Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration Guide Grand Opening Celebration Guide

Seattle’s Waterfront (Dzidzilalich) stands on the lands and shared waters of the Puget Sound Coast Salish People, whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial. With gratitude, we honor the land, the water and its peoples.
Seattle’s waterfront transformation began with removing the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct, making way for a vibrant, people-centered space. Today, the 20-acre Waterfront Park offers welcoming gathering spots, public art, recreation, and cultural programming that put community first. The City’s Waterfront Seattle Program also improves connections to neighborhoods like Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and Belltown, and to destinations such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium.
On Saturday, September 6, the City of Seattle and Friends of Waterfront Park mark this milestone achievement in Seattle history with an all-day Grand Opening Celebration — a once-in-a-generation moment filled with music, movement, food, art, and joy.
“Waterfront Park is more than a park—it’s our region’s front porch and a promise for generations to come. This grand opening marks a once-in-a-generation transformation, reconnecting us to the water, to each other, and to Seattle’s future. Just as the Space Needle symbolized an era of possibility, Waterfront Park now stands as a new icon of the vibrant, welcoming, and unified city we are building together. I invite all of Seattle and the region to make this space your own—come often, explore its beauty, and enjoy a waterfront that belongs to us all.”
- Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle
“This moment is incredibly special—marking the completion of Waterfront Park—a symbol of Seattle’s bold vision. It is the result of decades of the City’s work with Seattle residents to create this transformation of our once-hidden shoreline into a vibrant public space for generations to come. Waterfront Park is now a dynamic local space for connection and belonging, reflective of the people of Seattle. A heartfelt thank you to everyone that has supported this journey.”
- Angela Brady, Director of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects, and Sound Transit
“Waterfront Park is a place for community—it’s in the DNA of this project and of Friends. Over 10,000 residents and community groups helped reimagine this space into a new heart for our city, connecting us to nature, culture, and one another. Now, our work is to ensure it thrives every day through community programming, cultural partnerships, and dedicated stewardship. We are honored to champion this space for generations to come and grateful to every partner who’s been part of this audacious journey.”
- Joy Shigaki, President & CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park
“The opening of Waterfront Park is a once-in-a-generation milestone—showcasing Seattle’s creativity, collaboration, and bold vision. It’s inspiring to see our community exploring the new park and embracing this waterfront for all. My thanks to our City team, Friends of Waterfront Park, and our Seattle Center team as we take on the honor of operating this remarkable public space.”
- Marshall Foster, Director of Seattle Center
The Nisqually earthquake, magnitude 6.8, strikes the Puget Sound region of Washington State on February 28, 2001, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Among the impacted infrastructure is the Alaskan Way Viaduct, leading to its eventual removal and providing opportunity and space for the waterfront transformation.
2010
A framework and design is developed by a multidisciplinary team, including various stakeholders and agencies, to create a new “Waterfront for All.” Over 10,000 people participate in visioning sessions, community meetings, walking tours, and environmental reviews to shape this program.
2011
2012
The Mayor and Seattle City Council confirms the guiding principles of the program and establishes a Central Waterfront Oversight Committee to advise the City on the design of these new public spaces, including reconnecting the city to its shoreline.
The Mayor and Seattle City Council endorse the Waterfront Concept Design, Framework Plan, and Strategic Plan.
Friends of Waterfront Park is formed, the nonprofit leading programming, stewardship, and fundraising for Waterfront Park.
2013
2014
2017
Construction of the Elliott Bay Seawall, forming the foundation for the new waterfront, begins.
The City of Seattle establishes the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects to lead design, permitting and construction of more than 20 projects as part of the Waterfront Seattle Program, including Waterfront Park.
Elliott Bay Seawall construction is completed and Waterfront Park construction begins.
Friends of Waterfront Park launches the $170 million Campaign for Waterfront Park; $110 million to fund construction, and $60 million to support ongoing programming, operations, and public safety at the park.
Major construction on Waterfront Park is completed, spanning from Belltown to the stadiums, and is open yearround. The park includes two new piers, a playground, a public restroom, 1.2 miles of protected bike lanes, and a robust art program, among many other amenities.
Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration is planned for Saturday, September 6, to celebrate over 15 years of visioning, planning, community involvement, and transformative ideas.
