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.

Weekly digest

Credit: Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS

🚶‍➡️ Pike Place Market will remain car-free through next spring! Originally piloted in April, Market leaders extended the car-free program due to positive feedback and a sharp uptick in pedestrian activity. Limiting non-essential vehicles through the Market has boosted foot traffic and created calmer crowds, resulting in a safer, more inviting environment for locals and visitors alike: Pike Place Market car ban extended amid uptick in foot traffic – Cascade PBS.

🎨 This summer, Downtown’s art scene is front and center, and you don’t have to miss any of the latest local exhibits and festivals thanks to a new roundup by The Seattle Times. Highlights include the upcoming Belltown Mural Festival, kicking off Monday, August 4, where artists will transform neighborhood walls with live-painted murals. Other features include must-see exhibitions at the Seattle Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s a great time to explore the unique and ever-evolving world of art in the heart of Seattle.

Credit: Tim Rice

🪼🌊 There’s a new place to play while taking in the views, because Pier 58 is now open! Last week, Mayor Bruce Harrell unveiled the new sea-life themed playground and the restored Waterfront Fountain. The celebration drew both residents and visitors to the Waterfront, offering a first look at the vibrant public spaces and community events still to come, including the citywide celebration to mark the completion of the multi-year Waterfront project on Saturday, September 6: Seattle's long-awaited Waterfront Park finally complete – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Looking ahead

🎵 Head to Occidental Square on Friday, August 1, from 1 – 3 p.m., for a free music workshop! In this unique creative writing class, everyone is a songwriter. Facilitated by professional songwriter Keeth Apgar, attendees will co-create an original song from scratch and participate in engaging musical discussions.

📖 Join fellow literary lovers on Sunday, August 3 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the C-ID Reading Block Party! This free literary gathering spans across multiple venues in the Chinatown-International District and features both silent reading and community connection. Spend an hour reading with fellow book lovers at cozy neighborhood spots, then join the group for lunch and explore local bookstores and cultural highlights: CID Reading Block Party Tickets, Sun, Aug 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM – Eventbrite.

⚽🏀 Get ready for a action-packed weekend at the third annual Seattle Street Sports Showdown, taking place August 9 – 10 on Sixth Avenue! Kids ages 8-13 can participate in free basketball and soccer tournaments, while all can enjoy free family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and special appearances from local teams. Celebrate sports, community, and fun – don’t forget to register for the event in advance: 3rd Annual Seattle Street Sports Showdown! - Parkways.

🏀⛹️‍♀️ Be a part of history as the Seattle Storm unveils a statue honoring basketball legend Sue Bird. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 17 at 10 a.m. outside Climate Pledge Arena. Fans are invited to join a free community celebration, which features a fan fest at 12 p.m. and a home game at 3 p.m.

This statue marks a historic moment as Bird becomes the first WNBA player to be honored with a statue by a WNBA franchise. It celebrates her remarkable legacy and lasting impact on Seattle. Don’t miss this tribute to one of basketball’s greatest icon: Seattle Storm to unveil statue of Sue Bird outside Climate Pledge Arena.