Parkways Seattle Parks and Recreation

Parkways

Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Seattle “Thrillers” invade Occidental Park

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On Saturday, Oct. 24, people of all ages across the world performed Michael Jackson’s famous “Thriller” dance at the same time. The charitable event is called “Thrill the World,” and this year, Seattleites joined in on the fun in Occidental Park.

Seattle "Thrillers" in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

Seattle “Thrillers” in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

 

Seattle "Thrillers" in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

Seattle “Thrillers” in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

 

Seattle "Thrillers" in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

Seattle “Thrillers” in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

 

Seattle "Thrillers" in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

Seattle “Thrillers” in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

 

Seattle "Thrillers" in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

Seattle “Thrillers” in Occidental Park, photo by Philip Craft

 

Imagination Foundation presents ‘2015 Cardboard Challenge’ at Bell Street Park

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Kids participate in a 'Cardboard Challenge'

Kids participate in a ‘Cardboard Challenge’

When you’re little, a refrigerator box isn’t just packing material; it’s a castle, cave or new car. From noon-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, the Imagination Foundation is sponsoring the 2015 Cardboard Challenge featuring the movie “Boxtrolls” at Bell Street Park. Children are invited to create cardboard creations and take part in other activities from noon-6 p.m. The outdoor movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

Seattle’s Cardboard Challenge is about encouraging the people of all ages to come together and foster creativity in children. Children are encouraged to build things from their imagination, to be doers, to explore interests and passions, to learn how to be resourceful and persevere and to see every day recyclable objects in new ways.  [Read more…]

May we have this dance? Dancing ‘til Dusk continues through August

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Dancing 'til Dusk in Westlake Park

Dancing ’til Dusk in Westlake Park, photo by TIA International Photography

Are you ready for a brand new beat? Summer’s here, and the time is right, for dancing in the street PARKS!

Grab your friends, kids, neighbors or significant other and get ready for the second half or our annual Dancing ‘til Dusk events.

The Dancing ‘til Dusk program began in 2007. The original program produced five Thursday nights of dancing, one night for each of five styles—Waltz, Zydeco, Salsa, Line Dancing and Swing. Seattle Parks and Recreation bought an outdoor dance floor, set up a bandstand and distributed invitations widely. Dancers of all ages and abilities came from all over the city and beyond, from a diverse cultural and economic base. Dancing ’til Dusk was born, and has been growing ever since. Now moving into its ninth year, the program includes four downtown parks with 15 nights of dancing, drawing a crowd of 500-800 people per night. [Read more…]

Take center stage: Make Music Seattle is happening June 21

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MMSGenericLogo2OL.fwThey say all the world’s a stage, and this Sunday that statement rings true. On June 21, for the first time, Seattle will be joining more than 700 cities in a worldwide music celebration called Make Music.

Make Music is a free festival held each year on the summer solstice across the globe where musicians young and old, amateur and professional, of every genre pour into streets, parks and plazas to share their talent with the community. All of the events are free and open to the public. [Read more…]

Seattle Tilth offers free composting and container gardening classes in downtown parks

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Seattle Tilth composting class in Victor Steinbrueck Park.

Seattle Tilth composting class in Victor Steinbrueck Park.

This summer, Seattle Tilth will teach apartment and condominium dwellers how to grow salads, herbs and vegetables in containers and how to compost food waste indoors or on balconies or patios in downtown parks. These classes provide new ideas and will help troubleshoot site challenges for new and experienced gardeners. Seattle Tilth garden experts will show innovative ways to grow food organically with limited space and reduce food waste for people who don’t have a yard or garden plot. [Read more…]

Practice your dance moves, warm up your vocal chords: The buskers are back

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Musical group Charlie and the Rays will be performing in Seattle parks this summer as part of the 2015 busker program.

Musical group Charlie and the Rays will be performing in Seattle parks this summer as part of the 2015 busker program.

Downtown Seattle has a different feel in the summer.  The sun is out (like all the time) and the parks are bustling with children, tourists and activity.

This summer you’re likely to cross paths with an indie/folk duo sharing their songs in Westlake Park or a juggler dancing her way through Pioneer Square. We know, because we asked them to be there.

Every spring since 2007, Seattle Parks and Recreation has hired a variety of artists to perform in downtown parks in order to make the atmosphere livelier and more welcoming for families, visitors, and lunchgoers. The artists are paid $50 a day to play two-hour sets in their assigned park. [Read more…]