✨ Eastside Buzz #2 | Feb 9 - 16

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:

• Restore Mother Nature 🌿

• Audition for a short film 🎥

• V(G)alentine’s Day fun 💕

• 20+ things to do this week 📅

Let’s get to it.

This week’s highlights

🌱 2 feel-good excuses to get outside

Green Issaquah is hosting a restoration event at Park Pointe next Saturday (the 15th), where volunteers will remove invasive blackberries to make way for future tree planting. Gloves, layers, and a willingness to get your hands dirty are required →

Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park will also be at Tibbetts Creek next Saturday, planting native species and clearing blackberries to help protect salmon habitats. If you enjoy fresh air, getting your hands in the dirt, and knowing you’re helping local wildlife, this one's for you →

🎬 Lights, camera, action—your name in the credits?

Ever wanted to be part of a short film? Sweety Saradha Arts is looking for volunteers to bring their upcoming project to life. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a behind-the-scenes mastermind, or someone who enjoys good lighting, there’s a role for you →

Here’s your weekly Eastside brief, featuring (at least) 20 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇

Today - February 9th

🧸 The biggest playdate ever

Parents of kids under six… this one's for you—today is Mercer Island Community Center’s 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.

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. 

Tomorrow - February 10th

🎸 Fresh faces, new sounds, and great wine

If your Spotify playlist is in desperate need of an update, head to 425 Cellars for a night of live music featuring some of the newest artists in the area. Sip on something delicious and discover your new favorites →

📚 Calling (tween) comic book lovers

Middle schoolers (or parents of them), this one’s for you: the Graphic Novel Club at Sammamish Library is meeting tomorrow. Every month, kids aged 11-14 read and discuss a new graphic novel, manga, or comic, then create their own.

Snacks are provided and no registration required. Future Stan Lees, assemble →

🍻 For service pros and trivia champs

Mondays are better with good deals and a little friendly competition. Service industry folks can unwind at Suite Restaurant & Lounge in Bellevue with 25% off regular-priced items, $5 drafts, and rotating bartender specials →

At BeachHouse Bar + Grill in Kirkland, trivia night will be in full swing—if you’ve got a head full of random facts, this is your time to shine →

🐵 Interactive story time

Little ones will love this themed story time at My Gym Bellevue, complete with puppet shows, swings, and all the toddler-level chaos you’d expect. February’s theme is monkeys, so prepare for an overload of cuteness. Space is limited — RSVP now →

Can’t make it or miss out on tickets? March’s theme is space and there’s plenty of time to register in advance.

Tuesday - February 11th

🎉 Family fun all day

Family Story Time at Sammamish Library lets the littles enjoy stories, music, and movement before winding down with playtime →

If your crew prefers a little competition, 2-4-6-8 Family Trivia Night at 2468 Restaurant is handing out bragging rights, a $25 gift card, and ice cream to the smartest family in the room →

Is Pokémon more their (or your) speed? the Issaquah Library is hosting a Homeschool Gathering for trading cards, playing the game, and learning the rules → 

🍽️ A tasting menu that goes all out

Terra Tovela’s Chef Tasting five-course experience includes three appetizers, two salads, three sides, two to three entrées, and two desserts. It’s the perfect way to try a little bit of everything without having to choose between your favorites →

🧁 An excuse to dress up

Suite Restaurant & Lounge is going all in for Galentine’s with a cupcake decorating station, a mixology lesson featuring their signature “Vacay Mode” cocktail, and a swag bag for every guest.

There’s also a private dining experience with a special Galentine’s menu, plus a mini bottle of Cupcake Prosecco for each attendee →

Wednesday - February 12th

🍕 Bourbon or pizza? You decide

Whether your ideal night involves sipping high-end whiskey or scoring easy points with the family, consider Wednesday night dinner covered. MOD Pizza in Issaquah is donating 25% to Endeavour PTSA—use the code “MODGIVES25” so you can feel good about devouring an entire pizza to yourself.

Have more expensive taste? El Gaucho Bellevue is hosting an exclusive Sazerac Dinner featuring five courses paired with bourbons from the Buffalo Trace portfolio →

🎭 A no-judgment zone for creatives

If you’ve got something to share—whether it’s a poem, a song, a painting, or a completely new art form—APex at Victor’s Celtic Coffee is the place to do it. This artist meetup is all about inspiration, collaboration, and community, with only one rule: no criticism.

