✨ Eastside Buzz #1 | Feb 2 - 9

Good morning, Eastside. 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:

• Your commute is worse than ever ⏳

• A new indoor playground in Bellevue 🏃‍♂️

• The best things to do this week 📆

• Sky-high luxury with a view 🌇

Let’s get to it. ✨ 

This week’s highlights

🚗 Stuck in traffic? Thanks Amazon

If your morning commute has felt a little extra miserable, you’re not imagining things. With 65,000 Amazon employees now heading back to the office, South Lake Union and Bellevue have seen traffic spike 5-9% during rush hour, with some arterial roads doubling in congestion.

Translation: more bottlenecks, longer wait times, and no sign of relief anytime soon. The data’s still coming in, but early reports confirm what every commuter already knows →

☕️ Coffee for you, a playground for them

Parents, meet Fox & Kit, Bellevue’s soon-to-open indoor playground + coffee shop at Bellevue Connection. Inspired by Waldorf-style play, it features a grass hill, climbing structures, color-changing tunnels, and sensory caves—all while serving up globally-inspired coffee drinks for you. 

If you’ve ever wished for a cafe that lets kids be kids while you sip in peace, this is it →

Here’s your weekly Eastside brief, featuring more than 25 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇

Today - February 2nd

🍗 Where chicken meets craft beer

If the words chicken & waffles make your mouth water, head to Triplehorn Brewing in Woodinville today. Avery Chicken & Waffles will be posted up from 12:30 to 7 PM, serving up crispy, golden goodness alongside Triplehorn’s handcrafted ales, stouts, and IPAs.

Avery (the owner), his wife, and their eight kids run the food truck, bringing warm vibes and seriously good eats. Show up hungry → 

🐶 Best day ever (for your dog at least)

Woodinville’s Northwest Spirits is bringing back Bark & Bourbon, their monthly dog-friendly hangout today from 2 to 7 PM. Expect free pup cups, dog treats, and bandanas—plus the chance for your dog to be crowned Pup of the Month →

🐍 Math, puzzles, and Lunar New Year fun

The Lunar New Year Math Festival in Bellevue is proving that numbers can be fun, especially when they involve math trivia, Chinese Checkers, origami, and snake-themed crafts for kids. 

This event is free, but registration is required →

Tomorrow - February 3rd

🐶 Homework just got way more fun

Study with Dogs at the Sammamish Library might be the best-kept secret for parents with middle and high school-aged kids. From 4 to 5:30 PM, students can get help from tutors and librarians, plus peer study support. 

Did we mention there are therapy dogs too? No registration required–just drop in as you need. 

💘 Valentine’s gifts but make it local

The Valentine’s Pop-Up Market at Blakely Hall in Issaquah is happening this Sunday from noon to 4 PM. Whether you’re looking for a sweet gift or just an excuse to browse, this is the spot. Expect handmade crafts, baked goods, and unique tokens of affection—no generic drugstore cards here →

Tuesday - February 4th

🧠 Put your random knowledge to use

Tuesday nights are for Geeks Who Drink at Resonate Brewery in Bellevue. Trivia starts at 7:30 PM, it’s totally free, and the beer is always flowing. Bring your smartest friends to win or just come for the tasty pours →

💻 Young coders wanted

If your kid is curious about coding, the Young Coders of Sammamish workshop at the Sammamish Library is a great place to start. From 4:30 to 5:30 PM, kids can learn Scratch’s block-based language and build their own interactive games through hands-on projects.

Designed and taught by teen volunteers, this workshop makes coding approachable and fun. Kids will need to bring their own device, but everything else is provided →

🎯 Shoot your shot (literally)

Test your aim at the Champion Archery Club in Kirkland this Friday at 7 PM. Whether you're a seasoned archer or a total beginner, this event lets you shoot for red envelopes filled with cash prizes to celebrate Lunar New Year. It’s free for members and $25 for non-members, but core memories are priceless →

Wednesday - February 5th

🎨 Gnomes, brews, and tacos

The Kissing Gnomes Paint Party is happening at Postdoc Brewing in Redmond at 6:30. Whether you’re an artist or just there for the beer, you’ll leave with your own masterpiece. All supplies and step-by-step instructions are included, so no experience is needed.

Choose between an 11x14 canvas for $37 or 16x20 for $40. But wait! There’s more: a taco truck on-site from 5 to 8 PM, so you won’t have to paint on an empty stomach → 

Can’t make it? Crave4Art hosts painting parties all over the Eastside multiple times a week →

🔥 Gotta trade ‘em all

If your Pokémon card collection could use some fresh additions, head to the Bellevue Library from 5 to 7:30 for Pokémon TCG Trade Night. Swap cards, show off your rare finds, and connect with fellow trainers, collectors, and fans. Whether you’re looking to complete a deck or just nerd out over holographics, you’ll be in good company →

Thursday - February 6th

😂 Come for the caffeine stay for the laughs 

SoulFood Coffeehouse in Redmond is serving up an evening of live improv comedy, featuring a mix of newcomers and seasoned pros from the Snoqualmie Valley’s best improv troupe. It all starts with an improv open mic, followed by a full hour of unpredictable, unscripted fun with DISC!

