May is Small Business Month and at Waterfront Park, our programming season is a chance to celebrate the small business owners and entrepreneurs who bring their craft to this public space. The 2026 season is packed with flavors, artistry and community brought to this public space through our vending program.
The vending program is about more than great food and beautiful crafts. It’s rooted in a commitment to economic equity—creating opportunities for businesses to access the waterfront. This Small Business Month, we’re spotlighting vendors who will make Waterfront Park a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Our Commitment to Equity
Friends’ vending programs are designed with intention, rooted in our Cultural Master Plan. Our goal is for at least 80% of vendors to represent business owners from historically marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+, refugee, immigrant, disability and women-owned businesses. In 2026, we’re proud to report that our roster not only meets but exceeds that goal:
- 81.8% BIPOC-owned businesses
- 59.0% woman-owned businesses
- 20.5% LGBTQ+-owned businesses
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real entrepreneurs building real businesses in one of Seattle’s most visible and vibrant public spaces.
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- Korean flavors, waterfront vibes. Heart in Seoul serving up something good at Pier 58 Plaza. Photo by Jo Cosme.
Food Trucks: A World of Flavors on Pier 58 Plaza
From May through September, Pier 58 Plaza comes alive with an incredible rotating roster of food trucks serving cuisines from around the world. This season’s lineup celebrates the full diversity of Seattle’s culinary community:
- Global & fusion flavors: Big Boys Filipino Truck, Heart in Seoul, Isidros, J&Y Mobile Creperie, Moklava, Paparepas, Southern Taiwan, Spice On Curve, Thai-U-Up, Zamaranos – Tacos El Tajin
- BBQ & comfort food: Barbecue Mob Truck, Now Make Me A Sandwich, Str8 Up Smoking Grill, Wood Shop BBQ
- Sweet & specialty: Dipped & D’vine, Dreamy Drinks, La Mezcla Catering, Moe Vegan, Puffle Up, The Top Restaurant & Lounge
- Beverages: Animated Cafe, Junbi Seattle, Vale Matcha & Coffee
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- Ma & Pops bringing island-flavored ice pops to the waterfront. Photo by Leleita McKill.
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- Nothing beats a scoop on a sunny Seattle day. Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream at Overlook Walk. Photo by Jo Cosme.
Snack Vendors: Sweet Stops Along the Way
Our snack vendors are there to make the moment even sweeter from catching a sunset at Pier 58 or taking in the views from Overlook Walk:
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- The Promenade Pop-Ups launch party at Waterfront Park. Photo by GrowingBoyMedia.
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- The kind of handcrafted goods you don’t leave without. Photo by Jo Cosme.
Artisan Kiosks: Handcrafted Finds Along the Promenade
Tucked along the Park Promenade, our kiosk vendors offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods all season long:
- Swift Feather Crafts at Spring Intersection
- Shelley Hardwick Art at Seneca Intersection
Umbrella Vendors: Art and Experiences on Every Corner
Our umbrella vendors bring interactive experiences and artisan goods to Pier 58 and the University Intersection throughout the season:
- Fairy Dust Art
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- Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration. Photo by Erik Holsather.
An Economic Engine for Seattle’s Waterfront
In 2025, Friends’ vending and partner programs generated $2.7 million in revenue for small businesses and artists at Waterfront Park. That economic impact is the result of intentional programming, prime placement and a deep belief that a thriving waterfront means thriving businesses. This year, we’re excited to drive even more support for our local economy.
This Small Business Month and throughout our programming season, we invite you to show up for these incredible entrepreneurs. Stop by Pier 58 Plaza for lunch, browse the kiosks along the Promenade, grab a sweet treat at Overlook Walk (including a cup of coffee from Boon Boona Coffee) and experience firsthand the community of small business owners who make Waterfront Park what it is.