Seattle Center, a department within the City of Seattle, assumes new role to lead operations, maintenance and public safety efforts at Waterfront Park in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Park. 2025
Overlook Walk opens, creating a seamless connection and bridging the 100-foot gap between Pike Place Market and the downtown shoreline.
Friends of Waterfront Park publishes its Cultural Master Plan, developed in partnership with over 146 artists, performers, and community leaders to guide inclusive and community-centered programming.
Pioneer Square Habitat Beach opens, supporting the waterfront ecosystem, including enhancing the salmon corridor by adding rocks and nearshore vegetation.
Friends of Waterfront Park establishes community partnership committees, comprised of Indigenous, BIPOC and disabled community leaders, creatives, organizers, and individuals, respectively. These citizen advisory committees play a vital role to ensure Waterfront Park is a vibrant and inclusive community space for building connections, meaningful experiences, and fostering belonging.
2020
2019
The newly rebuilt Pier 62 opens to the public with a flexible space for programming, a floating dock and artwork. Friends of Waterfront Park begins hosting communitydriven free public programming.
The SR-99 tunnel is opened to traffic and the Alaskan Way Viaduct is removed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Celebrating Waterfront Park
Innovation. Creativity. Inclusion. Partnership. Waterfront Park represents everything we love about our hometown.
Thank you to Friends of Waterfront Park, the City of Seattle and the community for your hard work and commitment to bring this vision to life.
There’s a lot more to see
Fly with us from Seattle to Tokyo, Seoul, Rome, London, Reykjavík and more.
Schedule
For a full, up-to-date schedule and additional event information visit: waterfrontparkseattle.org
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sneke One (Vivid Matter Collective)
Art: Live graffiti.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Rhapsody Project Songsters
Music: Youth jazz & blues ensemble.
Made Space Seattle / Central District Art Walk at University Street
Art: Celebrating Black Artists from the Central District Art Walk.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
D’Vonne Lewis Band
Music: Upbeat jazz trio.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
ADEFUA
Music & Dance & Culture: African cultural music, dance and song.
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
ParisAlexa
Music: R&B soul music.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m
Rohena Alam Khan
Art & Dance & Culture: Spoken word, visual art, Indian dance.
Northwest Tap Connection
Dance & Culture: Dance styles from African to hip-hop.
Mak Fai Kung Fu Club
Dance & Culture: Lion and Dragon Dance.
Union Cultural Center
Dance & Culture & Movement Activity: Capoeira performance and workshop.
Portraits in Motion (Curated by David Rue)
Dance: Movement stories of identity and resilience featuring Nia-Amina Minor and Marco Farron.
All Day
All Day
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For a full, up-to-date schedule and additional event information visit: waterfrontparkseattle.org
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Storytime with Seattle Public Library
Learning & Art Activity: Mermaids, pirates, drag queens, plus crafts and activities.
Hoopla Face Painting
Art Activity: Face painting for all ages.
Honoring our Tribal Partners with the Suquamish and Muckleshoot Tribes
Melody Institute
Music & Dance & Culture: Vibrant Chinese cultural dance & music.
Tradition in Motion: Folklórico Showcase
Dance & Culture: Experience the Spirit of Folklórico Dance, featuring Baliadores de Bronce, Joyas Mestizas and Danza Monarcas.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
K-Fest
Music & Dance & Culture: High-energy K-Pop, cultural performances and rhythms featuring Morning Star Korean Cultural Center.
Massive Monkees
Dance: Homegrown, world-renowned break dancing.
DJ Cutz
Music: Dynamic Indigenous beats.
Zulu Radio 20 Performance Showcase
Music: Celebrate 20 Years of Zulu Radio, featuring DJ WD4D, Beatbox Panda, DJ Sean Malik w/Soulshifters/Circle of Fire, Silver Shadow D, DJ Zeta Barber, Abyssinian Creole, Shakiah and Rell Be Free.
ALL DAY
Walk or roll straight into the celebration! Skip traffic and make use of various pedestrian connections and bridges connecting Waterfront Park to downtown, including Overlook Walk, the Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Lenora Street Pedestrian Bridge or the Bell Street Pedestrian Bridge, all of which include elevators for accessibility.
Bike directly to the event! The waterfront’s new protected bike lane is part of a connected network from West Seattle to Magnolia. Additional protected routes link to other neighborhoods like Belltown, Uptown, and Capitol Hill. Bike racks are available throughout Waterfront Park.
