3rd Annual Walk the Block Arts Festival & Fundraiser

September 30, 2023

Walk the Block is back and bigger than ever.
Walk The Block is Wa Na Wari’s annual outdoor visual and performing arts festival that transforms Central District homes, businesses, parks, porches, and other common spaces into art installations and performance sites. Participants enjoy visual 2d and sculptural art, video installations, live music, dance parties, community stories, and more as they stroll the neighborhood with family and friends. Walk the Block is a chance to experience a slice of African American culture that defined the Central District as the hub for Black life in Washington State for over 70 years. Walk the Block brings visibility to a community that continues to adapt and grow in place, while creating a bridge to new residents who have recently arrived.
Walk the Block is also an important player in the revitalization of Seattle’s cultural community and economy at large. Development led to the displacement of working class people across the city, artists in particular. For a city whose international renown is partly anchored in the contributions of its artists, this continues to be a local challenge. Re-seeding the cultural landscape with opportunities for artists to live, work, and present is increasingly a public policy priority. Walk the Block is a draw for art lovers at large, and for public officials looking to support this vital sector and keep Seattle accessible and diverse all while helping to raise funds and build community with Wa Na Wari.Participants can arrive and begin the walk anytime between 2pm and 5:30pm. Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes.
Participating Artists:
Ephraim Asili (Filmmaker), Rashida Bumbray (Performance), Ayana Evans (Performance), Kevin Jerome Everson (Filmmaker), Ka’ila Farrell Smith Klamath Medoc (Painting), Ryan Feddersen (Performance/Sculpture) Femme Noire ( a Collaboration Between Black Puffin, Seattle Art Museum and Wa Na Wari with artists: Sheila Pree Bright, Jordan Casteel, M. Florine Démosthène, Eva Diallo, Adji Dieye, Marita Dingus, Esiri Erheriene-Essi Angèle Etoundi Essamba, Aramis O. Hamer , Bonnie Hopper, C. Davida Ingram, Rugiyatou Jallow, Lisa Jarret, Rachel Marsil, Thandiwe Muriu, Chidinma Nnoli, Chelsea Odufu, zakkiyyah najeebah dumas – o’neal, Ebony G. Patterson, Zandile Tshabalala, Kiki Turner), Mary Friesen Cree (Photography), Erin Genia Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Dakota (Sculpture), Christopher Harris (Filmmaker), Aisha Harrison (Sculpture), Charlene Komunale (Artist), Kent Monkman Fisher River Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory (Manitoba) (Multi-Media Artist), Melanie Stevens (Multi-Media Artist), Yirim Seck and Architects without Borders (Multi-Media Artwork), Ric’kisha Taylor (Multi-Media Artist), Thaddeus Turner (Music), The Last of the Red Hot Mamas (Music), Ya Tseen Tlingit and Unangax̂ (Music). Curated Stages:
Arte Noire, Fat’s Chicken & Waffles …..and more
Sponsors:
4Culture, BECU, Central Area Collaborative, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Converge Media, Gates Foundation, Inatai Foundation, Lululemon, Nesholm Foundation, One Reel, PCC Markets, Salal Credit Union, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Space Needle, ScandiuzziKrebs, Social Justice Fund, Sup Pop, Team Diva Real Estate, Titos Vodka, Uplift Investment Group and Visit Seattle.
With Funding provided by the Seattle Office of Economic Development
Ticket Packages:
All pre-sale tickets will include a cookie from Shikorina Bakery. (Berbere Caramel or Vegan Gluten free Chocolate Chip.)
Early Entry Run/Walk (Comes with drink ticket)
$50
With this ticket, participants can run or walk the Walk the Block route to try and get their best time, or beat the crowds. This ticket allows for registration at 12:30pm with event access at 1:00pm.
Walk and Art: Map
$30
Enjoy the art walk with map.
Food Ticket
$50
Enjoy food from one Wa Na Wari’s Love Offering Chefs.
Walk the Block Tee-Shirt
$30
Get the 2023 Walk the Block Tee-Shirt with artwork by Amanda Howell Whithurst.
Walk the Block Sweatshirt
$65
Get the 2 we 023 Walk the Block Sweatshirt with artwork by Amanda Howell Whithurst.
FAQ:
When is Walk the Block?
Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 2pm-6pm. Participants can arrive and begin the walk anytime between 2pm and 5:30pm.
​Where does the event start?
Registration is on the rooftop of Medgar Evers pool located at 500 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. Medgar Evers is directly across the street from Ezells Fried Chicken at 23rd and Jefferson, just north of Garfield High School. We are not able to ship Walk the Block purchases. If you miss Walk the Block, we can hold hoodies for you at Wa Na Wari, where you can pick them up during our open hours. We are not able to refund food & drink tickets or unused admission tickets.
We are within walking distance of the #2, #48, #3, and #4 buses.
What is the deadline to purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets up to the day of. For swag tickets the deadline is September 24th, 2023.
Can I get a refund because of the weather, COVID, or my plans have changed?
We’re very sorry but all registrations are final. This event will go on rain or shine. If you can no longer attend your registration can be a donation. Please contact us for a tax receipt if you can’t attend.
How do I get my swag (Race Bib, Map, Drink & Food Tickets, and Umbrella?)
Cookies, food tickets, t-shirts and hoodies will be available for pickup at registration on the day of the event. Registration is on the roof of Medgar Evers Pool, not at Wa Na Wari.
How far is the walk? What if I get tired or need to use the bathroom?
The total distance of the walk is about .8 miles. You can walk, ride a bike, or drive. Rest and bathroom spots will be located on the event map. ​