22 Jan 2025
WHAT’S NEW
Story Suggestions for Seattle and Washington State
Cannonball Music and Arts Venue Set to Open in Downtown Seattle
The producers of Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival, New Rising Sun, are partnering with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to create a new arts venue that is expected to open to the public in spring of 2025. Formerly a Bed Bath & Beyond location, Cannonball Arts will offer two stories of contemporary and performing arts space spanning two city blocks (Third and Fourth Avenues).
Media Contact: May Sakai Wildman, mwildman@cplusc.com
Northwest Native Canoe Center to Open Carving House in 2026The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is constructing a Carving House on South Lake Union to provide education about Pacific Northwest canoe culture, and to provide a space for Native carvers to participate in programing and store canoes. The Carving House is expected to open in early 2026.
Media Contact: Trae Yang, Trae.Yang2@seattle.gov
Woodland Park Zoo Announces Major New Exhibit Set to Open in 2026In March 2025, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo completed a seven year “Forests for All Campaign,” raising $119.7 million from nearly 100,000 donors. A central feature of the campaign is the Forest Trailhead exhibit, which is set to open in 2026. This exhibit will include a treetop path, a forest landscape, viewing areas for tree kangaroos and red pandas, and an all-seasons pavilion aimed at promoting conservation and exploring the future of forests.
Media Contact: Gigi Allianic, woodlandparkzoopr@zoo.org
NEW AND EXCITING Suquamish Museum Launches Suquamish Heritage Bus TourFrom June to September, Suquamish Museum is offering a new, guided bus tour, which begins and ends at the museum and features seven historic and cultural sites significant to the Suquamish people. This immersive tour offers visitors a chance to engage meaningfully with Indigenous history and heritage.
Media Contact: Sarah van Gelder, svangelder@suquamish.nsn.us
Traver Gallery Relocates to Seattle’s Historic Marine DistrictTraver Gallery relocated to a restored warehouse in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood this spring, celebrating its grand opening on April 5. The gallery will present a rotation of spring/summer exhibitions, showcasing works by Dante Marioni and Dharma Strasser-Maccoll from May 3-31 and a group exhibition from July 7-26. Traver Gallery is a cornerstone of Seattle’s art community, representing contemporary studio glass, painting, sculpture, and installation artists from all stages of their careers.
Media Contact: Deborah Adler, deborah@travergallery.com
Seattle Art Museum Debuts “Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei” and MoreGlobally renowned artist Ai Weiwei is celebrated as a disruptor of artistic canons and a champion of free expression. Seattle Art Museum’s exhibit “Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei” highlights the artistic strategies of his 40-year career for questioning forms of power. It marks the artist’s first U.S. retrospective in over a decade and his largest-ever U.S. exhibition, running at the Seattle Art Museum until September 7, 2025.
Seattle Art Museum also builds on the success of its multiyear “Calder in SAM” initiative with its second exhibition called “Following Space; Thaddeus Mosley & Alexander Calder,” which runs until June 1. The exhibit features 17 large-scale wood sculptures of contemporary artist Thaddeus Mosely, as well as Calder’s iconic hanging mobiles, a standing mobile, and a wall sculpture.
Media Contact: Rachel Eggers, rachele@seattleartmuseum.org
Museum of Pop Culture Opens Asian Comics Exhibition March 2025Running through January 4, 2026 at the Museum of Pop Culture, “Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form” explores the diversity and creativity of Asian comic art and its powerful impact on global pop culture. The exhibition features over 400 pieces of art, including woodblock prints and video games from Japan, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Vietnam.
Media Contact: Nadia Tahoun, mopop@scoutlab.com
Seattle Art Museum Received $500,000 in New Funding to Support Downtown Seattle Arts and Culture SectorThe Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced on September 24 that the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has received a suite of eight grants to support the museum in energizing downtown Seattle’s arts and culture sector. The $9 million investment will support SAM in increasing its programming and access, starting with extending the hours of its Free First Thursday program into the evening.