Bring your latest masterpiece (or a WIP) and connect with fellow creatives →

📖 Study sessions, snacks, and bedtime stories

At Kingsgate Library in Kirkland, students of all ages can drop in for an after-school hangout with free snacks and games.

Starting at 4, The Sammamish Library is offering Reading Buddies for K-8 kids who want to practice reading out loud. You can also stick around after for Pajama Story Time with music, movement, and rhymes to help the littles wind down.

Thursday - February 13th

🍺 Make your own beer mug

This week, Mac & Jack’s Taproom is serving up something extra—beer mugs DIY style. Queen Bee Ceramics will guide you through hand-building your own custom clay mug, which will be fired and ready for pickup in about a month.

A DIY project you can drink out of? What’s not to love →

🏃‍♂️ An excuse to go outside

Totem Lake Run Club is hosting a 30-minute social run/walk, starting outside Lululemon on NE Village Plaza in Kirkland . Whether you’re setting a PR or just here for the post-run endorphins, all paces are welcome →

Friday - February 14th

💃 Dance, donate, and help LA fire victims

Swing your way into Valentine’s Day at the “Give a Little Love” Fire Relief Fundraiser Dance. Hosted by Cloudland Dance, this event supports LA fire victims, with all admission fees going directly to the Rhythm Relief Fund.

There’s a beginner-friendly intro lesson at 8:30 pm, followed by open dancing until 11:30—whether you’re a pro or have two left feet, it’s all for a great cause →

🏡 Parents' night out, kids’ best night ever

Need a few kid-free hours to celebrate Valentine’s Day? My Gym Bellevue has you covered with a Parents’ Night Out event packed with fun games, activities, and more for the kiddos. Drop off your littles (ages 3.5-10), and enjoy a stress-free date knowing they’re in good hands →

🍷 Date night ideas (reserve now!)

DeLille Cellars is offering two ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day: a casual night at their tasting room with a grazing board and live music or a fancy prix-fixe dinner with wine pairings at their restaurant →

Airfield Estates is pairing their wines with artisan chocolates from Chuao Chocolatier—everyone knows red wine and chocolate are soulmates →

Saturday - February 15th

🐶 V-Day for the doggos

If your ideal Valentine’s date has four legs and a wagging tail, Kirkland Urban’s Hearts & Hounds event is where you need to be.

There will be sweet treats for both humans and pups, a lick art station (exactly what it sounds like), a Valentine’s card-making station, and a themed photo booth →

🧘‍♀️ Yoga… with babies?

If you’re looking for a way to stay active without leaving your baby behind, Yoga with Baby in Issaquah is here to help. Expect a mix of stretching, movement, baby massage, and some much-needed social time with other parents →

🎶 Saturdays are for live music

Start your Saturday morning with a virtual concert celebrating Black History Month, featuring music by Valerie Coleman and Oscar Peterson →

If you’re feeling nostalgic (or just need to dance), head to Bake’s Place in the evening for Band After Midnight—an all-star ABBA tribute band that brings the sequins, harmonies, and energy of Sweden’s finest →

🎲 Code or cast spells

Bellevue Library is offering two solid ways to flex your brainpower. Girls Who Code is hosting an online session for high school-aged girls and female-identifying students to dive into Java →

Not your jam? Drop in a bit later for a casual Dungeons & Dragons session, led by a librarian who knows their way around a good quest →

Sneak peek at next Sunday

❄️ Let it go (and let the froyo flow)

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

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 →

Buzzworthy homes

💎 Mediterranean vibes in Kirkland

This Kirkland estate isn't your typical luxury home—it's a work of art. The soaring ceilings, massive skylights, chef’s kitchen, warm Mediterranean-style finishes, partial lake view, and walls of glass that bring the outside in make it a perfect mix of serenity and luxury at their finest.

Outside, the private backyard feels like an oasis despite being close to beaches, marinas, and downtown Kirkland’s best spots.

Whether you’re in the market or not, this $4M stunner is worth a look →

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 you!

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Trivia question of the week

❓Question: Who coined the term “Galentine’s Day”?

🤔 Hint: "I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself."

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: Brink.

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.