Arrive car-free and step right into the celebration. RapidRide C and H lines stop at Alaskan Way Columbia Street. Light rail stations at Stadium, Square, Symphony, and Westlake are all a or roll to Waterfront Park. Additional downtown hubs can be found between 10-15 minutes
celebration. Way and Stadium, Pioneer short walk downtown transit away.
Park nearby and join the festivities. Garages close to Waterfront Park offer hourly and daily rates. Limited street parking is available on Alaskan Way and adjacent streets. Plan ahead for heavier traffic during the Grand Opening Celebration.
Catch a free ride to the Grand Opening Celebration. The shuttle runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. between Pier 62, Spring Street, and Pioneer Square Habitat Beach, with accessible service to nearby landmarks including the Space Needle and stadiums. It’s also an easy way to get around the 20-acre park! Look for blue sandwich boards to find your stop. Visit wpsea.org/shuttle for a route map and live tracking.
All Day
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All Day
For a full, up-to-date schedule and additional event information visit: waterfrontparkseattle.org
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Seattle Paint Party
Art Activity: Hands-on fun for everyone.
Seattle ReCreative
Art Activity: Creativity meets sustainability.
Columbia City Arts Show
Music & Dance: Live funk, fresh soul, powerhouse vocals, high-energy line dancing, with the Black and Tan presenting Sadiqua Iman & Benjamin Coleman, Steppers Unite, Inc.,
Tish Productions, Royal Room presenting Adriana Giordana & Gabe Rodriques, Royal Esquire presenting Zhanea June & Mach X, Columbia City Beatwalk and Funk E Fusion.
Festival Sundiata: Waterfront Strut Procession
Procession & Dance & Culture: Move through the Waterfront with Analog Brass Band, Buffalo Soldiers, Daughters of Royalty and The Electronettes.
La Fonda
Music: Dream-pop and rock music.
KEXP DJ Sets
Music: Join KEXP and DJ Albina spinning records and hosting interviews from Pier 62!
The Black Tones
Music: Blues, rock and punk.
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Banda Vagos
Music: Regional Mexican music.
Jellyfish Lantern Procession
Procession: Bring your Jellyfish Lantern and join the finale of procession starting at 6:30pm with Caribbean SeaFest and Brasil in Motion. Procession starts at Railroad Ways S at 6:00pm.
Brasil In Motion
Music & Dance & Culture: Brazilian rhythms and dance.
Caribbean SeaFest
All Day
Entangled Oceans Play: Hopscotch journey exploring ocean interconnectedness.
8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Unkitawa Showcase
Music & Culture: Music, stories and songs.
David B. Williams Pop-Up Talks Learning: Waterfront stories, ecology, gems.
Music & Dance & Culture: Caribbean performances, expression, cultural exchange.
Reposado
Music: Latin Funk Afro Soul music.
For a full, up-to-date schedule and additional event information visit: waterfrontparkseattle.org
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Double Dutch Divas
Culture & Movement Activity: Energetic, empowering and joyful Double Dutch fun.
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
LANGSTON Showcase
Music: Central District music showcase, featuring Afreesha (Welcome), Elnah Jordan Experience, Zaina The Phenom, Afreesha (DJ Set) and Da Qween of Everything.
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Jennifer Ott Pop-Up Talks
Learning: Waterfront stories, ecology, gems.
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
King Khazm
Music: Legendary Seattle hip hop MC & producer.
M.E.N.A presents DJ Performance by Parmida Ziaei, Elham Lawson, and DancingFaraZ
Dance & Culture
Seattle Kokon Taiko
Culture: Japanese American taiko ensemble.
Hustle & Soul Dance
Movement Activity: Hustle dance lessons.
Railroad Way South
All Day
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. All Day
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Art Installation by Brandi Douglas (Puyallup Tribe)
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Shelf Life Community
Story Project
Art Activity & Learning: Interactive History Activities
Don’t miss the all-day activities hosted by our waterfront neighbors! Learn more: wpsea.org/wpgo
Art: Art that promotes healing, humor, community and the anti-hustle lifestyle.
“We Are Water” Art Installation by Raven Juarez
Art: Flags and beadwork by contemporary Indigenous artist Raven Juarez.
Hang out with the Home Teams
Featuring the Mariners, Sounders, Reign and Kraken.
