Photo by Erik Holsather.
Vending at Waterfront Park
Scroll through this page to learn about vending opportunities, resources, and more.
Waba Korean Festival. Photo by Adam Lu.
Photo by Tosin Arasi.
Waba Korean Festival 2021. Photo by Adam Lu
Vendor Program Vision
In the fall of 2023, Friends hosted 11 roundtables with 148 programming and community partners to co-envision the future of the park, which culminated in the Cultural Master Plan, launched in June of 2024. This plan has been instrumental in shaping our work and will be our guiding star as we continue to develop vending opportunities along the park.
See our full Cultural Master Plan here.
Friends’ vending programs are dedicated to centering and supporting historically marginalized communities through prime vending opportunities along Waterfront Park. Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant community of businesses and entrepreneurs who have been historically disenfranchised and displaced from the Waterfront to thrive and achieve economic self-determination. We highly encourage people from under-resourced communities to join these opportunities including, but not limited to: BIPOC, WMBE, disabled, refugee, and immigrant-owned businesses.
Photo by OutsideThinc.
Photo by OutsideThinc.
Photo by Adam Lu.
Vending at Waterfront Park
To continue providing high-quality programming, infrastructure, and vendor support, we are implementing a fee structure that ensures fairness, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
Vendors in return will receive:
- Prime location and access to high foot traffic. Vendors will be positioned along Seattle’s premier waterfront destination.
- Marketing & Promotion. Friends will showcase vendors on their website. Digital ads and online promotional efforts will be provided.
- Infrastructure & Logistical Support. Vendors will have access to canopies and other logistical support. ….
We understand that every vendor has different needs and capacities, which is why we offer varied opportunities to accommodate different levels of participation. Below are the different types of vendor participation and their corresponding fee structures.
At Waterfront Park, we are creating a dynamic and enjoyable experience for all of our visitors. To ensure a safe, clean, and accessible park, it is important to note that vending along the park is NOT permitted unless explicitly approved by Friends of Waterfront Park, in designated areas or at specified events. Please note that vending opportunities will be limited.
If you are keen on vending at Waterfront Park, we invite you to apply for one of the programs outlined below or subscribe to our vendor newsletter here to stay informed about upcoming opportunities and vendor programs that we will be launching. Our dedicated team works closely with vendors to provide opportunities that align with the park’s vision and elevate the visitor experience.
Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work towards fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at Waterfront Park.
Africatown's Soul on the Waterfront event in 2022. Photo by OutsideThinc.
Friends of the Waterfront
Vendor Opportunities at Waterfront Park
Waterfront Promenade Pop-Up Marketplace
Friends of Waterfront Park is partnering with Northwest Marketplaces to present a vibrant marketplace along the historic waterfront promenade. These markets will showcase retail crafts and goods that are easily transportable and accessible to the 8 million tourists and pedestrians that visit Waterfront Park annually. Running from May through late September, the Pop-Up Marketplace aims to provide a platform for local artisans and businesses to showcase their products on Thursdays through Sundays.
When: May through September | Consistent and rotating pop-ups from Thursday through Sundays from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Ideal for: Retail, craft, and prepared food vendors looking to establish a regular presence and build customer base and benefit from consistent park traffic.
Apply: These pop-up markets are curated in partnership with Northwest Marketplaces, please see stay tuned for our application going live by April 2025.
Lunch Food Truck Program
Operating from April to September, this program will feature a variety of food trucks offering diverse culinary options that mirror the vibrant, local cultural tapestry of our community, while complimenting existing food experiences along Waterfront Park.
When: Starting Spring 2025 | Wednesdays through Sundays from 11-2pm.
Ideal for: Food trucks, mobile vendors, and seasonal businesses who want to participate more regularly but do not require a daily footprint, this option provides access to high-traffic vending locations on a weekly basis.
Apply: Please submit your application here and indicate you are interested in applying for the Lunch Food Truck Program.
Railroad Way South Stadium Vending
Located near the stadiums at Railroad Way/Stadium Plaza, this vending component is strategically designed to cater to patrons attending events in the vicinity.
When: Weekly and monthly rotations centered on game days
Ideal for: Retail and food vendors that center on typical stadium vending (e.g., hot dogs, pretzels, to more gourmet options) who want to participate more regularly but do not require a daily footprint, this option provides access to high-traffic vending locations on a weekly basis.
Apply: Please submit your application here and indicate you are interested in applying for Railroad Way South Stadium Vending.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Africatown's Soul on the Waterfront event in 2022. Photo by OutsideThinc.
Friends of the Waterfront
Additional Vending at Waterfront Park
Community Event Vendors
Designed for vendors participating in special cultural celebrations, community festivals, or nonprofit-led events at Waterfront Park. Some events may offer reduced or waived fees for mission-aligned businesses.
Ideal for: Vendors aligned with cultural festivals, nonprofit partners, and one-time special event participants.
No application: We currently do not have an open application for community event vendors. Please stay updated for opportunities on our vendor newsletter here.
Community Markets
The Community Market Vending Program aims to establish three distinct community markets over the summer months of June, July, and August. Each market will be organized by a local market organizer. Vendors will work directly with our host Community Market Organizer to inquire on availability, application process, and fees.
Friends does not manage nor curate the vendor selection process for these markets.
Africatown's Soul on the Waterfront event in 2022. Photo by OutsideThinc.
Business Resources
City of Seattle Vending resources
Markets Happening in Seattle
- 210 Seattle Night Market
- Aqui Mercado
- Downtown Seattle Association Events
- Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets
- 206 Night Markets
- Pike Place Market Guest Vendor Opportunities
- South Lake Union Saturday Market
- Market returns on May 4th through Sept. 28th, 2024
- Urban Craft Uprising
Storefront Opportunities
Resources and Networks
FAQs
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In the fall of 2023, Friends of Waterfront Park embarked on an exciting journey to develop our inaugural Cultural Masterplan, a guiding framework that would shape the park’s future. We hosted 11 roundtables, bringing together 148 programming and community partners. Through these collaborative sessions, we were able to co-envision and gain a profound understanding of the unique cultures that define our city.
This inclusive and participatory process played a crucial role in defining our initial vision for the vending program. 2024 will be just the beginning phase of this program, which we hope to continue expanding year over year.
By listening to the diverse perspectives and experiences shared by our community, we gained a deeper understanding of how Waterfront Park could become a place of belonging, where everyone feels safe and welcome. The invaluable input received during these roundtables guided us in designing a vending program that celebrates Seattle’s cultures, fosters connections, and provides a delightful experience of discovery and connection for all who visit.
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Please see our list of available vendor opportunities outlined above on this page and click the appropriate application link if available. For questions, please reach out to [email protected].
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To ensure a safe, clean, and accessible park, it is important to note that vending along the park is NOT permitted unless explicitly approved by Friends of Waterfront Park, in designated areas or at specified events. Please apply through the appropriate application to be considered for vending opportunities along Waterfront Park.