Can't-miss family fun, an $11.5 million view, and 20+ events this week

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:

• Identify your mystery rocks 🪨 

• What a $5k HOA looks like 🍾 

• A non destructive reno 🏠️ 

• Crash course in money 💸 

• 20+ things to do 📆 

Let’s get to it.

This week’s highlights

💎 Love rocks, gems, and minerals?

Mark your calendar for next weekend (March 1st and 2nd). The East KingCo Rock & Gem Show is bringing 30 dealers, a stone sculpture exhibit, and a “What’s My Rock?” station to identify all your geological mysteries. Bonus: There’s a silent auction, door prizes, and plenty of activities for kids →

🏙️ What’s up with this $11.5 million condo?

Ever wondered what it’s like to live like a fictional billionaire with a… niche taste in décor? The Seattle penthouse that inspired Fifty Shades of Grey is on the market for a cool $11.5 million, including sweeping views of the Space Needle, a wine room, and a rooftop terrace. Think the sticker price is shocking? The HOA is $5,000/mo. Take a peek inside →

🏠️ Out with the old, in with the charm

I know what you’re thinking — another house?! Hear me out. This one’s not for sale, but it’s worth taking a look at for a whole different reason. It recently got a major glow-up without knocking down walls, proving what a massive difference paint, fixtures, wall paper, appliances, smart use of space, and good taste can make →

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

Today - February 21st

Recurring events: Guided historic tours of The Lodge at St. Edward - 5 pm (info) ✨ Teen craft hangout at Woodinville Library - 3 pm (info) ✨ Dungeons & Dragons club at Mercer Island Library - 3:15 pm (info) ✨ Chess club at Kirkland Library - 4 pm (info) ✨ Two Funk Fridays (live music) at Two Vintners - 6 pm (info) ✨ Wine Friday at Tinte Cellars - Starts at noon (info)

🎶 Massive line up of live entertainment

There’s a lot to choose from tonight and throughout the weekend 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.

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 (tickets here)

The Soul Proprietors Show Band
@ Watts Brewing - 7 pm | Energetic remasters of 60s and 70s Motown Soul + delicious food from The Cut Shop (info)

The Dogtones
@ Prohibition Cellars - 7 pm | Pop rock band with the perfect combo of medleys, humor, wit, and making people smile (free tickets)

Blue Margaritas
@ Redmond Eagles - 7:30 pm | Complete with actual blue margaritas (info)

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. You can catch it today or tomorrow (tickets) 

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 (info)

✨ 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, there are two workshops left →

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 →

Tomorrow - February 22nd

Recurring events: Beginner’s Adult Hip Hop Class at LaVida Dance Studio - 1 pm (info) ✨ Girls Who Code online class by Bellevue Library - 1:30 pm (info) ✨ Drop in Dungeons and Dragons at Bellevue Library - 3 pm (info) ✨ Nature science for kids at Redmond Library - 11:30 am (info)

🥳 Weekend fun for the fam

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 - info) and an ice cream-themed paper folding workshop (info) for kids 6+ at 2 pm that's way cooler than your average origami.

Later in the evening, they’re hosting middle school game night where your not-so-little littles can bring their favorite games and connect with other kids →

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? Saint Edward State Park is offering a guided nature walk at 11 am 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 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

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 →

Sunday - February 23rd

Recurring events: Ladies Night with The Herding Cats at The Lime - 8 pm (info) ✨ Tango classes at LaVida Dance Studio - 5 pm ($25 at the door - info) ✨ Adult art club at Redmond Library - 11 am (monthly - info) ✨ Indoor spin jam at Crossroads Community Center in Bellevue - 1 pm (info)

🥂 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 →

🤠 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 is free →

Monday - February 24th

Recurring events: Family Story Time at Sammamish Library - 10:30 am (info)✨ Trivia Night at BeachHouse Bar + Grill - 7 pm (info)

🦜 Walks are for the birds

8 am: If you’ve ever wanted to learn birds by sight and sound, this is your chance. Join Stan Wood of Eastside Audubon for a peaceful morning walk at Lake Sammamish State Park, where you might spot everything from bald eagles to tiny chickadees. The pace is relaxed, the elevation is flat, and the only requirement (besides showing up) is a Discover Pass for parking →

📣 Parents of middle schoolers

4 pm: If your middle schooler’s idea of fun is staring at a phone, Sammamish Library is hosting an all-out game night that’s way more fun than screen time. Puzzles, board games, and plenty of snacks will be available →

Tuesday - February 25th

Recurring events: Pajama story time at Bellevue library - 5:30 pm (info) ✨ Family trivia night at 2468 Restaurant - 6:30 pm (info) ✨ Lego building at Bellevue Library - 1:30 pm (info)

🌱 DIY garden cloches

9:30 am & 12 pm: If your garden has become an all-you-can-eat buffet for rabbits, it's time to fight back—with style. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is hosting two hands-on workshops where you'll craft wire cloches to protect your plants (and add a little charm to your garden).

