Hi all,

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

This week kicks off National Small Business Week, and as you may know, I got my start as a small business owner with my business Cintli at Pike Place Market. The Market holds a special place in my heart. It was the first home for my business and remains the home for Ventures Marketplace, part of the nonprofit I founded. Ventures helps incubate and grow businesses owned by BIPOC-, women-, LGBTQ+- and minority-owned businesses, and individuals with limited resources with technical assistance, access to capital, training, and ongoing support.

Small businesses are the heart of our Downtown neighborhoods, making the city center so special. From cafes, restaurants, boutique retail, galleries, and curated experiences, Downtown is bursting with charm and there’s something for everybody to enjoy. That’s why we have so many dedicated services for small businesses and are focusing even more resources on making our Downtown active, vibrant, and welcoming as we approach the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

I believe that when small businesses win, Seattle wins too. I encourage you to take a look at how we are supporting businesses ahead of the Seattle summer of sports and how your business might benefit from our programs and resources.

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.

Warmly,
Beto Yarce
Acting Director, Seattle Office of Economic Development

Weekly digest

Credit: Nick Wagner / The Seattle Times

📕 Seattle Public Library is reporting a record 330,000 active users and sustained daily activity at the Central Library in Downtown. The library system also hosted thousands of programs and services throughout the year, reinforcing its role as a central civic space where residents come together to learn and gather: Seattle Public Library sees record number of visitors in 2025 – The Seattle Times.

🎬🎥 Seattle is growing its commercial film sector, a steady driver of jobs and local spending, with a new initiative focused on attracting more advertising and corporate production. With iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, the Seattle Great Wheel, and our incredible Waterfront, Downtown is becoming a more desirable location to film. The effort targets $5 to $10 million in new revenue and up to 200 jobs, helping diversify Downtown economic activity while bringing added visibility to the city: Seattle wants more TV commercials made here to boost local film industry – The Seattle Times.

Credit: Jose Moreno

⚽ With the first 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup matches kicking off in just over a month, the city is buzzing with excitement. To commemorate Seattle Stadium's role as a host venue for six matches, the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee unveiled “Vital Spirit,” a nine-foot sculpture by renowned local sculptor Gerard Tsutakawa. Community partners, donors, stadium leaders, and City leadership including Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt, celebrated the new sculpture: Seattle unveils new sculpture celebrating 2026 World Cup at renamed Lumen Field – KOMO News.

🍣🍜 In the Chinatown-International District, a new sushi spot is adding to the neighborhood’s growing late-night and special-occasion dining scene with intimate counter and balcony seating. The restaurant is quickly becoming a community go-to: Kakurenbo picks up where Tsukushinbo left off – with great snacks and sushi – The Infatuation.

🍴🚶If you’re looking for even more restaurants to check out in the C-ID, Kenji Lopez-Alt has you covered. The chef and author shared an eight-stop walking tour of the neighborhood, filled with lots of places to check out for a bite.

Credit: Garrett Rowland

🏓 Indoor pickleball facilities are rapidly reshaping recreation across Seattle, including at Urban Pickleball inside the Rainier Square tower in Downtown. The former hotel ballroom- turned pickleball court reflects how demand for year-round recreation is driving new uses of urban space in the city center: Seattle-area private pickleball clubs: 5 new ones to go to – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

Credit: Downtown Seattle Association

📖✨ Barnes & Noble is opening its new Downtown store on Wednesday, May 6, at 9 a.m. Located at 520 Pike Street, the store's grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a book signing with fantasy author Robin Hobb.

🛍️🌇 Stop by the First Thursday Sunset Market at Occidental Square on Thursday, May 7 from 5 – 9 p.m. to browse vintage finds and unique goods from rotating local vendors during Pioneer Square’s monthly art walk.

🎨 It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Explore Layered Being: A Celebration of AAPINH Heritage at the Seattle Public Library from May 7 – June 24, featuring 17 artists from across the Pacific Northwest exploring identity, culture, and heritage through mixed media work.

Credit: Seattle World's Vintage Fair

🧥 Stop by the Seattle World’s Vintage Fair at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Discover a marketplace of vintage clothing, antiques, records, and collectibles from dealers across the Pacific Northwest, plus live auctions, workshops, and special exhibits under the Space Needle.

☕ Miero Coffee Bar in the Chinatown-International District is hosting Rolled Flour, a weekly Sunday pop-up featuring unique cinnamon rolls in rotating flavors. Pre-order begins Wednesdays at 11 a.m. with your sweet treat pick-up the following Sunday.