Media Contact: Rachel Eggers, rachele@seattleartmuseum.org
Indigenous-owned Gallery and Creative Space Opens DowntownTidelands, an Indigenous-owned art gallery and creative space focused on Native scholarship, storytelling, and art, welcomed visitors to its debut season in fall 2024. The gallery was opened in downtown Seattle in September by Matika Wilbur, a visual storyteller from the Swinomish and Tulalip peoples of Washington. Wilbur aims to create a physical space for Indigenous creatives to showcase their work, foster community, and provide educational opportunities for future generations.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Seattle Aquarium Opens New Ocean PavilionSeattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion opened August 29, 2024. The Ocean Pavilion focuses on tropical species from the Coral Triangle in the Indo-Pacific. In tandem with the ongoing Waterfront redevelopment, the Ocean Pavilion connects Pike Place Market with the Waterfront promenade via publicly accessible observation decks, stairways, and an oculus window that allows passersby to observe sea life from below. With a next-generation sustainable design, the Ocean Pavilion is a national model for regenerative construction standards in climate impact, energy, and water use.
Media Contact: Tim Kuniholm, T.Kuniholm@seattleaquarium.org
Explore Ongoing Programming at Seattle’s Top Arts & Culture Venues Theatres and Performance Houses:Media Contact: Rachel Liuzzi, rachell@stgpresents.org
Media Contact: Becky Witmer, bwitmer@5thavenue.org
Media Contact: Shane Regan, shane@michellesanderspr.com
Media Contact: Michelle Sanders Leyva, michelle@michellesanderspr.com
Media Contact: Gary Tucker, gtucker@pnb.org
Media Contact: Storm Montunnas, Stormm@sct.org
Media Contact: Christine Wood, press@seattlesymphony.org
Media Contact: Joshua Gailey, Joshua.Gailey@seattleopera.org
Museums and Cultural Centers:Media Contact: Rachel Eggers, rachele@seattleartmuseum.org
Media Contact: Rachel Eggers, rachele@seattleartmuseum.org
Museum of History and Industry
Media Contact: Wendy Malloy, wendy.malloy@mohai.org
Media Contact: Nadia Tahoun, mopop@scoutlab.com
Northwest African American Museum
Media Contact: Imani Gaddy, imani@naamnw.org
Media Contact: Amy Cunningham, amyc@spaceneedle.com
Media Contact: Joanne Matsusaka, matsujm@uw.edu
Media Contact: Laura Burgos, laurab@nordicmuseum.org
Media Contact: Ted Huetter, thuetter@museumofflight.org
Media Contact: Rahul Gupta, rgupta@wingluke.org
Media Contact: Tanja Baumann, TanjaB@henryart.org
Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
Media Contact: Katie King, katieking@duwamishtribe.org
Media Contact: Ingrid Langston, Ilangston@fryemuseum.org
Media Contact: Jessica Michels, Jessica@HolocaustCenterSeattle.org
Media Contact: Stephanie Arduini, Stephanie.a@seattlechildrensmuseum.org
Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood will welcome a new carbon-positive hotel, Populus Seattle, in late spring. Located in RailSpur, a sustainable micro-district that includes three historic warehouse buildings, the hotel will feature 120 guestrooms and suites, a signature indoor and outdoor restaurant on activated Railspur Alley, and a rooftop bar. Populus Seattle is developed by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, who aim to preserve the character of the hotel’s historic building, while prioritizing sustainability.
Media Contact: Sarah Soler, sarah@jwadepr.com
The Somm. Hotel & Spa to Open in Woodinville Summer 2025Woodinville Hotel Partners, LLC has broken ground on The Somm. Hotel & Spa, a luxury Marriott Autograph Collection property set to open in summer 2025 in Woodinville wine country. The 164-room hotel will blend exceptional design, impeccable service, and a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include Bin 47, a restaurant showcasing local ingredients; Vin de Spa, with rooftop treatment tents and hot tubs open to non-hotel guests; and The Shed, a rooftop bar with stunning views. The property will also feature event spaces, including a grand ballroom, for weddings and gatherings.
Media Contact: Joleen Zanuzoski, joleenz@greenrubino.com
NEW AND EXCITING 1 Hotel Seattle Opens May 2025SH Hotels & Resorts celebrated the grand opening of 1 Hotel Seattle in May 2025. Located in South Lake Union, the 153-room property will be the city’s first nature-inspired, sustainable luxury hotel.
Media Contact: Erin Osborne, Erin@ONpublicrelations.com
Marriott Opens AC Hotel Seattle DowntownAC Hotel Seattle Downtown, Marriott’s new property in South Lake Union, opened in November 2024. Located off Stewart Street and Yale Avenue, this 200-room hotel is conveniently near Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena, and Pier 42. The hotel is also strategically situated for tech and business travelers, central to Amazon, Meta, Google, and the Seattle Convention Center. AC Hotel Seattle Downtown will feature an on-site bar and lounge.
