Al Fresco on Front invites community to turn parking into parks

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Historic Downtown Issaquah is turning parking spaces into places for people. The Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) is launching Historically Hip Pop-Up Parks as part of Al Fresco on Front, inviting the community to transform ordinary parking spaces into creative places to gather, relax, play, and connect.

Inspired by the global Park(ing) Day movement, the Pop-Up Parks will be judged in a People’s Choice Award contest based on the theme, Hope Core, which celebrates the small moments that bring people together — whether it’s a pocket garden, a cozy reading nook, a mini art gallery, or simply a place that makes someone smile.

Residents, businesses, artists, schools, nonprofits, and community groups are invited to temporarily transform individual parking spaces along Front Street into imaginative public places that encourage people to slow down, connect, and experience downtown in a new way. The pop-up parks would go “live” on Aug. 29.

“Hope doesn’t have to be grand,” said DIA President Christina Bruning. “Sometimes it’s sharing stories with a stranger, listening to music, discovering local art, or watching children play. We’re inviting the community to create spaces that spark those moments and show what’s possible when we design our downtown for people.”

Participants will receive a standard parking space and creative freedom to transform it into a welcoming public experience (guidelines, of course, apply). Installations may include pocket gardens, reading nooks, mini art galleries, outdoor lounges, storytelling spaces, kindness stations, interactive games, wellness areas, acoustic music corners, community art projects, or any imaginative concept that encourages visitors to stop and engage.

The initiative is designed to be accessible to everyone.

“No artistic background or large budget is required,” Bruning said. “The most memorable ideas are often the simplest. Whether you’re a family, a local business, a scout troop, an artist, a church, or a neighborhood group, everyone has something unique to share.”

Participation is free and open to the public. Apply by Aug. 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Installations will be selected through an application process to ensure a diverse mix of experiences throughout downtown. Projects will be evaluated on creativity, visitor engagement, connection to the Hope Core theme, and their ability to create memorable public experiences.

Throughout August, thousands of visitors are expected to experience Al Fresco on Front as Front Street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly destination filled with outdoor dining, live music, shopping, entertainment, and community activities. The Pop-Up Park Initiative adds another interactive element that invites visitors to explore, linger, and connect.

Awards will recognize standout installations, including People’s Choice, Best Hope Core Experience, Best Family Experience, Best Green Initiative, and Most Historically Hip.

“We hope people leave downtown feeling just a little more connected than when they arrived,” Bruning said. “A single parking space may seem small, but together they can transform an entire street.”

Applications are now being accepted. Community members interested in creating a pop-up park are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited. Click here for the application and more details.