Waterfront Strut Procession Landing
Procession & Dance & Culture: Performances by Analog Brass Band, Buffalo Soldiers, Daughters of Royalty Drill Team and The Electronettes Drill Team.
Resilient Hearts Animal Rescue
Movement Activity: Puppy meet and greet (eligable for adoption).
Glow Stick Zumba with Meli Bless
Movement Activity: High-energy Zumba session for everyone.
Congratulations to Friends of Waterfront Park and the City of Seattle on bringing to life an extraordinary new space where locals and visitors can enjoy more beauty, more connection, and more of what makes Seattle truly shine.
To make the collective dream of Waterfront Park a reality, the City of Seattle and Friends of Waterfront Park work in ever-deepening partnership, ensuring everyone who visits feels safe and welcome.
Seattle residents and communities have been part of this project from the very beginning, and will continue to have a voice in shaping the waterfront’s future.
Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects: Design and Construction
Friends of Waterfront Park: Management, Programming, Fundraising, and Stewardship
Seattle Center: Operations and Maintenance
The City of Seattle, through its Office of the Waterfront & Civic Projects, is honored to have worked with many public and private partners to rebuild and transform the central waterfront with spaces for gathering, recreation and play, cultural activations, and programming as well as transportation options for all users.
We at the City of Seattle and Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, would like to thank all the Seattle residents who voted on and funded the transformation of the waterfront. We are grateful to the thousands of Seattleites who engaged with us over the past 15 years, throughout design and construction. Waterfront Park would not be what it is today without your vision, input, support, patience and trust. It has been an honor to transform your waterfront and deliver Seattle’s new waterfront to the people of Seattle. We know it will be loved and enjoyed for generations to come!
Thank you to the many elected officials who had the bold vision for Seattle’s new waterfront almost two decades ago and to those who helped sustain the vision along the way.
Thank you to the Tribal Nations who have partnered with us to honor the past and present stewardship of the waterfront as Native land. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable throughout the realization of this project
Thank you to our funding partners including all City of Seattle departments, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Port of Seattle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Waterfront Local Improvement District rate payers, King County, King County taxpayers, and all the philanthropic donors.
Thank you to the Central Waterfront Oversight Committee for their unwavering leadership, stewardship, and support of Waterfront Park.
Thank you to every person who has contributed their skills to the creation of Waterfront Park. To the people who have spent countless hours planning, designing, engineering, permitting and constructing Waterfront Park. To the artists who developed unique artworks that reflect the environmental and cultural aspects of the space. Your commitment to the Waterfront Seattle Program has made it possible for Seattle and visitors from near and far to enjoy it today and well into the future.
Thank you to all of our agency partners and departments across the City of Seattle. Thank you to Seattle Center and Friends of Waterfront Park for their thoughtful and people-first stewardship of Waterfront Park moving forward, including maintenance, safety and activation of the space.
Visit the City of Seattle’s new website to learn more about Waterfront Park’s design, construction and its robust art program.
WE ’ LL NEVER STOP CLIMBING.
Friends of Waterfront Park is grateful for the partnership of hundreds of community members, organizations, neighbors, businesses, donors, artists, musicians, and creatives to ensure that Waterfront Park is a place where everyone feels like they can belong.
With gratitude, we recognize the generous support of the 2,859 Campaign for Waterfront Park donors, helping to realize a collective vision for transforming Seattle’s downtown waterfront. *
Carol Binder
Karla Brollier
Tom Byers
Katherine Cheng
Leonard Forsman
Kevin Geiger
Olive Goh
Thomas Goldstein
Patrick Gordon
Mike Halperin
Martha Kongsgaard
Dan Kully
Carla Lewis
Lori Metcalf
John Nesholm
Jeannie Nordstrom
Michaela Raikes
Stuart Rolfe
Ryan Smith
Julie Stein
Kayley Runstad Swan
Hewan Teshome
Maggie Walker
Brady Piñero Walkinshaw
Charles Wright
Jaqueline Armstrong
Rosendo Ayala
Salenna Green
Ashraf Hasham
Margo Jones
Carolina Lope
Luis Lopez
Brittney Nitta-Lee
Eze Oluo
Israr Rukun
Sina Sam
Melody Xie
PULLING TOGETHER COMMITTEE
Darin Averill
Karama Blackhorn
Emma Charles
Deborah Guerrero
Carolyn Hartness
Kerri Hill
Maloa Jenkins
Karen Johnson
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: The mission of Friends is only achieved by working in close collaboration with hundreds of community partners and organizations. With gratitude, we recognize the many individuals and organizations that partner with Friends each year.
