Join Us | August 14 & 15, 2026
2026 marks 30 years of the PhinneyWood Art Walk!
This beloved neighborhood event has grown from a small grassroots gathering into one of Seattle’s most cherished community arts traditions. And this year, we’re building on that tradition with some exciting new additions.
What’s New in 2026
The Art Walk is sprouting new limbs! This milestone year brings exciting updates and expanded opportunities for artists and businesses:
🎨 Artist Open Studios – Local artists who live within two blocks of Phinney or Greenwood Avenue are invited to open their studios to the public. Meet your neighbors, share your process, and sell your artwork directly from your creative space.
🖌️ Live Mural Painting – Watch artists transform walls across the district into vibrant community landmarks throughout the weekend.
🍽️ Eats & Sips – We’re bringing back this beloved Art Walk tradition (previously named Art Up, Chow Down). Restaurants and bars are invited to serve up Art Walk specials during the event. Participating food and drink businesses will be marked separately on the map legend as Eats & Sips locations, making it easy for visitors to fuel their Art Walk and find the perfect spot to chow down.
🏪 Expanded Business Participation – Businesses are the heart of the Art Walk! Take it to the next level this year—add live music, host an artist creating work in the moment, host a hands-on art workshop, offer special promotions, or collaborate with a local artist in a new way.
📍 Improved Visitor Experience – We’re introducing printable maps, new A-frame and wayfinding signage, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore the Art Walk, find participating locations, and discover new favorites along the way. The new maps will feature a clear key highlighting businesses hosting artists, open studios, murals, eats & sips, workshops, and live music throughout the neighborhood.
Are you a business interested in participating or hosting a mural artist? Get in touch—we’d love to collaborate! gro.r1775578782etnec1775578782yenni1775578782hp@ms1775578782irhc1775578782
2026 Dates
Friday, August 14, 2026 | 6-9pm & Saturday August 15, 2026 | 12-5pm
>> Registration Closes: Sunday, July 5th, 2026 <<
Information for host businesses
Register Your Business
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- Register by the July 5, 2026 to secure your spot in the Art Walk. Why so early? We are printing a map – and will be using the map for event marketing ahead of time.
- Cost: $60. Your registration includes a promotional poster to help you spread the word. Each registered business will receive an original, large, screen-printed event poster designed by Robynne Raye. Delivery of these in July. Additional posters can be purchased for $25.
Choose How You Participate
When you register, you can select how your business would like to be involved:
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Host an artist in your space during the Art Walk
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and/or Eats & Sips – Restaurants and bars can participate by offering a special Art Walk food or drink feature. Art Up, Chow Down locations will be marked separately on the map legend as Eats & Sips, making it easy for visitors to fuel their Art Walk. You can do this in addition to hosting an artist (your pin will be multi-colored).
Find & Host an Artist
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After you register, you’ll receive a link to our Artist Directory to help you find a match. Reach out directly to confirm availability and coordinate setup and logistics for your space. Make your business welcoming—add signage, decorations, or special offers to draw visitors in.
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Help Promote the Event
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- Use our Marketing Kit to spread the word (coming June 2026). Share on social media, display posters, and let your customers know you’re participating.
Application Deadline: July 5th, 2026
Instructions for Artists (who would like to be hosted by a business)
Step 1: Submit Your Information to the Artist Registry
Participation for this event is arranged directly between artists and businesses. To get started:
- Either reach out to a business directly, or add your information to our Artist Directory Form, including your contact details, portfolio link, and medium.
Step 2: Connect with a Business
- Once a business contacts you, respond promptly to confirm details, discuss logistics, including setup needs, space limitations, and any special requirements.
Step 3: Prepare for the Event
- Have your artwork ready to display, and bring all necessary materials (e.g., stands, frames, or other setup tools).
- If you’re selling your work, ensure you’re equipped to handle payments (e.g., cash, card readers, or mobile payment apps).
- Use our Marketing Kit to share your participation with your audience.
- Post on social media and invite your followers to attend!
Instructions Open Studio Artists
If you’re an artist who lives within two blocks of Phinney or Greenwood Avenue, we’d love for you to take part!
Why the two-block radius? PhinneyWood stretches for miles, and adding cross streets quickly expands the footprint. We’re keeping things intentionally walkable so visitors can explore comfortably and experience more within the event timeframe.
Step 1: Submit your registration.
Complete your Open Studio registration to be included on the printed and online maps.
