GNDT April 9 – 15

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Hi all,

Sending another Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

If you have news or events to share, or if you want to talk about the work being done to revitalize Downtown, send me an email.


People enjoying the new First and Pike public space

Credit: Downtown Seattle Association

New space to gather and enjoy near Pike Place Market ✨

Leaders from the City and the Downtown Seattle Association unveiled a refreshed pedestrian plaza at First and Pike last week. The popular intersection saw over 3.3 million people pass through last year, making it a hub for locals and tourists alike. DSA will host a rotating schedule of activities at the plaza Tuesday-Sunday, all summer ☀️: Revamped First & Pike public space unveiled at popular intersection – King5.

“As one of the most visited sections of downtown, First and Pike has become a crucial space for connection and community. This revitalization, along with our exciting programming, brings new life to this historic intersection and provides an engaging public space where people can gather, relax and experience the vibrancy of downtown Seattle,” said Jennifer Casillas, Downtown Seattle Association vice president of public realm and ambassador operations.

Weekly digest

Waterfront block party

Credit: Erik Holsather / Friends of Waterfront Park

Concerts on Pier 62 🎶 are returning this summer! The premier show featuring fraternal 🎸 guitar duo Hermanos Gutiérrez opens on June 1, with shows throughout the summer: Seattle waterfront summer concert series coming from The Crocodile – Seattle Times.


“The vibrancy and momentum of downtown Seattle is palpable,” 🏆 wrote Rob Smith in his recent piece for Seattle Business Magazine. He highlighted some of the exciting events and openings like new art, stores, museums, and breweries Downtown: Downtown Seattle Keeps on Winning – Seattle Business Magazine.


Parlour, a new wine bar 🍷 and coffee shop ☕ in Pioneer Square, was featured in Axios Seattle as a go-to remote working spot. The combination café/bar makes the spot an all-day hangout option for those looking for a change of scenery in their workday: Parlour nails the all-day snack-and-sip vibe – Axios Seattle.


Bottega Gabriele storefront

Credit: Bottega Gabriele

A new Italian deli,🥪 Bottega Gabriele, opened its doors in Pioneer Square, serving up focaccia sandwiches. Catering to the growing number of in-office workers nearby, the shop has grown from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location.


Seattle Magazine recently featured a host of newly opened restaurants 🍽️ in their “Grand Openings, Great Eats” article including new Downtown options:

  • Ringo Curry 🍛 in the Chinatown-International District is a new curry house serving from-scratch Japanese-style curries, with more than 15 different options available.
  • Pufftown Bakehouse sells an assortment of buttery pastries delights from their home in Pike Place Market, including a seasonal menu. 🥐

Looking ahead

"Tentacles" by June Sekiguchi

Credit: "Tentacles" by June Sekiguchi / Photo Credit: ArtXContemporary.

ArtXContemporary is hosting an Artist Talk on April 26 at 1 p.m. with June Sekiguchi. Sekiguchi presents intricate, modular sculptures inspired by the radiating symmetry of oceanic life and microorganisms.


Seattle Central Library 📚 is hosting a Mindful Doodling session with cartoonist Cara Bean on May 9 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. This session will focus on how every line, curve, and shape drawn can teach people about patience, self-compassion, and creative flow.


5K waterfront graphic

Credit: Friends of Waterfront Park

Literally run 🏃‍➡️ through all the Waterfront Park has to offer! The first-ever 🌊 Waterfront Park 5k is on May 31. The course will take participants through the full 20 acres of transformed shoreline and will be followed by a free community celebration featuring music, food, activities, and more.