The show kicks off at 6 PM, and entry is $5 →

Friday - February 7th

🎲 A break from decision fatigue

At Postdoc Brewing in Kenmore, your next pint is up to a 20-sided die. This D&D-inspired adventure lets you roll for your beer selection, making every sip part of the quest. They’ve also got a huge selection of board games if you want to play while you drink, or bring your own and make a night of it. Plus, Oskar’s Pizza will be there until 8 PM, because every adventurer needs fuel →

Or if dice aren’t your thing, head to Black Raven Brewing in Woodinville for their lager launch party, celebrating Mens Room’s 20th anniversary with a live broadcast from 99.9 KISW. Expect good beer, good music, and a dash of chaos → 

♟️ For those who think 3 moves ahead

Love strategy? The Kirkland Library Chess Club is the place to be every Friday at 4. Whether you’re a total beginner or a future grandmaster, they provide all the materials—just show up and play →

🍕 Parents… this one’s for you

Need three kid-free hours? Parents Night Out in Redmond is Friday from 5 to 8 PM. They’ll handle the kids (potty-trained preschoolers through 5th grade) with pizza, Valentine’s-themed crafts, games, and a movie.

Use your time wisely—will you choose date night, errands, or a nap? Use code “Welcome” to get your first drop off for free → 

Saturday - February 8th

🐟 Restore Mother Nature, no waders required

Get your hands dirty for a good cause at the Tree Planting Restoration Event on the West Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville. You can expect to help plant native trees and shrubs, remove invasive species, and rebuild critical Chinook salmon habitat. This week’s event is from 10 to 2 →

Can’t make it? There are two more restoration opportunities in Auburn and Sammamish on Feb 22 →

🍺 Free beer and behind-the-scenes fun

Every Saturday at 3 PM, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how Mack & Jack’s–one of Washington’s most iconic breweries–does its thing. You’ll get a complimentary pint glass and four beer samples throughout the tour. Afterward, you can hang out in the beer garden with your own food (or get some delivered). It’s dog (and kid) friendly →

If you’d rather laugh while you drink, check out Lagers & Laughs at Northwest Brewing in Redmond with comedian Tony Daniel, a Navy vet turned nationally touring comic. Tickets are $19 →

🛡️ Drop-in D&D at Bellevue Library

Head to the Bellevue Library from 3 to 5 for a drop-in D&D session led by Joe the librarian. 

Choose from a variety of pre-made characters or bring your own. Beginners are totally welcome—just show up and roll some dice.

💖 Valentine's Day isn’t just for humans  

The Whole Cat & Kaboodle in Kirkland is offering Valentine’s-themed pet photography sessions for $25 each to benefit their Feral Care Sanctuary and adoption program. 

Call (425) 307-1008 to book your spot. 

If you’re shopping for a human, skip the generic box of chocolates and find something… actually thoughtful at the Valentine’s Market at Catalyst Fine Art in Kenmore. With 25+ local artisans, you’ll have no trouble picking up a unique, handcrafted gift. The market runs February 10 & 11 from 10 AM to 5 PM →

More of a Galentines person? grab your crew and hit the Fourth Annual Galentine’s Market & Soirée at North Kirkland Community Center. 

Shop from women-owned businesses, sip some wine, and enter their community bake-off for a shot at exciting prizes → 

Sneak peek at Next Sunday

🧸 The biggest playdate ever

Parents of kids under six… this one's for you—Mercer Island Community Center is hosting its first All-Island Playdate of 2025. It's the perfect chance to connect with families while the little ones run wild.

At 10:30, Ms. Nancy Stewart will take the stage with her delightful songs and stories, keeping kids entertained while you sip coffee and snack on provided treats. 

🏈 Your game day plans covered

Woodinville’s biggest Super Bowl party is happening at The Woodinville Cut Shop–catch the game on the big screen and kick things off with the seventh annual Tom Brady witch burn at 3 PM. For loud fans, great food, and a guaranteed good time, this is the place to be →

If you’re looking to save a few dollars, head to Masthi Bar & Grill in Issaquah for 20% off all drinks while you watch the game. 

Buzzworthy homes

🌆 Sky-high luxury with unbeatable views

Perched on the 22nd floor of One Lincoln Tower, this stunning Bellevue condo is all about breathtaking, 180-degree views—Seattle, Lake Washington, Meydenbauer Bay, and the Olympics, all from the comfort of your living room.

Plus, its open floor plan and high-end kitchen finishes make it perfect for entertaining, while two spacious bedrooms + a flex space give you room to work and relax. 

At 2,629 square feet and $3.9 million, it’s a serious investment, 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 took!

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Trivia question of the week

❓Question: What 1998 Disney movie was recorded in Kirkland? 

🤔 Hint: “Hey Gabriella, ever been arrested for impersonating a boy?”

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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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.