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- 💰 The great Bellevue donkey heist
💰 The great Bellevue donkey heist
Presidents' Day, a happy ending for Juan and Julio, and 20+ things going on around the eastside this week.
Good morning, eastside. Hope you had a great Valentine’s Day! Settle in, sip whatever gets you going, and let Eastside Buzz serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead ☕️
In today’s edition:
The best news all year 👋
3 can’t-miss festivals 🍻
Lots of tunes & laughs 🎵
20+ things to do this week 🗓️
Let’s get to it.
This week’s highlights
🫏 Only in Bellevue… for $200, Alex
Juan and Julio were stolen from their Bellevue barn last week. Their owner was devasted (rightfully so) BUT we’re sharing this story because it has a happy ending (and is 100% the best news we’ve heard all year) — after seven days of mystery, a good Samaritan found the donkey duo safe and sound. If it’s been on your mind as much as it’s been on ours, you can rest easy →
🍻🎷 Festival season comin’ in hot
The surrounding areas are packed with festivals — whether you’re in the mood for mead, music, colors, or craft brews, there’s something for you. All of these still have tickets left at the time of writing, but you should probably hurry!
🌱 Leave the house for a good cause
Volunteers are needed on Saturday for tree planting, invasive species removal, and other restoration projects at Big Finn Hill Park, a 220-acre urban oasis in Kirkland →
Here’s your weekly Eastside brief, featuring more than 25 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇
Today - February 16th
❄️ Let it go (and let the froyo flow)
Today at 2:30 - Get ready to sing your heart out at the Frozen + Froyo Movie Matinee, where Anna, Elsa, and an Arendelle-inspired dessert await. Kiddo costumes are highly encouraged, so dust off that Elsa dress or throw on a reindeer onesie in honor of Sven. The event is free, but registrations are required →
🧘♀️ Wine, yoga, and good vibes only
Today at 11:30 am - Sparkman Cellars is hosting Yoga + Wine, a 45-minute all-levels flow followed by a well-earned glass (or bottle) of vino. BYOM (bring your own mat), breathe, stretch, and toast to your excellent life choices—it’s the kind of balance we can all get behind →
🐠 Last cast: Bellevue’s fly fishing finale
Today from 9 to 4:30 - Don't let this one be the one that got away—today’s your final chance to catch the ultimate fly fishing show (at Meydenbauer Center) before it swims off into the sunset. Industry pros will be dropping knowledge and gear demos will convince you that yes… you do need another rod. From casting techniques to choosing the perfect fly for PNW waters, this is your chance to level up your angling game →
Tomorrow - February 17th
Recurring events: Family Story Time at Sammamish Library - 10:30 am ✨ Industry night at Suite Restaurant / Lounge - 4 to 10 pm ✨ Trivia Night at BeachHouse Bar + Grill - 7 pm ✨ Zumba at LA Fitness Kirkland - 8 pm
🏸 Pickleball pairs wanted
Looking to spice up your Presidents' Day? The Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club PEAK is hosting a mixed doubles showdown for both the young-at-heart (50+ from 9 am to noon) and the merely young (21-49 from 1-4 pm ).
Grab your paddle partner and get in on the fun for $50 per team →
🐾 Where teen animal lovers unite
The Seattle Humane is inviting 6th-8th graders to discover the behind-the-scenes world of animal sheltering. Your animal-obsessed teen can earn community service hours while making furry friends (and human ones too). Three hours of tail-wagging fun in Bellevue for $145 →
Can’t make it? They’re hosting it again on Thursday at 8:30 am.
🤸 President’s Day for the littles
Can't face another day of Xbox? Alpha Gymnastics in Woodinville is transforming Presidents' Day into an adventure with tumbling, ninja skills, and crafts for ages 5-13. From balance beams to parallel bars, they'll keep your young gymnast bouncing until pickup →
Meanwhile, My Gym Bellevue is hosting their own brand of organized chaos for the 3.5-10 crowd. Think obstacle courses, games, and enough energy-burning activities to guarantee an early bedtime. Members pay $60, non-members pay $65 →
Unable to snag a spot? My Gym Bellevue offers the same camp for all the holidays your littles have off school — you can book any of them now.
