West Seattle, Washington
17 Friday
(Live SDOT camera from California/Alaska)
11:01 AM: Until 2 pm, The Junction is a center of Halloween-season happiness, for this year’s Harvest Festival. Here’s the schedule – costume parade from Junction Plaza Park, led by the WSHS Marching Band, starts it all at 11 am; the chili cookoff also starts at 11 at the KeyBank corner until chili runs out; and the Thriller Dancers are due at Walk All Ways at noon. (The Farmers’ Market is in its usual spot, usual time, until 2 pm, plus an extra block of closure on California south of Edmunds.) Updates to come!
11:31 AM: The costume parade has concluded – we’ll have video later:
Update: here’s the video!
(Videos by Edgar Riebe for WSB)
Trick-or-treating is now in full swing.
(This photo and next by Holli Margell)
The weather is dry but brisk – not a good day for oh, say, a beach-party costume.
12:05 PM: If you haven’t tried a flight of chili yet – $15, benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank, and you get to vote – Robbin from WSFB tells us there’s still some:
“Steady crowd,” we’re told.
(We’ll report later who won.)
12:23 PM: Don’t forget the activity booths from local schools and businesses, mostly on California south of Alaska (which also is closed on the blocks bookending Calif):
Trick-or-treating status – we bought candy weeks ago and brought four big Costco bags today – hasn’t all run out yet!
12:34 PM: The Seattle Thrillers put on a show at Walk-All-Ways, as lively – or should we say undead – as ever:
(Photo by Paul Weatherman)
Update: Here’s the video!
Right now the pie-eating contest is happening (as is a rain shower, though costumed attendees are braving it). The festival continues until 2 pm.
12:45 PM: And now a sunbreak!
12:54 PM: Just announced – the chili winner, Easy Street Café! Proprietor Matt Vaughan says he lost by one vote last year so he’s thrilled to take the top spot this time. (Update: A commenter points out Margie’s Café was actually #2 last year. We apparently misheard at a distance.) Coming up in the stage zone, on the east side of Walk All Ways, the Heebie-Jeebies will rock the festival.
1:19 PM: The band says this is their 10th anniversary!
They’re singing what you might call Halloween-forward music, like the ’60s classic “Spooky,” plus selections from their most-recent CD.
1:35 PM: Final half-hour. The band’s still playing, telling spectators “we’ll keep going as long as it’s not raining!”
2:58 PM: The rain did return before the festival ended. We’re adding more photos – thanks to everyone who has shared pics! Another cool performance at the festival – RopeWorks:
SUNDAY NIGHT: In addition to the video we added above, here are two more clips – trick-or-treating …
And Joe Ross, one of the two spotlight musical acts:
Thanks again to Edgar Riebe for the videography!
As we continue showcasing West Seattle Halloween decorations. David sent that video of his yard, worthy of a tour:
5206 23rd Ave SW – walk around haunted yard. Passing out full-size candy bars on Halloween with lights, music and animatronics.
Five nights until Halloween arrives; we’re still accepting pics (and video), westseattleblog@gmail.com, and see what we’ve shown in our Halloween-coverage archive.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Festive participants of all ages gathered Saturday morning for the 13th-annual Monster Dash fundraiser at Lincoln Park to benefit South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools.
The event featured a 5k run/walk around the park, a 250-meter dash for kids, and a 100-meter dash for pre-K and under. There was also a family fun area with activities, sponsor booths, games and prizes. Although there were some sprinkles throughout the morning, the weather generally cooperated. Organizer Dawn Franklin said there were about 225 registrants for the 5k race, and at least 200 kids participating in the shorter races.
Prior to start time, participants got registered and ready to race:
At around 930am, organizers gathered the 5k participants near the starting line:
And they’re off! WSB video here:
Racers doing the 5k (including some pushing strollers) made their way through the park and then finished back at the starting gate. Many participants were sporting costumes — we spotted everything from skeletons and Minions to witches and tacos:
Here are videos of some of the age groups, racing to the finish line:
https://youtu.be/UYte8L-Tr8s
https://youtu.be/Ofy5-yXjE2E
https://youtu.be/vAe8lia3FSE
https://youtu.be/H8SFHH7GcPA
Next up was a slightly longer 250m race, for kids. Here’s our video: https://youtu.be/zAI5nqMkG-Y
Better than candy, it’s … trees! Highland Park celebrated Trick or Trees this afternoon at and around Highland Park Corner Store, centered on free trees for residents to take home and plant, but also featuring Halloween fun like a pet-costume contest:
Those were some of the contenders. Thanks to Kay Kirkpatrick of the Highland Park Action Committee (our report on their latest meeting is coming up later this weekend) and Highland Park Improvement Club for the photos!
