GNDT April 16 – 22

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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 watching a performance in Pioneer Square

Credit: Pioneer Square Alliance

✨ Downtown is "better than ever” ✨

“The city felt dark and almost ominous during the pandemic — even on sunny days,” says Jodi Davis of design consulting company Jodi Co. “But now, with the energy from the waterfront project permeating the city, it’s hopping and better than ever.”

🚶🏽‍♂🚶🏼‍️🚶🏿‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️‍🚶🏽️🚶🏼 Downtown Seattle officially surpassed its pre-pandemic visitor numbers! In March alone, more than 2.5 million people visited the area – a 30% increase from February and a 12% rise compared to the same time last year. These numbers are projected to rise even more as we move into the summer, with cruise ship season scheduled to bring nearly 300 ships to Seattle. 🛳️

Read more:

Weekly digest

🍨 Salt and Straw is moving directly across from Pike Place Market this summer: Salt and Straw adding new Seattle locations – Fox13.

"Pike Place is where so many unforgettable food stories begin, and we’re thrilled to bring Salt and Straw into that legacy. Seattle has shaped who we are as a company, and we can’t wait to scoop ice cream in the heart of a city that’s given us so much," says Kim Malek, co-founder and CEO.


Jellyfish play structure located at Pier 58 on Seattle Waterfront

As part of the new Waterfront, Pier 58 🌊 is getting a playground “you don’t want to miss” this summer. There will be a 25-foot-tall jellyfish play structure 🪼 and 18-foot slide 🛝, which will include smaller activities for younger kids. Seattle’s Child recommends making a day of your visit and exploring more to do Downtown while you’re there: 10 amazing playgrounds you don’t want to miss – Seattle’s Child.


It’s official: PCC will return to Downtown in July. The new, smaller format store will focus on residents and workers who may need quick bites for breakfast, lunch, or after-work dinner 🍽️: PCC Sets July Opening For Downtown Seattle Store – Seattle Business Magazine.


🏢 Populus Hotels announced the 2025 launch of a new carbon positive hotel. Housed in the revitalized Westland Building, the hotel offers a “One Night, One Tree” program where for every night stayed, it will plant one tree: Populus Hotels Announces Seattle Debut in Historic Pioneer Square – FTN News.


😎 With the weather warming up, the Infatuation put together their list of The Best Restaurant & Bar Patios in Seattle, including some Downtown favorites:

  • La Fontana Siciliana offers an Italian dining experience in the heart of Downtown.
  • Seattle favorite The Pink Door offers a large patio with sweeping views of Elliot Bay.

People walking around at Sakura Con

Credit: Seattle Refined

The 20th Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association’s 🌸 Sakura-Con 🌸 brought approximately 35,000 people to the Seattle Convention Center’s Arch and Summit buildings over the weekend. Visit Seattle estimates the anime convention generated $19.4 million in economic impact: Behold the clever cosplay from Day 1 of Sakura-Con 2025.

Looking ahead

The Occidental Square Trading Post returns Saturday, April 26. This Pioneer Square market 🛍️ features more than 30 local vendors selling handmade, antique and vintage goods with live music. Occidental Square Trading Post – Visit Pioneer Square


Dick Perez

Credit: MoPop

The Museum of Pop Culture is screening the documentary The Diamond King ⚾ on Sunday, April 27 from 12:30 – 4 p.m. Known as professional baseball’s Picasso, Dick Perez is known for drawing iconic pieces for the sport for decades. A panel discussion with subjects from the documentary and the creative team will follow the screen. 


🎙️ Hear the breathtaking operatic duo Freddie Ballentine and Kunal Lahiry on Sunday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Seattle Center’s Opera Center for a one-night-only concert.