Park Activation Unit Programming and Events
The Park Activation Unit supports park programming and events. These activations support positive use of park spaces, works to build a stronger sense of safety among community members and creates space for increased social and community connections. The park activation program was established in 2005 and includes daily Busking, Park Concerieges, annual special events such as Center City Cinema Series, Dancing 'til Dusk, ongoing community and culturally relevant events and many other classes and activities.
All events are FREE and open to the public!
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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!

The following parks are staffed by Park Concierge from 10:00am - 4:30pm:
Ballard Commons Park: Daily
City Hall Park: Monday - Friday
Denny Park: Tuesday - Friday
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. The Busker Program is managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation, with support from the Office of Arts & Culture via the Admission Tax.
*subject to rain-out cancellation for most locations
Become a Busker!
All 2026 Busking Program spaces have been filled.
Email Philip.Craft@seattle.gov in January 2027 to secure an audition space for 2027.
Auditions for the SPR/ARC Busking Program occur in the Spring. You will need to be able to pass a criminal background check, play two-hours of music without repeating songs, and understand copyright laws relating to Busking.

Ballard Commons Park: daily, 12-2pm (12-4pm on weekends!)
Cal Anderson Park: daily, 12-2pm by the shelterhouse
City Hall Park: Monday-Friday, 12-2pm
Denny Park: Tuesday-Saturday, 12-2pm
Freeway Park: Tuesday and Thursday, 12-2pm in Seneca Plaza
Hing Hay Park: daily, 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.
Twilight, September 2027
Check back for our 2027 schedule soon!

Center City Cinema 2026
Join us this summer for FREE outdoor movies on 26 nights at 12 parks across the city.

Check back for the 2027 schedule!
Dancing til Dusk 2027
19 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!

Rainbow Parks Shirt Sales
Have you always wanted a Rainbow Sign shirt? Now’s your chance to grab one of our limited edition prints.
T-Shirts are $20
Crewneck Sweatshirts are $40
You can pay via ActiveNet or bring cash to the event.
Rainbow Sign merchandise will be available at select Center City Cinema and Dancing 'til Dusk events this summer. Don’t miss your chance to get one while supplies last.
Schedule of sales will be announced TBD
Check back soon for our 2027 schedule!
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.

Monday Mahjong at Hing Hay Park – 10am-2pm
- June, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29,
- July, 6, 13, 20
Monday Zumba at Freeway Park – 5:30pm-6:30pm
- July, 6, 13, 20, 27
- August, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- September, 14, 21
Tuesday Senior Exercise at Hing Hay Park – 10am-11am
- June, 9, 16, 23, 30
- July, 7, 14, 21, 28
- August, 4, 11, 18, 25
- September, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Tuesday Yoga at Freeway Park – 12pm-1pm
- July, 7, 21, (Sunday) 26, 28
- August, 4, 11, 18, 25
Wednesday Chinese Dance at Hing Hay Park – 10-11am
- July, 8, 15, 22, 29
- August, 5, 12, 19, 26
- September, 2, 9, 16, 23
Thursday Tai Chi at Hing Hay Park – 10-11am
- June, 25
- July, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- August, 6, 13, 20, 27
- September, 3, 10, 17, 24
Friday Ping Pong at Hing Hay Park – 1-5pm
- July, 3, 17
- August, 14, 21, 28
Friday Ping Pong Tournament at Hing Hay Park - 1-5pm
- July, 10
- August, 7
- September, 4
Tuesday/Thursdays Cozy Corner and Book Cart at Freeway Park 12-2pm
Grab your rhinestones and join us for a Dolly Parton Silent Disco from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. We will supply the headphones. Come dance to Jolene, Islands in the Stream, and all the Dolly classics.
Then stick around at 6:30 p.m. for a special outdoor screening of her famous film 9 to 5.

Native Indigenous Presentations at City Hall Park 2026
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.
2026 dates to come.......
Check back for specific dates for 2026:
Coming Soon:
Returning Home Salmon Relations
4 Salmon Carvings to City Hall Park Carved by Jimmy Price (Port Gamble S'Klallam)
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