Is a Paddle Board Outfitter Coming to Marymoor? Plus Soccer & Dog Groomers

Marymoor Coffee Rumor, Derby Days & Best Dog-Friendly Business in Redmond

Welcome to Best of Redmond! Redmond's twice-weekly newsletter and podcast about all the amazing things happening in Redmond for the next seven days! 🎉 Derby Days Is Back This Weekend Derby Days officially kicks off Friday, July 24, and if you only make it to one event this summer, this should probably be it. What started as a community bike race back in 1940 has turned into Redmond's biggest festival, with carnival rides, live music, food vendors, game booths, a beer and wine garden, and activities spread throughout downtown and the City Hall campus. On Saturday you'll find the Kids' Bike Parade, the Grand Parade at 11:00 AM, and the weekend wraps up with a free drone show lighting up the sky at 10:10 PM. It's one of those weekends where the whole city feels like it's outside. 🌳 Redmond Wants a Teen Voice on Parks If you've got a high schooler who's always got opinions about Redmond's parks, trails, or community spaces, here's a chance to put those ideas to work. The City is looking for a Youth Advocate to serve on the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission for a one-year term. Students ages 14 through 18 who live in the 98052 ZIP code can apply to help shape future parks and recreation projects. Applications stay open through August 7, so there's still plenty of time to throw your name in the hat. 🎵 Young the Giant Takes Over Marymoor Marymoor Live keeps the summer concert season rolling on Saturday, July 25, when Young the Giant headlines the park with Cold War Kids and Beach Weather joining the lineup. It's one of the biggest outdoor concerts of the month, and Marymoor always makes for a pretty great place to spend a summer evening. Bring a blanket, grab some food once you're inside, and plan on arriving early because concerts like this usually draw a big crowd. If you're a fan of live music, this one's worth putting on the calendar. 🎶 Boyz II Men Return to the Northwest Boyz II Men bring decades of R&B hits to Chateau Ste. Michelle on Saturday, July 25, with the show starting at 7:00 PM. Whether you grew up with their music or just appreciate a good outdoor concert, the winery is hard to beat during the summer. Gates open about 90 minutes before showtime, giving you plenty of time to settle in before the music starts. It's only a short drive from Redmond and makes for a great Saturday night if you're looking to slow things down after Derby Days. 🚗 Exotics at Redmond Town Center If coffee and cool cars sound like your kind of Saturday morning, Exotics at Redmond Town Center returns on July 25 from 9:00 until 11:00 AM. Hundreds of exotic, rare, and specialty vehicles fill the parking lots while owners chat with visitors and answer questions about their cars. You don't have to be a gearhead to enjoy walking around because there's always something you've never seen before. Best of all, it's free, family friendly, and easy to pair with breakfast or shopping afterward. 🚲 Bicycle Bling: Bike Season Is in Full Swing With Derby Days almost here, bikes are front and center again in Redmond. The festival features the nation's oldest continuous community bike race, and you'll see riders of every age enjoying the weekend festivities. Earlier this summer, Eastside residents won rebates of up to $2,000 through the Pedal Forward Eastside program, helping more people make the switch to e-bikes. And if your own bike needs a little attention before the weekend, local shops like Element Cycles are helping riders stay ready for another busy summer on the trails. 🧠 Trivia Night at Marymoor Village If random facts are your thing, grab a few friends and head to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village on Thursday, July 23, from 5:30 until 7:30 PM. The Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee is hosting a free community Trivia Night with questions covering everything from pop culture to who-knows-what. There will be prizes, plenty of laughs, and it's open to all ages, although kids under 12 need an adult with them. Not a bad way to kick off the weekend a little early. 🎨 Let's Make Art Together The Redmond Library is hosting Let's Make Art! Adult Art Club on Sunday, July 26, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Bring whatever creative project you're already working on, whether it's painting, knitting, drawing, or something completely different, and spend a few hours hanging out with other local artists. There's no registration required, and all experience levels are welcome. Sometimes it's just easier to finish a project when you're surrounded by other people making things too. 🐾 Meet Some Future Best Friends If you've been thinking about adopting a dog, Saturday could be your lucky day. Church of Pug Rescue will be at the Woodinville PetSmart from noon until 3:00 PM with adoptable pugs, French bulldogs, and other small-breed dogs looking for new homes. Even if you're not quite ready to adopt, you can learn about fostering, meet the rescue volunteers, or bring along a new or gently used leash or harness to donate. You never know... your next best friend might already be waiting. 🕰️ Redmond History Minute Okay, it's time for the Redmond History Minute, where we share an interesting piece of history, trivia, or tidbit about life in and around Redmond. The Old Redmond Schoolhouse, built in 1922, today serves mainly as a: A) Private office complex B) Community center C) Brewery D) Bed-and-breakfast Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter. 🔮 Redmond Rumor Mill Here's one we've been hearing that has us curious. Word is the mobile espresso cart that's been serving Marymoor Park events for the past couple of seasons may be getting a permanent home. The rumor is they're in talks for a kiosk near the park entrance, serving coffee year-round with a focus on single-origin pour-overs. We haven't been able to confirm any of that yet, so for now it's just neighborhood chatter. The big question is... could Marymoor finally be getting a permanent coffee stop? If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post. 🗳️ Your Picks: Best Dog-Friendly Business in Redmond Alright, that's it for this week. Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think is the best dog-friendly business in Redmond. 📻 Don't Miss the Newsletter If you enjoyed this podcast, you're gonna love the companion newsletter. Find it at bestofredmond.com. We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond. 🎯 History Minute Answer The answer is B – Community center. The Old Redmond Schoolhouse educated local students for about 75 years before getting a second life as a community gathering place. It's one of the few historic buildings in town that's still serving the community every day instead of simply becoming a landmark. And yes... if you guessed C) Brewery, you're definitely not the first person to wish that were true.

