Friends of Waterfront Park | Seattle Events, Activities, and More!

Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration. Photo by Brandon Patoc.

Announcing our 2026 Summer Season

Join us for live music, cultural programming, markets, pop‑ups and more!

Explore the full summer lineup

Waterfront Park. Photo by Erik Holsather.

Two Years, Two Heros: Celebrating Hero of the Deep Honorees

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This rendering showcases the proposed design for the Community Wall at Overlook Walk, featuring botanical tokens representing the contributions of community members.

Rendering of the Community Wall provided by Studio Matthews.

Leave Your Mark on Waterfront Park

Help shape the future of the waterfront! Reserve a botanical token on our community wall or discover other ways to support this vibrant space. Visit our blog post to learn more.

Explore Ways to Support

Park Promenade at Waterfront Park. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Waterfront Park Promenade. Photo by Jo Cosme.

This photo captures a peaceful moment on the waterfront pier as the sun sets over the water.

Park visitors enjoy a serene sunset at Pier 62. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Plan Your Next Visit

Make the most of your time at the waterfront! Check out the links below to make planning your next visit a breeze.

For more information about park access and upcoming closures, visit Waterfront Park Visitor Updates.

Accessibility Resources Getting to the Park

Latest Stories

Aerial of crowds gathered around dance floor at Pier 58.

Friends Is Ready for Its Best Summer Yet—Here’s What’s Ahead with Our Programming Season

Last year, Waterfront Park introduced itself to Seattle. This summer, we at Friends are inviting everyone to settle in and make it a season to remember. After welcoming more than 3.4 million people during its landmark 2025 Grand Opening Season, Friends of Waterfront Park announces its 2026 Programming Season—a bold, community-centered calendar of free events, ...

A diverse crowd of families, children and community members gather at Waterfront Park's Grand Opening Celebration, many seated on the ground watching a performance.

Become a Friend to Friends of Waterfront Park with a Gift

When the Nisqually earthquake rattled Seattle and the broader region in 2001, it set in motion a comprehensive effort to reimagine our waterfront and remove a massive 1950’s highway that divided our downtown. After decades of advocacy by the community, Friends, and civic leaders, boring machine breakdowns that delayed the new HW 99 tunnel, and a massive fundraising effort, Waterfront Park has been fully come to life. All 20 acres of new public ...

Two Years, Two Heroes: Friends Celebrates Hero of the Deep Honorees

Blog Summary: Former Friends board chair Maggie Walker was named a 2026 Hero of the Deep by the Seattle Kraken and One Roof Foundation, recognized for her decades of civic leadership, philanthropic investment and steadfast commitment to inclusion and equity in public spaces. Friends public programs manager and Indigenous programs curator Jordan Remington received the same honor ...

People sitting on furniture at Pier 62 during 2024 Pier Party.

Join us for Pier Party: A night of what we build at Friends

Our signature summer fundraiser, Pier Party is back! We’re doing what we do best— bringing together the artists, neighbors, performers, and partners who make Waterfront Park feel like home. Save the date for Friday, July 17 for a night of live music, immersive art, local food and drinks, and the kind of togetherness that reminds you why this place matters. And this year’s theme: Disco! Put on your best shimmer ...

Two Tuli Lodge sauna cabins sit side by side on Pier 62, with guests visible through the windows and the Salish Sea and tree-lined shoreline in the background.

Q&A: How Tuli Lodge’s Pier 62 Activation Built Community at Waterfront Park

Blog summary: Tuli Lodge turned Pier 62 into a neighborhood gathering place this winter—proof that a sauna, a cold plunge, and a stunning waterfront view are all you need to bring strangers together and keep the park buzzing even on the greyest Seattle days. For founder Hannah Goldstein, the Pier 62 activation was where Tuli ...

Visitors strolling near Boon Boona Coffee at Overlook Walk. Photo by Kaily Serralta.

