Yes. Registration is required for all attendees. RSVPing helps us plan for attendance, security, staffing, and event logistics. It also ensures you’ll receive important event updates before the event.

The intro dance class begins promptly at 6:00 PM, followed by social dancing from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in or registration.

Absolutely! Many attendees come by themselves. PARKCHATA™ is designed to be welcoming, social, and beginner friendly.

PARKCHATA™ takes place at Pier 58 Plaza on Seattle’s Waterfront Park, just beneath the Seattle Great Wheel, with beautiful views of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle.

No partner is needed. During the lesson and throughout the evening, dancers are welcome to rotate partners and meet new people.

Wear something comfortable that you can move in. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and layering is a good idea for Seattle evenings.

Yes. PARKCHATA is held in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Park, and the safety of our community is a priority. During each event, Friends of Waterfront Park provides on-site security through Axis, in addition to the Waterfront’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU), which patrols the park 24 hours a day.

As with any large public gathering, we encourage everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and look out for one another. If you ever need assistance during the event, please speak with a PARKCHATA volunteer or a member of the on-site security team.

Yes. There are several paid parking garages and lots near the Seattle Waterfront, along with nearby street parking where available. Street parking is FREE on Sundays!

No. The event takes place on the smooth concrete plaza at Pier 58, creating the same open-air experience found at outdoor social dances around the world. Multi-surface dance shoes are recommended.

Yes. Pier 58 is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and waterfront attractions, making it easy to grab food before, during, or after dancing.

Absolutely! PARKCHATA is a family-friendly community event, and everyone is welcome, from kids to grandparents. There’s even a playground located right next to the dance area, making it easy for families to enjoy the evening together.

We simply ask that children remain under parental supervision at all times, especially on and around the dance floor. Our events can get very busy, with more than 700 attendees at our last event, so keeping a close eye on little ones helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

You can support PARKCHATA™ by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, or simply inviting friends to attend.

PARKCHATA™ was created to make social dancing more accessible by bringing Bachata and Salsa to one of Seattle’s most iconic public spaces. Our goal is to build community, introduce new people to partner dancing, and create unforgettable summer evenings on the waterfront.

If you lose or leave an item behind during PARKCHATA, please contact Friends of Waterfront Park, which manages the park and oversees Lost & Found services for the venue.

To help keep the event safe, organized, and clutter-free, we recommend bringing only the essentials and limiting bags, purses, and other personal items whenever possible.

Please note that PARKCHATA and its organizers are not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen personal belongings.

For Lost & Found assistance, please contact Friends of Waterfront Park:

Phone: 253-656-6782

Website: ⁠Friends of Waterfront Park Contact Page