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 us an email.

Weekly digest

Credit: Converge Media

☕🌊 There’s a new spot to grab coffee at the Overlook Walk. Boon Boona Coffee, an awardee of our Small Business Capital Access Program, opened their Waterfront café Saturday with a grand opening celebration. Stop by for coffee sourced exclusively from African coffee growers and farmer cooperatives that you can enjoy with views of Puget Sound. Beyond great coffee, they also support the local community by offering pop-up space to artists, non-profits, and small businesses. 

🖼️ It's Seattle Museum Month! Folks staying at Downtown hotels get half-off admission to participating museums and the Seattle Aquarium. Celebrate both Seattle Museum Month and Black History Month by visiting the Seattle Art Museum for their new exhibition “Expansive Explorations in Black Clay” which showcases contemporary works by Black ceramic artists. ❤️💛💚 The exhibit features richly expressive pieces that explore identity, history, and culture through clay, highlighting voices and perspectives that have often been overlooked in fine art: For Black History Month, expansive explorations in ‘Black Clay’ – Cascade PBS.

Credit: ORCA

🚌💳 Getting around Downtown is getting even easier, thanks to a new “Tap to Pay” feature on all Seattle region transit systems. The ORCA transit system is rolling out an upgrade that lets riders pay fares by tapping their credit card or smartphone, no ORCA card required. The feature is currently available on the G Line, a rapid transit route, and will expand to more routes later this month: Seattle’s ORCA transit system gets major tech upgrade with new ‘Tap to Pay’ feature – Geekwire.

🏢🏙️ Board and Vellum, a popular Seattle design studio and creative space, is moving its headquarters to Pioneer Square’s iconic Smith Tower, bringing more creative industry presence and talent to the historic neighborhood. Founder Jeff Pelletier says the new location will allow them to better serve clients and collaborate with local partners: Board and Vellum is Moving to Pioneer Square – Board and Vellum.

Credit: Pioneer Square

🖨️📃 Welcome to Gallery No. 85! The new gallery in Pioneer Square showcases contemporary printmaking and works on paper by a diverse range of local and international artists: New Pioneer Square art gallery opens in former Davidson space – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

💗💖 Gather your galentines for a night of celebrating female friendships! Transcend Fashion & Upcycling Studio, a Seattle Restored pop-up in Pacific Place, is hosting a Galentine’s party Friday, February 13 from 5 – 8 p.m. Shop local, talk about relationships, and enjoy the vibes.

Credit: Downtown Seattle Association

💐💝 Brighten up your Valentine’s Day with a free flower pop-up at Occidental Square. Stop by the Pioneer Square park on Saturday, February 14, to grab a free bouquet, while supplies last, courtesy of Goldenrod Floral Design.

🎊🏮 Seattle Center kicks off Festál 2026 this weekend with Tết in Seattle. The free, family-friendly Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, February 14 – 15, inside the Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion.

Credit: The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival

🌷🌼 The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival returns to the Seattle Convention Center February 18 – 22. The Spring Parade will feature over 20 display gardens, more than 115 sessions and learning activities, and thousands of unique treasures in the garden marketplace.