Sage Ke’alohilani Quiamno
Jordan Remington
Jayden Robles
Tiarraray Square
ACCESSIBILITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ada Michele Alston
Yuliya Bruck
Katy Jach
Gina Karaba
Andrea Kovich
Kate Palomino
Jacquelyn Van Patten
Elizabeth Ralston
Kristina M Sawyckyj
Moira Tamayo
Teresa Thuman
Colin Yuen
With gratitude, we thank the organizations represented on the Waterfront Park Grand Opening Steering Committee and the individuals who provided input on planning over the course of the past year.
Africatown Community Land Trust
Alliance for Pioneer Square
Central Waterfront Oversight Committee
Commute Seattle
Downtown Seattle Association EnviroIssues
First & Goal
Friends of Waterfront Park Mayor’s Office
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Office of the Waterfront & Civic Projects
Pioneer Square Alliance
Pike Place Market PDA
Port of Seattle
Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Center
Thank you to the hard working and talented staff of Friends of Waterfront Park, past and present, who have been and will continue to be the heart and soul of this organization.
Thank you to our partners at the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects for your leadership in building this amazing new place for connection. Thank you to Seattle Center for your ongoing partnership in making Waterfront Park where everyone feels safe and invited.
Seattle Chamber
Seattle ChinatownInternational District BIA
Seattle Historic Waterfront Association
Seattle Sports Commission
Seattle Parks and Recreation
SeaFair
Seattle University
SODO BIA
The Suquamish Tribe
Trust for Public Lands
University of Washington
Urban League
WA State Ballpark Public
Facilities District
World Trade Center
Visit Seattle
YMCA
Waterfront Park Celebration Guide creative credits: Designers: Riley McGaff, Seattle Times, Nicole Ramirez
Cover and Icon Illustrations by Stevie Shao
Photography by Erik Holsather, City of Seattle, Brandon Patoc, Adam Lu, Jo Cosme
*It’s not too late to be part of this historic campaign, which runs through September 30, 2025!
Learn more about the Campaign for Waterfront Park:
Join the Jellyfish Lantern Procession (Railroad Way S to Pier 62)
Catch a performance on the Salish Steps stage (Salish Steps)
Spot the “We Are Water” flags by Raven Juarez (Railroad Way S)
Swing near Colman Dock (Park Promenade)
Take a selfie on Overlook Walk (Overlook Walk)
Visit a waterfront business (Various)
Learn a new dance (Various)
Leave your mark on a Meet Me at Waterfront Park sign (Pier 62, Pier 58, Park Promenade)
Read about the history of the shoreline on some interpretive signage (Various)
Learn a Waterfront fact from a pop-up talk (WA Street Boat Landing / Salish Steps)
Spot a native plant (Park Promenade / Overlook Walk)
Try a new food from a waterfront vendor (Various)
Step inside the Shelf Life Story Project (Overlook Walk)
Make a furry friend (Railroad Way S)
Take in views of the Salish Sea (Anywhere!)
Dance along at Glow Stick Zumba (Railroad Way S)
Family Fun with the Port of Seattle (Pier 66 Rooftop)
Catch a new dance move (Spring Stage)
Try a hands-on art activity (Pier 58 / Pier 62)
Watch the Waterfront Strut Procession (Pier 62 / Railroad Way S)
Spot an underwater creature (Various)
Snap a photo with the Mariners Moose (Railroad Way S)
Listen to music in a language you don’t speak (Various)
Relax by a fountain (Pier 58 / Park Promenade)
Visit an artwork bigger than the Free Waterfront Shuttle (Various)
Explore Waterfront Park’s Grand Opening Celebration with this self-directed Bingo activity!
From the Seattle Waterfront to the London Waterfront! Mark off 5 in a row and you could win two first-class roundtrip tickets to London on Alaska Airlines.
Additional prizes include:
• 4 tickets to Argosy Cruises
• 1 Annual Family membership to the Seattle Aquarium
• 4 VIP tickets to the Great Wheel
• 4 tickets to Wings over Washington
• 4 tickets to Salish Sea Tours
Thanks to our sponsors and waterfront neighbors for their generous prize donations. Visit wpsea.org/bingo and enter!