Summer Fun

From captivating gallery exhibits to delicious food events, plus the SLU Saturday market, and the neighborhood’s signature summer event—the SLU Block Party— there are plenty of options for fun this season. Check out these highlights and explore out our events calendar for more summer vibes.

Special Events

Makgeolli Maker Dinner
Paju, July 25
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that’s milky, lightly sparkling, and has a low alcohol content. And you have a chance to try it Paju, one of SLU’s newest dining additions.  Hana Makgeolli, the first producer of traditionally made, artisanal makgeolli in the U.S, will be onsite offering flights and glasses from its portfolio. Paju owner Bill Jeong and his team will produce a menu featuring innovative, modern Korean cuisine including whole woodfire grilled branzino with banchan, Paju fried rice, dry aged beef, and more. Click here for reservations.

90s–2000s Dockside Dance Party
Virginia V, July 26
An old boat is going old school — the historic Virginia V is throwing a dance party with hits from NSYNC, Brittney, Christina, and more. The 21+ event runs from 7:30pm to 10:30pm and 1 drink ticket is included with purchase. A cash bar is available. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for general public. Reserve here.

South Lake Union Block Party
Denny Park, August 9
Now in its 18th year, the South Lake Union Block Party is the largest and longest running festival focused on celebrating and showcasing our neighborhood. This free, all-ages delivers epic summer fun, with two stages of music, food trucks, a community fair, and more. Musical acts include Nite Wave’s ultimate 80s tribute, Tomo Nakayama’s soulful melodies, Fleetwood Mac tribute The Little Lies, and more. Watch this space in the coming weeks for a full preview of the events.

Ongoing Events

Center City Cinema
Denny Park, Cascade Park, Lake Union Park, through August 29
Seattle Parks and Recreation presents Center City Cinema, a free movie event series. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of outdoor film at these neighborhood parks. Some movie events (noted below) will have food trucks onsite starting at 8pm, come hungry!

Here are the Center City Cinema movie events happening in the SLU area:

Denny Park (100 Dexter Ave N)
Wed, July 17, 8:30pm* – The Color Purple (1984)
Wed, August 7, 8:30pm* – Dirty Dancing

Cascade Playground (333 Pontius Ave N)
Fri, July 19, 8:30pm – Labyrinth
*Food trucks onsite at 8:00pm

Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N)
Thu, August 29, 8:30pm* – Jaws
*Non-motorized Boats and Floats welcome for this special float-in movie! Food trucks on site at 8:00pm.

“Flooded”
Winston Wächter Fine Art Seattle, through August 31
Tracy Rocca’s sixth solo exhibition, “Flooded,” at Winston Wächter Fine Art features abstract paintings that capture the beauty of sunlight filtering through clouds. Working meticulously in her New Mexico studio, Rocca builds layers of paint to create luminous compositions that evoke both the familiar and extraordinary. Discover the hope and beauty in everyday skies through her unique artistic vision. Rocca’s works are featured in prominent collections, including the United States Embassies and the Microsoft Art Collection.

SLU Saturday Market
Denny Park, every Saturday through September 28
The SLU Saturday Market is not a farmers market by design — instead, it features hyper local small businesses, food purveyors, and more. Expect food trucks, a makers market, vintage boutiques, and lots of special events. Don’t miss Music at the Market with Phinney Ridge Steel Band (July 20) Big Bite of SLU (July 27), which features $6 bites from all food vendors.

Made in SLU
Day 1 Playfield, monthly through October 31
Previously known as Plant Camp, Made in SLU is a free monthly series running from May to October 2024, in partnership with SLU Bouquet. These unique crafting events are free and open to all.

Next up is friendship bracelets on July 31. Grab your favorite beads, channel your inner artist, and create 2-3 unique bracelets. Keep one for yourself and spread good vibes by gifting the others to your co-workers, friends, or anyone else who’s special. It’s all about celebrating connections and sharing positivity!

Each event will take place on the Day 1 Playfield in two timeslots:11AM – 1PM and 4PM – 6PM. This event is walk-up only and on a first-come, first served basis, as space is limited. You can only sign up for Made in SLU by scanning the QR code on the “Check In” signage at the event, no pre-registration is required. Click here to learn more.