The U District Partnership hosts multiple events each year that attract thousands of visitors to the neighborhood. We invite businesses located in the University District to participate in these events in a variety of ways. Please read below about each event and register your business to participate.
For questions about business participation opportunities, please contact Daniel Lokic at daniel@udistrictpartnership.org.
For general inquiries about events or sponsorship, contact Pollyanna Yokokawa at pollyanna@udistrictpartnership.org.
Cherry Blossom Festival | Two Weeks, March - April 2024
Event Dates:
To be determined, two-week promotion based on cherry blossom bloom dates. Estimated dates will be a designated two weeks between March – April, 2024.
About the Event:
The historic cherry blossoms located on the University of Washington campus attract thousands of visitors from across the region each spring. As visitors make their way through the U District neighborhood, join us in welcoming them by inviting them in for a special Cherry Blossom Festival promotion.
How to Apply:
Deadline to Apply:
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Businesses Included:
For 2024, this promotional event will include options for food, beverage, and retail businesses.
Activation Opportunities:
- Offer a cherry- or cherry blossom-themed menu item (past examples include a cherry blossom latte, cherry cider, or ‘pink’ food item)
- Offer special cherry festival-themed retail items
Application deadline is Thursday, February 1, 2024
Seattle Boba Fest | Saturday, April 27, 2024
Event Date:
Saturday, April 29, 2023 | 11am – 6pm
About the Event:
Celebrate National Boba Tea Day with the U District’s new event, Seattle Boba Fest! The U District is home to more than 20 bubble (or boba) tea restaurants, that’s the highest concentration of boba tea in the Northwest.
How to Apply:
Deadline to Apply:
Thursday, March 8, 2024
Businesses Included:
We are asking every bubble tea business in the U District to participate!
Activation Opportunities:
- Highlight one special boba drink for the weekend!
- We recommend offering branded swag to guests (for example: first 100 customers receive a branded tote bag, sticker, etc.)
Requirements:
- Display an event poster or decal on your storefront
- Post about the event on your social media channels and/or send an email to your mailing list
Application deadline is Thursday, March 8, 2024
U District Street Fair | May 18-19, 2024
Event Dates:
Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19, 2024
About the Event:
Returning for its 52nd year, the U District Street Fair is a Seattle tradition that attracts over 50,000 attendees to the neighborhood for shopping, entertainment, and celebration!
How to Apply:
*Choose this option if your storefront is located along University Way NE between NE 41st and NE 50th Streets.
*Choose this option if you are interested in a 10×10 tent that is NOT a storefront activation. Reach out to daniel@udistrictpartnership.org for a special local business discount code to cover the registration fee ($40).
Deadline to Apply:
Friday, March 15, 2024
Businesses Included:
- U District-based brick-and-mortar businesses are invited to consider an activation opportunity. Some activations are limited to storefronts.
Participation Opportunities:
- Storefront expansion into event map
- Have a booth or food truck elsewhere in the neighborhood
What Businesses Receive:
- Inclusion on the U District Street Fair event page
- Promotion through the event
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Daniel Lokic, daniel@udistrictpartnership.org
U District $4 Food Walk | TBD, Fall 2024
Event Date:
TBD Fall 2024 | 11am – 8pm
About the Event:
Launched in 2021 as part of the U District Station Opening Festival, the U District $4 Food Walk & Street Party made a return in Fall 2022. University District restaurants invite visitors to explore the neighborhood and its array of global eats, treats, and drinks.
Businesses Included:
- Food & Beverage / Restaurants located in the University District
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the event?
Fall 2024, between 11am-8pm
How do I register for the event?
A sign up form will be made available in the summer of 2024.
What are the requirements for participation in the event?
Participation requires that your business be open during the event times (11am-8pm), offering two $4 featured food bites (tax included) throughout the event. Additionally, your business will be asked to help promote the event by hanging an event poster in your business window, in addition to sharing on social media, via email communications to your customers, and wherever possible.
How many items can I promote for the Food Walk?
You can promote a total of (2) two menu items to be featured in the event.
Can I promote additional items?
Yes, you can promote additional menu items by placing signage in your business, but they will not be listed on the food walk menu.
Can I continue to serve my food walk specials after 8pm (end of the event)?
Yes, you can continue to serve your food walk menu items for the entirety of the day.
Can I promote Alcohol?
Yes! One of your two items can be an alcoholic beverage, the other should be a food item.
How much does it cost to participate?
Participation is completely free of charge. There is no fee to participate.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the event?
We strongly encourage you to:
- Choose food walk specials that are easy to prep, produce, and push out to customers quickly.
- Set up a separate area/point-of-sale system specifically for food walk customers (to ensure regular customers can still access your business).
- Schedule more staff members during the event to manage the large influx of customers.
How will the event be marketed?
The event will be promoted on social media, with an event page on the UDistrictSeattle.com website, through press releases to regional media, and paid advertising.
How many people do you expect will attend the event?
Last year we had over 20,000+ attendees. Please prepare for a similar amount of visitors to attend for this year’s event.
How do I choose which items to promote?
We encourage you to promote items that are unique, creative, and accurately represent your cuisine. At the same time, we also encourage you to promote items that are easy to prep and produce rapidly. Please consider “bite-sized” items which are easy to eat while standing or walking. If you’d like assistance in choosing items to promote, please contact daniel@udistrictpartnership.org
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Daniel Lokic, daniel@udistrictpartnership.org