The Ballard Seafood Fest is happening this weekend. Look for a gallery, because I plan to go Sunday.

This event is really all about the food, and rumor is there will be a fish-eating contest. I'm looking forward to the alder-smoked salmon.

I recommend swinging in around lunch or dinner and spending a few hours enjoying the live music, arts, crafts and, well, food.

I don't know if I'd make an all-day event out of it, unless it's your first festival of the year. Then it's always fun to take time to look through all the vendors and watch a few shows.

Basic information:

When: July 26, 11a.m.-8p.m.; July 27, 11a.m.-7p.m.
The address to get your online map from: 2208 NW Market St. Seattle, WA 98107
Information: seafoodfest.org; 206-784-9705; seafoodfest@ballardchamber.com

Main stage music schedule:
Saturday, July 26
12noon HB Radke & The Jet City Swingers (Lounge Swing)
1:30pm The Weavils (Bluegrass)
3:15pm Chuck Prophet (Alternative Rock)
5:15pm Joey Kline Band (Blues)
6:45pm Big World Breaks (Funk/World)

Sunday, July 27
12noon Etouffee (Cajun)
1:15pm The Buckaroosters (Buck Owens Tribute)
2:45pm Juan Barco y Su Conjunto (Tex-Mex)
4:15pm Carrie Akre (Alternative Rock)
5:30pm Laura Love & Harper's Ferry (Funk-Grass)