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: FWC26Seattle

⚽ The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup brought more people Downtown! New data from the Downtown Seattle Association’s Downtown Dashboard shows more than 3 million people visited Downtown across Seattle's six match days, reflecting a 17% increase in foot traffic compared to 2025. The tournament also fueled a surge in travel: Alaska Airlines reported a 130% increase in demand from Asia and Australia and a 50% jump in last-minute bookings to Seattle: As World Cup ends, Seattle hopes to measure lasting impact on soccer culture – King 5.

🎻 Downtown’s arts community is growing! Seattle Chamber Music Society recently announced plans for a new permanent home inside the renovated U.S. Bank Center at Sixth Avenue and Union Street. Set to open in 2028, the new Center for Chamber Music will be Seattle's first concert hall designed exclusively for chamber music performances: New downtown Seattle music venue planned for office tower – The Seattle Times.

🏢 For the first time in four years, companies in Seattle's office market leased more space than they vacated, marking a major turning point. AI and technology firms accounted for nearly half of all leasing activity; a trend reflected by Anthropic's planned 110,000-square-foot expansion Downtown and the continued growth of AI House's startup ecosystem at Pier 70: Seattle region’s office market shows signs of life as AI companies bring stability – GeekWire.

Credit: Makena Yee

🍴 The Infatuation just released "The Most Fun Dinner Spots in Seattle," and six of those spots are right in Downtown.

• Bellwether BBQ and Grill is known for its hot bar, stacked with purple rice, chicken wings, chow mein, and cheesy corn.
• Kilig is a solid choice for lunch or a casual dinner. They also host Mahjong Mondays on the first and third Monday of each month, with ube sodas, cheeseburgers, fries, and pork lumpia.
• Lenox in Belltown is a great date night option, serving Afro-Latin soul food and cocktails in a lively, resort-like setting.
• Maneki, Seattle's longest-running Japanese restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience in their private tatami rooms, where you can enjoy excellent nigiri, tempura, noodles, and sake.
• The Pink Door near Pike Place Market offers a unique Italian dining experience, with classic dishes like lasagna and linguine with clams, plus acrobats performing overhead.
• Vindicktive Wings may look like your average sports bar, but 99-cent wings on Wednesdays and loud music make for a fun, chaotic night out.

Looking ahead

Credit: Seafair

🎆 The Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade returns to the Waterfront this weekend on Saturday, July 25. In its second year along its new route, the beloved Seattle tradition features dazzling floats, marching bands, and cultural performances along the Waterfront. The free parade begins at Pier 70 at 7:30 p.m. and travels south along the Waterfront, ending at the ferry and water taxi terminal.

Credit: @cidseattle

🧋 Explore the Chinatown-International District one bite at a time during the C-ID Food Walk! Participating businesses throughout the neighborhood will offer special $6 and $8 menu items and exclusive discounts on Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pick up a printed menu at the CIDBIA information booth in Hing Hay Park, map out your route, and discover some of the district's incredible local restaurants and shops.

🍵 Take a break in Westlake Park at Bonito Café! Now through September 8, head to the special pop-up location for coffee, light bites, and happy hour specials. Stop by Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 – 7 p.m. for happy hour or during the day to relax, recharge, and enjoy the summer atmosphere.

🦅 Head to First and Pike Plaza on Wednesday, July 29 from 12 – 1 p.m. for Birds in the Plaza, a free opportunity to meet falcons, hawks, and other raptors up close. Presented in partnership with The Falconer, this unique lunchtime event offers a memorable way to experience wildlife in the heart of Downtown.