Media Contact: Abi Swanson, abi.swanson@phase3mc.com
Fairmont Olympic Hotel Celebrates its 100th AnniversaryFairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle recently underwent $25 million in renovations just in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, with celebratory programming throughout the year. This staple of the Emerald City, which first opened in December 1924, has revamped its social spaces, including a redesign of its lobby, bar, restaurant, and meeting spaces under the vision of Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV). The new restaurant, American brasserie The George, is known for its standout lavish design and locally sourced dishes.
Media Contact: Jen Sorlie, jen.sorlie@fairmont.com
Downtown Seattle’s Hotel 1000 and Lotte Hotel and Kenmore’s Lodge at St. Edward Park Earn MICHELIN KeysOn Sept. 12, 2024, Hotel 1000 and Lotte Hotel in downtown Seattle earned MICHELIN Key distinctions, joining the prestigious list of the most outstanding hotels in the United States. Recognized for excellence in design, service, character, value, and guest experience, the hotels highlight Seattle as a premier destination for travelers seeking exceptional stays.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
APA Group Acquired Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel in Summer 2024Japan’s largest hotel group, APA Group, officially launched its first directly owned U.S. property in June 2024, rebranding the former Hilton in downtown Seattle as the Coast Seattle Downtown by APA. Acquired in June for $68.8 million, the 256-room hotel represents APA’s expansion into the U.S. market under the Coast Hotels banner. Founded in 1988, APA operates 800 hotels worldwide and plans to further expand its presence on the West Coast through ownership and franchising opportunities.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, Firn, opens May 21 at the Populus Hotel, offering patrons sweeping views of downtown Seattle. The bar will specialize in creative iced drinks, including cocktail slushies and alcoholic shaved ice, and a simple food menu with seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Media Contact: Sarah Soler, sarah@jwadepr.com
Salt Harvest Restaurant to Open in Pioneer SquareOpening May 23 in the Populus Hotel, Salt Harvest will bring hearth inspired cuisine to Pioneer Square. Open flame, smoke, and char will shape the menu built around fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and sustainably sourced meats showcasing the best of the region.
Media Contact: Sarah Soler, sarah@jwadepr.com
Molly Moon’s Ice Cream to Open Seattle Waterfront LocationMolly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream is set to open its newest scoop shop on May 23 on the waterfront at the south end of Seattle’s 20-acre Waterfront Park. Molly Moon’s will be located at the Historic Washington Street Boat Landing Pergola, adjacent to the newly restored Habitat Beach, and within a short walking distance from Overlook Walk, Pike Place Market and the Aquarium. The Seattle Waterfront will be Molly Moon’s tenth location.
Media Contact: Katie Cole, katie@mollymoonicecream.com
Three New Sea Creatures Restaurants to Open in Pioneer SquareThe Seattle restaurant group Sea Creatures is opening three new restaurants in Pioneer Square in 2025. The trio of restaurants — Lowlander Brewery, Un Po Tipsy Pizzeria, and a to-be-named European restaurant concept with sustainably sourced seafood — will be located at Railspur, 419 Occidental Ave. The restaurants are led by James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson.
Media Contact: Elizabeth Dewey, elizabeth@jwadepr.com
Reuben’s Brews to Open Downtown TaproomThe award-winning family-owned brewery, Reuben’s Brews, will open a new downtown taproom on 1st Ave and Seneca St., just steps away from Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market. The Downtown Taproom will open in early summer 2025.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Boon Boona Coffee and Dossier Winery to Open at Overlook WalkIn summer 2025, Boon Boona Coffee and Dossier Winery will open a shared café downtown at Overlook Walk, bringing East African coffee in the mornings and Washington wines in the evenings to Seattle’s redeveloped waterfront. Founded by Efrem Fesaha, Renton-based Boon Boona is known for its commitment to East African coffee culture, with locations in Seattle and Redmond. Dossier, co-founded by former Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice, is a boutique winery with tasting rooms in Woodinville and Walla Walla, showcasing Washington’s world-class wines.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Cocktail Bar Death & Co to Open in Pioneer SquarePopular cocktail bar Death & Co will open its fifth U.S. location in Pioneer Square in summer 2025. The bar will be located on the ground floor of Railspur at 419 Occidental Ave., alongside three new Sea Creatures restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson. Death & Co founder and co-owner David Kaplan is excited to honor the rich history and culture of Seattle with the bar’s menu and design.
