GNDT July 8 – 14

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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.


Tanya Nguyen (left), owner of ChuMinh Tofu and Vegas Deli, and Pablo Cordoba, with her husband and business partner

Tanya Nguyen (left), owner of ChuMinh Tofu and Vegan Deli, with Pablo Cordoba, her husband and business partner. (Credit: James Tabafunda)

Little Saigon restaurant shares Seattle's flavors with the world! 😋🥖

A Little Saigon business served up some of Seattle's best food to fans from all over the globe during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup! ChuMinh Tofu and Vegan Deli served their delicious vegan Vietnamese dishes, along with some non-vegan options, to international journalists at Seattle's FIFA International Media Center, and the food was hit.

Throughout the tournament, Downtown's small businesses welcomed visitors from around the world and showcased the flavors that define Seattle's neighborhoods. ChuMinh brought the rich culinary traditions of Little Saigon to a global audience, leaving a memorable impression long after the final match: Couple brings Little Saigon flavors to World Cup stage – NW Asian Weekly.

ChuMinh Tofu is a recipient of our Tenant Improvement Program. Through the program, our office helped them purchase new equipment to support their business growth (read story here).

Weekly digest

A crowded Link station during a 2026 FIFA World Cup game in Downtown Seattle

Credit: Sound Transit

🚇 Sound Transit reached new milestones during Seattle's World Cup hosting run, setting both daily and monthly ridership records. The agency recorded approximately 5.4 million boardings in June, with a record 309,000 riders on July 6 during the U.S. vs. Belgium match. By providing all-day peak service throughout the tournament, public transit helped residents and visitors travel seamlessly to matches, fan events, and celebrations across Downtown: Sound Transit’s World Cup all-day peak service contributed to 5.4M rides in June – KOMO News.


⚾🌭 Fans heading to T-Mobile Park this summer will find plenty of new food and beverage options waiting for them during the second half of the Mariners’ season. The refreshed lineup features a host of new menu items from local restaurants alongside creative twists on classic ballpark favorites, giving visitors even more ways to experience Seattle's vibrant food scene while cheering on the Mariners: Food at T-Mobile Park – Seattle Mariners.


A person open the shop’s soft serve window to a waiting line

Credit: Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times

🍦 One of Pioneer Square's sweetest summer tradition is back! The Pastry Project reopened its popular soft serve window, bringing locals and visitors together over nostalgic treats and delicious summer collaborations. Every cone sold supports The Pastry Project's nonprofit pastry program, which provides 12 weeks of training for aspiring bakers who may not have access to traditional culinary schools. The soft serve window is a sweet way to cool off this summer while supporting the next generation of Seattle's pastry talent: The Pastry Project’s soft serve window delivers delicious nostalgia – The Seattle Times.


🎵 The Downtown Summer Sounds concert series is back, bringing free live music performances to the heart of the city. The program features a diverse lineup of big-name national artists alongside beloved local acts, spanning various genres and offering something for everyone. Organized by the Downtown Seattle Association, the series runs through Aug. 28 across various Downtown venues, helping revitalize the city center and bring locals and visitors together: Free Seattle concert series Downtown Summer Sounds makes its return – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

An illustration of the Seattle Chinatown gate

Credit: C-ID Celebration

🏮🐉 Celebrate the culture, food, and community of the Chinatown-International District at the free C-ID Celebration in Hing Hay Park this weekend! This Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., enjoy live performances, dragon and lion dances, local vendors, and delicious food while supporting one of Seattle's most vibrant neighborhoods.


🎨🖼️ Celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Seattle Art Fair as galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts gather at Lumen Field Event Center for one of the Pacific Northwest's premier cultural events. The four-day fair from Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26 showcases modern and contemporary art alongside innovative public programming, spotlighting Seattle's booming arts community.


People browsing through food vendors at the Bite of Seattle

Credit: Bite of Seattle

🍕🥙 Bring your appetite to the Bite of Seattle. The Pacific Northwest's largest food festival returns to Seattle Center on Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy three days of local food, live performances, and family-friendly entertainment with free admission for all.


🏢 Discover some of Downtown’s hidden architectural gems on a free Hidden Spaces and Public Places walking tour led by the Seattle Architecture Foundation on Friday, July 24, from 12 – 2 p.m. Meet at the Westlake Park Stage for a two-hour exploration of public parks, plazas, and open spaces across Downtown.


🌊🍴 Elevate your lunch hour with waterfront views. Food trucks arrived at Pier 69, bringing some of Seattle's best local eats straight to the Waterfront. Stop by weekdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to grab a delicious bit with a view!