Step 2: Prepare for the Event
Have your artwork ready to display and make your studio welcoming for visitors. A few tips:
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Tidy and define your space – clear walkways and create a simple flow for guests.
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Show your process – display sketches, tools, or works in progress to spark conversation.
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Use good lighting – natural light is ideal; supplement with lamps if needed.
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Add signage and pricing – make it easy for visitors to learn about your work and make purchases.
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Play some background music – it helps set a relaxed, creative atmosphere.
FAQ
Open Studio Artists – Q&A
Q: Who can participate as an Open Studio artist?
Artists who live within two blocks of Phinney or Greenwood Avenue are invited to open their studios to the public during the Art Walk weekend. To keep things walkable.
Q: Do I need to be a professional artist to join?
Not at all! We welcome artists of all levels who are actively creating and want to share their work and process with the community.
Q: How will visitors find my studio?
Your location will be marked on both the printed and online maps, clearly labeled as an Open Studio. We’ll also provide a-frame signage to go outside your house, and directional signage at the top of each street.
Q: Can I sell my artwork?
Yes! You’re welcome to display and sell your work directly from your studio.
Q: What are the studio hours?
Studios should be open during the main Art Walk hours on both days.
Q: How do I prepare my space?
Make sure your studio is safe and accessible to visitors. Consider displaying signage, pricing, and a few behind-the-scenes touches to show your creative process.
Eats & Sips - Q&A
Do restaurants and bars have to host an artist to participate?
No. Food and drink businesses can participate through Eats & Sips by offering a special Art Walk food or drink feature—no artist hosting required.
What counts as an Art Walk special?
Anything fun and doable for your business! This could be a featured cocktail, happy hour deal, special menu item, prix fixe, or small discount during Art Walk hours.
How will Eats & Sips locations be promoted?
Participating restaurants and bars will be marked separately on the printed and digital map as Eats & Sips locations, helping visitors easily find places to fuel their Art Walk.
Is there an additional cost to participate in Eats & Sips?
No, this is included with your $60 business registration.
Do we need to offer the special for the entire weekend?
We recommend offering your Art Walk special during peak event hours, but you can choose what works best for your business.
Can a business both host an artist and participate in Eats & Sips?
Absolutely! Many businesses choose to do both—host an artist and offer an Art Walk food or drink special.
What is the PhinneyWood Art Walk?
The PhinneyWood Art Walk is one of the oldest neighborhood art walks in Seattle–this is its 26th year! Businesses in Phinney-Greenwood register to participate, find an artist, and have an art show during the event (Friday 6-9 and/or Saturday 12-5). Some businesses have a performer or offer a special item or discount in addition to / instead of a visual art display. Attendees come from near and far! There were previously small monthly art walks and one “BIG One” in PhinneyWood each year. The monthly walks have been on hold since Covid and the PNA is only organizing the BIG One in July for now.
Do I have to register for both days?
What kind of art should I show and how can I find an artist?
I am an artist and I want to participate. How do I sign up?
Artists must first find a registered business to host their art. We recommend adding your name to the Interested Artist Directory. If you have identified a business you are interested in, feel free to approach them directly.
Can I sell my art?
I’m registered, how do I get my A-board?
Your A-board will be delivered before the event and picked up after. We’ll be in touch closer to the event with the details.
How does the map work?
There will be a printed map to help visitors find their way to participating businesses, along with an online version.
The printed map will include a key identifying each category of participation, making it easy for visitors to explore. Printed copies will be available at the Phinney Center front desk during the week leading up to the event, and distributed around the neighborhood.
Where will the event be promoted?
The PNA will promote the PhinneyWood Art Walk on our website, social media, PhinneyWood blog, The Review newspaper, e-newsletters, and local event calendars such as MyBallard and The Stranger. We encourage participants to share the event in their networks, too! If you tag us @phinneyneighborhoodassociation on social media, we will try to engage your content.
What if it’s raining or I have to cancel?
The PhinneyWood Art Walk is a rain-or-shine event, and registration fees are non-refundable.
If you need to withdraw, we highly recommend doing so before the registration deadline, as printed maps will be produced shortly after that date. Late cancellations may result in visitor disappointment if your business or studio still appears on the map.
Contact Us
For any further inquiries or questions, please contact us at gro.r1775578782etnec1775578782yenni1775578782hp@ms1775578782irhc1775578782.