Media Contact: Elizabeth Dewey, elizabeth@jwadepr.com
New Washington State Wine Tasting Room to Open in University Village in Summer 2025Delille Cellars, a pioneer in Washington state’s wine industry, announced it will open a Bordeaux-inspired restaurant and tasting room concept in Seattle’s University Village in summer 2025. This will mark Delille’s first expansion into Seattle after more than 30 years of success crafting acclaimed wines and hospitality experiences in Woodinville. The 6,700-square-foot space will be located in the prominent southwest corner of the complex. Delille’s new location will offer a concept that integrates fine dining, wine tasting, crafted beverages, retail, culinary experiences, private dining options, and event space, catering to both casual visitors and wine aficionados.
Media Contact: Heidi Witherspoon, heidiwitherspoon@comcast.net
Moto Pizza to Open in Historic Smith TowerMoto, Seattle’s popular Detroit-style, Filipino-influenced pizza, will open its fifth location in the base of Seattle’s historic Smith Tower in fall/winter 2025.
Media Contact: Joleen Zanuzoski, joleenz@greenrubino.com
NEW AND EXCITING 1 Hotel Seattle Opens Signature Spanish RestaurantJames Beard Award nominee, Chef Oscar Amador, opened 1 Hotel Seattle’s signature restaurant, La Loba, in May 2025. La Loba, meaning “the she-wolf” in Spanish, will combine the culinary traditions of Barcelona, the Mediterranean, and Japan while using ingredients local to the Pacific Northwest.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
The Wayland Mill Opens in WallingfordYasuaki Saito, the acclaimed owner of Seattle’s Saint Bread—named one of the New York Times’ 22 best bakeries in the U.S. in December 2024—opened a new restaurant in May, The Wayland Mill, in Wallingford. Saito, whose culinary style is influenced by his Japanese heritage and Midwestern upbringing, describes The Wayland Mill as offering “Americana food applied with Japanese ingredients and Japanese sensibilities,” or yoshoku-inspired takes on American regional dishes.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Seattle Restaurateur Opens Pike Place Market Seafood RestaurantAcclaimed Seattle restaurateur and James Beard Award–winning chef Tom Douglas opened a new restaurant, Mr. Fish, at the north end of Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market in spring 2025. The menu features seafood from the Pacific and local waterways, including fish and chips, chowders, Hama Hama oysters, and Dungeness crab. A daily happy hour offers $2 oysters and specials on beer, wine, and cocktails.
Media contact: Amy Richardson, Amyr@tomdouglas.com
Local Restaurant Group Opens Second Location in FremontRobin’s Restaurant and Market, a casual dining option with wines sourced from Bellevue’s Story in a Bottle, opened in the Fremont neighborhood in April. The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-away options, including a selection of curated products from local partners. Robin’s Restaurant and Market is Model Restaurant Group’s second location, and its opening follows the team’s 2024 debut of The Greenwood American Bistro in the Greenwood neighborhood.
Media Contact: PR@modelrestaurantgroup.com
Turkish Restaurant Reopens in West SeattleThis spring, long-time restaurant owner Hasan Ocak reopened Efesis, a Turkish restaurant originally known as “Ephesus”, in West Seattle. Efesis’ menu features a variety of kebabs, seafood, and pan dishes. The two-story West Seattle restaurant has outdoor deck seating overlooking Puget Sound.
Medias Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
James Beard Awards Recognizes Seattle-area Chefs and RestaurantsThe James Beard Foundation named 16 Seattle chefs, bars, and restaurants as semifinalists for the highly acclaimed James Beard Awards in 2025. Semifinalists for the Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific category include Janet Becerra, Pancita; Jay Blackington, Houlme (Orcas Island); Logan Cox, Homer; Aisha Ibrahim, Canlis; Ajay Panicker, Kathakali, An Indian Eatery (Kirkland); Jun Takai, Takai by Kashiba (Bellevue). Atoma and Familyfriend were named semifinalists for the Best New Restaurant category.
