New ‘Love, SeaTown’ Downtown Block Parties to Kickoff Summer at Pier 62, Pike Place Market, Occidental Square, Westlake Park and Seattle Center

Three-day free concert and event series welcomes back downtown workers and locals with food and drink specials, beer gardens, live music performances, special guest appearances and more

SEATTLE (May 10, 2022) – To kick off summer in downtown Seattle, a coalition of local partners announce the ‘Love, SeaTown’ happy hour block party series to help reconnect coworkers, residents, friends and locals across various downtown neighborhoods. Events will take place May 18, 19 and 20, featuring some of Seattle’s hottest musical talent and local sports celebrities, in addition to beer gardens, food trucks and more.

“We’re excited to continue welcoming people back downtown and look forward to celebrating the resilience and strength of our community, small businesses, residents and workers after two challenging years,” said DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes. “Like many cities nationwide we’re in a state of transition, but a lot of good things are happening and we’re making significant strides toward recovery. We’re seeing office workers return, tourism rebound and more foot traffic downtown.”

The happy hour-style block parties will start just as the workday ends at a different downtown Seattle location each day – offering food, fun, family-friendly musical performances, and appearances by hometown favorites, including Seattle’s sports teams. Some highlights include The Black Tones, Deseo Carmin, Lady A Band, Warren Dunes, Sounders Marching Band and the Mariner Moose. Find full event details, including a list of performers and the latest updates detailed here (www.loveseatown.com).

● Wednesday, May 18, 4-6 p.m.: Westlake Park & Pike Place Market
● Thursday, May 19, 4-6 p.m.: Pier 62 & Occidental Square
● Friday, May 20, 4-6 p.m.: Seattle Center Mural Stage

These events are organized in partnership by Challenge Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association, City of Seattle, Seafair, Seattle Center, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Rotary, Seattle Sports Commission and Visit Seattle and sponsored by Microsoft.

“We’re proud to celebrate everyone who has kept our beautiful city running and invite all Seattleites to come together in the spirit of recovery to continue rebuilding our sense of community,” said Challenge Seattle CEO and former Governor Chris Gregoire. “The Love, SeaTown block parties are the first of many exciting opportunities to welcome the region and our workforce back to the heart of the city.”

Following each event, those attending are encouraged to experience the city’s hospitality and continue the celebration by supporting nearby retailers, restaurants and businesses. Throughout the week, there are performances across downtown including at the 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Benaroya Hall, Seattle Repertory Theatre and many more. On Wednesday, May 18, the Seattle Storm will host a home game at Climate Pledge Arena. Following the concert on May 20 at Seattle Center, the Storm plays the Los Angeles Sparks at 7 p.m., also at Climate Pledge.

The week of events will culminate with the first-ever “One Seattle Day of Service,” a citywide service event on May 21. There has been an outpouring of support and overwhelming responses by volunteers to register for nearly 3,000 volunteer opportunities and 120 events. Residents are encouraged to get involved in events or give back in their local neighborhood or local park. “One Seattle Day of Service” kicks off ongoing citywide efforts and partnerships with businesses to show its commitment to Love, SeaTown.

About Love, Seatown

Love, Seatown is a promotional effort launched last summer by the Downtown Seattle Association to reintroduce locals to the downtown they love. The effort is carrying over to summer 2022 through a new partnership between DSA, Challenge Seattle, City of Seattle, Seafair, Seattle Center, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Rotary, Seattle Sports Commission and Visit Seattle, and sponsored by Microsoft. As part of this year’s efforts, the partnership is offering downtown block parties on May 18 – 20, featuring some of Seattle’s hottest musical talent and local sport celebrities, in addition to beer gardens, food trucks, and more. Visit loveseatown.com for more details.

About Downtown Seattle Association

Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown. By advocating on issues including transportation, economic development and the urban experience, DSA works to ensure that downtown remains a great place to live, work, shop and play. DSA also manages the Metropolitan Improvement District, a business-improvement area spanning 285 square blocks downtown. Visit downtownseattle.org to learn more.

About Challenge Seattle

Challenge Seattle is an alliance of CEOs from 21 of the region’s largest employers. Together, Challenge Seattle are taking on the challenge of ensuring the greater Seattle area continues to thrive as one of the most vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive regions in the world. Led by former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, Challenge Seattle harnesses the committed leadership, unique resources, and world-class talent of its member companies to find innovative solutions and inspire collective action for the greater good.