Celebrate the Seattle Waterfront Park Grand Opening With a Sail on a Tall Ship
September 6 marks a milestone that’s been years in the making: the official Seattle Waterfront Park grand opening. What started as a vision to reconnect the city to Elliott Bay has become a 20-acre stretch of open space, walkways, gardens, and gathering spots that belong to everyone.
This isn’t just a ribbon-cutting. It’s the celebration of a reimagined shoreline that is safer, more welcoming, and designed for the people who live, work, and play in Seattle. With live music, parades, food, art, and family activities running from morning into the night, the grand opening promises to be a full-day event worth clearing your calendar for.
Whether you’ve watched the transformation take shape or you’re seeing it for the first time, this is your chance to experience it all. Read on to see what’s new, what’s happening on opening day, and how to make the most of this historic celebration.
What’s New Across the Waterfront Park
The first thing you’ll notice when you step onto the promenade is how much the space has opened up. The new park stretches across 20 acres, linking the waterfront like never before. Start at Overlook Walk, the sweeping pedestrian pathway that now connects Pike Place Market to Elliott Bay. It’s an easy stroll, lined with gardens and viewpoints that stop you in your tracks.
From there, the Park Promenade pulls you along the shoreline, tying together some of the waterfront’s best new spaces. Pier 58 is ready for families, with its playground, shaded seating, and open lawn perfect for a picnic. Pier 62 has transformed into an all-purpose plaza, hosting everything from yoga classes to community concerts.
A few steps south, the Pioneer Square Habitat Beach offers a rare chance to get close to the water and spot marine life returning to the shoreline. And just up the way, the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion is a showstopper — an immersive space with new habitats, interactive exhibits, and a rooftop viewpoint that ties right back into the park’s pathways.
Each space invites you to slow down and explore, and on September 6, every corner will be buzzing with life. Here’s what to expect during the big day.
Grand Opening Highlights: Stages, Parades, Food, And Art
When the gates open at 11 a.m., the waterfront turns into a festival ground. More than a hundred performances are scheduled throughout the day, from live bands and cultural dance troupes to spoken-word artists and community choirs.
Two parades will wind through the park, filling the promenade with music and color. Interactive art installations will pop up in unexpected corners, giving you plenty of reasons to wander. Families will find activity zones with crafts and games, while food trucks and pop-up beer gardens keep everyone fueled from morning to night.
Evening brings a different kind of magic. As the sun dips and the skyline starts to glow, the stages will come alive with headliner performances and the energy of a city celebrating its connection to the water.
And while you’re planning your day, don’t forget there’s another way to experience it all — from the water itself.
Looking for an unforgettable day on the water? Seattle’s Tall Ship’s “Bay Lady” offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of tall ship sailing in the heart of Seattle. Step aboard this magnificent vessel and sail into history as you take in the beauty of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. Don’t miss your chance to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure—book your sail today!
Guests enjoy the sights and sounds of a tall ship tour onboard Seattle’s Tall Ships, “The Bay Lady”.
Seattle Waterfront Park Grand Opening: Special Sails With Seattle’s Tall Ship
To celebrate the Seattle Waterfront Park grand opening, Seattle’s Tall Ship is offering a special schedule of tours at a reduced price, giving you the chance to see the city and its new shoreline from the water.
If you’ve never stepped aboard before, picture this: the creak of rigging overhead, the gentle roll of Elliott Bay beneath you, and the skyline stretching out in every direction. As you sail past the piers and promenade, you’ll take in the broad walkways, the vibrant crowds, and the sparkling waterfront from the quiet vantage of the bay.
Seattle’s Tall Ship’s the schooner “Bay Lady” is a working tall ship, a piece of living maritime history that connects the past and present in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply tied to the city. With the excitement of the grand opening filling the shoreline, the timing couldn’t be better to make this part of your day.
Space is limited, and these special tours are expected to sell out quickly. Book your spot now, and let the water carry you into the heart of Seattle’s biggest waterfront celebration.
Plan Your Day: Easy Routes, Free Shuttle, And Nearby Icons
To make the most of your day, a little planning goes a long way. Start by taking Link light rail to the Pioneer Square station, where it’s just a short, scenic walk down to the water. Once you’re there, the Free Waterfront Park Shuttle can zip you between key stops like Pier 62, Pier 56, and even up to Seattle Center — a simple way to save your energy for exploring.
Between sails and performances, take some time to check out nearby icons. Head up the Overlook Walk to Pike Place Market for a snack or coffee. Make a quick stop at the Seattle Great Wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the park, or wander into the Seattle Aquarium and its Ocean Pavilion for a deeper dive into Puget Sound’s marine life.
And if you’re not ready for the day to end, Colman Dock is just steps away, with ferries heading to Bainbridge or Bremerton. It’s an easy way to cap off a full day on the waterfront with a sunset ride across the Sound.
See You On The Water
This September 6 marks a moment Seattle has been building toward for years. The Seattle Waterfront Park grand opening will celebrate the city, its shoreline, and the people who call it home.
Come for the performances, the food, the art, or simply to explore the park from end to end, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the space. Add a sailing adventure to your day, and you’ll see the city from a perspective that brings the entire celebration into focus.
Mark your calendar, book your sail, and join in the celebration of Seattle’s next great chapter.
Book a sail with Seattle’s Tall Ship
If you have never experienced the thrill of sailing on our tall ship, there is no better time to try than now. With multiple sailing times and experiences available, our family-friendly harbor experiences are a must-do Seattle activity. Join us today!