Park Activation Events
The Park Activation program supports positive programming in parks, works to build a strong sense of safety among community members, and creates space for increased social and community connections. The program was established in 2007 and includes daily activation by Park Concierge, annual special events series like Center City Cinema and Dancing Til Dusk, and many other classes and activities. All events are FREE and open to all!
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Buskers, artwork, events & more in our downtown parks! from Seattle Parks and Recreation on Vimeo.
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More Information about Year Round Activation and Seasonal Events
Parks are activated daily through Park Concierge presence and Busker performances.
Enjoy a seat at tables and chairs set up daily by Park Concierges, or play a game of giant chess or connect four.
Park Concierges
In partnership with Associated Recreation Council (ARC), Park Concierges are in parks almost every day of the year, rain or shine. Park Concierges help make parks an inviting and welcoming place for all. Each day they set up and put away bistro furniture, signage and games, as well as provide support for park programming and events. Park Concierges can also provide information about upcoming park events, resources in the neighborhood, and even their favorite local spots!
May 22, 2025: We are hiring full-time Park Concierges through our nonprofit partner, Associated Recreation Council (ARC)! See Park Concierge job listing and apply
The following parks are staffed by Park Concierge from 10:00am - 6:30pm:
Ballard Commons Park: Wednesday - Sunday
City Hall Park: Monday – Friday
Denny Park: Mondays
Freeway Park: Tuesday and Thursday
Hing Hay Park: Daily
Pioneer Square Park: Daily
*Park Concierge presence is subject to change due to staffing and weather conditions
Busker Series
Enjoy lunchtime music and performances in the park! Bistro furniture is available at all listed locations for comfortable dining and relaxing.
*subject to rain-out cancellation for most locations
Ballard Commons Park: daily, 12-2pm (12-4pm on weekends!)
Cal Anderson Park: daily, 12-2pm by the shelterhouse
City Hall Park: Monday-Friday, 12-4pm
Denny Park: Tuesday-Saturday, 12-2pm
Freeway Park: Tuesday and Thursday, 12-2pm in Seneca Plaza
Hing Hay Park: daily, 12-2pm
Lake Union Park: Monday-Friday, 12-2pm
Pioneer Square Park: Tuesday-Friday, 12-2pm
Victor Steinbrueck Park: Monday-Sunday, 12-2pm
Westlake Sound Transit Station: Tuesday-Friday, 4-6pm
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Experience the magic of cinema under the stars with our LED outdoor movie screen. Enjoy your favorite films in a whole new way, surrounded by nature and community. Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a romantic evening, or a unique social event, Movies in the Park brings people together for unforgettable nights of entertainment.
- Free & Accessible: All events are free to the public, making it a great way to enjoy a night out with family and friends without breaking the bank.
- Bring Your Own Blankets & Chairs: Set up your own cozy space and enjoy the movie in comfort.
- Snacks & Refreshments: Some locations offer food trucks for the ultimate movie night experience.
Center City Cinema 2025
Join us this summer for FREE outdoor movies on 22 nights at 7 parks across the city.
Download the Center City Cinema 2025 poster
Ballard Commons Park (5701 22nd Ave NW) at 6:30pm
- Wed, July 30 - Top Gun
- Wed, August 6 - Galaxy Quest
- Wed, August 13 - Coco
Cal Anderson Park (1635 11th Ave) at 6:30pm
- Fri, June 27 - Wicked (Sing Along Version)
- Fri, July 11 - Mama Mia! 2
- Fri, July 18 - Shrek
- Fri, July 25 - Rocky Horror Picture Show
Cascade Playground (333 Pontius Ave N) at 6:30pm
- Fri, June 20 - Dr. Strangelove
Denny Park (100 Dexter Ave N) at 6:30pm
- Wed, July 16 - Karate Kid
- Wed, July 23 - E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Wed, Aug. 20 - Grease
Freeway Park (700 Seneca St) at 6:30pm
- Wed, June 18 - Peewee's Big Adventure (1985)
- Wed, June 25 - Wayne's World
- Fri, August 8 - Anaconda (1997)
- Fri, August 15 - Indiana Jones - Raiders (1981)
- Fri, August 22 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Fri, August 29 - Clash of the Titans (1981)
- Fri, October 31 - Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (double feature)
Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave S) at 6:30pm
- Sat, August 2 - Goonies
- Sat, August 9 - She Marches in Chinatown
- Sat, August 16 - Wicked
- Sat, August 23 - Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N) at 6:30pm
- Wed, August 1 - Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl
Dancing til Dusk 2025
16 summer evenings of free music, dance lessons and dancing in Seattle parks! First hour is a free beginning dance lesson, no partner necessary as we change partners in the lesson. If you prefer not to change partners, bring one along!
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Westlake Park from 6-9:30pm
July 8 Tues — Swingin' in the Rain with Dina Blade | Swing Variety
July 10 Thurs — DJ's Sam Lingane and Rebecca Savoca | West Coast Swing
August 19 Tues — The Elnah Jordan Experience| Blues/American Songbook
Thursdays in Freeway Park from 6-9pm
July 15 — Alex Guilbert's Stampede Seven Quartet| Swing
July 22 — Ron Bailey and the Tangents | Swing
July 29 — Ranger and the 'Re-Arrangers'| Django Reinhart Swing. Ball Rouge, wear red!
