No, there is no West Seattle 5K paired with a community parade happening this week. Both of West Seattle's 2026 parade-and-5K pairings already took place — one in May and one in July — so you cannot attend one right now. If you are training toward a local race, this guide sorts out which West Seattle events already ran, which one is next on the calendar, and how to plan ahead so you do not miss the 2027 dates.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- The short answer: both 2026 pairings are already over
- What the parade actually is
- The next West Seattle 5K on the calendar
- How the two spring and summer races compare
- Planning ahead for the 2027 dates
- Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer: both 2026 pairings are already over
West Seattle had two separate "5K" events in 2026, and neither is happening this week. The one actually tied to a parade was the **Float Dodger 5K**, run on the morning of the Grand Parade. According to Westside Seattle, the kids' dash started at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with proceeds going to Impact: Cities States and Communities Seeing Changes”>local nonprofits. The other event, confusingly named the **West Seattle 5K**, was not paired with a parade at all. Per the West Seattle 5K official site, it ran on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. along Alki Beach. Both dates have passed, so a "5K plus parade this week" is not available.
What the parade actually is
The West Seattle Grand Parade is the neighborhood's marquee summer procession, not a running event itself. The Westside Seattle report notes it marked its 92nd year in 2026 as a Seafair-sanctioned event with more than 100 entries, including marching bands, drill teams, and the Seafair Pirates and Clowns. The parade rolled down California Ave SW, from SW Lander to SW Edmunds, at 11 a.m.
on July 18. The Float Dodger 5K uses that same route earlier the same morning, which is why the two events are linked in people's minds. If you were hoping to run the parade course, that pairing is a once-a-year, mid-July occurrence.
The next West Seattle 5K on the calendar
If you want a nearby race soon, the next comparable option is the **Monster Dash 5K** on Saturday, October 24, 2026. It is listed on RunSignup as an untimed fun run held in heats.
Be clear about what it is not: the Monster Dash is not a parade event, it is not timed for a personal record, and it is not happening this week. It suits runners who want a casual, costume-friendly community outing rather than a competitive result. If you need chip timing for a training benchmark, look at other regional races instead.
How the two spring and summer races compare
The May and July events serve different runners, so knowing the details helps you pick for next year. The West Seattle 5K on Alki is the flatter, more beginner-friendly of the two.
- Course: The West Seattle 5K is a flat Alki route that welcomes walkers, joggers, and strollers.
- Registration: That race has no race-day sign-up; bib and shirt pickup was Saturday, May 16 at West Seattle Runner from noon to 5 p.m., with shirts guaranteed to the first 1,200 entrants.
- Road closures: For the May event, Alki and Harbor Avenues closed to traffic at 8:00 a.m. on race morning, so plan arrival and parking early.
- Route feel: The Float Dodger 5K follows the parade course through the neighborhood, a livelier but more crowded setting.
Planning ahead for the 2027 dates
Because the pairings run on an annual cycle, your practical move now is to track the organizers rather than search for a this-week race. West Seattle Rotary and the Kiwanis Club coordinate the parade and its paired run.
For official parade information and next-year updates, use the West Seattle Grand Parade site. Expect the spring Alki 5K to land in mid-May and the parade-paired Float Dodger 5K in mid-July, matching the 2026 pattern.
- Watch the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle page for next-year parade announcements.
- Check the West Seattle 5K site each spring for the Alki race date and registration caps.
- Note that popular shirts and entry slots can cap out, so register early once dates post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a West Seattle 5K and parade happening this week?
No. The parade-paired Float Dodger 5K ran July 18, 2026, and the Alki West Seattle 5K ran May 17, 2026. Both are past.
Which West Seattle race is next?
The Monster Dash 5K on Saturday, October 24, 2026, an untimed fun run held in heats, per RunSignup. It is not a parade event.
Which 5K is best for beginners?
The flat, stroller-friendly West Seattle 5K on Alki Beach is the more beginner-friendly option of the two 2026 races.
