👣 Waterfront walk opens

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A long-awaited pedestrian pathway connecting some of Seattle's most iconic attractions is set to open tomorrow.

Why it matters: The opening of Overlook Walk marks a major milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown and waterfront areas.

Driving the news: More than a decade in the making, the walk will link Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Great Wheel and the upcoming Alaskan Way promenade.

• It will also offer sweeping views of the city, Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.

The big picture: Overlook Walk is part of the broader Seattle Waterfront Plan, which aims to transform the city's underutilized waterfront into a vibrant, accessible space.

• The project prioritizes pedestrians and will feature seating areas and green spaces but is also designed for cyclists and non-motorized transport.

What they're saying: "Waterfront Park, particularly Overlook Walk, will be a dynamic landmark that honors our past, highlights Seattle's spirit of innovation, and welcomes everyone to experience the city's natural beauty and vibrant culture," Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a written statement.

• Tammy Canavan, president and CEO of Visit Seattle, called the opening "a transformative moment for Seattle."

Catch up quick: City planners started reevaluating Seattle's waterfront infrastructure in the aftermath of the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, which damaged the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

• The Waterfront Seattle Program, initiated in 2010, envisioned replacing the outdated viaduct with a public space that would connect landmarks and make the city more walkable.
• The project has been shaped by years of community input, urban planning, and collaboration between city officials, architects, and environmental advocates.

The bottom line: The city hopes the walk will increase foot traffic in the city and bring more business to local shops.

If you go: Join the festivities at the grand opening from 4:30-7pm with live music hosted by KNKX's DJ Abe Beeson and live music performances from some of the Market's favorite buskers, including Travelin' Miles, Bob Goldstick, and Carly Ann Calbero.

• There will be firepits, food trucks, interactive art installations, craft demonstrations, stilt walkers and games from soccer to cornhole.
• Bundle up! It may get chilly.

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Microsoft has emerged as the go-to customer for carbon removal projects as the company's emissions grow.

Catch up quick: Carbon removal refers to a range of technology and methods to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, including direct air capture.

The latest: Seattle startup Lithos Carbon announced last week that it plans to sell 11,400 metric tons of carbon removal credits to Microsoft, expanding its existing partnership with the tech firm.

• Separately last week, carbon removal startup Arbor told Axios that Microsoft plans to buy 25,000 tons of its carbon removal credits, including 5,000 tons per year starting in 2027.

State of play: Microsoft is the largest purchaser of carbon removal credits in the world, and its removal investments grew by five times in 2023 compared to 2022.

• The Redmond-based tech company has announced a goal of becoming "carbon negative" by 2030. By 2050, it aims to remove the equivalent amount of all the carbon dioxide it has emitted since its founding in 1975.

Read more from our colleagues at Axios Pro

📚 Seattle Public Schools is looking at closing five schools next year, backing away from an earlier plan that would have closed up to 21. The district hasn't named which five schools it is considering closing. (KUOW)

✈️ The first direct flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Manila, the capital of the Philippines, began yesterday. (KING 5)

🚘 Transportation officials in Oregon and Washington met this week to discuss possible tolling options to help pay for a replacement Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River.

• Potential fares could range from $1.55 to $4.75 per trip, although a tolling plan won't be finalized until sometime next year. (KOIN)

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There's no need to wait for Halloween to get your fun fix this month. We've rounded up some of the region's best October events to help you kick off an amazing fall.

Taste of Iceland

Tomorrow-Saturday

Get a dose of Icelandic culture at this three-day festival, which features a free concert on Thursday, a cooking demonstration on Friday, and a special three-course Icelandic menu at Palace Kitchen all three days.

Plus: A discussion with Icelandic authors and the mayor of Reykjavik will delve into the literary history of the Icelandic capital, while an astronomy educator will explain the science behind the Northern Lights.

Northwest Chocolate Festival

Friday-Sunday

Sample chocolate from around the world, meet chocolate makers and cacao farmers, and learn more about the decadent confection at this three-day festival at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.

• A $65 pass gets you in Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11am both days.

Seattle Queer Film Festival

Oct. 10-20

The 29th edition of this festival will feature more than 80 films, shown through a combination of in-person and virtual screenings.

• Highlights include "Ponyboi," a film about an intersex sex worker on the run from the mob, which will open the festival at 7pm Thursday, Oct. 10. The opening night screening will be followed by an afterparty; $32 gets you into both.

If you go: In-person screenings will be held from Oct. 10-14, followed by virtual film showings from Oct. 14-20. Check out the full schedule.

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Get your brand in front of highly engaged readers in Seattle.

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• Reach civic minded leaders and smart professionals.
• Support local journalism with Axios Local.

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📝 Clarridge is planning meals and making lists for her mother's birthday bash next weekend in Long Beach.

📆 Melissa hardly ever plans her weekends until Saturday morning, and this week looks like no exception.

This newsletter was edited by Rachel La Corte.