Level 1 covers the basics and Level 2 will teach you how to create taller, more decorative designs → Level 1 | Level 2

🏆 Raising kids who say “please” and “thank you”

12 pm: If you never use the words “manners” and “kids” in the same sentence, this free ParentMap webinar might be for you. Robert B. Brooks and Sam Goldstein, experts on resilience and perseverance, will break down how to nurture respect, tenacity, and good old-fashioned civility with your littles →

🤖 A free robotics lesson

6 pm: STEP Computer Academy is offering a free trial robotics lesson for grades 1–8 with hands-on robot programming while exploring everything from 3D design to game development. No coding experience needed →

🥾 Poo Poo Point at night

Also at 6 pm: Discover Poo Poo Point’s beauty with a guided evening hike. At 6.6 miles and 22,00 feet of elevation gain, it’s a great way to get your steps in →

Wednesday - February 26th

Recurring events: Zumba with Nancy at LA Fitness Bellevue - 8 pm (info) ✨ After-school hangout at Kingsgate Library - 1 to 3 pm (info) ✨ Homeschoolers Park Day at Saint Edward State Park - 2 to 4 pm (info) ✨ Reading Buddies at Sammamish Library - 4 pm (info) ✨ Wine & Music at Woodin Creek Kitchen - 7 to 9 pm (info)

🎭 Big stage energy

3 pm: Got a kid who loves the spotlight (or just needs to burn off some after-school energy)? Eastlake High School Drama students are leading a hands-on theatre workshop packed with improv, dancing, acting, puppetry, and costumes—aka, everything a budding performer needs. Open to grades 1–5 →

Got older littles? EHS is also hosting a middle school workshop on Thursday for 6th to 8th graders →

🎨 Paint, sip, and snack

6 pm: Whether you’re the next Van Gogh or just here for the wine, this sip & paint at Ancestry Cellars is a guaranteed good time. You’ll get step-by-step instruction on creating a “Mixed Bouquet” masterpiece while sipping great wine and snacking on cheese plates →

Thursday - February 27th

Recurring events: 30-minute social run/walk outside Lululemon in Kirkland - 6 pm (info)

🍞🧈 Like Babka and butter? Us too

1 pm: There’s nothing quite like fresh-baked babka. Chef Julie Turner of Fork in the Road will teach you how to mix, fill, and shape this sweet, swirly bread before you take it home to bake →

6:30 pm: We talk a lot about wine pairings, but rarely do we talk about pairing it with butter. The Seattle Cheese Lady is here to take you on a journey through different varieties, perfectly matched with a flight of four L’Ecole wines → 

🎶 2 live shows

5 pm & 5:30 pm: Whether you're in the mood for soulful singer-songwriter Kurt Lindsay at Goose Ridge Woodinville or a mix of originals and covers from Brian James at 425 Cellars, there’s a show for you → Kurt Lindsay | Brian James

🎨 Artistic storytelling

5 pm: The Blakely Hall Gallery is showcasing 28 works from 13 Black artists in the “Black Artists of Change” exhibition, celebrating the power of art as a force for change and stick around for a performance of Fly for Freedom by Living Voices at 5 pm or 7 pm, blending dynamic storytelling with archival film to bring history to life →

💰 A crash course in money

7 pm: Budgeting, saving, and investing might not sound thrilling, but knowing how to manage your money is life-changing. Entrepreneur YK Cho is hosting a free workshop to give young adults real-world financial tools →

🌱 Future-proof your garden

7 pm: The Pacific Northwest is getting drier — learn which plants thrive with less water, attract pollinators, and add biodiversity (backed by a UW study). If you can’t make it live, the webinar will be available for two weeks after →

Sneak peek at next Friday

🎻 Good tunes five ways

1 pm: Redmond Senior Center is hosting an afternoon concert and dance with Sophisticated Swing ($5–6) →

7 pm: Lake Washington High School is throwing a fundraiser with an hour of swing dance instruction followed by an open dance floor →

Also at 7 pm: Violinist Ilana Zaks is pushing musical boundaries with Sound Worlds, a one-hour program blending violin with electronics. Featuring works by underrepresented composers, the concert explores sound, storytelling, and resilience through music →

7:30 pm: The Magnetic Grey is cranking out high-energy hits from The Clash, Talking Heads, and The Pixies at Redmond Eagles →

8 pm: The Kennydales are bringing smooth yacht rock vibes to Pub 85 →

🌟 Glow bowling + pizza = best day ever

5:30 pm: K - 5th graders are in for a neon-filled night at The Pebble Preschool with bowling, dancing, and pizza all under the glow of black lights. Kids can rock their best glow-in-the-dark outfits or comfy PJs, and parents get a few hours of peace →

🌌 A true story of stars, science, and perseverance

7:30 pm: Silent Sky tells the story of Henrietta Leavitt, the astronomer who changed the way we see the universe—despite the barriers placed on women in science. Set in the early 1900s, this play is a beautifully written tribute to a woman whose discoveries still shape astronomy today. Catch it at Woodinville Repertory Theatre, with dinner available before the show →

🍷 Bougie bingo

8 pm: Bingo at Village Wines is bringing together wine, charcuterie, and a chance to win big in style. You’ll need a reusable bingo card to play (starting at $5) — there are also packages that bundle wine, snacks, and extra cards for an even bougier experience →

Buzzworthy homes

💎 Mid-century in Redmond

Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac in Education Hill, this fully renovated five-bedroom home has the best of both worlds—1974 charm with a 2024 refresh. The open-concept living room has vaulted ceilings, the chef’s kitchen is decked out with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, and the brand-new A/C and furnace keep things comfy year-round.

Outside? A fresh coat of paint, a new fence, and a BBQ-ready deck just waiting for summer nights. At $1.65 million, it’s not exactly… pocket change.

But browsing (and adding to your design inspo board) 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: Happy belated Presidents’ Day! What was George Washington’s biggest business venture?

🤔 Hint: It was one of the largest of its kind in America at the time.

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: Patriots and Broncos.

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.