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: Susan Lee Woo

🏮🎨 New street pole banners are appearing throughout the Chinatown-International District, adding color and cultural storytelling for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Led by the C-ID Business Improvement Area, this community-driven project highlights local artists while helping create a lasting visual identity and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors: Seattle’s CID is already getting a World Cup makeover – NW Asian Weekly.

🚢☀️ More people are visiting Downtown as the busy summer travel season approaches. According to the latest Downtown Seattle Association data, foot traffic and hotel demand are on the rise. The Waterfront saw 165,000 visitors in April, an 8% increase from last year, while hotel bookings grew 4%: Downtown Seattle visitor traffic jumps as cruise season gets underway – PSBJ.

Credit: Dougal Brownlie / Roots to Restaurants

🧑‍🍳🍪 Anh Ơi Bake Shop opened in the Chinatown-International District, transforming a vacant storefront into a collaborative bakery that celebrates Asian American flavors and creativity. The bakery grew from an online cookie business into a permanent storefront through Seattle Restored, our program that helps small businesses activate vacant retail spaces across Seattle. The new concept brings rotating bakers and other local small business to Downtown’s growing food and cultural scene: More than a bakery: An O’I creates a shared home for Asian American bakers in Seattle – NW Asian Weekly.

🎬🚗 Seattle’s commercial film industry is driving more than cars through Downtown. Toyota produced their latest commercial in Seattle, featuring Downtown as one of several backdrops used for the production. Local film crews say Seattle’s mix of scenery, experienced talent, and streamlined permitting process were big selling points when selecting Seattle: Toyota commercial spotlights Seattle’s commercial film industry - Bottom Line. 

Looking ahead

⚽🎟️ “The Beautiful Game: How Soccer Connects Us All” opened at MOHAI on Saturday, May 23. This exhibit invites visitors to explore global soccer culture and Seattle’s deep ties to the sport and runs through September 7.

Credit: Carlin Ma

🎶🎷 Step into the Jazz Age with the music of George Gershwin at Benaroya Hall starting this Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31. Seattle Symphony Music Director Xian Zhang will conduct a vibrant program featuring “Piano Concerto in F” with Hélène Grimaud, “Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture,” and “An American in Paris.”

🎬🌏 The Seattle Asian American Film Festival returns May 29 – June 7, kicking off opening night at the Wing Luke Museum this Friday. The festival will celebrate Asian American storytelling, culture, heritage, and the community leaders working to preserve and protect shared legacy across Seattle and beyond.

🌊🚶 Explore Seattle’s evolving shoreline on The City and the Sound: Seattle’s Waterfront on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This guided walk, starting at 1st Ave and Marion St., will highlight Seattle's maritime history and public spaces along the Waterfront, concluding at the Overlook Walk.

Credit: Occidental Square Flea

🛍️👕 The Occidental Square Flea Market returns this Saturday, May 30, from 12 – 5 p.m. Discover vintage curators, local creators, and artisan treasure.