For more information, read the complete list of the Seattle-area 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
French Bakery Opens in Pioneer SquareOrphee Fouano, a Paris-raised and -trained baker and chef, opened a new bakery in downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square on March 20, named “Mirabelle by Orphee.” The bakery offers croissants, pastries, baguettes, and other baked goods alongside French products like cheese, charcuteries, chocolate, and jam.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Taste Washington Celebrates 25th AnniversaryTaste Washington, the nation’s largest single-region wine and food festival, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year from March 13-17. The festival will return in March 2026.
Media Contact: Averyl D. Mooney, admooney@washingtonwine.org
Seattle Cocktail Week Celebrates and Uplifts Local Bars in March 2025In celebration of Seattle’s cocktail culture, the city welcomed its sixth annual Seattle Cocktail Week from March 2-9. The week included special cocktail offerings at participating bars and restaurants, master classes, seminars, pop ups, brunches, bar takeovers, and competitions.
Media Contact: Lauren McCaffrey, lauren@evadopr.com
Underground Pizzeria Opens Shop Near Green LakeOnce an underground pizza pick-up pop-up that required reservations on pies, My Friend Derek’s has grown into a popular brick-and-mortar restaurant near Green Lake. The restaurant, which opened in February, specializes in Detroit-style pizzas.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Hey Bagel Opens in University VillageSeattle’s bagel boom continues with the arrival of Hey Bagel, now open in the University District. Putting its own spin on tradition, Hey Bagel skips the toaster and the knife—bagels are served whole, with patrons encouraged to tear and dip. Schmear comes in cups, making for a hands-on, no-fuss experience that sets this newcomer apart.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
La Llorona Taqueria Mexicana Opens in The Moore HotelLocated on the first floor of The Moore Hotel, this new taqueria offers traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. La Llorona has a full bar and a menu fit with picturesque, pink drinks and dishes.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Ballard Brewed Passport Launches in the Ballard Brewery District (BBD)The brand-new Ballard Brewed Passport is a free guide to exploring the vibrant Ballard Brewery District (BBD), where over a dozen breweries are located within a one-mile radius. After signing up, a digital passport will be delivered instantly via text and email, with no app download required. As you visit participating breweries, simply ask the bartender for the check-in code to log your stop. Each check-in brings you closer to earning a Ballard Brewed tin tacker—a fun and memorable reward for your Seattle craft beer journey.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Wine Tasting Room Featuring BIPOC-made Wines Opens in BelltownBelltown’s new wine bar, WeRise Wines, showcases wines by Black, BIPOC, and women winemakers in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring a carefully selected menu of new and old world wines and unique small plate options, WeRise Wines brings a unique flavor to the neighborhood.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Voodoo Doughnuts Now Open in Capitol HillAs of December 2024, Voodoo Doughnuts has brought its iconic, quirky doughnut creations to the Booker Building in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Known for its playful approach to flavors, Voodoo offers combinations like bacon-topped doughnuts and cereal-coated treats which have earned a loyal fanbase.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
In 2025, Cunard’s luxury Queen Elizabeth will offer 11 roundtrip voyages from Seattle to Alaska. The voyage itineraries will range from seven to 11 nights, taking place between June 12 and September 25, 2025.
Media Contact: Cindy Adams, cindy@mgamediagroup.com
Oceania Cruises to Debut Riviera in Alaska in 2025 with Seattle ItinerariesOceania Cruises will debut the Riviera in Alaska for its 2025 season starting June 17, featuring five itineraries that include Seattle, with four round-trip options and one one-way voyage from Vancouver to Seattle.
Media Contact: Chris Guizlo, Guizlo.C@portseattle.org
Holland America Offers New Seattle Roundtrip Voyage in 2025Holland America Line’s “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise is a new offering for 2025. It combines visits to Alaska and Hawaii, a rare pairing in the cruise industry. This new itinerary is part of Holland America’s “Legendary Voyages” series, designed to offer extended journeys to sought-after destinations. The cruise will depart roundtrip from Seattle on Aug. 31, 2025, aboard the Westerdam.
Media Contact: Chris Guizlo, Guizlo.C@portseattle.org
Princess Cruises Launches Star Princess Summer 2026 in SeattlePrincess Cruises will introduce its largest-ever Alaska cruise ship, the 4,300-passenger Star Princess, in the summer of 2026.
Media Contact: Chris Guizlo, Guizlo.C@portseattle.org
Virgin Voyages’ New Ship Brilliant Lady Offers Seattle to Alaska Itineraries in 2026Virgin Voyages’ newest vessel, Brilliant Lady, will sail to Alaska from Seattle starting in summer 2026. A variety of itineraries between Seattle and Alaska will be available from May through September.
