May 2026

For three decades, the West Seattle Garden Tour has been about much more than just an appreciation for lush, inviting spaces; it has been about making connections and finding joy in growing a community. On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the all-volunteer organization will celebrate its milestone 30th Anniversary Tour.

Originally founded in 1994 as a fundraiser for ArtsWest—which is now considered the tour's legacy grantee—the organization has been inviting the public to step behind the fences of unique backyards since 1995. Today, the tour's core mission is to promote horticultural, educational, and artistic endeavors throughout West Seattle and neighboring communities. Driven by the generosity of sponsors, donors, and ticket buyers, the tour donates its net proceeds of approximately $50,000 each year to local nonprofits working hard to make the community a better place.

The West Seattle Wine Walk, a vibrant celebration taking place tonight, May 15, has seen massive success with over 1,000 tickets sold. Located in the heart of West Seattle, the event offers attendees the opportunity to meet Pacific Northwest boutique wineries and enjoy unique tastings housed within favorite local merchants.

Despite the incredible turnout, organizers have announced that they are still accepting walk-ins tonight because of the large number of businesses participating in this spring's event. Those interested in joining the festivities can simply head to either of the two check-in locations: Kendall Dental at 4400 California Ave SW or Washington Management at 4554 California Ave SW.

Attendees will be able to enjoy various wine varieties and will also have the option to purchase additional tasting tickets and tax-free bottles of wine to take home.

Information from King County Local Services

King County Department of Local Services invites the community to a White Center “Glow Up” event – a chance to celebrate and learn more about several improvements along 16th Avenue SW. 

The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, during the monthly Rat City Art Walk event at the corner of 16th Avenue SW and SW 98th Street near the community kiosk. 

Building on the momentum of last autumn’s inaugural event in West Seattle, the White Center community is preparing for a "unique weekend pairing" of events designed to "spark civic engagement and deepen local belonging". Scheduled for May 15 and 16, 2026, at Evergreen High School, these back-to-back gatherings invite residents to gather, connect, and "find their people or their purpose".

The weekend is co-sponsored by White Center Solidarity (the Neighbor Union), the West Seattle Timebank, and the White Center Community Development Association (CDA). It serves as a continuation of a "new civic tradition" established on November 8, 2025, when the first Jamboree drew 62 groups to West Seattle to act as a "civic-engagement accelerator".

The Seattle Department of Transportation is inviting community members to participate in the People Streets & Public Spaces program, an initiative focused on creating vibrant pedestrian spaces driven by neighborhood input. To kick off these efforts, two public drop-in sessions will be held this month to gather community ideas and visions for transforming local streets.

The first session is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Delridge Triangle, located at the intersection of Delridge Way SW and 18th Ave SW. This event will focus on building upon past efforts to convert 18th Ave SW into a new pedestrian area. Planners describe the upcoming installation as a near-term pilot project that will serve as a stepping stone toward a future permanent transformation of the space.

Alki Avenue will transform into a shoreline racecourse this Sunday as the West Seattle 5K kicks off at 9:30 a.m., marking the event’s latest edition in its long-running role as a major fundraiser for West Seattle High School.

Organized by the school’s PTSA, the race supports academic programs, teacher grants, clubs, and student enrichment. Organizers expect a strong turnout thanks to favorable weather and the event’s growing reputation as both a competitive run and a family‑friendly community gathering.

Race Details

• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

• Start Time: 9:30 a.m.

• Start/Finish: Alki Beach Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave SW

• Course: A flat, fast, USATF‑certified out‑and‑back along Alki Avenue SW