beast bartenders Matt Collette and Kai Smith behind the bar to learn the techniques and philosophy that shape the Little Beast cocktail menu. We'll cover advanced culinary cocktail methods you can recreate at home — think fat washing, high-pressure nitrogen infusions, and sous vide infusions, among others — with hands-on demonstrations throughout. Your ticket includes several half-pour tastings of the cocktails we're studying, with additional tastings available.

Little Beast is located at 5107 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING REALLY SWEET

Mighty-O Donuts has a sweet deal for business owners - become a Mighty-O wholesale customer. From Mighty-O:

"We partner with cafés, restaurants, offices, and businesses throughout the Seattle area to bring fresh, delicious donuts to more people. Whether you're looking for a daily pastry offering, something special for your customers, or donuts for your team, we'd love to work with you as a wholesale partner."

Business owners interested in learning more, may submit an inquiry here.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING IN BALLARD

Get that perfect "fit" for the first day at one of Ballard's many clothing and shoe stores. Our shop owners have you covered from head to toe. Oh, and one of our many salons can assist you with your "glow up" or end-of-summer refresh.

Let's start at the bottom and work our way up. Shop for shoes, boots and accessories at Blundstone, re-souL, and Market Street Shoes. For quality boutique clothes or the latest trends head to Studio RA, Market Street Shoes, Horseshoe Boutique, Prism, Standard Goods, KAVU, Filson, Steele Barber, and Smål Market.

Going for that throwback look or feeling thrifty - Ballard is quickly becoming the vintage clothing enclave of Seattle. Here is our lineup of shops: Buffalo Exchange, ReStyle for Ryther, Simple & Just, Thread Hunter, Bon Voyage Vintage, Lucky Dry Goods, Gold Dogs, Soft Goods Vintage, V'Allure Boutique, The Stray Fox, Rhaay Used Clothing, and Barn Owl Vintage.

Be sure to check out these shops during the Ballard Sidewalk Sale on August 27 - 30 for some amazing deals!

SLIM GOODY WILL HAVE YOU USING YOUR HEAD

Football season is one of our favorite times of the year in Ballard. All the 12s gather at a local bar, pub or brewery to watch the games and support the teams. Well, Slim Goody Sports Bar is not only one of the best spots to catch a Seahawks or Mariners game but they turned things up a notch with their beer helmets.

Get yours while supplies last and safely sip away your Sundays in style!

THE PRAXIS YOGA X FUEGO SUMMER SOCIAL IS TONIGHT!

Our friends at Praxis Yoga & Cafe would like to celebrate the summer with you at the Praxis x Fuego Summer Social event on Friday, August 21 at 6 p.m.

Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of community, music, great food, and good company. There will be a live DJ, exclusive food and drink menus, local vendor giveaways and a chance to connect with your neighbors and make new friends.

Fuego Restaurant is located at 5425 Russell Ave NW. Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring your team for an evening of fun at Fuego!