Pike Place Market PDA 50th Anniversary

Pike Place Market PDA 50^th Anniversary

Saturday, June 3, 2023

11am – 4pm

It’s our 50th Anniversary and we’re celebrating! Formed as a result of the Market almost being destroyed in the 1960s the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) owns and manages this historic 9-acre Market. Every day we work behind the scenes to maintain and operate this historic 9-acre Market. From maintenance and facilities work to property management and event planning, we do it all! Come enjoy a summer day at Pike Place, learn about our history and enjoy Market activities in celebration of our commitment to this Market.

50th Anniversary Celebration

As we celebrate the long history the PDA has with this Market we invite Market shoppers and visitors to enjoy a day of fun-fill activities at the Market. On this day, Market-goers can enjoy immersive Market history activities, kids crafts, live music, special shopping offers and chances to win Market prizes.

Special Shopping Offer
On June 3, the first 500 shoppers that spend $50* or more anywhere in the Market’s local shops or dining destinations can bring their receipts to the “Event Information” tent under the Public Market Center Clock & Sign to receive the limited-edition Pike Place Market PDA 50th Anniversary Commemorative tote bag (while supplies last). Combined receipts from multiple stops for a total of $50 or more are accepted. Receipts must be returned to the “Event Information” tent by 4pm on June 3 to redeem.

Free Market Tours with Friends of the Market
Learn about the history of the Market and the PDA’s origin when you take a FREE Pike Place Market tour with historical experts and Market advocates, Friends of the Market. Be sure to sign up at the Event Information tent under the Public Market Clock & Sign, these tours will fill up. Tours leave on the hour starting at 11:30am and the last tour starts at 2:30pm

Walk Through Time Trivia Challenge – Chances to Win Prizes!
Test your Pike Place Market and PDA knowledge. Pick up a playing card, walk through our history display, and answer the trivia questions. Participants who turn in a completed trivia card with the correct answers will be entered to win a Market Gift Card. There will be three chances to win a $50 Market gift card, redeemable at over 87 Market businesses.

Market Artist Battles – Chances to Win Prizes!
Watch as two Market artists battle it out to create one-of-a-kind illustration art. Cast your vote on your favorite design to be entered to win a $50 Market Gift Card. With a limited time, these battles are sure to be an exciting opportunity to see our incredible artists in action and meet the producer!

Unleash your creativity and competitive spirit! Get ready to decorate your very own Pike Place Market farmer-grown potato, transforming it into a unique masterpiece. Once your potato is beautifully decorated, it’s time to jump into action! Gather your friends and family and take your potato for a drive on the Market’s race track where you can compete against other potato drivers. But here’s the twist – instead of traditional race cars, you’ll be using miniature Market farm trucks. Get ready for some hot potato heats!

Live Music on the Market Farm Truck
Take a break from shopping and enjoy the sounds of our talented buskers. Did you know it’s just $30 a year to become a busker at Pike Place Market and the PDA permits about 200 artists each year?

• 11am – 12pm:  Lucia Flores-Wiseman
• 12:15pm – 1:15pm: Nikhil Gupta
• 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Six Feet Back Band

Pike Place Market Kids Craft: Create Your Own PDA Friendship Bracelet
Let’s celebrate our love for Pike Place Market and the work of the PDA by making FREE friendship bracelets. Anytime you look at your wrist you’ll be reminded of the magical place that is Pike Place Market and your friends at the PDA that work hard to make it such an iconic destination.

History of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority

Last year we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Citizens’ Initiative to Keep the Market! It’s hard to imagine the Market not being here, but 50 years ago, we almost lost it to a wrecking ball. In the early 1960s, the Market was a target for urban renewal and extensive demolition. In 1964 the Friends of the Market organization was established to advocate for preserving the Market and protecting it from being destroyed. Through the grassroots efforts of Seattle citizen advocates, the “Let’s Keep the Market” initiative was mounted on November 2, 1971; the Seattle community voted to save the Market.

In 1971 Seattle citizens voted to create a Pike Place Market Historic District and the Market Historical Commission to preserve Pike Place Market’s physical and unique social character. As a result of the public vote, in 1973, the City of Seattle created by charter the Pike Place Market PDA, a not-for-profit organization, to own and manage the day-to-day operations of the Market.

To this day, the PDA works behind the scenes every day to maintain the Market. From day-to-day operations to creating special events and daily roll calls to cleaning the full 9-acres. The PDA also works to increase farm and food retailing opportunities, incubate and support small and marginal businesses; and provide services for low-income people. These efforts ensure Pike Place Market is safeguarded for future generations.

Learn More About the PDA