The Seeking Cultura Block Party 2023 @ South Lake Union

Sunday, June 11th 

“When have you ever seen lowriders in South Lake Union?” laughs Jeanette Macias, a co-founder of Seeking Ferments. Macias and her wife Lyz are second-generation Mexican and Filipino immigrants. When they had the opportunity to take over a spacious brick-and-mortar in 2021, they wanted their vendor community to benefit from the visibility too. After beginning with taproom popups, they surpassed their wildest expectations and welcomed around 4,000 people to the first-ever Seeking Cultura Block Party last year. On Sunday, June 11th, they’re doing it again. 

She explains: “SLU is very tech-dominated. There’s never really what feels like community and culture here… We want to show what makes up Seattle.” The Maciases are working with Seattle Restored to bring over 100 vendors representing every continent to this year’s festivities. The event is free to attend, but you can help them get an accurate headcount by registering.

A snapshot of what to expect:

• A marketplace of goods: Check out protective jewelry from Clipit by b, Filipino-inspired soy candles by Black Pinay, and lush houseplants from The Power Plant. 
• The choicest local bites: Macias put me on Taste of Congo (“I’ve never seen them at any events!”) and Askatu Bakery, specializing in all allergen-free treats. 
• Live performances & activities: Groove with a live Mariachi band and Bahia in Motion among others, then go pick up a vegetable plant starter from Lifestyle Landscapes. (“We wanted families to see how things grow!”)
• A wellness bar: Build your own booch! Some of their 40+ flavors are made with culturally-inspired ingredients: pandan leaves, calamansi, tamarindo. (Everyone deserves a healthy gut!”) Add on tinctures like dandelion root and milk thistle. I’m going straight for the tepache! There will be a beer garden too, if that’s your vibe.