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
2025 Summer event information coming soon!
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.
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
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
Follow us on Facebook for more information!
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 2024
Join us this summer for FREE movies in the park at 12 locations across the city. Many locations will have food trucks onsite, see detailed event information below.
Center City Cinema 2024 Poster
Albert Davis Park (12526 27th Ave NE) at 8:00pm
• Thur., July 18 - Wall-E
• Thur., July 25 - The Lorax
Ballard Commons Park (5701 22nd Ave NW) at 7:30pm
*Food Trucks on site
• Thur., August 1 - Soul
• Thur., August 8 - The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
• Thur., August 15 - Wonka
• Thur., August 22 - Cars
Cal Anderson Park (1635 11th Ave) at 8:30pm
*Food Trucks on site
• Fri., June 28 - To Wong Foo, Thanks for everything! Julie Newmar
• Fri., July 5 - Chicago
• Fri., July 12 - Mamma Mia
• Fri., July 26 - Rocky Horror Show
Cascade Playground (333 Pontius Ave N) at 8:30pm
• Fri., July 19 - Labyrinth
City Hall Park (450 3rd Ave) at 12:00pm
• Wed., July 3 - Legally Blonde
• Wed., July 31 - The Pelican Brief
• Wed., August 14 - The Firm
Denny Park (100 Dexter Ave N) at 8:30pm
*Food Trucks on site
• Wed., June 26 - The Goonies
• Wed., July 10 - The Breakfast Club
• Wed., July 17 - The Color Purple (1984)
• Wed., August 7 - Dirty Dancing
Freeway Park (700 Seneca St) at 8:00pm
*Free popcorn and treats and pre-movie entertainment at 7:00pm
• Fri., August 2 - The Fifth Element
• Fri., August 9 - Reality Bites
• Fri., August 16 - Twister
• CANCELLED - Fri, August 23 - 10 Things I Hate About You
• CANCELLED - Fri., August 30 - Jurassic Park (1993)
Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave S) at 7:00PM
*Food Trucks and pre-movie entertainment onsite at 6:00pm
• Sat., August 3 - Polite Society
• Sat., August 10 - Raya and the Last Dragon
• Sat., August 17 - The Donut King
• CANCELLED - Sat., August 24 - Lilo & Stitch
Lake City Mini Park (12363 Lake City Way NE) at 8:00pm
• Sat., September 7 - Barbie
• DATE CHANGE! Sat., September 28 - Strange World
Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N)
• Sat., July 6 at 3:00pm - A Bug’s Life
• Thur., August 29 at 8:30pm - Jaws (non-motorized Boats and Floats welcome!) *food trucks onsite at 8pm
Occidental Square (117 S Washington St) at 5:00pm
• Sat., July 20 - Kung Foo Panda 4
• Sat., July 27 - The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes
Westlake Park (401 Pine St) at 5:00pm
• Tue., August 27 - The Little Mermaid (2023)
• Sat., August 31 - Wonka
Dancing til Dusk 2024
17 summer evenings of free music, dance lessons and dancing in Seattle parks! 1st 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!
Thursdays in Freeway Park from 6-9pm
July 11 — Called by Laura Mé Smith | English Country Dance
July 18 — The Hot Tango Four | Tango
July 25 — Swingin' In the Rain with Dina Blade | Variety
Tuesdays in Hing Hay Park from 6-9pm
July 16 — Joel Astley and Friends | Blues
July 23 — The Weather Birds | Swing
July 30 — Lulu Swing French Cabaret | Swing
Thursdays in Cal Anderson Park from 6-9:30pm
August 1 — Birch Pereira and the Gin Joints | Americana Rock'n'Roll
August 8 — WCS DJ Battle with Sam, Lia & Rebecca | West Coast Swing
August 15 — Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers” | Django Reinhart Swing
Tuesdays in Westlake Park from 6-9:30pm
Jul 9 — Jacqueline Tabor Jazz and Blues | Swing
Aug 6 — Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano | Salsa
Aug 20 — WCS DJ Battle with Za, Thomas & Rebecca | West Coast Swing
Fridays at Pier 62 with Friends of Waterfront Seattle from 6–8:30pm
Aug 2 — DJ Jim Chow | Salsa
Aug 16 — DJ Jim Chow | Salsa
Thursday in Lake City Mini Park from 6-9pm
Aug 22 — Buena Vibra | Salsa
Tuesdays in Ballard Commons Park from 6-9pm
Aug 13 — Louisiana Night with Sean "Gator Boy" Donovan | Zydeco and Cajun
Aug 27 — The Elnah Jordan Experience | Swing & Blues
FUNDRAISER • Wednesday, Aug 21 from 6-9pm at Golden Gardens Bathhouse
DJ Battle with Sean Donovan and Lilli Ann Carey | Variety
Suggested donation $25
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.
