July 31, 2026 | News

The World Came Together in Tukwila

When the world’s game came to the Seattle region this summer, the City of Tukwila wanted to create more than just a place to watch the matches. We wanted to create a place where people could gather, celebrate, and experience the soccer excitement together.

Thanks to an incredible group of partners and supporters, that vision became a reality: The Tukwila United Viewing Lounge.

Located inside the former Sears building at Westfield Southcenter, the Tukwila United Viewing Lounge transformed an empty space into a vibrant community destination throughout the tournament. The lounge featured three large viewing screens with both English and Spanish broadcasts, making sure that everyone could enjoy the match in their own way. Kids and families were able to enjoy an indoor soccer mini-field playspace, visitors participated in the Passport Program for a chance to win exclusive Experience Tukwila swag, and fans from around the region cheered on the world’s biggest sporting event.

Open every day throughout the tournament, the Viewing Lounge welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from across the region.

The Lounge was the result of months of planning and collaboration behind the scenes. We couldn’t have done it without these partners:

Westfield Southcenter

Great partnerships create great places to gather, and we’re incredibly thankful to Westfield Southcenter for opening its doors to the Tukwila United Viewing Lounge during the world soccer tournament. Their generosity and hospitality made it possible for fans from across the region to come together in one welcoming space to cheer, connect, and celebrate the beautiful game. The Viewing Lounge simply wouldn’t have been the same without their support.

Swift Group

Behind every unforgettable fan experience is a team that makes the magic happen… and for the Tukwila United Viewing Lounge during the world soccer tournament, that team was Swift Group. Their expertise in event production brought the Viewing Lounge to life, creating a vibrant, welcoming space where every match day felt like a celebration. Through thoughtful planning, seamless execution, and countless behind-the-scenes details, they helped turn a vision into an unforgettable experience for fans.

True Blue Strategies

True Blue Strategies, Tukwila’s creative marketing shop, helped bring Tukwila26 to life. From developing the brand and creating the swag and collateral materials to building the website, managing social media, and leading paid advertising, their work helped tell the story of Tukwila26 and spread the word to fans throughout the region.

And many other collaborators!

Thank you to the other collaborators who contributed to Tukwila26, from local print vendors and audio/video specialists to the businesses who came out for activations at our Block Party and Viewing Lounge. Thank you to everyone who helped make this soccer cup season special!

  • AT&T
  • C89.5
  • Culinex
  • DieCut Stickers
  • E90 Sports
  • Greater Seattle Korean Association
  • JC Penney
  • Lululemon
  • Lviv Croissants
  • Maeve Chocolate
  • Pro Time Sports
  • REWA
  • Sephora
  • SPEAN
  • Starfire Sports
  • The North Face
  • Trapper’s Sushi
  • University of Washington
  • And more!

This was a remarkable moment for the greater Seattle region, and Experience Tukwila was honored to help welcome visitors from across the world. The Tukwila United Viewing Lounge is a reminder of what happens when a community comes together with a shared goal of having fun and supporting our teams!

Thank you all for helping make this summer one we’ll certainly never forget.

July 28, 2026 | dining

Summer Picnic Pairings Around Tukwila

Summer in Tukwila is made for soaking up the sunshine and enjoying our great outdoors over a meal with friends. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a lunch break with a view, or a fun weekend adventure, Tukwila offers plenty of beautiful green spaces just minutes away from our diverse food scene.

With dining options that represent cultures from around the world, building the perfect picnic basket is as exciting as choosing where to spread out your blanket. Here are a few of our favorite picnic pairings that showcase some of the best places to eat and explore the outdoors around Tukwila.

 

For a peaceful picnic with beautiful views, head to Duwamish Hill Preserve. This unique natural area combines Tukwila history, wildlife, and scenic overlooks, perfect for a quiet afternoon lunch.

On your way there, pick up takeout from Abay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar. Ethiopian favorites like beef tibs, lentils, vegetables, and fresh injera are great for sharing with friends or family while taking in the scenery. Best part? Ethiopian food is meant to be eaten with your hands, so no need to pack extra utensils in your picnic basket — just make sure you have plenty of napkins!

 


Still looking for that soccer excitement to last you through the rest of summer? Fort Dent Park is a fantastic destination. Home to Starfire Sports, wide open lawns, and walking paths, there are plenty of places to explore.

Grab a pizza, salad, or wings from Watershed FC and enjoy a casual meal between matches or after exploring the park.

 

For a quieter escape, Crystal Springs Park offers a space with lots of tree shade, open green space, and a small neighborhood feel.

Stop by Drip & Sip on the way over to grab a Vietnamese coffee, bahn mi sandwiches, or your choice of refreshing beverages to create an easy picnic packed with fresh and bright flavors.

 

One of our personal favorites, the Tukwila Community Center offers so much to locals in our city. With nearby walking paths, open green space, and tons of community events throughout the season, it’s easy to spend an afternoon here relaxing outdoors.

Not far away, Astur Restaurant offers authentic East African and Somali-inspired cuisine. Pick up savory rice dishes, flavorful goat or chicken entrees, and some sambuus. With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can experience these far-away flavors any time of the day.

 

Nothing says summer quite like a farmers market! Spend your Sundays now through late August browsing local produce, craft goods, and seasonal treats at the Tukwila Farmers Market at the Tukwila Community Center.

Or celebrate mid-week at the New Roots Tukwila Farmers Market at Cascade View Community Park on Wednesdays from 3-7pm through September 30th.

So grab a blanket, order your favorite takeout, and spend the day discovering why Tukwila is one of the most flavorful summer destinations.