In the summer, it’s beach-landing pirates … in the fall, trick-or-treating pirates! They were among the many kids who came to Alki Beach’s trick-or-treat event today, all along the avenue. Thanks to Charlotte Starck, president of the Alki Community Council, for sharing photos of what looked to be the biggest beach trick-or-treat event yet.
West Seattle Arcade has brought more all-ages fun to the beach, and was a big presence today – coordinating all the business participation – as the stream of trick-or-treaters kept coming, despite the rain.
Lots more trick-or-treat events this afternoon/evening, as listed here. And of course Halloween is still five nights away.
Charlotte reports, “Hundreds participated, with attendees from as far away as Columbia City and Burien.”
From the bottom of Charlestown Hill come tonight’s spotlight decorations – J sent the photos:
We are at the corner of SW Charlestown and 48th are again excited for this Thursday. Weather permitted, we intend to flood the streets with fog again and have a spookier-than-ever trick or treat night!
That’s a reminder, the spookiest night of the year is now just six nights away. But we’re still accepting decoration pics – westseattleblog@gmail.com; go here to scroll through what we’ve already shown!
(WSB photos)
4:26 PM: The first big event of Hallo-weekend 2024 is happening now – from north to south throughout Admiral, businesses are welcoming costumed visitors with candy galore. The Admiral Neighborhood Association is coordinating this year’s candyfest, and it’s sweet. More pics later – and send us yours! westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to reach us. This is one of a half-dozen-plus trick-or-treat events (listed here) around the peninsula this year.
ADDED 5:22 PM: The scene above is from Admiral Theater, where they were handing out kid-size bags of popcorn as well as candy – and it was going out as fast as they could set it out! Around the area, it was a trick-or-treat traffic jam:
Tiny trick-or-treaters, too:
You still have time to go join the fun – till 7 pm.
Don’t forget to wander far and wide – toward West Seattle Grounds and Mioposto (WSB sponsor) in the north, and Little Donkey in the south.
8:23 PM: Thanks to Scott at Seattle Dive Tours for this photo:
And a couple pics from the ANA crew in North Admiral:
The Admiral District’s next Hallo-weekend events are tomorrow – Halloween movie screenings and a bar crawl!
As we continue showcasing West Seattle Halloween sights – one week to go until the big night! – thanks to Joey for the “Ghostbusters“-evoking pics of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, in the 5300 block of SW Manning.
Got decorations? Send us a pic – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A new tradition was born on Wednesday night – the first Halloween Lights Run sponsored by West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), in the spirit of their annual Christmas Lights Run, heading out from the shop and along a curated route with decorated homes. Our video shows the spirited runners as they departed.
(WSB photo, 2023 Admiral trick-or-treating)
Feels like we have more Halloween/Hallo-weekend events in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar than ever – and we have more to add; you can scroll through what’s there already via this link. If your family’s main interest is in trick-or-treating, here are the big events:
ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING: 4-7 pm Friday (October 25). This spans a wider area than ever, according to the organizers at Admiral Neighborhood Association, from the South Admiral mini-business district (think Little Donkey, Alair, more) to North Admiral. You’ll find crossing guards in three spots too to help you get across California.
ALKI BEACH TRICK-OR-TREATING: Noon-2 pm Saturday (October 26). This spans the business district along the beach, from 63rd eastward. Info’s online at alkitrickortreat.com.
BEER GARDEN TRICK-OR-TREATING: All ages welcome at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 2-6 pm Saturday.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT: Hope Lutheran School invites everyone to trunk-or-treat in the lot across from the Hope North campus, 4100 SW Genesee, 6:30-8 pm Saturday.
JUNCTION TRICK-OR-TREATING: This is again combined with the West Seattle Harvest Festival, 11 am-2 pm Sunday (October 27) in The Junction, right after the costume parade that kicks off the festival (gather at 42nd/Alaska).
WHITE CENTER HALLOWEENTOWN: Block party on 16th SW south of Roxbury, 4 pm-2 am on Halloween (Thursday, October 31), featuring low-rider trunk-or-treating.
