Cocktail Trail Tickets Here!

Welcome

to Ballard

With maritime roots and Scandinavian heritage, Ballard is an eclectic urban neighborhood blending independent spirit and historic charm — just minutes from downtown Seattle.

Explore Ballard GETTING HERE

Behold the

Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connect Puget Sound with Lake Union, allowing for the passage of boats between salt and fresh water. Watch the annual salmon runs through the Ballard Locks’ Fish Ladder Viewing Room and Educational Center. Be sure to take a stroll through the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.

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Visit the

National Nordic Museum

Immerse yourself in the history, art, and culture of the Nordic countries and traditions brought over to the Pacific Northwest. The National Nordic Museum is the “only institution of its size and scale in the United States to present the history and culture of the entire Nordic region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the regions of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, and the cultural region of Sápmi) and the legacy of Nordic immigrants to the United States.”

Museum INFO

Explore Ballard’s

Shopping & Dining District

Renowned for its selection of distinctive charming boutiques, galleries, premier entertainment venues, and an extensive array of restaurants spanning casual cafés, globally inspired cuisines to fine dining establishments.

Drink in Ballard’s

Brewery District

The epicenter of the Seattle craft brewing scene – explore more than a dozen craft breweries & cideries located within a highly walkable 1-mile radius.

Beer Me

Things to Do

Restaurants

A Pacific Northwest culinary hotspot, the neighborhood offers a diverse array of restaurants ranging from acclaimed chef-driven establishments to cozy cafés, pubs and eateries.

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Bars & Breweries

Ballard is home to unique cocktail bars, iconic dives, European-inspired pubs, and more than a dozen craft breweries and cideries all within walking distance.

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Shopping

From trendy home goods and clothing boutiques, to vintage stores and specialty shops — Ballard’s small businesses reflect the neighborhood’s independent spirit and tasteful style.

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Entertainment

Ballard’s live music and arts scene thrives with iconic venues like the Tractor Tavern, Conor Byrne Pub and the Sunset Tavern, art galleries, cinema, performing arts, dance, and festivals year-round.

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Points of Interest

Immerse yourself in scenic beauty and maritime charm. Watch boats navigate the famous Ballard Locks, relax at Golden Gardens beach, and explore the bustling Shilshole Bay Marina.

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Culture & History

Explore Seattle’s Scandinavian history at the renowned National Nordic Museum, take a walking tour highlighting dozens of historic buildings, relax in Botanical Gardens, and much more.

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What's Happening in Ballard

Featured Event

Ballard Winter Cocktail Trail 2025

December 12, 2025, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Columbia Bank

Get in the holiday spirit by tasting unique hand-crafted cocktails at pop-up lounges inside select Ballard boutiques.! We are excited to bring this and one-of-a-kind event to the neighborhood and hope you will join us!

Tickets are $50 and are only available online until Thursday, December 12, 2025. Each event ticket purchased includes 10 tasting tickets, Each ticket is redeemable for a sample-size cocktail offered at each tasting venue. Ten unique cocktails, using a variety of spirits, will be featured at the event. Each pop-up lounge will offer a cocktail that has been artfully crafted using quality ingredients by the master mixologists from The Ballard Cut.

**Proceeds from the Ballard Cocktail Trail support the projects and programs administered by the Ballard Alliance, a non-profit neighborhood organization.**

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Featured Event

Ballard ArtWalk

August 11, 2029, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

a long-standing tradition celebrating and supporting the local artist community in Ballard since 1997.

This engaging community event is brought to you by the Ballard Alliance and Ballard businesses, and it takes place every second Saturday of the month from 6-9 pm.

Come out and show your support for local artists and the venues that open their doors to showcase their creativity and be a part of the thriving arts community in Ballard. Your presence makes a difference. Go to visitballard.com/artwalk for all the details about this month’s lineup and a map.