Summer crayfish parties are a great Scandinavian tradition and this Friday, August 19, the Old Ballard Liquor Company and companion restaurant Tumble Swede are hosting one!

The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Pacific Fishermen Shipyard (5351 24th Ave NW), a working shipyard that also boasts bunches of cool memorabilia from past Ballard spots, all collected by owner Doug Dixon. The menu includes crayfish (of course), but in typical Tumble Swede style takes traditional dishes and adds a PNW flair, such as Lake Washington crayfish poached in wild fennel and beer, and savory cheese pie with onions and wild mushrooms.

The drink menu includes a wide range of OBLC aquavit shots and cocktails made with this particularly Nordic spirit, plus beer on tap – though I think getting a frozen aquavit carafe is the way to go. Tickets to the event are $50, and cover unlimited food, while the bar’s a cash bar. But, the best part is the bar proceeds benefit the Ballard Senior Center. So, good food, good drinks, good fun, and you get to help out a swell place. You will need advance tickets though (none are being sold at the door), and it’s 21 and over.