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: Barnes & Noble

📖🏙️ Barnes & Noble returns to Downtown next month! The new, two-level, 17,000-square-foot store is set to open May 6 at the corner of Pike Street and Sixth Avenue: Barnes & Noble set to reopen in downtown Seattle, signaling retail momentum, DSA says – King 5.

🖼️🧑‍🎨 A new art gallery in Pioneer Square aims to showcase cultural connections between cities and communities. ANTiPODE Art Gallery, a space founded by longtime friends and Iranian immigrants Saina Heshmati and Amir Amini, showcases immigrant artists and will host multidisciplinary events that blend visual art with music, film, and performance: New Pioneer Square art gallery focuses on immigrant art – The Seattle Times.

📱🎟️ Downtown’s arts scene is getting a playful boost with the launch of ViewPoints. The new loyalty app from local nonprofit Shunpike rewards residents for exploring arts, culture, and entertainment across Downtown and Seattle. Users earn points by checking in at venues like the KEXP Gathering Space, The Triple Door, and other neighborhood galleries that they can redeem for perks such as show tickets, art classes, discounts, and behind-the-scenes experiences: Free Seattle art experiences? There is a rewards app for that – The Seattle Times.

Credit: Kevin Clark / The Seattle Times

💙⚾ The Mariners unveiled a statue of 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Ichiro Suzuki this weekend, honoring his legendary career. The statue captures Ichiro's classic batting stance, with his right arm extended toward the pitcher and his left arm folded across his chest. The ceremony honored Ichiro’s extraordinary legacy and cemented his place alongside other franchise icons: Mariners unveil broken Ichiro statue outside of T-Mobile Park – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

💕🧚 Experience A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Benaroya Hall on April 16 – 19, where Shakespeare’s classic comedy is brought to life alongside Mendelssohn’s iconic music like the famous “Wedding March.” Get your tickets for an evening of theatre and orchestral performance blending story, humor, and music.

🎶🎭 Get your tickets for the return of Les Misérables at the Paramount Theatre Seattle. One of the most performed musicals in the world brings its powerful story and signature score back to the Seattle stage now through Sunday, April 19.

Credit: Seattle Restaurant Week

😋🍴 Get ready foodies! Seattle Restaurant Week returns this weekend, running from April 19 – May 2. Hundreds of restaurants in Downtown and across the city are featuring special curated menus at various price points. It's the perfect time to explore new spots, support local businesses, and enjoy some delicious food.

🦷👓 If you or a loved one need services like dental cleanings, vision care, or even mammograms, the Seattle/King County Clinic returns to Seattle Center April 23 – 26. Thousands of volunteers offer free care, serving as a major community resource to ensure essential health services are available to anyone who needs them.

Credit: Pioneer Square

🌹🎨 Craft your own floral masterpiece in Pioneer Square at the Paper Flower Bouquet Workshop with MiYoung Margolis! Join the Seattle-based contemporary artist from Seoul on Saturday, April 25, to create a charming bouquet of rose-like flowers using repurposed Korean mulberry paper and adding your own splash of color with watercolors or acrylic pens. All materials are provided, and beginners and experienced crafters alike are welcome.