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! 

Stop by and say hello to the Park Concierges the next time you see them.Park Concierge Kelly in front of a Park Information Kiosk at Ballard Commons Park

The following parks are staffed by Park Concierge from 10:00am - 4:30pm:

Ballard Commons Park: Wednesday - Sunday

City Hall Park: Monday – Friday

Denny Park: Mondays

Freeway Park: Tuesday and Thursday

Hing Hay Park: Monday - Friday

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

Busker at Hing Hay Park with Pagoda in the background

Ballard Commons Park: daily, 12-2pm (12-4pm on weekends!)

Hing Hay Park: daily, 12-2pm

Cal Anderson Park: daily, 12-2pm by the shelterhouse

City Hall Park: Monday-Friday, 12-4pm

Pioneer Square Park: Tuesday-Friday, 12-2pm

Freeway Park: Tuesday and Thursday, 12-2pm in Seneca Plaza

Denny Park: Tuesday-Saturday, 12-2pm

Westlake Sound Transit Station: Tuesday-Friday, 4-6pm

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2025 Schedule Coming Soon!

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. 

Center City Cinema night at Freeway Park with Movie Screen shining bright

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)

Freeway Park (700 Seneca St) at 6:30pm

  • Wed, June 18 - Wayne's World
  • Wed, June 25 - Peewee's Big Adventure (1985)
  • 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!

Dancing til Dusk Poster 2025  

Dancing Til Dusk Event on the pier at sunset hour

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. 

Yoga class at Ballard Commons Park in the grass

Monday Mahjong at Hing Hay Park – 10am-2pm 

  • July 22, 29
  • August 4, 11, 18, 25
  • Sept. 1, 8

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 – 10:30am-11:30am

  • 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 6, 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 – 10:30-11:30am 

  • 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

Partner Organizations

Visit Downtown Seattle Association and Freeway Park Association 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

Parks and Recreation

AP Diaz, Superintendent
Mailing Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
Phone: (206) 684-4075
Fax: (206) 615-1813
pks_info@seattle.gov

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