GNDT February 19 – 24

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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 us an email.


Performers dancing with umbrellas during Seafair's Winter by the Water festival

Credit: Seafair Festival

Seafair’s first-ever Winter by the Water festival brings celebrations to the Waterfront ❄️🌊

Seafair brought a fresh wave of energy and crowds to the Waterfront with the launch of its first-ever Winter by the Water festival. Designed to showcase the city’s transformed shoreline, the festival brought people to the Waterfront with interactive activities, live entertainment, local vendors, and a scavenger hunt. Visitors have new reasons to explore and support local businesses during the winter months: Seafair Winter by the Water is organization’s first non-summer event – The Seattle Times.

Weekly digest

New neon Pike Place Market sign on a parking garage

Credit: Pike Place Market

🎉✨ Pike Place Market unveiled its first large neon sign in nearly 100 years, adding a bold new visual landmark to one of Seattle’s most iconic destinations. The sign greets drivers and visitors arriving from the freeway and Waterfront, improving navigation and attracting more visitors: New neon in town: Pike Place Market gets first new sign in nearly 100 years – KOMO News.


🍷❤️ Saanj Winery will open its first brick-and-mortar wine bar this summer at KOMO Plaza, bringing a locally-owned tasting experience to Downtown. The Walla Walla-based winery is known for highlighting South Asian culture alongside Washington wines. The winery plans to use this space to highlight local music and create an inclusive environment for all wine-lovers: Seattle winery to open its first brick-and-mortar location – Puget Sound Business Journal.


A person using a Discover credit card with ORCA's new contactless "Tap to Pay" feature

Credit: ORCA

🚌📱 ORCA hit a major milestone this week with the launch of “Tap to Pay” across buses, light rail, Sounder trains, and the Seattle Streetcar. Riders can now tap a credit card, debit card, or use a digital wallet like Apple Pay and Google Pay, eliminating the need for a physical ORCA card. This update expands transportation access for daily riders and visitors, making it more accessible to get Downtown and around the city: ORCA launching Tap to Pay for Link Light Rail, Metro buses – FOX 13 Seattle.

Looking ahead

🎵🎼 The Seattle Symphony will present Elden Ring: Symphonic Adventure at Benaroya Hall on February 25 and 26. This unique concert blends a full orchestra and choir with the epic music from the acclaimed video game Elden Ring, bringing its iconic soundtrack and dramatic story to life with immersive visuals and sweeping compositions.


🧾💟 Support Black-owned businesses with the Intentionalist's "Receipt and Receive" campaign. Turn your spending into a way to celebrate Black History Month and support economic equity. Upload a receipt from a purchase at a Black-owned business between February 1 – 28 for a chance to win prizes from your favorite sports teams and the Intentionalist.


An illustration of Bruce Lee accompanied by a backdrop of the Seattle skyline and the C-ID gate adorned with floating lanterns

Credit: Seattle Children's Theatre

🐉🥋 Discover Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story at the Seattle Children's Theatre, running through March 29. This performance dives into the life and legacy of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, exploring his early struggles in Seattle, groundbreaking achievements, and enduring influence on culture.