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â›… Is-It-Summer-Yet 2025 Newsletter â›…

   

The Ferdinand Festival Street is Finally Here!

If you passed by Ferdinand & Rainier this week, you might have noticed a few changes -- a sea of orange cones slowly being replaced by new chairs, tables, planters, and protected pedestrian spaces where neighbors can gather, hang out, and build community. It's the Ferdinand Festival Street, the communal space formerly known as the Patio, and it's finally here to stay!

This block has long been home to Columbia City Beatwalk, which is celebrating its 31st year. The new Festival Street infrastructure makes it safer, easier, and cozier to activate this block for future community events. If you want to check out the changes, join us at the first Beatwalk of the summer on Sunday, June 1.

Huge thanks to all the neighbors, local business owners, and community members who walked the long and winding road toward making the Ferdinand Festival Street a reality; to everyone who contributed to the Festival Street fundraiser; to the Department of Neighborhoods for financial support; and to the dedicated team at SDOT who supported the permitting process. See you in the street this summer!

   

Apply for Tenant Improvement Program by May 27

Has your licensed Seattle business been operating for at least two years? You're probably eligible to apply for the City of Seattle's Tenant Improvement Program! You could receive a zero-interest forgivable loan for up to $50,000 to purchase essential equipment for your business -- kitchen appliances; heating/air conditioning/ventilation appliances; shelving, tables, or chairs that are bolted down; industrial salon equipment; and more! Or if your business needs to replace or upgrade your exterior signage, you could receive up to $15,000 for new signs. Visit the program page to learn more or reach out to us for assistance with your application. 
   

Apply for Comcast RISE by May 31

If your Seattle business has been operating since at least May 2023, you may be eligible for a Comcast RISE grant package! Comcast is planning to award 100 grants to King County small businesses this year. The award package includes a $5,000 monetary grant; up to a year of free Comcast internet, voice, and cybersecurity services; access to educational resources and tailored consulting support; a 30-second ad for your business; and more! Check out the full eligibility criteria and apply online by May 31. Recipients will be announced in August 2025.
   
   

Neighborhood Events Heating Up the Calendar

   

Hibernation season is over, and there's so much happening around the neighborhood this month! Here's just a small sample of where we're planning to be over the next few weeks:


Rainier Beach Walk the Block Party, May 24: To celebrate Small Business Month, Rainier Beach Action Coalition is hosting an event at Rainier Beach Community Center from 11am to 6pm spotlighting great local small businesses. There will be music & dance, arts & crafts, a kids' zone, a farmer's market, fitness activities, and more!


Soufend Bazaar, May 24: Swing by Brighton Playfield from 2pm to 8pm for an afternoon of great food, fun & games for all ages. Discover handcrafted items from local vendors and try some new cuisine.


Absorb Records listening night, May 29: Did you know there is an amazing record store right in the heart of Hillman City? Absorb Records opened earlier this year by appointment, with a collection focused on electronic and dance music. This month they're having their inaugural listening night from 7pm to 10pm, playing two techno albums on their custom New Fidelity three-way loudspeakers. Get tickets before they're gone! 


We Mind, We Matter BIPOC mental wellness mixer & game night, May 31: Join us at the Station Coffee Shop at MLK & Alaska from 6pm for a night of healing, laughter, and connection for a good cause -- this event is also a fundraiser to sponsor a local child's membership at 3 Kings Dojo, a BIPOC-owned gym. BIPOC mental health providers will be in attendance to help highlight resources for our community.


HONK! Fest West, May 30-June 1: This awesome, free, community-driven music festival is coming back to Columbia City, with May 31 performances slated around Columbia Park and other performances around Georgetown and Pratt Park.


Cedar Tea House grand opening celebration, June 6-7: If you loved the Conservatory's yoga and art classes, you'll be thrilled to know that the same space at Rainier & Genesee will be reborn this summer as a late-night tea house, apothecary, and art & wellness space. Join us to celebrate their arrival!


Geraldine's Counter 20th anniversary, June 18: Time flies when you're having brunch ... Geraldine's turns 20 this summer! To celebrate this incredible milestone, Geraldine's will be throwing a block party on the Ferdinand Festival Street starting at 4pm.

   
   

Block Your Calendar for the Party of the Summer

Last year's inaugural "What's Good" Hillman City block party was one of the best times we had last summer -- live music, games for adults & kiddos, great food, specials & sales at local businesses, and even the unveiling of the Hillman City Heritage Bell.  Good news: the Hillman City Neighborhood Association is bringing the block party back this year! Mark your calendars for August 9 -- there will be fun events going on all day including performances by RUB, Tomo Nakayama, TV Star, and more. If you'd like to support the event by donating or volunteering, or if you're interested in vending during the block party, check out the HCNA website. To get in the mood, you can also see our recap of the 2024 block party. See you there!
   
   

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