GNDT August 19 – 25

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/25/2026 03:04 PM PDT

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.

An overhead view of a packed parade in downtown Seattle with the Ferris wheel and waterfront visible

Credit: Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade

Downtown welcomed more than 3.7 million visitors in July! ☀️🎉

More people are choosing to spend time Downtown this summer, and new data shows that momentum continues well beyond the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup celebrations. According to the Downtown Seattle Association’s Downtown Dashboard, we welcomed more than 3.7 million visitors in July. The Waterfront also attracted more than 350,000 visitors, setting a monthly record of more than 25,000 people.

Public transit also saw record ridership beyond work-week commutes: the Link light rail averaged 123,000 riders on Sundays in July, marking Sound Transit’s highest Sunday ridership for any month in Sound Transit history: Downtown Seattle tops 3.7 million July visitors as waterfront trips & light rail use rise – KOMO.

Weekly digest

A group of bakers standing outside of Anh Oi Bake Shop

Credit: Anh Ơi Bake Shop

Anh Ơi Bake Shop in Japantown gives aspiring Asian American bakers a place to share their desserts and the stories behind them. The community-oriented bakery is a current participant in our Seattle Restored program, which matches small businesses with vacant commercial spaces for pop-ups and creative storefronts: Anh Ơi celebrates Seattle’s aspiring Asian bakers and their sweets – The Seattle Times.

🎨 Local artists, curators, and community groups can now apply for a 2027 exhibition space at ARTS in King Street Station! This arts and culture space is dedicated to expanding opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized artists to create and showcase their work. Awards of up to $20,000 are available and applications closes on Tuesday, September 29: Open Call for 2027 ARTS at King Street Station Exhibitions – Art Beat.

King County office workers will be heading back to the King County Administration Building. Although 16,000 employees currently work in the office two days a week, starting in September, 12,800 employees will work in office three days a week. This shift means more foot traffic flowing through Downtown providing a boost for local businesses and adding to the vibrancy: More King County workers to return to downtown Seattle – The Center Square.

A photo of a colorful spread of sub sandwiches, chopped cheese, and chips on checkered blue and white wax paper.

Credit: Nate Watters / The Infatuation

🍴 The Infatuation released a new list of the best spots of the summer, and multiple Downtown favorites made the list:

🍹 DeLaurenti Spritz Bar pours refreshing Italian spritzes on the second floor of its specialty food shop in Pike Place Market.
🍻 Here Today Brewery and Kitchen offers local brews, a lively atmosphere, and outdoor seating near Olympic Sculpture Park.
Little Ben’s Rooftop Bar provides stunning views and fun cocktails above restaurant Ben Paris near Pike Place Market.
🥪 Louie’s Deli serves delicious cold-cut sandwiches in its Pioneer Square storefront – be sure to get there early!

Looking ahead

A group of beatmakers onstage at the seventh annual Beat Masters Beat Battle in 2018.

Credit: LeLeita McKill / Seattle Times

🎤 Watch talented local music producers go head-to-head at the 15th annual Beat Masters Battle on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29.

🌃 Join us at Pike Place Market for "The Night Shift" this Friday, August 28, from 3 – 9 p.m. Held on the fourth Friday of every month through October, this free evening series celebrates local art, music, food, and live performances. We're partnering with Pike Place Market to transform the iconic space into an after-hours cultural hub, supporting Seattle's vibrant nighttime economy.

🛍️ Aqui Mercado returns this Saturday, August 29, from 12 – 6 p.m., at Occidental Park. Browse through vintage goods, local vendors, live music, food and drinks, and more.

Overhead of Seattle waterfront with crowds and people playing on a large playground.

Credit: Erik Holsather / Friends of Waterfront Park

🎉 Enjoy live music and food trucks at the fifth annual Waterfront Block Party on Saturday, August 29, 1 – 8 p.m.

🎸 Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival returns to Seattle Center from Saturday, September 5 – Sunday, September 6. There’s still time to get your pass!