Tuesday - February 18th
Recurring events: Family Story Time at Sammamish Library - 1:30 pm ✨ Young Coders of Sammamish (every other Tuesday) at Sammamish Library - 4:30 pm ✨ Family trivia night at 2468 Restaurant - 6:30 pm
❄️ A winter-break skate sesh
Sno-King Ice Arenas is transforming mid-winter break into a week-long skating party in Kirkland. From wobbly first-timers to aspiring Kraken players, they've got sessions for every skill level. Little penguins (ages 2-6) get their own ice time, while the 6+ crowd can channel their inner Olympic dreams during regular sessions.
The rink is ready all week long — it’s the perfect excuse to swap the screens for ice-cold fun →
🎨 Paint night meets craft beer
Transform your Tuesday into an artistic adventure at Triplehorn Brewing Co. Crave4Art is bringing everything you need to create your own backcountry masterpiece — even the artistic talent (they pre-trace the tricky parts).
Grab your creative crew for two hours of guided painting, craft beer, and zero pressure from 6:30-8:30 PM →
Wednesday - February 19th
Recurring events: Homeschoolers Park Day at Saint Edward State Park - 2 to 4 pm ✨ Reading Buddies at Sammamish Library - 4 pm ✨ ½ off wine bottles at Suite Restaurant / Lounge - 4 to 10 pm ✨ Pajama Story Time at Sammamish Library - 6:30 to 7:30 pm ✨ Wine & Music at Woodin Creek Kitchen - 7 to 9 pm ✨ Trivia at Savage Brewing - 7 to 9 pm (call to reserve your table)
🌿 Chat with a plant expert
Tony Avent isn't your average garden guru – he's the kind of speaker who makes Latin plant names sound like stand-up comedy. As one of the 2025 Northwest Flower & Garden Festival judges, he's bringing his horticultural wit and wisdom to Bellevue Botanical Garden for an evening of plant obsession.
The best part? You can join in person or virtually from your own garden sanctuary →
🦙 Llamas are great hiking companions
Forget everything you know about backcountry gear hauling. Washington Llamas, our local trail-trekking heroes, are revolutionizing high-country adventures with their calm, sure-footed pack animals.
These aren't your typical pack mules – they're environmentally conscious hiking buddies who don't mind the PNW rain (unlike some of us). Jeff Fisker is bringing the full scoop to this month’s Hi-Lakers meeting. Non-members are always welcome to join, but members receive all sorts of cool stuff for just $15 per year →
📚 New books + new friends
The Kirkland Library Book Club is serving up some compelling reads this season, from French family mysteries to Russian political memoirs. They meet on the third Wednesday of each month, and February's pick is "The Liberators" by EJ Koh.
Haven’t read it? Next month’s pick is The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell. You can check it out from the library and get a head start →
Thursday - February 20th
Recurring events: 30-minute social run/walk outside Lululemon in Kirkland - 6 pm
🍷 The flex your taste buds need
Walla Walla Steak Co. is pulling out all the stops with Sagemoor Vineyards for an evening that screams "treat yourself."
We're talking five courses of Chef Ian West's finest creations (hello, spruce salt-crusted NY strip) paired with wines from vines older than most of our suburbs →
🎵 Thursday tunes
LA transplant Tyler McGinnis is bringing his soulful Americana vibes to Goose Ridge's cozy Woodinville tasting room starting at 5 pm. His sound? Alternative country meets Southern rock, with just enough Seattle edge to make it interesting. It’s a great excuse to grab a glass of wine or cider, and let the good times roll.
📝 Watch a former mayor drop bars
Poetry night at SoulFood just got political in the best way possible. Former Kirkland mayor Joan McBride is trading city council meetings for verse, joining forces with climate justice poet Denise Calvetti Michaels for an evening of local literary magic starting at 6 pm.
💼 Level up your career game
Stuck in resume purgatory? Hopelink's employment specialists are swooping into Issaquah Library with their superhero capes (and expert advice) for a morning of one-on-one career support from 10 am to noon. No appointment needed – just bring your questions about resumes, cover letters, or that tricky interview coming up.
