Gas Works Park: The Summer in Review

From time to time, we get queries from readers wondering what is going on down at Gas Works Park on this or that particular evening. I live not far from Gas Works, and I often wonder this myself when I hear music or see official-looking people directing cars out of the parking lot. To satisfy my own and other’s curiosity, I’ve assembled a list (which is probably partial at best) of what’s been happening down there at the bottom of the hill.

First off, let me just say that I’m not blowing the whistle and calling the summer over yet. But I think we can all agree that there’s more of summer 2018 behind us than ahead of us, at this point. So while there are still some nice weeks to come, and a number of events on the summer docket for the park, here is a look back at Summer 2018 down at Gas Works.

• Saturday, June 2: Heart in the Park. “Heart in the Park is a FREE celebration of heart-centered creators, healers, and entrepreneurs in Seattle! It’s a festival by and for our community, which means it’s a collaborative creation!” This event featured games, crafts, music, dance art and a picnic – according to the brochure.
• Saturday, June 16: Solstice Day festivities. While known formally as the Fremont Solstice Festival, the parade ends with a bang at Gas Works.
• Wednesday, July 4: Hopefully, you don’t need a reminder of what transpired on this day. The Seafair Summer Fourth was sponsored by SCCA this year.
• Thursday, July 12: Concert for Microsoft interns featuring Pitbull and Julia Michaels
• Sunday, July 15: Unite One concert
• Sunday, July 15: Seattle Peace Concerts. Seven concerts were scheduled at various parks throughout the summer, and there are still 3 remaining – one at Gas Works on Sept. 23. Admission is free.
• Saturday, August 11: Obliteride
• Saturday, August 18: Seattle Summer Cosplay Matsuri. “A fun event for cosplayers and photographers to meet, make friends and take great photos. Take advantage of the diverse scenery for all kinds of shot opportunities.”
• August 18, 19 & 21 to 25: Caravan Stage Company’s presentation of Nomadic Tempest
• Sundays each week throughout the summer: Heartbeat Silent Disco. If you haven’t heard the disco music then, hello …., that’s because it’s silent. Silent to outsiders, that is. Participant wear headphones to bring back the 70s.

And here are some events you have not yet missed:

• Sunday, September 16: Row for the Cure to defeat breast cancer
• Saturday, September 22, 2018: Walk to end lupus with special guest Steve Raible of KIRO 7
• Sunday, September 23: Seattle Peace Concerts. Free admission.

A number of the events listed above are not open to the general public, and many of you may wonder what the rules are for holding private events (“ceremonies,” in the city’s terminology) in what are, after all, our public parks. Obviously, a permit is required, and there’s a fee for that. While the permit guarantees that no other “ceremony” will be held at your chosen location, the park remains open to the general public throughout. More information on reserving Seattle parks for private ceremonies can be found here.