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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Things to Do
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 HolidayFest & Market + Free Photos with Santa
December 6, 2025, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Marvin’s Garden
Bring your family and friends to Marvin’s Garden Park & Ballard Ave NW on Saturday, December 6th from 2 – 8 p.m. and enjoy FREE photos with Santa, cider, holiday treats, tree lighting, Tomte Trail prize giveaways, live music from Swing 3PO, market featuring Ballard business vendors, a firepit with S’mores making station, activities, merriment, and more!
- Santa will visit Ballard from 2 – 5 PM in Marvin’s Garden. Bring your family and friends down for FREE photos with Santa* but make sure you are in line by 4:30 PM! Santa has to leave and get back to his toy workshop at 5 PM. But the fun will continue…
- Ballard HolidayFest added a Market along Ballard Avenue NW. The northern end of Ballard Avenue will transform into an activity packed winter wonderland and market. Join in the festivities, enjoy live music and treats from the Visit Ballard elves. The market features vendors, a fire pit with a S’mores making station, a Ballard Tomte Toss, food and drink specials from restaurants in the footprint, and other special programming.
Ballard HolidayFest is a free community event funded by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Matching Fund, produced by the Ballard Alliance, and the support of volunteers from the Ballard business community.
*Photos will be available a few days after the event with a special code online. Photos are free of charge and a gift from the Ballard Alliance elves. Happy Holidays!
More Info
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.**
More Info
Community Events
Harvest Food Drive 2025
November 1 - November 30, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Ballard Alliance
Ballard Farmers Market
November 16, 9:00am - 2:00pm
5300 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Conor Byrne Open Mic Nights
November 16 - November 17, 7:30pm - 1:00am