A Cup of Belonging: How Boon Boona Coffee Brews Community at Overlook Walk Café

Waterfront Park was always meant to be a place to lounge, linger and belong. In Seattle, that same feeling often happens with coffee. Cafés are natural connectors—built on rich aromas, shared tables and easy conversation. In East Africa, coffee carries that same spirit. It’s not just a drink; it’s a daily ritual that brings people together. That’s why ...

Aerial view of Seattle’s central waterfront and downtown skyline, showing piers, a waterfront promenade, ferries, busy streets, and tall buildings stretching inland on a clear day.

A City’s Vision–Now Reality for Generations to Enjoy

Editor’s Note: This is a blog post from the Waterfront Seattle Program. The Waterfront Seattle Program is a collaboration between the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects and City of Seattle departments including the Mayor’s Office, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Planning and Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle Center and ...

A group is performing on a dance floor in the middle of Pier 58 with spectators on the outside.

Waterfront Park’s Grand Opening Season: By the Numbers

Blog Summary: Waterfront Park’s first Grand Opening Season welcomed millions of visits, signaling its arrival as a true everyday gathering place for Seattle, region and beyond. Free, community-centered programs and partnerships brought culture, accessibility, and belonging to life across all 20 acres. With the Park now complete, Friends of Waterfront Park is focused on long-term stewardship—caring for this ...

A large crowd gathers at the Salish Steps at Overlook Walk, watching a group of drummers perform at the center. People fill the stepped seating, upper walkways, and open plaza space, with bright pink umbrellas and small tables scattered throughout.

From Building a Park to Stewarding a Place: Friends Unveils New Leadership and Vision

Waterfront Park has always been about more than new paths, plazas, and viewpoints. It’s about what happens when people finally get to meet their city at the Salish Sea. From 2012 to 2025, Friends of Waterfront Park worked with the City of Seattle, partners, and residents to turn that idea into reality—raising $170 million, convening ...

Aerial view of Waterfront Park from the West side.

A Decade of Community Support: The Campaign for Waterfront Park Hits Goal

Blog Summary: Friends of Waterfront Park has completed the $170 million Campaign for Waterfront Park, the largest philanthropic campaign for public space in Seattle’s history. With the park now open, we’re stepping fully into our new role as its nonprofit steward and year-round host. The celebration doesn’t stop here—gifts to the Annual Fund will help ...

Visitors gathered around a large wood burning fire on Pier 62 during a cloudy day.

Meet Us at Waterfront Park for Fall programs

Blog Summary: From roller discos and firepit socials to cultural festivals and holiday markets, there’s something for all ages and interests. Explore the full lineup and plan your next visit to Seattle’s central gathering place. Waterfront Park is Seattle’s gathering place for every season—and this fall, the calendar is filled with events that bring the ...

Aerial view of Pier 62 and Overlook Walk

Grand Opening Celebration marks a historic moment for Seattle’s Waterfront Park

Blog Summary: We officially opened Waterfront Park—a 20-acre public space where the old viaduct once stood—made for joy, connection, and community. This park came to life thanks to years of teamwork between the City, community partners, donors, and sponsors (and Friends cheering it along the way!). Waterfront Park is here for everyone—to gather, play, and ...

A sunny day at Seattle’s Waterfront Park, where people sit on terraced seating facing Elliott Bay, while others stroll along the promenade. Overlaid speech bubbles read “Meet me at Waterfront Park” on a bright green background.

Meet Me at Waterfront Park: Where New Moments and Memories Are Made

Blog Summary: Seattle’s Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration will be on Saturday, September 6. Meet Me at Waterfront Park is a movement to make this space Seattle’s central gathering place, powered by community. Learn how you can join the celebration, spread the word, and help bring the park to life year-round. Seattle’s waterfront has always ...

A vibrant crowd walks along the landscaped paths of Overlook Walk at Seattle’s Waterfront Park on a sunny day.

Parks for all of us: Why Prop 1 Matters

Blog Summary Parks are where we gather, grow, find solace, and belong. Proposition 1 ensures that King County’s parks and trails remain safe, accessible, and vibrant for generations to come. Let’s invest in the places that bring us together. By Joy Shigaki, President & CEO As a fourth generation Seattleite, I grew up in and ...

