U DISTRICT STREET FAIR NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATION
The 55th Annual U District Street Fair is just around the corner, and we’re excited to once again celebrate the energy and diversity that define our neighborhood. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors make their way to the University District to experience local art, enjoy great food, and support our small businesses. This year’s event will feature more than 250 artists and makers along University Way NE (The Ave) and adjacent streets, along with 60+ food vendors located in designated food courts.
Below is information about the event, including key details, points of contact, and guidance for navigating the weekend. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to Hannah Kiburz, UDP’s Economic Development Manager, at hannah@udistrictpartnership.org
Event Dates & Times:
-
- Saturday, May 16th from 11am-7pm
-
- Sunday, May 17th from 11am-6pm
Event Footprint & Street Closures:
Please note that the following streets will be fully closed to vehicle traffic during the event:
-
- University Way NE (The Ave) from NE Campus Pkwy to NE 50th Street
-
- Cross streets between Brooklyn Ave NE and 15th Ave NE:
-
- NE 47th Street
-
- NE 43rd Street
-
- NE 42nd Street
-
- NE 41st Street
-
- Cross streets between Brooklyn Ave NE and 15th Ave NE:
-
- All alleyways between University Way NE and Brooklyn Ave NE (from NE Campus Pkwy to NE 50th) will be closed to cars during the Street Fair, with limited access starting as early as 5:00 AM on Friday, May 15.
-
- Alleyways between University Way NE and 15th Ave NE (from NE Campus Pkwy to NE 50th), will also be closed during the Street Fair with limited access starting as early as 5:00 AM on Friday, May 15.
Once streets are closed, no vehicle traffic will be permitted within the event footprint, including for local businesses and residents.
Parking:
“No Parking” signage will be posted throughout the U District the week prior to the event—please read all signage carefully for specific restrictions and timing. Some street closures will begin on Friday, May 15, while others will begin on Saturday, May 16. Vehicles left in restricted areas after posted times may be towed to facilitate event load-in.
Transit:
With reliable light rail service to the U District, people are encouraged to take light rail to the district to avoid congestion and bus re-routing. U District bus routes that typically run along University Way will be rerouted to 15th Ave NE during the Street Fair. Stops along NE 43rd Street will also be rerouted to 45th.
Setup & Takedown:
Setup for side street food courts on NE 41st, NE 42nd, and NE 47th Streets will begin at 5:00 AM on Friday, May 15. Setup along University Way NE and NE 43rd Street will begin at 5:00 AM on Saturday, May 16.
All vendors will begin breaking down booths at 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 17. Streets are expected to reopen to through traffic by 10:00 PM that evening.
Some production equipment may remain in place for up to 24 hours following the event as final takedown is completed.
Day-of Logistics:
-
- With over 250 arts and crafts vendors, ground-floor businesses will likely have an artist booth in front of their storefront. Periodic access to the sidewalk will be maintained. Please extend hospitality to Street Fair vendors.
-
- The Street Fair Welcome Tent will be located at NE 43rd and University Way NE. Basic first aid will also be available at the Welcome Tent, with a medic tent located on NE 42nd Street.
-
- The main stage will be located on University Way NE and NE 41st Street, facing northeast.
-
- Businesses are not required to provide public restroom access to non-paying customers during the event. UDP will provide portable restroom facilities for event attendees.
Preparing Your Business & Staff:
Please share this announcement with your staff and consider planning in advance for the following:
-
- Turn off mobile food ordering platforms (Uber Eats, Fantuan, DoorDash, etc.), as vehicle access will not be available within the event footprint
-
- Schedule deliveries in advance—mail and delivery drivers will not be able to access storefronts within the closure area
-
- Expect limited parking; please encourage staff and customers to use light rail or other public transit options
-
- Spread the word! Street Fair weekend is a great opportunity to bring customers into your business and connect with the tens of thousands of people visiting the U District. We’ve included an official social media kit for the event—feel free to use these assets to help promote your business and the Street Fair
QUESTIONS?
Hannah Kiburz, Economic Development Manager
The U District Partnership