July 4: Freeway Park 50th Anniversary Picnic
This first-of-its-kind park in Seattle opened on July 4, 1976. We are celebrating its 50th year and invite you to join us for this historic moment! Bring everyone you know – friends, neighbors, kids, dogs, and everyone else is welcome. Feel free to also bring a chair or blanket and your own lunch. The Lid I-5 team will also have some refreshments – please RSVP here so we can plan ahead.
Freeway Park 50th Anniversary Picnic
Saturday, July 4, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Seneca Plaza (700 Seneca Street)
RSVP requested
August 18: Freeway Park 50th Anniversary Forum
Freeway Park is over the hump – so what’s next for this iconic public space? Join a civic discussion on the past, present, and future of Freeway Park. An expert panel will discuss how Freeway Park’s reclamation of space over I-5 fits into Seattle’s history, the current state of the park and ongoing improvements, and how the park has inspired the next generation of planning through the Lid I-5 project.
August 22: Freeway Park 50th Anniversary Festival
The Freeway Park Association is planning a larger in-park celebration day on Saturday, August 22.
Site Tours
On foot or by bike, see I-5 up close and personal where it cuts through the heart of Seattle, and learn about the community-led efforts to put a lid on it.
This grassroots urban design effort is gaining momentum in the mission to build a more connected, sustainable, and equitable city. Join the volunteer-led Lid I-5 Steering Committee on a tour of the Downtown lid study area to experience the dreadful freeway canyon firsthand and hear the latest project details. You’ll see how Seattle’s unique topography and the freeway configuration will influence design, and visit existing lids at Freeway Park and the Seattle Convention Center. And you’ll learn about the project’s latest milestones with public policy and funding that are making it happen.
Join us rain or shine. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are encouraged.
Donations of $10 per person or more are welcome but not required to participate.
Each of these walking tours has the same route and program (no need to join more than one). Donations of $10 per person or more are welcome but not required. Registration is requested at one of the event pages below:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00
All tours meet at the Optum parking lot at 703 Marion Street (corner of Marion St & 7th Ave).
Our events happen in fiscal partnership with the Seattle Parks Foundation.
Lid I-5 