Media Contact: Michelle Estevam, media@virginvoyages.com
Carnival Announces 16-day Cruise from Mobile to Seattle in 2026Carnival Cruise Line will launch a new route connecting Mobile, Alabama, and Seattle, Washington, starting in April 2026. The 16-day Carnival Journeys cruise will transit the Panama Canal, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), and Cartagena (Colombia). This marks the first time the ship will connect its seasonal homeports before beginning its summer Alaska sailings. The Carnival Spirit will return to Mobile in the fall for cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Media Contact: Chris Guizlo, Guizlo.C@portseattle.org
MSC Cruises to Debut in Alaska in 2026MSC Cruises will make its Alaska debut in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises departing from Seattle.
Media Contact: Chris Guizlo, Guizlo.C@portseattle.org
NEW AND EXCITING 2024 Marks Seattle’s Greenest Cruise SeasonThe 2024 cruise season marked a key step in Seattle’s effort to make the Port of Seattle the greenest port in North America. The port now has three shore power-connected berths—two at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 and, starting summer 2024, one at the Pier 66 cruise berth. By using clean electricity and landside power, at-berth emissions are reduced by 80% and CO2 emissions by 66% per ship, on average. Agreements with cruise lines now require shore power-capable ships to connect when facilities are available, supporting the port’s goal of 100% shore power usage by homeport cruise ships on every call by 2030 or sooner.
Media Contact: Kathy Roeder, roeder.k@portseattle.org
Salmon Bay FC is the new USL W pre-professional women’s soccer team based in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle and the women’s equivalent team to Ballard FC. Matches will begin in May 2025 at Interbay Stadium. The Salmon Bay is a vital waterway that connects the communities around Ballard to the sea. The team’s name and badge design pay homage to this local landscape as a symbol of connection and growth.
Media Contact: Kau’ilani Robinson, krobinson@visitseattle.org
Pitch The Baby: New Women’s Sports Bar to Open in Capitol Hill Summer 2025Seattle restaurateurs Monica Dimas and Anais Custer will introduce a new women’s sports bar to Capitol Hill this summer. The concept, Pitch the Baby, will spotlight women’s sports from around the world and have a Mexico City-inspired approach to its menu. Pitch the Baby is scheduled to open in early June.
Media Contact: Drew Zandonella-Stannard, drew@womanabouttheinternet.com
Seattle to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen FieldFIFA’s new premier club competition, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, will take place in June and July 2025, with 32 top teams from around the world competing in the inaugural edition. The event will feature the most successful clubs from each of the six international confederations: AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA, including the Seattle Sounders. Seattle’s Lumen Field is one of 12 venues selected to host six of the 63 matches across the U.S.
Media Contact: Kauilani Robinson, (206) 461-5839, krobinson@visitseattle.org
Picklewood Paddle Club to Open Summer 2025The ultimate recreation destination is coming to the heart of the Pacific Northwest in summer 2025. Located at Urbanworks in SODO Seattle, Picklewood will redefine the country club experience with pickleball for all and courtside food and drinks from acclaimed Seattle chef and restauranter, Ethan Stowell.
Media Contact: May Sakai Wildman, mwildman@cplusc.com
Picklewood Paddle Club to Open Summer 2025North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise will be opening in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood in fall 2025. The 27,000-square-foot facility will feature 10 courts, a full pro shop and private event space. members of the facility will have access to unlimited open play, league play, and tournaments and an option to enroll in private and semi-private lessons and clinics by The Picklr’s certified trainers.
Media Contact: May Sakai Wildman, mwildman@cplusc.com
PWHL Announces Seattle Expansion for 2025-26 SeasonThe Professional Women’s Hockey League will expand to Seattle for the 2025–26 season, making it the league’s eighth team and second expansion franchise. The team, which will go by PWHL Seattle until an official name is unveiled, will play at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, and train at the Kraken Community Iceplex.
