The Junction is coming alive this weekend as the 44th annual West Seattle Summer Fest officially begins, promising a weekend filled with music, food, and community spirit. While the main festival runs Friday through Sunday, the celebration starts early with Summer Fest Eve on Thursday night, July 9, where local streets will be transformed into exclusive outdoor lounges with special menus. For the most up-to-date information, residents and visitors can check the official festival website.

A Pioneering Green Initiative

This year's event marks a significant environmental milestone, as it is the only major festival in Seattle to go completely reusable. In a partnership with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Bold Reuse, the festival is replacing disposable items with sustainable and reusable drinkware and dishware. SPU is also sponsoring water stations throughout the grounds to keep attendees hydrated. Organizers hope this initiative will turn dozens of pounds of waste into recyclable materials and set a green example for other Seattle neighborhoods. To participate, attendees simply need to drop off their used items at bins marked “Return reuse items here”.

Music and Expanded Stages

The festival’s soundtrack features a blend of established icons and emerging local talent. Festivities began Thursday night with an "iconic show" by The Head and the Heart at Easy Street Records, followed by Seattle’s own Aurora Ave. performing at the all-ways intersection.

For the first time in its history, the festival is expanding its footprint further north on California Street and onto SW Oregon Street. This expansion includes a new secondary stage called "The Big Dark Corner," hosted by West Seattle’s Big Dark Records. Located behind Key Bank, this stage will feature local, youthful, and experimental artists throughout the weekend during non-business hours.

MAIN STAGE

FRIDAY

4:00  Ghost Fetish
5:00  Chico Detour
6:00  Thee Deception
7:00  Zookraught
8:00  Blackie
9:00  Caitlin & Brent w/ the Passenger String Quartet
10:00  Alien Crime Syndicate

Saturday

12:00  Mode Music
12:45  School of Rock
2:00  Beautiful Freaks
3:00  Black Whales
4:00  Massy Ferguson
5:00  Butch Bastard
6:00  ToXic MaX-Q-Linity
7:00  Bog Ore
8:00  Bexley
9:00  Dark Chisme
10:00  True Loves

Big Dark Corner

FRIDAY

6:00 Leonard Jarvey and the Sock Monkeys
6:30  Sad Dad Autumn
7:30  Across 35th

SATURDAY

1:45  Bonita Fishwife
2:30  Westside Music Social Club
3:30  Rootbeer
4:30  Placeholder
5:30  Motel Delores
6:30  Aerosol
7:30  Chewing Gum

SUNDAY

10:00  Theo McGaughey Trio
11:00  Allwaye
11:45  Malty & The Rain (Acoustic)
12:45  J Skip
1:30  Tobi Kunkel
2:30  Melina's Birthday Set
3:30  Better As Brass
4:00  Trombone King

Family Fun in the Kids Zone

Families can find a wide array of activities at the Kids Zone located on SW Alaska St.. Highlights include inflatable bouncy houses, a giant slide, and a challenging obstacle course. Interactive experiences include:

• The Foam Party: A wet-and-wild dancing zone in Junction Plaza Park.
• Sports & Play: Goal-scoring with the Seattle Reign and bike riding with Woom.
• Tech & Creativity: Robot play with the Seattle Robotics Club and an open arcade area.

Parents can skip the lines by purchasing all-day wristbands online in advance for $20, which provides access to all activities.

Local Flavors and Zero-Waste Dining

The 2026 festival features an extensive list of food vendors and sidewalk cafes, all of which are participating in the zero-waste initiative. From Theary Cambodian Foods and Sam’s Crab Mac & Cheese to local staples like Bakery Nouveau, Elliott Bay Brewery & Pub, and Easy Street Café, there is something for every palate. You can find a complete list of participating food and drink vendors here.

Logistics and Schedule

Attendees planning to drive should be aware that parking is limited and street closures are in effect. Drivers are encouraged to use SW Edmonds Street or SW Genesee Street to navigate around the festival grounds.

Festival Operating Hours:

• Friday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Main stage and beer garden open later).
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Main stage and beer garden open later).
• Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Includes the Farmers Market)