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 intersections of Seneca Street and Spring Street along Alaskan Way, these pop-up shops showcased an inspiring variety of art, jewelry, body care, apparel, and pottery.

With nearly 5 million visitors exploring the park during the summer according to the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association, the program showcased the vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity and the flourishing talent that defines Seattle.

“Our interest in the Vendor Program is not only a retail experience, but to enable visitors, as well as locals, to have a learning experience about the Native American communities of the PNW through sharing our knowledge and stories. Our pieces tell a story..” – Michelle Price, Owner Sweet Native Expressions

Showcasing Artistry and Identity

Designed to weave our city’s creative and local business community into the cultural fabric of Waterfront Park, the program showcased an extraordinary blend of artistry and heritage. Vendors from our diverse communities—including Haida, Indonesian, Navajo, Afro-Latina, Mexican, Eritrean, and Chinese American communities—offered not just handmade goods, but stories and traditions that enriched the visitor experience.

For Siany Wulandari, a third-generation Indonesian soap-maker, the opportunity was transformative: “Having a space on Seattle’s waterfront, that’s very precious. It was a chance to share our heritage and traditions with a broader audience.” Tommy Segundo, a Haida form line artist, used the platform to educate about Native art and history while advocating for cultural visibility: “My business is about teaching people that we’re still here.” Each vendor brought something unique—Alice Kay Lee reclaimed traditional Chinese symbols in her pottery to explore modern identity, Michelle Price blended Indigenous weaving techniques to craft beautiful accessories, and Teresa Martinez used her vibrant Latinx-inspired jewelry to offer representation her community craved.

Artists like Nahom Ghirmay, whose work explored interconnectedness, and Indigenous painters Bill Pfeifer Jr. and Sarah Folden added depth and cultural richness to the program. Together, these creators transformed the park into a dynamic celebration of cultural pride, artistry, and shared stories, fostering a collective sense of belonging in one of Seattle’s most iconic public spaces.

Fostering Economic Opportunity in Partnership

The program was made possible through our partnership with organizations committed to supporting local artists and businesses. Friends collaborated with Seattle Restored—a partnership between Seattle Good Business Network, Shunpike, and the Office of Economic Development—and El Centro de la Raza, a community center providing multi-ethnic cultural programs and social services. These partnerships were instrumental in intentionally curating a program that prioritized cultural representation, inclusivity, and economic opportunity.

“The opportunity for our vendors to showcase their concepts at such an iconic Seattle location was invaluable. We hope this program continues to create community connections and opportunities for small businesses.”

Seattle Restored Program Director, Andrea Porter.

Enhancing the Pop-Up Experience

As with any pilot program, Friends has taken feedback and learnings from the artists to inform and improve future opportunities. To enhance next year’s program, recommendations included adding demonstrations, expanding locations, and integrating pop-ups into more events, like the winter Firepit Socials on Pier 62.

Hear more about the program’s impact directly from the artists.

 “We want to express our deep thanks to all the wonderful partners who have been instrumental in making this pilot program a reality. These incredible businesses brought a piece of their homes, cultures, and communities to the waterfront, igniting our excitement to develop and expand this program. We look forward to continuing to support and uplift local businesses and the diverse communities of Seattle through this journey of growth and collaboration.”

-Maria Reyna and Nico Onoda-McGuire, Friends of Waterfront Park Pop-up Project Leads.

Interested in working with us as a vendor?

• Sign up for the Vendor Newsletter
• Learn more about vending at Waterfront Park 

Pop-Up Vendor Program Photos by GrowingBoyMedia