Afterward, stop by Savage Brewing Co for two hours of rapid-fire networking with ambitious businesswomen from 1 to 3 (snacks included) →
At 6:30, Terry Szuplat — a former presidential speechwriter — is giving a talk all about crafting messages, public speaking, effective communication, and tips from his new book Say it Well. It’s free and you can catch it from the comfort of your own home (registration required) →
Friday - February 21st
Recurring events: Music Bingo at Dave & Busters (Bellevue) - 8 pm ✨ Guided historic tours of The Lodge at St. Edward - 5 pm
🎶 Massive line up of live entertainment
Friday’s are hoppin’ if you’re into live music or comedy. From soul and Motown to blues, pop rock, and funk, there’s something going on for everyone.
Blue Margaritas
@ Redmond Eagles - 7:30 pm | Complete with actual blue margaritas.
The Soul Proprietors Show Band
@ Watts Brewing - 7 pm | Energetic remasters of 60s and 70s Motown Soul + delicious food from The Cut Shop.
The Sugar Smax
@ Two Vintners Winery - 6 pm | New Orleans Funk band based out of Seattle. Happy hour is from 4 - 8 if you get there early + Tacos & More Food Truck will be outside.
The Dogtones
@ Prohibition Cellars - 7 pm | Pop rock band with the perfect combo of medleys, humor, wit, and making people smile. You’ll need a ticket, but they’re free.
Writers & Wine
@ Maryhill Winery Woodinville - 7:30 pm | A full experiential blend of music, melodies, memories, and storytelling via round-robin performances from Adam Craig, Matt Warren, and Keesy Timmer. Going on Friday and Saturday - GA tickets are $65 per night.
Wintergrass
@ Hyatt Regency in Bellevue - 2/20 - 2/23 | A full three day line up of bluegrass tunes and workshops. Artists include Steep Canyon Rangers, Della Mae, The Langan Band, Eat Nash Grass, The Fretless, and many many more. Plenty of single-day or full-event passes are still available.
Comedy night
@ Juanita Cantina - 9 pm | Hang out and laugh with some of the best PNW comedians around plus food and drinks. Entry is free, food and drinks are not.
Cozy Comedy Finals
@ Warr-King Wines - 7 pm | Catch the final round of the 2nd annual state-wide comedy competition. They started with 50, but just four remain. As an attendee, you get to help vote and be a part of Washington comedy history. Tickets are $23.75.
✨ Looking for something else?
Sparkman Cellars is mixing magic with merlot as Jeff Evans brings his mind-bending show to Woodinville's wine country. Leave your skepticism at the door →
Speaking of tricks, Alpha Gym is transforming into a parkour paradise with three legends of the sport dropping in from across the country. Whether you're a seasoned traceur or just someone who's watched too many action movies, they've got workshops for every level →
Terry's Kitchen (Bellevue) is also doing a FREE screening of the 1975 documentary "Cruisin' J-Town," featuring early footage of the legendary Asian American jazz fusion band Hiroshima. It's a free preview of next month's live performance with June Kuramoto and Kimo Cornwell — talk about a tasty appetizer.
Saturday - February 22nd
Recurring events: Beginner’s Adult Hip Hop Class at LaVida Dance Studio - 1 pm ($35) ✨ Girls Who Code online class by Bellevue Library - 1:30 pm (registration) ✨ Drop in Dungeons and Dragons at Bellevue Library - 3 pm ✨
🥳 Weekend fun for the fam
Sno-King Ice Arena is hosting not one, but two "Try Hockey for Free" sessions – including a girls-only hour for our future Olympians. All gear provided, no experience needed →
Meanwhile, Sammamish Library is doubling down on the fun with a baby groove session at 11 am (newborn to 2 years old doing very important wiggling) and an ice cream-themed paper folding workshop for kids 6+ at 2 pm that's way cooler than your average origami.
For our mini yogis (ages 1 - 5) in training, Eastside Community School is hosting a delightful mashup of story time and downward dog at 4 pm →
🏊♂️ The coldest way to warm your heart
It's cold outside – which is exactly why the brave souls at Redmond PD are hosting their annual 11 am Polar Plunge at Idylwood Park. Sure, it's freezing, but it's for Special Olympics Washington's 50th anniversary, so your chattering teeth are a small price to pay.
