A project of Sustainable Ballard · Flagship event
Sustainable Ballard Festival
One big day where the whole neighborhood comes together. The Sustainable Ballard Festival fills Ballard Commons with hands-on booths, live music, local food, and every project we run — a free celebration of the community we build all year long.
When
Sat · Sep 26, 2026
11am–4pm
Where
Loyal Heights Community Center Lawn
Cost
Free
all ages
Featuring
All our projects
+ guest booths
WHAT IT IS
The whole network, in one park, for one day.
Every September, Ballard Commons turns into a living showcase of sustainable living. The tool library, the gleaners, the gardeners, the menders, the knitters — all of them, plus dozens of guest booths — set up shop to share what they do and invite you in.
Between the booths there’s live music, a stage of talks and demos, food from local makers, hands-on activities for kids, and a few thousand neighbors discovering just how much is happening on their own doorstep. It’s our biggest, brightest day of the year — and it’s free.
Plan your day
Show up, dive in, stay a while
No ticket needed — just bring the family, your curiosity, and a reusable water bottle.
1
Claim a route
Sign up for a bakery and a weekday that fits your schedule. Routes are short and close to home.
2
Collect the goods
Load up the day-old bread, donuts or pastries the bakery has set aside, and sign the log.
3
Drop it off
Deliver to the meal program on your route the next morning, while everything is still tasty.
ON Festival Day
What’s happening
A full day, packed corner to corner — here’s a taste of what you’ll find.
Project booths
- Tool Library
- Gleaning crews
- Sprouts & gardens
- Menders & makers
On stage
- Live music
- Talks & demos
- Kids’ performers
- Awards
For families
- Hands-on crafts
- Garden games
- Bike activities
- Face painting
Good eats
- Local food
- Treats
- Reusable everything
- Zero-waste stations
Around the venue
Booths, music, and a sea of neighbors
WHY IT MATTERS
“For one day the whole neighborhood is in one place, and you realize just how many of your neighbors are quietly building something good.”
The Festival team — On the biggest day of Sustainable Ballard’s year
IN GOOD COMPANY
Partners & supporters
The Festival is free, all-ages, and powered by volunteers — and by the businesses, makers, and sponsors who help us throw Ballard’s biggest day of the year.
Tall Grass Bakery
BREAD DONOR
Mighty-O Donuts
DONUT DONOR
St. Luke’s Episcopal
FEEDING PROGRAM
