The 6th Annual U District Chow Down & Street Party is just around the corner, and we’re excited to once again welcome thousands of people to the neighborhood to enjoy great food and support our local businesses. This year’s event will feature 78 local restaurants, bars, and cafés offering $6 menu items, giving attendees the chance to explore the neighborhood, indulge in delicious food, and discover new favorites. In addition, University Way NE will come alive with a street party featuring a mainstage for entertainment, along with booths from local businesses and service providers eager to connect with attendees as they explore the U District.
Below is information about the event, including key details, points of contact, and guidance for navigating the event day. 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 Date & Time:
Saturday, October 3rd, 11am to 8pm
Main Stage & Amplified Sound:
The mainstage will be located on University Way NE, mid-block between NE 42nd and NE 43rd, in the parking lot directly south of Chipotle, facing east. Amplified sound will run from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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 41st Street to NE 45th St.
- Cross streets between Brooklyn Ave NE and 15th Ave NE: NE 43rd Street, NE 42nd Street
There will be no alley access to NE 43rd between Brooklyn Ave NE and University Way NE during the event. More generally, alley access between NE 42nd and NE 45th, from Brooklyn Ave NE to University Way NE, will be limited. The alleys between University Way NE and 15th Ave NE will remain open for use.
Once closures are in place, vehicle traffic will not be permitted within the event footprint, including access for businesses and residents located inside the closure area. Please complete deliveries, waste collection, and other vehicle-dependent activities before 6:00AM.
Setup & Takedown:
Setup along University Way NE, NE 42nd Street, and NE 43rd Street will begin at 6:00 AM on Saturday, October 3rd. Streets are expected to reopen to through traffic by 10:00 PM on the same Saturday. Some production equipment may remain in place for up to 24 hours following the event as final takedown is completed.
Event Day Logistics:
The U District Partnership Welcome Tent will be located at NE 43rd and University Way NE. The medic tent will be located on NE 42nd St. 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.
Transit & Parking:
- Attendees are encouraged to travel by light rail.
- Bus routes that normally use University Way NE and NE 43rd St. will be rerouted to nearby streets.
- Expect parking to be more challenging due to increased crowds.
- Pedestrian access to all businesses will remain open throughout the event.
Preparing Your Business & Staff:
Please share this announcement with your staff and consider planning in advance for the following:
- If your business is located within the footprint of this event, turn off mobile food ordering platforms (Uber Eats, Fantuan, DoorDash, etc.), as vehicle access will not be available withinthe event footprint.
- Schedule deliveries in advance—mail and delivery drivers will not be able to access storefronts within the closure area.
Questions or Concerns?
Hannah Kiburz, Economic Development Manager
The U District Partnership
hannah@udistrictpartnership.org
(206) 669-8256 (call/text for day-of concerns!)
This event is organized by the U District Partnership (UDP)
The U District Partnership (UDP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Seattle’s University District through advocacy, public safety, cleaning, economic development, placemaking, events, marketing, social services, and community partnerships.
Supported by the City of Seattle and funded through the U District Business Improvement Area, UDP delivers many of the neighborhood’s most visible programs, including daily cleaning on The Ave, ambassador and safety patrol services, and signature events such as the U District Street Fair, Seattle Boba Fest, and U District Chow Down.
Learn more at udistrictpartnership.org or contact our team.