February Cultural Events in Parks Draw Crowds

February was busy with concerts, dancing, food vendors and more as DSA/MID filled downtown parks with events celebrating Black History Month, Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. And downtown residents, visitors and workers can look forward to more fun in the coming months.

BE Great Weekend, planned in honor of Black History Month, filled Occidental Square with Black culture, including musicians, food and pop-up market vendors. This two-day event drew hundreds of attendees and significant media attention.

“This was our first-ever event celebrating Black Excellence with a full lineup of black-owned businesses, art, flavors and music,” said DSA/MID Vice President of Public Realm and Ambassador Operations Jennifer Casillas. “We’re thrilled with the success and want to bring the event back next year.”

That same weekend, we hosted Lunar New Year festivities in Westlake Park and across from Pike Place Market at First and Pike. More than 500 spectators helped usher in the Year of the Dragon and were treated to the graceful movements of Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dancers.

Nearby, Valentine’s Day ice sculptures were installed in Pioneer Park and The Urban Village at 2+U, marking the romantic holiday and offering visitors a sparkling, temporary visual treat.

As the days warm, our team is laying the groundwork for an action-packed spring and summer, including food truck festivals, a spring market, pet-themed pub crawls and our annual summer concert series. Keep an eye on our events schedule and subscribe to the Parks Newsletter for the latest updates on DSA events.