Media Contact: Kau’ilani Robinson, krobinson@visitseattle.org
Seattle to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup at Lumen FieldSeattle’s Lumen Field will host six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a U.S. Men’s National Team match on Juneteenth. The city, home to passionate soccer fans who support the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign FC, is set to welcome teams from across the globe. The 2026 World Cup will be the first co-hosted by three nations—the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—and the first to feature an expanded field of 48 teams playing 60 matches across North America. Sea2026.com
Media Contact: Kau’ilani Robinson, krobinson@visitseattle.org
NEW AND EXCITING New Sports Bar Opens Near Seattle CenterTom’s Watch Bar brings a new sports-watching experience to Seattle on March 12, with a new location opening at the old Bressi Garage, south of Seattle Center. Founded in 2014, Tom’s Watch Bar chain has brought sports fans their favorite programming to locations across the nation for more than a decade. Tom’s Watch Bar offers a central “stadium screen” surrounded by hundreds of high-definition screens that provide 360-degree viewing in the bar.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org
Climate Pledge Arena Welcomes an Incredible Lineup of Artists and Sporting EventsClimate Pledge Arena, the world’s first net-zero carbon arena, hosts a steady lineup of critically acclaimed performers and world-class events, including music, comedy, and sports. The arena is also home to Seattle’s NHL team, the Kraken, and the WNBA’s Storm. See here for a full lineup of events.
Media Contact: De’Aira Anderson, danderson@seattlekrakenhockey.com
OL Reign Unveils Official Name and Brand TransformationAhead of the 2024 season, Seattle’s women’s soccer team returned to its roots, rebranding as Seattle Reign FC. The club’s iconic 2013 crest has been reimagined for a new era, featuring a queen emblem that symbolizes the growth of professional women’s sports. The refreshed crest incorporates the team’s original colors—Seattle Reign Blackened Blue and Seattle Reign Blue—paying tribute to the club’s history while reflecting the deep hues of the Seattle environment.
Media Contact: pr@reignfc.com
Seattle Storm Opens BECU Center for Basketball PerformanceSeattle’s WNBA team, the Seattle Storm, opened the Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood in April 2024. Marking a significant milestone in women’s professional sports, the $64 million new build is the first dedicated WNBA practice facility designed and built from the ground up. The Center boasts two indoor professional basketball courts, two outdoor 3×3 courts, and an exclusive suite for the Seattle Storm that includes a locker room, a nutrition center, and a player lounge.
Media Contact: salamshaw@stormbasketball.com
Sound Transit’s East Link Starter Line, also known as the 2 Line, opened two new stations in downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village on May 10, 2025. The extensions add 3.4 miles to the light rail network, which will eventually connect Bellevue to the 1 Line in Seattle. The light rail system will expand to Everett, the Tacoma Dome, Federal Way, and the Ballard and West Seattle neighborhoods.
Sound Transit’s East Link Starter Line, also known as the 2 Line, opens two new stations in downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village on May 10. The extensions add 3.4 miles to the light rail network, which will eventually connect Bellevue to the 1 Line in Seattle. The light rail system will expand to Everett, the Tacoma Dome, Federal Way, and the Ballard and West Seattle neighborhoods.
Sound Transit opened the East Link Starter Line, also known as the 2 Line in April 2024.On August 30, 2024, Seattle’s light rail system was extended by 8.5 miles, adding four new stations to the 1 Line. The extension includes stops at South Shoreline, North Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood City Center.
Learn more about the expansions and projected timelines at Sound Transit.
Media Contact: Bruce Gray, bruce.gray@soundtransit.org
The Seattle Convention Center has continued to secure major industry accolades, earning best convention center awards from the World Travel Awards, World MICE Awards, Meetings Today, BizBash, Smart Meetings, and more in 2024. See the full list of accolades here, including 2023 awards.
The Seattle Convention Center’s newest addition, The Summit, opened and welcomed its first groups in January 2023. The Summit added approximately 250,000 square feet of exhibition space, 160,000 square feet of meeting room space, including a 60,000-square-foot ballroom. In January 2024, the Summit building became one of the few U.S. convention centers to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Summit occupies a pinnacle design position in the next evolution of convention centers rooted in the urban core context and supported by a vertically organized flow. The stacked configuration maximizes the efficiency of the urban site, effectively bringing interior and exterior spaces together. Skylights bringing daylight deep into the event spaces, the layering of soft and hard landscape elements, and expansive views of the city in all directions enhance the urban nature of the facility. Air handling units are equipped with economizer functionality, meaning they can run at 100 percent outside air, not recycled air, under moderate temperature conditions. Storm water treatment in outdoor planting areas will feature innovative sustainable strategies. The design pays homage to Seattle with The Hillclimb: The Pine Street facade features a suspended stair and escalator system that provides event attendee access from street level to the ballroom level on top. The Hillclimb is an iconic design element authentic to the Pacific Northwest made of wood with seating elements for guests. It enlivens the convention experience while providing respite from activities. Learn more at visitseattle.org/meeting-professionals/convention-center/summit-overview.
