As the excitement for the grand opening of the full Waterfront Park in early 2025 builds, we at Friends of Waterfront Park are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of free summer events for 2024 on Pier 62. From June 27 to September 29, Pier 62 will come alive with over 70 free events, featuring a rich tapestry of cultures, communities, and interests that reflect the diversity of the Seattle region.
Embracing Diversity with the Cultural Master Plan
This summer’s programming is guided by our newly developed Cultural Master Plan, a framework designed to foster inclusivity, equity, and cultural vibrancy in the new 20-acre Waterfront Park. Co-created with 142 community members, this master plan centers Indigenous and BIPOC voices, ensuring that our park is a space for everyone. Read our Cultural Master Plan here!.
“The Cultural Master Plan is our commitment to honor the stories and histories of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and continue to center these communities in all aspects of our work,” said Joy Shigaki, President & CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park. “What Waterfront Park can become is laid out in this plan – a collective dream by the growing community of people who see the endless potential of this new place.”
An Ongoing Acknowledgement of the Peoples, Lands, and Traditions of the Coast Salish Peoples
“Never before have moments to gather and celebrate the beauty of Indigiqueer and Two Spirit people and traditions been more important. We are grateful and excited to see so many beautiful relatives enjoy one another and spread Indigiqueer love at Waterfront Park.”
-Itai Jeffries from the Paths (Re)Membered Project at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
Since the opening of Pier 62 in 2020, Friends has been working with members of the local Tribes and Urban Native communities to support existing events and bring new visions to life. In creating spaces with our partners that are by and for Indigenous communities, Friends aims to make sure this park reflects the Indigenous communities in Seattle and can be a space for Indigenous communities to gather together, as it had been in the past, now and into the future.
Canoe Landing at Salmon Homecoming 2022. Photo by Erik Holsather.
2024 Anchor Events
Indigiqueer Festival (June 29): Celebrate Pride weekend with the LGBTQ2IA+ Indigenous community and allies, in partnership with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.
Waterfront Block Party (August 30): Join us for a Waterfront Park-wide celebration with local businesses and organizations, featuring live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Salmon Homecoming (September 21): Hosted by the Salmon Homecoming Alliance, this festival honors Indigenous culture and the return of migrating salmon populations.
Photo from Waterfront Block Party 2023 by Adam Lu
Spotlight on the Waterfront Returns to Pier 62!
Starting June 27, join us every Thursday through September 26 for the Spotlight on the Waterfront series. This weekly artist showcase will feature a diverse array of talented artists, offering audiences of all ages a chance to explore the region’s rich arts and culture scene.
The series will feature a diverse array of talented artists and community partners including The Griot Party Experience, Caribbean SeaFest, Shunpike Artists of Color Expo & Symposium (ACES), Caña Dulce Folclore Dance Group, DANDY, Lady A Productions, Unkitawa, and more!. Spotlight on the Waterfront offers audiences of all ages a chance to explore the region’s rich arts and culture scene. Learn more about Spotlight on the Waterfront and all of the events in the series here!
Caribbean SeaFest in 2023.
Movement, Wellness, and Play Series
Whether you want to move to a groove at a dance class, learn a new martial art (or hone your skills!), or play some fun 3v3 basketball with friends, our Movement, Wellness, and Play series has you covered! Beginning in June with dozens of classes and sessions all summer long, don’t miss the opportunity to invest in your health and well being at one of Seattle’s most unique and beautiful settings, Pier 62.
Highlights include:
Hoops on the Pier: A community basketball series including for youth ages 6-16.
Hindi Film Dance Series with Afsaana Bollywood Dance: Enjoy vibrant Bollywood dance sessions taught by the incredible Geeta of Afsaana Bollywood Dance!
Ren Xue Qigong with Heru TchaasAmen: Experience the healing art of Qigong while surrounded by the Salish Sea.
Learn more about our Movement, Wellness, and Play series here!
Instructor Heru teaching Ren Xue Qigong class at Pier 62. Photo by Jo Cosme
Building Community and Belonging
“Our free events and programs build a sense of belonging at Waterfront Park. With the park opening early next year, our diverse array of programs, activities, and events helps people from across the city see themselves and their cultures represented in this space.”
– Joy Shigaki, Friends President & CEO
In 2023, over 70,000 people attended Friends’ free events and programs at Pier 62. Surveys showed that 53% of attendees were People of Color, and nearly one-third spoke languages other than English, underscoring the park’s role as a hub for Seattle’s diverse communities.
We are immensely proud to partner with so many incredible partners to host these events each year, and look forward to welcoming you all to Waterfront Park this summer. Join us in celebrating our community, culture, and the vibrant future that awaits at the park.
Photo from Waterfront Block Party 2023 by Erik Holsather
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Friends of Waterfront Park’s 2024 season of free events and programs is sponsored in part by BECU and 4Cutlure.
Stay tuned for more updates and see you at the park!