Prefer to not get wet? Also at 11 am, Saint Edward State Park is offering a guided nature walk through one of the Eastside's most stunning green spaces. You’ll start at EERC at Saint Edward and explore the hidden oasis for a few hours. It’s free!
🎨 No more drawing stick figures
Ready to level up your art game? Picket Fence Art Studio is hosting a full-day figure drawing workshop with PhD-wielding artist Brenno Kenji that's perfect for everyone from seasoned artists to enthusiastic doodlers.
You'll learn how to make your figures actually look three-dimensional and master the secrets of light and shape that separate good drawings from the greats →
🎷 A few more live tunes (there’s no such thing as enough)
Jaeden Luke
@ Vintners Woodinville Tasting Room - 3 pm | A singer-songwriting local who was featured on season 2 of The Voice (AKA a blend of Ed Sheeran and John Mayer).
H. Leslie Adams
@ The comfort of your own home - 10 am | Start your morning off with some peaceful piano from the Ladies Music Club of Seattle, part of their Saturday morning Songs for Black History Month series. Catch it live on YouTube
Ian Skavdahl
@ Chandler Reach Woodinville Tasting Room - 3 pm | Enjoy soulful acoustic tunes that cover a mix of originals and popular songs.
Sneak peek at next Sunday
Recurring events: Ladies Night with The Herding Cats at The Lime - 8 pm ✨ Tango classes at LaVida Dance Studio - 5 pm ($25 cash)
🥂 Wine and dine brunch style
Begin your morning at L'Ecole's Woodinville tasting room, where The Cottage is serving up an indulgent four-course brunch paired with award-winning wines. Think truffle-laced shrimp & grits, fig crostini drizzled with hot honey, and red wine-braised short rib hash – each matched with the perfect pour.
The $99 experience ($89 for club members) promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with additional dates throughout the year if you miss this round →
🐕 Sip wine, meet pups, change lives
Darby Winery is going to the dogs – in the best way possible. Dog Gone Seattle is bringing their adoptable pups to mix and mingle while you enjoy a glass of wine. While same-day adoptions aren't available, you’ll get a head start on finding your new best friend.
🎸 Can you write a song that's down?
Songwriters in Seattle is back with their monthly challenge, and February's theme is simply "DOWN." Whether you interpret that literally, emotionally, or completely off the wall is up to you.
Performers gather at Bellevue Library once a month to share their creations — appreciative listeners are welcome too.
🤠 Hat burning (literally)
Wild Burn Hat Company is bringing their popular hat burning workshop to Village Wines. Your $95 ticket includes a vegan suede rancher hat, all the embellishments you need (think vintage playing cards and feathers), and – because this is Woodinville – your first glass of wine →
Buzzworthy homes
💎 Luxurious convenience for $2M, Alex
Listed by Tony Ferrelli (Windermere R.E. Northeast, Inc)
If you like the idea of living minutes from Google and Kirkland’s buzzing downtown on top of striking modern finishes and features, this new Rose Hill home might catch your eye. It’s got four bedrooms, 2.25 bathrooms, and 2,258 square feet of stylish, light-filled space—plus a built-in fridge that makes the kitchen feel even fancier.
Designed by Imagine Homes, every inch of this place was built with care, from the premium finishes to the strategically placed windows that flood it with natural light.
At just under $2M, it’s out of our budget, but window shopping is free →
Eastside fun & games
As always, this week’s wordle features a 5-letter word hidden inside this edition. Let us know how many guesses it takes you!
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Trivia question of the week
❓Question: What two teams are tied for the most Super Bowl losses?
🤔 Hint: They both have plenty of Super Bowl experience, just not the kind they hoped for.
Reply and shoot us your best guess (no cheating!) - Same time, same place next week → we’ll share the answer and a fresh question to ponder.
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Last week’s answer: Leslie Knope.
See ya next week!
Know of an event or business we should share, interested in certain types of events & stories, or want to ask a question? Feel free to reply (or email us) any time.