Media Contact: Jared Dionne, jdionne@visitseattle.org
Starting May 21, 2025, Scandinavian Airlines will offer five weekly nonstop flights to Copenhagen, Denmark, from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). With these additional services, travelers departing from SEA will have nonstop access to three Nordic capitals: Reykjavik, Iceland; Helsinki, Finland; and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Edelweiss to Launch Direct Flight to Zurich from SEA AirportOn June 2, 2025, Switzerland’s leisure airline Edelweiss, along with its parent company Swiss International Air Lines, will begin offering two weekly nonstop flights between Seattle and Zurich, Switzerland. This service will be the first direct connection between Seattle and Zurich.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
NEW AND EXCITING Hawaiian Airlines Introduces Daily Nonstop Flights to Tokyo Narita from SEA AirportHawaiian Airlines began daily nonstop flights from Seattle (SEA) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) on May 12, 2025. The first flight will depart Seattle at 1:30 PM and arrive in Tokyo the following day at 4:00 PM. The return flight will depart Tokyo at 6:25 PM and arrive in Seattle at 11:30 AM.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
WestJet Launched New Kelowna-Seattle RouteWestJet launched new daily flights between Kelowna, B.C., and Seattle in January. The new route connects the Okanagan region to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, operating five times a week.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Alaska Airlines Added Three New Direct Flights from SEA AirportAlaska Airlines expanded their winter travel options with 18 new nonstop routes in December 2024. Three of these routes are new direct flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). A nonstop service between SEA and Liberia, Costa Rica will run once a week from December 21, 2024, to May 11, 2025. Additionally, direct service between SEA and Nassau, Bahamas, is also be available. Direct service between SEA and Vail, Colorado is offered three times a week from December 20, 2024, to March 16, 2025.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Hainan Airlines Resumed Service to China from SEA AirportIn April 2024, Hainan Airlines resumed its direct flights to Beijing (PEK) from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with three weekly departures. In May, Hainan Airlines launched SEA’s first nonstop service to Chongqing, Seattle’s sister city.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Alaska Airlines Added New Nonstop Flight Between Seattle and TorontoLaunched May 2024, Alaska Airlines operates a nonstop service between Seattle and Toronto.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Lufthansa Added Service to Munich at SEA AirportGerman carrier Lufthansa expanded its service to Seattle with the addition of a nonstop route from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Munich in May 2024. The flight operates daily through the fall, then goes to three times a week during the winter months. The flight was the 13th new international route SEA Airport had added since 2020, including new service to tropical locales like the Bahamas and Tahiti. The service to Munich came in addition to Lufthansa’s direct flights to Frankfurt.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Delta Launched First-Ever U.S. to Taiwan Direct Route from SEA AirportDelta launched daily nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei on June 6, 2024. This route marks Delta’s first flight to Taiwan since 2017. Delta also offers nonstop service from Seattle to Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
STARLUX Airlines Added Non-Stop Service to Taipei from SEA AirportSTARLUX Airlines, an Alaska Airlines partner, introduced nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei on August 16, 2024. The new route operates three times weekly and is STARLUX’s third U.S. destination.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Philippine Airlines Introduces Non-Stop Service to Manila at SEA AirportIn October 2024, Philippine Airlines launched three flights per week between SEA Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines. This route is Philippine Airlines’ sixth U.S. destination and the Pacific Northwest’s first direct link to Manila.
Media Contact: Perry Cooper, cooper.p@portseattle.org
Seattle continues to improve its already impressive downtown walkability and attractions with its ongoing Waterfront redevelopment project. The project includes the relocation of the Alaskan Way viaduct underground in favor of a scenic bayside promenade featuring shops, bike lanes, and the Washington State Ferries terminal. Residents and visitors are now able to enjoy direct pathways from downtown and Pike Place Market to the Waterfront promenade. Waterfront improvements are on track to open as completed with all projects scheduled for completion by October 2025.
Media Contact: Kau’ilani Robinson, (206) 461-5839, krobinson@visitseattle.org
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Updated: 5/16/2025
