GNDT September 4 – 9

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 09/09/2025 03:17 PM PDT

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.

Mayor Bruce Harrell with other City employees and partners cutting a ribbon to celebrate the Waterfront Park grand opening

A project two decades in the making, finally completed! 🌊🎉

Seattle celebrated the grand opening of the transformed Waterfront Park this weekend. After 20 years of planning, construction, and community-driven efforts, this weekend marked a once-in-a-generation moment that reconnects Downtown with the Waterfront.

The all-day celebration featured live performances by local artists, immersive art installations, food trucks, parades, and family-friendly amenities across the new 20-acre park. This milestone highlights how thoughtful urban renewal and investment in public spaces can create innovative, inclusive environments that restore civic pride and draw communities back to the heart of Downtown.

Weekly digest

An installation of giant puppets at the Seattle Waterfront

Credit: Daniel Spils

Also, part of the newly renovated Waterfront – Guests, a whimsical new art installation by artist Ann Hamilton. This piece features 42 larger-than-life puppet-like figures nestled beneath the Overlook Walk. By day they spark curiosity, and by night they glow to create a magical “nocturnal puppet theater”, inviting everyone to experience art and play on the new Waterfront: Art x NW: Seattle Waterfront pops with new people — and puppets – Cascade PBS.

🏈🚶 The Seahawks’ 50th season is bringing excitement and crowds to Pioneer Square and the Waterfront! The increased foot traffic is boosting local businesses and reflects the powerful role of sporting events in supporting economic drivers Downtown: Seahawks’ 50th season brings surge of visitors to Pioneer Square and waterfront.

📕Educational opportunities in the Chinatown-International District are growing: bilingual preschool offerings in the C-ID are doubling from one classroom to two with the opening of a new learning space. This expansion brings critical early education support to more C-ID families, honoring home languages and cultural heritage in a neighborhood-driven way.

The Opioid Recovery and Care Access Center opened Downtown in late August, marking a step forward in supporting community health. The state-of-the-art facility aims to provide life-saving care and resources to those battling substance use, offering compassionate support and innovative treatments. This initiative reflects the City’s dedication to fostering a healthier future for all: ORCA overdose treatment center opens in Downtown Seattle – Cascade PBS.

Looking ahead

📅 Mark your calendars for Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias this weekend, September 13 – 14! Part of Festál series at the Seattle Center, this free festival invites neighbors to enjoy vibrant music, dance, and cultural celebrations honoring Latinx heritage in the heart of the city.

The Monorail in motion as a dancer performs inside it

Credit: Allina Yang Photography

💃 Experience dance in motion – on the monorail. "Chapter 2: Psychogeographic Drifts," a free performance choreographed by Alice Gosti/MALACARNE will allow passengers to experience contemporary dance numbers by local artists while riding the monorail on Wednesday, September 17: Seattle Center Monorail hosts one-of-a-kind dance performance – Seattle Times.

🎭 Art and Culture Week returns to Pioneer Square and throughout Seattle! The festival brings free visual art, theater, music, poetry, opera, and more to over 12 creative venues. Each location will transform into a hub of expression and creativity, perfect for discovering new artists, immersive performances, and the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Seattle. Join the fun from Saturday 20 through Sunday, September 27: Art and Culture Week / Seattle – Visit Pioneer Square.