Zumba at Freeway Park – Mondays at 5:30pm (extended through October!)
- July 8, 15, 22, 29
- August 5, 12, 19, 26
- September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- October 7, 14, 21, 28
Yoga at Freeway Park – Tuesdays at noon
- July 9, 16, 23, 30
- August 6, 16, 20, 27
Bike Works Mobile at City Hall Park – Tuesdays from 1-4pm (unless otherwise noted)
Free or low cost bike mainenance and bikes!
- July 2 and 16
- August 6 and 20
- September 3 and 17
- October 1 and 15
- November 5 (from 1-3pm)
- December 3 (from 1-3pm)
Fitness Saturdays at Ballard Commons Park with Praxis Yoga & Cafe
- July 27 at 11am, Yoga class
- August 3 at 11am, HIIT class
- August 10 at 11am, Yoga class
- August 17 at 11am, Yoga class
- August 24 at 11am, Yoga class
- August 31 at 11am, HIIT class
Mahjong Mondays from 10am-12pm at Hing Hay Park
- June 3, 10, 17, 24
- July 1, 8, 15
- August 5 and 26
Exercise Class Tuesdays from 10-11am at Hing Hay Park
- June 4,11,18, 25
- July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- August 6, 20, 27
- September 3, 10, 17, 24
Chinese Dance Wednesdays from 10-11am at Hing Hay Park
- June 5, 12, 19, 26
- July 3, 10, 17,24, 31
- August 7, 21, 28
- September 4, 11, 18, 25
Tai Chi Thursdays from 10-11am at Hing Hay Park
- June 6, 13, 20, 27
- July 11, 18, 25
- August 1, 8, 29
- Septemeber 5, 12, 19, 26
Ping Pong Fridays from 2-5pm at Hing Hay Park
- July 5, 12 (tournament date), 26
- August 2 (tournament date), 9, 30
- Septemeber 6 (tournament date), 13, 20, 27
Dance Performance by Slowburn at Cal Anderson Park
- July 13 at noon, free performance of "Last Last Last" excerpt
- Dancers: Elise Meiners, Shayley Timm, Madeline Morser, Meredith Pellon
- Choreography: Choreographed by Meredith Pellon in collaboration with dancers
- Work Description: Last Last Last is a reflection on the desire to dance forever. The work addresses an underlying wish for movement to outlive its makers, challenged both by the ephemeral nature of dance and the choreographer’s own mortality. How can our dances transcend beyond our lifetime when their physicality is fleeting? What movement lives when we die?
- This performance is an excerpt of the full work, adapted to fit Cal Anderson Park! The full work is set to premier in September 2024.
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 2024
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 2024 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)
Harry Potter Movie Nights - Fall 2024
Head outside and join Harry Potter on a magical flight around Seattle’s Community Centers and Parks for the entire Harry Potter Movie Series! Join us on Friday evenings in September and October for free, outdoor movies complete with food trucks, activities and info from community centers, and other surprises.
Fridays in September at 6:30pm
- September 6 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- on the lawn at Green Lake Community Center (7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle)
- CANCELLED (due to rain) - September 13 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- on the lawn at Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave. S, Seattle)
- September 20 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- at Denny Park (100 Dexter Ave. N)
- September 27 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- on the lawn at Loyal Heights Community Center (2101 NW 77th St, Seattle)
Fridays in October at 6:00pm
- CANCELLED (due to rain) - October 4 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- on the lawn at Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave. S, Seattle)
- October 11 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- outside of Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S Myrtle St, Seattle)
- CANCELLED (due to rain) - October 18 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1
- on the playfield near High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave SW, Seattle)
- October 25 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
- on the lawn north of Magnolia Community Center (2801 32nd Ave W, Seattle)
For more information (including inclement weather cancellations) follow Center City Parks on Facebook.
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