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 general inquiries about events or sponsorship, contact Event Manager Lauren Carey at lauren@udistrictpartnership.org.
Winter Window Contest | December 2024
Event Dates:
- December 5 – Decorations installed and stay up through month of December
- December 6-10 – Participating storefront displays are photographed
- December 17-19 – Participating businesses vote
About the Event:
The U District Partnership is launching the first U District Winter Window Contest! Ground-floor businesses across the neighborhood are invited to participate.
Help showcase the vibrant University District neighborhood and business community this winter by decorating your ground-floor storefront and adding to the festivity of the season!
Participating businesses will get to cast one vote for their favorite window display (not themselves)
- The winning business will receive a check for $1,000 from The U District Partnership
- The second-place business will receive a $500 gift certificate to a neighborhood business of their choice – a great way to celebrate with staff!
How to Participate:
Interested businesses must sign up by December 5 (with displays also complete by December 5) to be included in the vote.
Businesses Included:
Ground-floor businesses located between NE 15th St to I-5 (east to west) and Portage Bay to NE Ravenna Blvd (south to north) are invited to participate.
Decoration Guidelines:
Using ‘Winter Wonderland’ as a theme, decorate your ground-floor storefront windows using festive winter elements like warm winter lights, snowflakes, and creative displays featuring winter activities. In the past, businesses have gotten creative with crafted paper decorations, painted window illustrations, and more!
Questions:
Please contact Event Manager Lauren Carey at lauren@udistrictpartnership.org with questions.
Cherry Blossom Festival | Spring 2025
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, 2025
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:
Details will be available in early 2025.
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
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Event Manager, Lauren Carey, lauren@udistrictpartnership.org
U District Street Fair | May 17-18, 2025
Event Dates:
Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
About the Event:
Returning for its 54th 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:
Details will be available in early 2025. Join as a Storefront Activation if your business is within the event map OR as a Local Business Vendor if you’d like to set up a 10×10 tent that is NOT a storefront activation.
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?
Event Manager, Lauren Carey, lauren@udistrictpartnership.org
Seattle Boba Fest | Saturday, July 19, 2025
Event Date:
Saturday, July 19, 2025
About the Event:
Seattle Boba Fest is a celebration of all things bubble tea! 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:
Details will be available in early 2025.
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
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Event Manager, Lauren Carey, lauren@udistrictpartnership.org
U District Chow Down & Street Party | Saturday, September 28, 2024
Event Date:
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 11am – 8pm
About the Event:
Launched in 2021, U 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
- Retail Businesses located in the U District
- Nonprofit Organizations located in the U District
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the event?
Saturday, September 28, 2024 between 11am-8pm
How do I register for the event?
The deadline to participate has passed. To be notified for future event opportunities, email lauren@udistrictpartnership.org
What are the requirements for participation in the event?
Participation requires that your business be open during the event times (11am-8pm), offering two $5 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 Chow Down?
You can promote a total of (2) two menu items to be featured in the event, available for $5 each (tax included).
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 specials after 8pm (end of the event)?
Yes, you can continue to serve your food specials 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 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 Event Manager Lauren Carey at lauren@udistrictpartnership.org
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Event Manager, Lauren Carey, lauren@udistrictpartnership.org