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: Ruth Fremson / The Seattle Times

⚽ Monday’s match between the U.S. and Belgium wrapped up Seattle’s successful run as a host city for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The six matches in Seattle Stadium brought sold-out crowds, record-breaking transit ridership, and hundreds of thousands of visits to fan events and public spaces across Downtown. Seattle also earned national recognition for its fan experience, hospitality, and iconic local traditions, showcasing our city as a vibrant, welcoming destination for visitors from around the world: How the World Cup showed Seattle at its best – Axios Seattle.

🌭 The iconic Seattle Dog was recently named the best hot dog in the U.S. by the New York Times! The beloved local favorite, known for its signature combination of cream cheese, grilled onions, and (sometimes) jalapeños, is a staple of the Downtown street food scene. This national recognition shines a spotlight on one of Seattle’s most distinctive culinary traditions and the vendors who helped make it famous: New York Times names Seattle Dog best hot dog in the country – King 5.

🍸 Downtown’s nightlife scene continues to grow and thrive! Three new cocktail bars in Pioneer Square and the C-ID were featured in The Seattle Times:

• ShibShib brings new energy to a hidden alleyway in the C-ID, pairing Middle Eastern-inspired small plates with great drinks and a lively musical environment.
• Doris brings an intimate 18-seat cocktail bar to Pioneer Square, serving creative takes on classic drinks and a variety of fun shareable plates.
• Spaces Available, a stylish new lounge in Pioneer Square, features an extensive cocktail menu inspired by New York favorites and a great gameday atmosphere.

Credit: Andrew Burke-Stevenson / The Seattle Times

🌎 Downtown welcomed visitors from around the world into the rich culture and traditions of Indigenous communities at Kickin' It Indi-City: An Indigenous Soccer Celebration. Hosted by the Native Action Network at Bell Harbor, the free festival featured traditional dance, art, music, youth sports, and Indigenous-owned businesses. The event celebrated Seattle’s Indigenous heritage and showcased Downtown as a place for cultural connection and global exchange: Belltown soccer celebration introduces World Cup fans to Native customs – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

⚽ Seattle’s World Cup matches may be over, but the gameday excitement continues. A variety of fan experiences are scheduled at locations including Seattle Center, Waterfront Park, Pacific Place, Victory Hall, and the C-ID, providing plenty of ways to keep up the tournament fun through the final on Sunday, July 19.

Credit: CIDBIA

🌞 Make the most of your summer in the C-ID! From watch parties and market series to a parade and more, there's always something fun happening.

• Stamp Book (now – July 6): Pick up a stamp book at any of the 72 participating businesses and receive a stamp for every purchase of $10 or more. Collect stamps to redeem prizes like a limited-edition C-ID soccer scarf, a Nintendo Switch 2, or enter a giveaway for two international round-trip tickets on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines.
• Quarterfinal Watch Party (July 10): Catch the match on the big screen at Hing Hay Park from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free event will feature live performances. RSVP is appreciated.
• Hoa Mai Blooming Summer Market (July 11):🌸 Explore the flavors and culture of Little Saigon at Hoa Mai Park on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy specialty food and drinks, shop from local vendors, and experience live music at this free, family-friendly event.
• Final Match Watch Party (July 19): Watch the championship match on the big screen at Theatre Off Jackson from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. There will also be a screening of "Bend It Like Beckham" following the match. RSVP is appreciated.
• Seattle Chinatown Seafair Parade (July 19): The parade features lion and dragon dances, the Seattle Chinese Girls Drill Team, martial arts, and many more local community groups from the Greater Seattle area.

🌊 Head to Pier 58 on Saturday, July 11 from 1 – 6 p.m. for Fit Melanin Summer, a free celebration of health, wellness, and culture within the BIPOC community. The event features fitness classes, live music, local BIPOC-owned businesses, family games, and delicious food vendors right at the Waterfront.

Credit: Alan Berner / The Seattle Times

🍺🛍️ Experience the vibrant culture of the Polish Festival on July 11, from 12 – 7 p.m. at the Armory Food and Event Hall and Mural Amphitheatre. Free and open to the public, this Seattle Center Festál event features Polish food, a beer garden, live music, performances, and a vendor marketplace filled with traditional crafts and merchandise.