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Seattle weekend traffic: Oktoberfest and Mariners

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What’s blocking up traffic this weekend—and how to ride transit to it (or around it)

Juan Antonio Garcia Jimenez/Getty Images

Another weekend, another whole list of things that could disrupt getting around. Some of these events might be things you’re doing, too: It’s Oktoberfest in Fremont, and the Mariners have home games all weekend long.

We’ve combed through the alerts and advisories from both the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to deliver transit-friendly solutions for your weekend outings.

Some of this weekend’s advisories—and transit-oriented alternate routes to events—are listed below.

The Mariners and the stadium district

The Mariners have a home game every day this weekend, at 7:10 p.m. on Thursday (at Texas) and Friday (at Cleveland), then 1:10 on Saturday and Sunday (also at Cleveland).

Link Light Rail goes to the Safeco Field (take your pick of the International District or Stadium stations), as does the First Hill Streetcar and a ton of bus routes from Metro, Community Transit, and Sound Transit.

Be extra-careful for traffic on getting out on Saturday—Coldplay is playing Centurylink Field next door, with the show starting at 6:45.

The Seahawks are out of town for their game against the Titans on Sunday.

Oktoberfest, St Demetrios Greek Festival, and more

Fremont Oktoberfest, celebrating craft beer, starts Friday, and means three days of beer, food, and revelry—and street closures on North Canal Street between 35th and First starting right now. King County Metro routes 5, 26, 28, 31, and 32 will all get you nearby.

Noon on Friday through 7 p.m. Sunday, St. Demetrios Greek Festival, a celebration of Greek culture with food music, and drinks, is happening at at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Montlake. The 48 or the 43 will get you four (long) blocks away.

The Bite of Broadview neighborhood festival and carnival is at Christ the King Church Friday through Sunday. The 5 and the E Line will get you there.

A big ol’ frat block party will close a stretch of street by UW's Greek Row—17th Avenue Northeast between 45th and 47th—on Saturday from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.

5ks and marathons

Saturday, the End AIDS Walk/Run circles around Volunteer Park, plus a brief stretch of 12th Avenue from Prospect to John. It runs from about 10 a.m. until noon; 10 or the 49 will get you to Volunteer Park from Downtown.

Sunday, the Orca Half in West Seattle starts at Lincoln Park around 8 a.m. and ends at the Don Armeni boat launch near the northern tip of the peninsula. On the way, the course will use trails, sidewalks and the parking lane of 47th Avenue Southwest and Lincoln Park Way Southwest. Take the C Line straight to the starting point; the 128 (use the C line and transfer at the junction) will take you to the finish line.

Washington State Fair

Better-known as the Puyallup, the Washington State Fair has everything one would expect from a fair: animals, scones, rides, music, crafts, prizes. It’s still running through September 24.

As far as transit to the Fair goes, we’ve prepared an entirely separate guide for this. Special bonus: This Saturday, the Sounder is making extra trips, including stops in Seattle, for the occasion.

Road work

Closures on Denny continue: From 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Denny Way will be closed westbound, and only the south sidewalk will be open. Then from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Denny will be closed eastbound, with only the north sidewalk open.

Northbound Aurora Avenue North will be reduced to one lane at Halladay Street on Sunday to replace a broken fire hydrant.

First Avenue Northeast will be closed all weekend between 95th and 100th for repaving.

On Interstate 5, the northbound offramps to Swift Avenue and Mercer Street will both be closed from Saturday night through Sunday morning.

Volunteer Park

1247 15th Avenue East, , WA 98112 (206) 684-4075 Visit Website

Safeco Field

1250 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134 Visit Website

CenturyLink Field

800 Occidental Avenue South, , WA 98134 Visit Website