When and where is the Capitol Hill Garage Sale?
Sunday, August 20th 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn (at Howell Street) in Cal Anderson Park and across Capitol Hill. Visitors can access Cal Anderson Park by streetcar, bus or light rail. For people selling in the park, there is only on-street parking along the edge of the park, so for load-in and out you may want to have a buddy who can help you load-in from 11th or Nagle.
How can I sell at the Capitol Hill Garage Sale?
Registration is officially closed for the 2023 Capitol Hill Garage Sale.
What will it cost to sell in the park?
Thanks to a sponsorship from Board & Vellum, registration fees will be waived for participation this year. All participants will still need to track their sales to determine the Seattle Parks fee owed after the event. The fee is equivelent to 10% of all reported sales.
What time should I arrive if I am registered to sell?
People selling at a community space in the park may arrive at 8:30 a.m. to begin setting up. The sale begins at 10:00 a.m. after which people must be entirely set up. Each community space will have a table and two chairs.
Do I need to stay the whole time?
Yes – we ask that you stay from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. if you are a registered participant of the garage sale. Some people have an elaborate operation, so you are welcome to start setting-up in the park as early as 8:30 a.m.
Can I leave my remaining items in the park, after the sale?
Absolutely not. The Garage Sale closes at 3:00pm, and we must load out and leave the park as we found it by 4:30pm. While there are a few on-site trash and recycling receptacles, we ask that you plan to take all of your remaining belongings with you when you leave. Think Burning Man on a budget. Unsold items must not be left in the park or near the park dumpsters. If you are interested in donating some of your unsold belongings, Capitol Hill is blessed to have a variety of thrift stores that would be happy to take your treasures:
Capitol Hill Goodwill, 115 Belmont Ave. E. (Sunday Donation Hours: 10am-7pm)
Out of the Closet, 1016 E. Pike St. (Sunday Donation Hours: 10am-6pm)
Are there bathrooms available?
There are park bathrooms adjacent to the shelter house, along the Olive Street walkway.
Will there be someone to watch my table if I need a bathroom break?
We will have several volunteers on hand to assist. You just need to flag one of us down or stop by the information booth.
What other programming will be in the park during the Garage Sale?
During the Garage Sale, we will have amplified music in Cal Anderson Park. Tasty beverages and treats available will be available at the Capitol Hill Farmers Market just a block away on Barbara Bailey Way (open from 11:00am until 3:00pm).
Who runs the Garage Sale?
The Capitol Hill Garage Sale has been a neighborhood tradition for over ten years now. It was created by a group of volunteers as way to build community in a neighborhood of apartments, as well as to activate a vacant parking lot on Pine Street. The Garage Sale moved to Cal Anderson Park and now is hosted by the Cal Anderson Park Alliance (CAPA) in collaboration with the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog (CHS), Board & Vellum, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and other neighborhood sponsors. The Garage Sale is organized entirely by neighborhood volunteers. Any funds generated by sponsorships or fees go directly back into the Garage Sale/Seattle Parks & Recreation to cover programming and maintenance costs of Cal Anderson Park.
What is the Cal Anderson Park Alliance?
The Cal Anderson Park Alliance (CAPA) is a community-led stewardship organization that brings together neighbors, property owners, and other community stakeholders to ensure that Cal Anderson Park is vibrant, clean, activated, and welcoming for all. The Capitol Hill Garage Sale is one of the park’s annual programs.
How can I get involved in the Garage Sale or Cal Anderson Park?
This is a volunteer run event and we are always looking for people in the neighborhood to help us advocate for and activate the park. To help with the Capitol Hill Garage Sale or to get involved with the Cal Anderson Park Alliance, please reach out to: CalAndersonPark@gmail.com
