GNDT September 2 – September 15

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 09/15/2026 04:16 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.

A rooftop garden atop a downtown building with trees, people, and tables.

Credit: West8 Seattle / Geekwire

Growing companies put down their roots Downtown 🌱🏢

Two major employers are expanding their presence by opening new offices Downtown. Fusion energy company Helion opened a 15,000 square foot office with plans to grow its Downtown team to 100 employees. General Motors also signed a lease for 43,000 square feet in Denny Triangle, where it will bring together approximately 200 remote Seattle-area employees next year.

Helion’s work in clean energy and GM’s growing investment in technology highlights Downtown’s potential as a home for emerging industries. By connecting Seattle’s deep talent pool with new industries and employers, these expansions point toward a stronger and more diverse Seattle economy.

Weekly digest

Large crowd browsing illuminated vendor stalls at a night market, with a traditional Chinese gate and clock tower in the background.

Credit: Cham Bunphoath / The Seattle Times

🏮The C-ID Night Market earned the third-ranked spot on TimeOut’s list of “The best night markets in the U.S.A.” Last year’s event drew around 20,000 people! This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, featuring dozens of local vendors, food, arts, cultural performances, and more: CID Night Market lands No. 3 in national ranking – NW Asian Weekly.

🏈 Seahawks fans packed Occidental Mall ahead of the team’s home opener, where local business HOMETEAM hosted a free outdoor watch party on the same 25-foot screen previously used for 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup watch parties. The gathering brought the energy of this summer’s World Cup celebrations back to the neighborhood while drawing more customers to nearby businesses: Fans flood Seattle’s Pioneer Square ahead of Seahawks home opener – KOMO.

Two people browse a pink slatwall display of cream tote bags reading "Inconvenience Store" with slanted emoji faces and "SORRY" gift bags.

Credit: Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times

Check out funky reimagined convenience store items like a giant milk carton or a fabric corn dog at the art pop-up “Inconvenience Store,” located at Third Avenue and Pine Street. The exhibit will feature interactive elements as well as items for sale: Old 7-Eleven in downtown Seattle becomes ‘Inconvenience Store’ exhibit – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

Three long canoes, filled with people rowing, on the water on a sunny day.

Credit: Jo Cosme / Friends of Waterfront Park

🐟 The 34th annual Salmon Homecoming will celebrate Indigenous culture and conservation on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Pier 58 and Pier 62. The free, all-ages gathering brings people together on the Waterfront to honor salmon through Indigenous traditions and community celebration.

🎊 Celebrate Latino heritage and independence at Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20, at Seattle Center. The free festival features live music, traditional dance, Latin American food, and children’s activities.

Two giant cartoon figures stride over a Seattle Streetcar at Broadway & Denny, one in a red suit, the other lifting a massive orange shoe.

Credit: WALKDONTRUN

Walk through an immersive art experience at Seattle’s WALKDONTRUN on Saturday, Sept. 19, 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. The free event will feature hundreds of artists, including live performances, across 20 city blocks from Westlake Park to Pioneer Square.

🤝 Lend a hand on Saturday, Sept. 26, for Show Up, Seattle! Day of Service. Volunteer opportunities are available in Downtown neighborhoods and across the city. Make sure to sign up to take part by Wednesday, Sept. 23.

🍝 Get ready to mangia at the 39th annual Italian Festival, Sept. 26 and 27 at the Seattle Center Armory! This family-friendly event will include a bocce tournament, pizza toss, Venetian mask painting, and more. This event is part of the Seattle Center Festál series, a collection of 25 free festivals throughout the year to celebrate the cultures of Pacific Northwest residents.