Columbia City

Two-time champ Columbia City emerged victorious against Madrona. And it’s no wonder it’s a favorite: Its gorgeous, brick-lined, historic downtown has restaurants for every mood and price point and major arts destinations like Columbia City Theater and the Royal Room.

Every August, the Rainier Valley Heritage Parade and Festival celebrates the area’s past, present, and future with activities and performances—and if you miss out on that, every second Sunday during the spring and summer, Columbia City Beatwalk showcases the neighborhood talents.

Their alternative transit activism is uniquely homegrown and inclusive. Bikeworks promotes cycling through youth empowerment, education, accessibility, and social justice work.

Fremont

This week, Columbia City goes up against another long-standing, arts-boosting, bike-able favorite: Fremont, which scored a narrow victory above Pioneer Square last week. It’s a former finalist, but has never taken home the cup.

Best-known for its quirky identity, Fremont home to not only the Fremont Troll, but scores of other public art, like “Waiting for the Interurban” and the Fremont Bridge’s neon Rapunzel. That very visible art extends to performance, too, with community-led events like the Solstice Parade.

It’s increasingly become a party destination, too, with a robust bar scene along 36th Street and annual events like Fremont Oktoberfest—which has been going on for a couple of decades but has only increased in popularity.

Its bikiness is also well-regarded, being right along the Burke-Gilman Trail in addition to being full of little bike shops.

Which neighborhood should advance this week? This poll closes Tuesday, December 19 at 3:15 p.m., so get those votes in. (Not seeing the poll? Try exiting Apple News or Google Amp.)