Close-up of the Tsutakawa Fountain with water cascading from sculptural bronze forms at Waterfront Park.

Art in Motion: Welcoming Back Tsutakawa’s Fountain to Waterfront Park

Blog Summary The Joshua S. Green, Sr., Fountain by George Tsutakawa has returned to Seattle’s waterfront, newly restored and reinstalled along Columbia Street near its original 1966 site. The fountain honors a legacy of civic generosity and artistic vision, blending cultural traditions, nature, and abstraction in bronze and water. Its return was made possible by ...

Public Restroom, Pedals and Petals at Waterfront Park

Spring has arrived at Waterfront Park, and the season of renewal is in full swing. As the waterfront bursts into bloom, it’s not just the flowers making a statement—new additions to the park are transforming the way visitors move, relax, and connect with nature. Whether you’re cruising along the waterfront on two wheels, stopping for ...

2025 Summer Lineup of Free Events, Culture & Community at Waterfront Park is Here!

This summer, Seattle’s new waterfront invites you to step into something historic. After decades of dreaming, planning, and community input, Waterfront Park is coming to life–not just as a park, but as a civic space shaped by culture, community, and care. From May through September, Friends of Waterfront Park will host over 270 free public ...

A collage of botanical tokens and text that reads Support Waterfront Park and Friends, Leave Your Mark, Make a Gift Today

How to Leave Your Mark on Waterfront Park

Grand opening of Seattle’s newest park is just around the corner, but there is already so much to celebrate: Overlook Walk connecting Pike Place Market to the waterfront, a restored section of beach reflecting the natural landscapes and revitalizing salmon passageways at Habitat Beach, and public art installations throughout the entirety of the 20 acres ...

Vibrant promenade pop-up container at Waterfront Park with people sitting around a cafe table enjoying lunch.

A Summer Spark for Local Business

As summer drew to a close this year, so did our Promenade Pop-Up Vendor Program. In its first year, this program transformed the well-trafficked Promenade into a hub of creativity, community, and commerce. Nine skilled artisans, creators, and micro-business owners brought their crafts to life within four small, semi-permanent shipping containers. Strategically located at the ...

A woman, smiling, stands behind a cozy, floral-decorated café counter with a neon sign that reads “cafecito y chisme.”

Brewing Culture, Community, and Cafecito at Waterfront Park

If you’ve stopped by a firepit social this winter season, you likely caught a glimpse of a vibrant pink and orange sign reading “cafecito & chisme.” That’s Café Calaveras’ recognizable tagline. What started as a pop-up on Pier 62 is now gearing up for a brick-and-mortar space, all thanks to the hustle, heart, and vision ...

A Token of Love for Waterfront Park

Visit Overlook Walk, and you can take in the sweeping views of the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountains. Turn back towards the city, you can see the sunset reflect off the downtown buildings. Among the many awe-inspiring new views in every direction, you may not have noticed the small section of blank wall near ...

Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Invests $5 Million to Support Waterfront Park’s Cultural Programming

Today marks an exciting chapter for Seattle’s arts and culture landscape as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced a transformative $9 million in grants to eight downtown organizations. Friends of Waterfront Park is proud to be the largest recipient, securing $5 million over the next three years to support community-led cultural programming at Seattle’s ...

Microsoft Commits $3.5 Million to Support Friends of Waterfront Park and Activation of Seattle’s Waterfront

Friends of Waterfront Park is excited to announce that Microsoft has made a $3.5 million gift to support the development and activation of Seattle’s Waterfront Park. This generous contribution is a key part of our $170 million comprehensive fundraising Campaign for Waterfront Park, which will transform the waterfront into a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible space ...

February 1, 2026

Seattle Met

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Seattle’s New Waterfront Park Was a Success In Its Opening Season, Drawing Over 3 Million Visitors in 4 Months

January 20, 2026

Secret Seattle

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Seattle’s New Waterfront Park Sees 3.2M Visits in First Season, Boosts Local Economy

January 7, 2026

KOMO News

August 14, 2025

Seattle Magazine

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Salmon Homecoming

Join the 34th annual Salmon Homecoming celebrating Indigenous culture and conservation.