Are we missing anything? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another day-and-night display to showcase tonight – sent by Darrell in South Delridge:
It’s been fun decorating for Halloween. This year I’ve made some new scarecrows and changed things up. We will be giving out treats on Halloween and love having people stop to enjoy the decoration. The lights are on timers and don’t go off till 2 am. 9049B 18th Ave SW – cross street is SW Barton.
Got decorations to show off? Pics to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(2023 WSB photo)
The annual holiday-season runs presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) are a staple, like the Christmas Lights Run (last year’s participants are shown above, pre-run). This year, they’re adding the first-ever Halloween Lights Run, 6:15 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, October 23) from the shop.. If you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement from WSB co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
Join us for the West Seattle Runner Halloween Lights Run!! We will meet at the shop at 6:15 pm. Feel free to wear costumes! Tim says, you better wear costumes :) Put on lights and reflective to be seen and use headlamps/ flashlights to be able to see. We will map out an approximate 3-mile route to view Halloween displays in the ‘hood. This will be a nice easy-paced run, with walking and photo/viewing display opportunities, definitely not a race.
Just show up at the shop (2743 California SW) before 6:15 pm Wednesday. (And set your calendar for the Gobble Gobble Group Run on Thanksgiving – November 28 – 8 am on Alki.)
(WSB file photo)
Time to start previewing Hallo-weekend’s big activities. Biggest of them all – the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival on Sunday (October 27). It starts off with the costume parade, led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band, and includes trick-or-treating. But for the savory palate, a non-candy treat awaits – the flight of chili that will get you the right to vote in the cookoff benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. Here’s this year’s lineup, as announced by WSFB:
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at the West Seattle Food Bank Chili Cookoff during Harvest Fest! This year, eight fantastic West Seattle-area restaurants will compete for the coveted title of Best West Seattle Chili. Here are the contenders:
Easy Street Café
Elliott Bay Brewery
Fire Tacos
Husky Deli
Margie’s Café at the Center for Active Living
NW TX BBQ
Shadowland
The WestyWe’re excited to welcome a couple of newcomers to the competition this year. Margie’s Café at the Center for Active Living and Fire Tacos, who recently won Best Savory Taste at the Taste of West Seattle with their mouth-watering pork verdé, are joining the fray!
For just $15, you can purchase a flight of 8 chili samples, with all proceeds supporting the West Seattle Food Bank’s vital programs. These include food assistance, help with utilities and rent to prevent homelessness, clothing, bus tickets, and more. Join us at the Key Bank corner during Harvest Fest — the chili cookoff starts at 11am. Don’t miss your chance to vote for your favorite chili and help crown the winner of the Best West Seattle Chili trophy!
The Farmers’ Market will be in its usual spot and time (10 am-2 pm) during the festival (11 am-2 pm) but an extra block of California will be closed for festival activities – between Alaska and Edmunds.
The photo is from Ryan, who emailed to announce:
CThe Halloween show at the 4040 House is live! This year is our biggest one yet! The haunted jukebox is back with several new songs, even more lights, and some cool special effects!
The show runs every night between 6 pm and 9 pm. It’s located on 47th Avenue Southwest between Dakota and Andover. The street is quite narrow, so if you’re driving, please park on the side streets and walk up to the house.
Got decorations to showcase? Photos and info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – and see what we’ve already shown here!
Thanks for the texted photo! In tonight’s Halloween spotlight – “temporary annual neighborhood name change is in effect.” (If you don’t recognize the neighborhood, the RIP gives a hint.) We’re continuing to welcome Halloween-sight photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
As we continue showcasing Halloween decorations around West Seattle – two weeks until the spookiest night of the year! – here’s one texted from Gatewood, centering on a window display, near 37th/Ida. Got something to show your West Seattle neighbors? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (See what we’ve already shown by scrolling through this archive.)
In our Halloween spotlight tonight – that’s the preview video for this year’s “Nightfall“ haunt, open for seven nights this year – and the first one is (updated) Friday night. Here’s how its creator explains it:
Nightfall is a dark fantasy walk-through attraction with a deep and expansive story – a high-end, Disney-esque nightmare that is a fun, scary, fun-scary home haunt in West Seattle that raises donations for West Seattle Food Bank and Washington’s National Park Fund. More like a dark ride, Nightfall is filled with more shadowy wonder than intense terror, though there are certainly a few screams to be had along the way. It is family-friendly but may be too intense for some younger guests, so parental discretion is advised. Over nearly a decade, Nightfall has become a Halloween tradition for many in the West Seattle community.
