GNDT July 30 – August 5

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/05/2025 02:46 PM PDT

Hi all,

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

There are a lot of things to be excited about right now. Just today, Pan de la Selva, a Seattle Restored business participant opening in City Hall. This panaderia will serve sweet pastries, coffee, and more – please swing by and check them out and see our Seattle Restored program in action.

I am also excited about the opening of the Waterfront Park at Pier 58. You’ve heard me say before that Downtown is becoming more of a neighborhood, which means we need amenities for families. I look forward to taking my kids to play on the jellyfish climbing tower, visiting the Seattle Aquarium, and grabbing an ice cream at the new Molly Moon’s at the Waterfront.

Finally, I wanted to share with you an update about Club World Cup and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Club World Cup was by many measures a big success. But we know next summer, there will be more people, more events, and more excitement around some of the world’s biggest soccer matches being played right here in our city. That’s why we’re looking back on Club World Cup for ways we can improve the FIFA World Cup experience not just for visitors, but for Seattle residents. Stay tuned for more about FIFA World Cup in the coming months.

Grab some sweet pastries, climb a jellyfish, and get out to enjoy all that Downtown offers in the summer. As always, if you have Good News Downtown that you would like to share, please send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

– Markham

Aerial street view of the Seattle Waterfront

Credit: Friends of Waterfront Park

Seattle steps into the spotlight as walkability leader!

🚶 Seattle was named the most walkable city in the United States! Easy access to landmarks for sightseeing and a compact layout makes Seattle ideal for residents, workers and visitors alike. Features like Pike Place Market’s car-free block, the scenic Overlook Walk, and Waterfront upgrades show how smart investments are bringing new energy and community to Seattle. As workers and visitors return Downtown in record numbers, with over 3.1 million unique visitors in June, walkability is helping Seattle be safer and more welcoming than ever: Seattle Named Most Walkable City in the U.S. – Seattle magazine.

Weekly digest

Ichiro Suzuki delivering his Hall of Fame induction speech

Credit: Seattle Mariners

⚾🔱 Baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki recently became the third Mariners player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame! Seattle is honoring Suzuki in a big way and fans are invited to be part of an unforgettable tribute to one of Seattle’s most beloved sports stars at T-Mobile Park. Celebration festivities run through Sunday, August 10, with giveaways and all-ages fun at each Mariners game. On Saturday, August 9, the Mariners will officially retire Suzuki’s iconic No. 51 jersey during a special pre-game ceremony at 6 p.m.: Ichiro: Hall of Fame – Seattle Mariners.

🧑‍💻 A new GeekWire feature highlights why startup founders are choosing to grow their businesses in Seattle, citing its tight-knit, supportive, and innovative community. That collaborative spirit, along with a deep local talent pool and proximity to global companies, offers both access to expertise and room to launch bold new ventures. Some notable examples are the partnership between the City of Seattle and AI House, as well as our partnership in the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub. Seattle continues to attract innovators looking to scale in a connected, supportive environment, helping fuel our region’s economic growth.

Exterior storefront view of Urban Family Brewing with outdoor seating

Credit: Urban Family Brewing

🍻 Urban Family Brewing is set to expand with a stunning new Waterfront location. The 8,500 square foot space will feature a covered patio and an interior bar and eatery with beer, cocktails, local wine, coffee, and a full food menu. The new taproom, expected to open in early 2026, promises to bring scenic Waterfront views and add to the vibrant community energy in Downtown: Urban Family Brewing to open waterfront taproom near Pier 55 – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Looking ahead

🎵🎧 Friday, August 8, international DJ Taylah Elaine will bring energetic electronic beats to Westlake Park as part of the free Downtown Summer Sounds concert series. From 12 – 1:30 p.m., join neighbors and music lovers for midday grooves and community fun.

Hai! Japantown promotional graphic with green illustrations of fish, tea pot, plants, and matcha

Credit: Japantown Seattle

🍵 The Chinatown-International District will come alive for Hai! Japantown, a celebration of Japanese art, culture, and community. Enjoy live music, pop-ups, art exhibitions, and special offerings from neighborhood shops and restaurants, all honoring Seattle’s rich Japanese culture. The event takes place Saturday, August 9.

🍜 Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10 from 4 – 9 p.m., Pier 58 will host the So Taiwaneasy Festival, a lively night market celebrating Taiwanese culture. Authentic street food, music, and cultural performances highlight the first major event at the reimagined Waterfront Park. The free, family-friendly event offers visitors the chance to experience Taiwanese flavors and festivities without leaving Seattle.