GNDT May 14 – 20

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 05/20/2025 01:30 PM PDT
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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.
Group picture with Mayor Bruce Harrell and partners announcing new ambassador program

Chinatown-International District welcomes new ambassador program 🎉

A new ambassador program will launch in the Chinatown-International District on June 1. This program will support safety, drive economic revitalization, and foster community well-being throughout the neighborhood.

“This program represents exactly the kind of public-private partnership we need to uplift and renew Seattle’s historic neighborhoods. With dedicated ambassadors on the ground, we are investing in safety, belonging, and visibility for one of our city’s most culturally significant communities. It’s about ensuring everyone in Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon – business owners, workers, residents, elders, and visitors – feels seen, supported, and safe,” said Mayor Harrell.

City of Seattle, TAAF, Amazon, and CIDBIA Announce New Ambassadors Program to Improve Neighborhood Safety and Support Economic Revitalization in the Chinatown-International District – Office of the Mayor.

Weekly digest

Seattle International Film Festival event with an audience, presenters, and a screen displaying festival details.

Credit: Kyle Fuhrmann / SIFF

🎥 Filmgoers are "Escaping to the Reel World" all week long. 🎞️ The 51st SIFF Film Festival kicked off Thursday at the Paramount with the presentation of the Mayor’s Film Award in Achievement in Film, a screening of "Four Mothers," and a party on Ninth Avenue. The festival showcases 135 films from all over the world across six Seattle locations, including SIFF Cinema Downtown. The in-person festival wraps up Sunday, May 25, with select films available to stream May 26 – June 1: Your ultimate guide to the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival – Fox 13.

🏨 The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle is reopening next month! New ownership invested $3.6 million to renovate the space, including an upgrade to all 189 of its guest rooms, the lobby, marquee restaurant, and other public spaces: Downtown Seattle hotel gets renovation under new ownership – Puget Sound Business Journal.

A person demonstrating how to use the new digital kiosk

A demonstration gave a glimpse into how new way-finding kiosks in Downtown could make it easier and more convenient to get around. If approved by City Council, these dual-sided touchscreens will offer free Wi-Fi and helpful info on transportation, local events, safety, health, arts, entertainment, and more: Get a look at the large digital kiosks that could bring wayfinding – and ad money – to Downtown Seattle – GeekWire.

The Infatuation recently put together a list of “The best places to eat and drink by the water,” featuring these Downtown favorites:

  • 🍻 The Old Stove Brewing Company is a stone’s throw from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum, and features waterfront dining with communal picnic tables and elevated bar fare.
  • 🥪 The Bottega Gabriele is a classic Italian sandwich shop, and close to the Waterfront, ferry terminal, and piers.

Looking ahead

A gold torii on a red background with white words "Amplify Chinatown-International District"

Credit: Intentionalist

⛩️ Explore the vibrant history and culture of the Chinatown-International District with the AMPLIFY Small Business Pass. This pass celebrates the neighborhood's rich diversity, offering free treats and exclusive discounts at 35 small businesses spanning throughout Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon🥢: AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District - Intentionalist.

A pop-up booth featuring keychains, stickers, and art prints.

Credit: Junky Junco

Local artist Khuyên Lâm’s creation, Junky Junco, is hosting a pop-up store at the Wing Luke Museum on Sunday, May 25 to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month.

This is your last week to catch the “Wander” exhibit at the 🎨 Seattle Art Museum. Featuring everything from tranquil landscapes to the vibrant pulse of the city, these works celebrate culture and community.

Head to Olympic Sculpture Park for the 🐟 Seattle Aquarium’s “Beach Naturalist” summer program, where experts will be on-site to answer questions and highlight the unique wonders of Seattle’s tide pools.