Check the website for donation requirements, essential guest information, and to discover the Nightlore. Please read and follow ALL PARKING and GUEST GUIDELINES. Nightfall is held at a private residence in West Seattle. Please remember you are a guest and be respectful of the community.
Dates and times: October 18, 19, 25, 26, 31 & November 1, 2, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. See the website for the location.
(WSB photo from October 2023 Trick or Trees)
Every year, the weekend before Halloween is so full of seasonal activities, we’ve nicknamed it Hallo-weekend. This year that’ll be Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27. And we just got word of yet another event – the King County Wastewater Treatment Division sent word of this year’s Trick or Trees tree giveaway in Highland Park:
We are teaming up with the Dirt Corps, Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, and Highland Park Improvement Club to host our third annual tree giveaway to support community goals around neighborhood greening. Join us at one of our upcoming events in Highland Park and South Park to pick up a free native tree and learn about King County’s efforts to reduce pollution into the Duwamish River. Trees are available for community members and organizations based in South Park and Highland Park, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No registration is required.
Trick or Trees
When: Saturday, October 26, from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Highland Park Corner Store, 7789 Highland Park Way SWThe event will include free trees, treats, and a Halloween costume contest for pets.
Find out more about Trick or Trees on the HPCS website.
As we continue spotlighting West Seattle Halloween decorations, here’s a haunt to see day or night!
Thanks to the texter who sent day and night views of that house on SW Andover just west of 42nd SW. Want to show us yours (or a display you’ve admired)? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (See what we’ve published already by scrolling through our Halloween-coverage archive here.)
We’re continuing our spotlight on West Seattle Halloween decorations, with photos sent by readers. These are from Amanda:
Our wonderful, Halloween-loving neighbors have outdone themselves again. Located on the NE corner of 42nd Ave SW and SW Hudson. Plenty to see on both sides of the yard during the day.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos/video so far – you can scroll through our Halloween-coverage archive (including past years) by going here. And if you have a display to suggest we showcase, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Once again this year, Dirk at 37th/Graham is putting on a Halloween lights-and-music (tune to 87.9 FM when nearby) extravaganza, and that’s what we’re featuring tonight as our Halloween-decoration spotlights continue.
Twice as many lights as last year, Dirk says, and the music is inspired by Hans Zimmer‘s recent live performance, including movie music from James Bond (in the clip above), Dune, Wonder Woman, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, and likely more. This show may not be running every evening until next Friday, so if you happen by and it’s not on, put it on your list for next weekend and beyond. Not particularly spooky music, but hey, how many times in one season do you want to hear “Thriller”? Dirk, by the way, is very interested in feedback, especially on the music, so when you see the full show, come back here to comment! (All our Halloween-related coverage, including decorations, is archived and scrollable here. And if you have decoration pics and/or video to share, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
With Halloween now three weeks (and one day) away, we’ll be featuring decoration displays daily – tonight, the spooky shelves at Alki Mail and Dispatch (47th/Admiral)! Proprietor Bree sent the photos, explaining:
Just wanted to share a few pictures of our Haunted Dispatch and let everyone know they are welcome to come check it out! We actually still have some work to do, we are aiming for a full family friendly indoor haunt by Halloween, and we also wanted to let everyone know we will be welcoming trick or treaters the whole day during business hours, (7 am-7 pm) and we will be handing out awesome goodie bags!
Got decorations? Send us pics, with general location info (“7000 block of Streetname SW,” for example), and whether it’s better seen by day or night (or both!) – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! We’re archiving these stories (and other Halloween-related news) here.
Earlier this week, we published our annual request for pics of must-see West Seattle Halloween displays – and now that the big night is less than four weeks away, it’s time to start showing them! Among the first displays shown to us is the one in the pic above and video below, from Halloween devotées R & B (aka Ron & Brian), who report, “We’re not even close to being finished yet but we’ve got something up on 47th between Hanford and Hinds.”
If you have a Halloween display to show off, send your pic(s) and location – doesn’t have to be the exact address, as long as people can find you if they want a firsthand look – to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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