MAY 17 & 18, 2025
U District Streetfair
At the 2025 U District Streetfair we presented a number of U District projects proposed, funded, or already in progress, seeking votes by ping pong ball from visitors. In addition, we collected an amazing amount of signatures in support of preserving the Flowers building and its iconic signage.
In spite of the rainy Saturday, this year we collected an amazing 3,554 votes for our five proposed initiatives. That's 4 votes per minute on average!!
In spite of the rainy Saturday, this year we collected an amazing 3,554 votes for our five proposed initiatives. That's 4 votes per minute on average!!
U District Streetfair
The U District Street Fair returned for its 54th year during the weekend of May 17-18, kicking-off Seattle’s summer event season with a 10 block-long arts and crafts fair that takes over The Ave. The two-day event also features free live music and performances, and more food trucks and booths than ever!
This Seattle tradition regularly attracts over 70,000 visitors and now is accessible by link light rail which will transport visitors to the middle of the event.
Our booth at this year's U District Streetfair features six of our progressive initiatives below:
The Ave as One Lane
The Ave is a place for people - yet it isn't designed that way.
Our public right-of-way must reflect the needs of pedestrians and local businesses by converting The Ave to one lane going south and Brooklyn Ave to one lane going north, we unlock more space for people, support small businesses, and enhance mobility in the neighborhood.
Outdoors on The Ave
Your outdoor living room returns!
This August and September, our 5th annual outdoor music & movie series is back—now in the new plaza beside the U District Light Rail Station. What began during the pandemic to bring neighbors together has become a cherished tradition that celebrates the diversity, equity, and creativity of our inclusive community.
Safer Crosswalks
The University District is now the densest neighborhood in Seattle—where most folks rely on walking, biking, or rolling as their primary way to get around.
Serious injuries from walking & biking collisions are rising! Let's improve safety by adding more marked crosswalks, prioritizing the intersections most prone to collisions.
Green Street on 42nd
Last summer, one block of NE 42nd Street was transformed into a 'Green Street' pilot, reimagining the space between The Ave and UW campus as a vibrant gathering place. Using 'tactical urbanism'—quick, light, and low-cost improvements—community volunteers showed what’s possible when pedestrians, not cars, come first.
The pilot attracted more visitors, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and helped address the five-acre shortfall in public open space.
Union Bay Nature Trail
An abundance of nature lies just beside the U District along the shores of Union Bay, ideal for bird watching, forest hiking, and waterfront activities. But just one small section of this five-mile trail is missing.
Once completed, the recreational pedestrian trail would stretch from Laurelhurst in North Seattle, all the way to Madison Park to the South as one continuous nature walk, free from vehicular traffic.
Don't Stomp on Flowers
A McDonald’s is slated to replace a central part of The Ave—the former Ness Flowers building—displacing the much-loved Cedars of Lebanon restaurant as well.
The addition of a McDonald’s at the corner of The Ave and 43rd, directly across from the light rail station, threatens to replace and detract from the mom-and-pop businesses that give The Ave its unique character.
Get in touch
udistrict.org
info@udistrict.org
Seattle, Washington USA