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Seattle Jazz Fellowship I Spotlight at Waterfront Park

Experience performances of jazz music and culture by The Seattle Jazz Fellowship...

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Zumba® Master Classes

Enjoy 90-minute family-friendly Zumba® Master classes!

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Seattle Theatre Group: More Music @ The Moore I Spotlight at Waterfront Park

Experience an evening of music by emerging musicians of all genres.

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2026 WABA Korea Expo & Festival

Experience a Korean cultural festival featuring a marketplace, delicious food, and a...

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206 Zulu’s 15th Annual Beat Masters Competition I Spotlight at Waterfront Park

Experience a head-to-head tournament, special producer showcases, workshops and panel discussions.

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Seattle Qabila Project I Spotlight at Waterfront Park

Celebrate an evening of dynamic rhythm and movement.

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Souk Seattle

Join us for an Arab-inspired pop-up market.

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SEA you at the Waterfront

Join Seattle Aquarium staff for free drop-in programming that will explore art,...

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Boardwalk Bulletin

Announcing our 2026 Summer Season

Two Years, Two Heros: Celebrating Hero of the Deep Honorees

Leave Your Mark on Waterfront Park

Plan Your Next Visit

Latest Stories

Friends Is Ready for Its Best Summer Yet—Here’s What’s Ahead with Our Programming Season

Read More →

Become a Friend to Friends of Waterfront Park with a Gift

Read More →

Two Years, Two Heroes: Friends Celebrates Hero of the Deep Honorees

Read More →

Join us for Pier Party: A night of what we build at Friends

Read More →

Q&A: How Tuli Lodge’s Pier 62 Activation Built Community at Waterfront Park

Read More →

A Cup of Belonging: How Boon Boona Coffee Brews Community at Overlook Walk Café

Read More →

A City’s Vision–Now Reality for Generations to Enjoy

Read More →

Waterfront Park’s Grand Opening Season: By the Numbers

Read More →

From Building a Park to Stewarding a Place: Friends Unveils New Leadership and Vision

Read More →

A Decade of Community Support: The Campaign for Waterfront Park Hits Goal

Read More →

Meet Us at Waterfront Park for Fall programs

Read More →

Grand Opening Celebration marks a historic moment for Seattle’s Waterfront Park

Read More →

Meet Me at Waterfront Park: Where New Moments and Memories Are Made

Read More →

Parks for all of us: Why Prop 1 Matters

Read More →

Art in Motion: Welcoming Back Tsutakawa’s Fountain to Waterfront Park

Read More →

Public Restroom, Pedals and Petals at Waterfront Park

Read More →

2025 Summer Lineup of Free Events, Culture & Community at Waterfront Park is Here!

Read More →

How to Leave Your Mark on Waterfront Park

Read More →

A Summer Spark for Local Business

Read More →

Brewing Culture, Community, and Cafecito at Waterfront Park

Read More →

A Token of Love for Waterfront Park

Read More →

Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Invests $5 Million to Support Waterfront Park’s Cultural Programming

Read More →

Microsoft Commits $3.5 Million to Support Friends of Waterfront Park and Activation of Seattle’s Waterfront

Read More →

National Wellness Month: Moving Towards Wellness on the Waterfront

Read More →

Press & Media

Seattle’s Waterfront Park Shows Why Replacing Highways with Public Parks is Urbanism At Its Best

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Seattle’s Waterfront Park Tops 8 Million Visitors

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Boon Boona Coffee Opens New Waterfront Park Location with Community Celebration

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Seattle26 Expands Free Access to Watch Parties

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Seattle’s FIFA World Cup Fan Fest Will Look Different from Initial Plans

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FIFA World Cup Fan Events to Expand Beyond Seattle Center

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Seattle to Host 4 Free FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Celebration Venues Starting June 11

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Seafair Hosts First-Ever Winter by the Water Event

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Seafair Is Hosting A New Winter Festival At The Seattle Waterfront This Weekend

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Seafair Bringing New Winter Festival to Seattle Waterfront

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