Thursdays in Hing Hay Park from 6-9pm
July 17 — Bayou Envie | Zydeco
July 24 — Ben Thomas Tango Quartet | Tango
July 31 — DJ's Miss Anna Ponder and Sean Donovan| Line Dance Favorites
Tuesday and Thursday in Lake City Mini Park from 6-9pm
Aug 5, Tues — Kiki Valera su Son Cubano | Salsa
Aug 21, Thurs — Joel Astley and Friends | Blues
Thursdays in Cal Anderson Park from 6-9:30pm
August 7 — Buena Vibra| Salsa
August 14 — The Weather Birds | Swing
Tuesdays in Ballard Commons Park from 6-9pm
Aug 12 — Golden Earrings Jazz Band| Vintage Jazz/Swing
Aug 26 — DJ's Alex Hanning and Whitney Leisenring | Traditional Blues
FUNDRAISER • Sunday, Aug 24 from 6-9pm at Golden Gardens Bathhouse
DJ Battle with Lilli Ann Carey and Friends| Variety.
Suggested donation $25
Ball Blanc, wear white!
For more information about Dancing til Dusk visit: Dancing Til Dusk 2024 | Seattle Summer Dancing Schedule (danceforjoy.biz)
Fitness, Games & More
Parks are for recreation! From Zumba at Freeway Park to Tai Chi at Hing Hay Park, there are FREE classes that are open to all at Parks across the city. 2025 events coming soon.
Monday Mahjong at Hing Hay Park – 10am-2pm
- July 21, 28
- August 4, 11, 18, 25
- Sept. 1, 8, 15
Monday Zumba at Freeway Park – 5:30pm-6:30pm
- July 7, 14, 21, 28
- August 4, 11, 18, 25
- September 8, 15, 22, 29 (skip 9/1 Labor Day)
Tuesday Senior Exercise at Hing Hay Park – 10am-11am
- June 3, 10, 17, 24
- July 1, 8, 29 (skip 7/15 and 7/22)
- August 5, 12, 19, 25
- September 3, 10, 17, 24
Tuesday Yoga at Freeway Park – 12pm-1pm
- July 8, 15, 22, 29
- August 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesday Chinese Dance at Hing Hay Park – 10-11am
- June 4, 11, 18, 24
- July 2, 9, 23, 30
- August 6, 13, 20 (skip 8/28)
- September 3, 10, 17, 24
Thursday Tai Chi at Hing Hay Park – 10-11am
- June 12, 19, 26
- July 3, 10, 31 (skip 7/17, 7/24)
- August 7, 14, 21, 28
- September 4, 11, 18, 25
Friday Ping Pong at Hing Hay Park – 1-5pm
- July 18, 25
- August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- September 5, 12, 19
Friday Rainbow Rage at Lake City Mini Park – 3-7pm
- September 12, 19
Special Events
Art Installations, cultural and indigenous presentations, annual celebrations, and more below!
Coast Salish Art Installation at City Hall Park
Park Activation is thrilled to announce the installation of four vibrant Prayer Paddles, beautifully crafted by Tulalip tribal member and artist Ty Juvinel. These stunning pieces honor the Coast Salish People and embody the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional elements. Placed in harmony with the four directions—north, east, south, and west—the Paddles are meant to provide prayers and healing to all who visit the park.
Ty Juvinel is a renowned carver and storyteller, with his incredible work featured throughout Puget Sound and Washington State. Come explore this artistic tribute and experience the calming power it brings.
Prayer Paddles will be on display at City Hall Park until January 17, 2025.
Native Indigenous Presentations at City Hall Park 2025
Head to City Hall Park (450 3rd Ave.) in Downtown Seattle for a series of Native Indigenous Presentations organized in partnership with Windz of Change Alliance.
Native Indigenous Presentations 2025 Poster
All events are from noon-1pm
July 9 | Paul Chiyokten Wagner
Saanich Nation
Traditional Coash Salish Storyteller and flutist
July 11 | Richard Swil Kanim Marshall
Lummi Nation
Violin Story Teller
July 16 | Tony Bluehorse
Dakota Sioux
Powwow Style with Rockin Horse Drum Songs & Dances
July 23 | Blue Heron Canoe Family
Snohomish
Coast Salish Canoe Family Songs and Dances
August 13 | Blue Heron Canoe Family
Snohomish
Coast Salish Canoe Family Songs and Dances
August 15 | Tony Bluehorse
Dakota Sioux
Powwow Style with Rockin Horse Drum Songs & Dances
August 29 | Richard Swil Kanim Marshall
Lummi Nation
Violin Story Teller
September 5 | Micah McCarty
Makah
Coastal Art and Ceremony - Makah songs with visual and carving art forms
Date TBD | Ty Juvenil
Tulalip
Ceremonial Canoe Paddle Art Exhibit (More information coming soon)
Partner Organizations
Visit Downtown Seattle Association, Freeway Park Association, and InterimCDA for more Downtown Park Events from our partner organizations!
Want more information on downtown happenings including sporting events, concerts and everything in between? Loveseatown's got you covered!
Park Activation Events