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The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on our residents, small businesses, and neighborhoods, with an acute impact on our downtown core. More than 450 businesses have permanently closed downtown since the pandemic began. Those represent livelihoods lost, families disrupted, and elements of our Seattle fabric completely changed. Downtown is Seattle’s economic engine and heartbeat, and it’s up to us to help it come back better than ever for all those who live, work, or visit.

Our success in combating the pandemic was thanks to our Seattle residents who prioritized community-wide health and acted in their neighbors’ interests, alongside their own. Now, we need to bring that same sense of civic and city pride to our recovery efforts. Our downtown small businesses, cultural institutions, and workers need our support – they can’t fully reopen or recover without us. After a grueling 16 months, the City and our partners are ready to welcome you back downtown, welcome back the arts, welcome back small businesses, and welcome you back to being together as a community. As part of our effort to bring workers, small businesses, and visitors back downtown, the City and our partners are hosting “Welcome Back Weeks” from July 12 – 26.

Welcome back to Pioneer Square for a concert at Occidental Square, featuring:
• Live music from Shaina Shepherd, Shenandoah Davis, and The Black Tones
• ‘Found Fashion’ Exhibition from Path with Art
• Free screen printing from Party Hat Gallery
• TBD DSA beer garden
• Vaccine pop-up offering Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer