First Thursday Art Walk

The Longest Running Established Art Walk in the Nation:

Since the early 1960s, Pioneer Square has provided a haven for Seattle's artistic community, housing esteemed galleries, innovative exhibition spaces, and working artist studios alike. Today, Pioneer Square is the center of Seattle’s art scene, exhibiting the depth and range of the vibrant Pacific Northwest arts community, all within one square mile.

Did you know First Thursday in Pioneer Square was the very first Art Walk in the USA? In 1981, a group of visionary Pioneer Square art dealers printed the first walking maps and painted footprints on the sidewalks outside leading to their galleries. On the first Thursday of the month, they collectively encouraged arts patrons to come and tour each of the Pioneer Square galleries in the spirit of having a community event. First Thursday soon evolved into the popular gathering that it is today, becoming the preeminent night to debut, celebrate, and share art with the greater public. Every first Thursday of the month, Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood welcomes you to join us to continue this venerated tradition with exceptional artists, innovative works, and creative kinship.

During First Thursday in Pioneer Square, parking is free from 5 pm to 10 pm*!

First

Park your car at one of the 3 participating garages:

Frye Garage (117 3rd Ave S)

Butler Garage (114 James Street)

450 Alaskan (450 Alaskan Way - entrance on King Street)**

Second

Pick up a FREE PARKING voucher on the art walk at a particpating gallery or venue.

Third

​Hand the voucher to the parking attendant as you leave the garage**. Congrats! You just got free parking! 

*Free parking from 5pm to 10pm on First Thursdays. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking facility participation may vary and is subject to change. 

**SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 450 ALASKAN - Note: Valet attendant will not be able to issue Art Walk vouchers AND vehicles left after closing (10pm) subject to regular parking fees and $85 after hours release fee

- Enter garage after 5pm and take ticket from spitter

- Obtain parking voucher from Art Walk venue

- Present your voucher to valet attendant on P1

- Valet attendant will issue an exit chaser ticket (yellow)

- Insert your original entry ticket (white) into pay station then insert chaser ticket

- Gate will open for exit. 

Parking Map

View First Thursday Parking Map

Note, the Alliance for Pioneer Square is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to vehicles and personal property nor is it liable for parking tickets, that may occur to First Thursday Free Parking program participants.