Derby Days Returns, a Vintage Shop Rumor & Best Patio in Redmond

Welcome to Best of Redmond! Redmond's twice-weekly newsletter and podcast about all the amazing things happening in Redmond for the next seven days! 🎉 Derby Days Is Back This Weekend If you only make it to one thing in Redmond this week, make it Derby Days. The city's biggest summer festival kicks off Friday, July 24, at the City Hall campus with carnival rides, live music, food vendors, local booths, bike races, kids' activities, and the Urban Craft Uprising market all happening in one place. Saturday brings the Grand Parade at 11:00 a.m., and this year's festival wraps up with a free drone show at 10:10 p.m. on the lawn next to City Hall. Whether you stop by for an hour or spend the whole day downtown, this is one of those weekends when it feels like the entire community comes together. 🎬 Jumanji Under the Stars at Marymoor Park Looking for a fun Wednesday night? Movies at Marymoor is showing Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on Wednesday, July 22. Gates open at 7:00 p.m., entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m., and the movie begins at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs because everyone watches from the grass, and don't worry about dinner because food trucks, coffee, barbecue, pizza, and desserts will all be there. It's also dog friendly, so your four-legged movie buddy is welcome to come along. Kids five and under get in free. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hopelink Neighborhood Fair Returns Hopelink's annual Neighborhood Fair is back on Friday, July 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and it's another great reason to head toward downtown during Derby Days weekend. They'll have live music, community organizations, food, activities for kids, and plenty of opportunities to learn about the programs Hopelink offers local families. One thing to know before you go: parking is limited at the center, but free shuttle buses will run throughout the event. It's an easy stop if you're already spending the day enjoying Derby Days. 🚲 Bicycle Bling: Marymoor Grand Prix Returns If you've never watched bike racing on a velodrome, this weekend is a good excuse to fix that. The Marymoor Grand Prix rolls into the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome on July 24 and 25, bringing two days of fast racing on one of the country's only outdoor velodromes. Riders from around the region will be chasing wins while spectators get an up-close look at a style of racing that's a whole lot faster than most people expect. If you're looking for something different to do this weekend, this is one of those uniquely Redmond events that's worth checking out. 🛍️ Summer Vendor Market at Trilogy If you enjoy shopping local, head over to Trilogy at Redmond Ridge on Thursday, July 23, for their free Summer Vendor Market. Local artists, makers, bakers, farms, and small businesses will be set up with everything from handcrafted home décor and gifts to baked goods, coffee, candles, and skincare products. It's the kind of event where you'll probably leave with something you weren't planning to buy, and that's half the fun. Admission is free, so it's an easy afternoon outing whether you're shopping or just browsing. 🐾 Take Your Dog on a Community Pack Walk If your dog could use a little practice around other dogs and people, there's a free Community Pack Walk happening Tuesday, July 21, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Brightwater Environmental Education and Community Center in nearby Woodinville. A Canine Experience leads the group through the trails while working on leash skills, focus, and staying calm around real-world distractions. Bring your dog on a leash, some training treats, poop bags, and be ready for a relaxed afternoon outside. Registration is free but requested before you arrive. 🎵 Rock the Village with 90's Rewind Need a free concert this week? Head over to The Village at Totem Lake on Wednesday, July 22, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., where 90's Rewind takes the stage as part of the Rock the Village summer concert series. Grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, bring a lawn chair if you want, and enjoy an evening of live music outside. Free parking is available in the Green Garage, making it an easy trip if you're looking to get out of town for a couple of hours. 🕰️ Redmond History Minute Okay, it's time for the Redmond History Minute, where we share an interesting piece of history, trivia, or tidbit about life in and around Redmond. Which Redmond institution was started by Master Gardener Georgia Erskine in 1976 and still runs today? A) Redmond Derby Days B) Redmond Saturday Market C) Redmond Historical Society D) Redmond Garden Club Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter. 🔮 Redmond Rumor Mill We've been hearing whispers that a curated vintage clothing shop could be headed to Old Redmond. This wouldn't be your typical thrift store packed wall-to-wall. The rumor is it'll focus on carefully selected outdoor gear, workwear, and everyday vintage pieces with fair prices, and that the owner already has the inventory ready to go. Now, we don't know if a lease has been signed yet or exactly where it might end up, so take this one with the appropriate grain of salt. The question is... where in Old Redmond do you think it would fit best? If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post. 🗳️ Your Picks: Best Patio in Redmond Alright, that's it for this week. Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think has the best patio in Redmond. 📻 Don't Miss the Podcast If you enjoyed this newsletter, you're gonna love the companion podcast. Find it at bestofredmond.com. We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond. 🎯 History Minute Answer The answer is B – Redmond Saturday Market Master Gardener Georgia Erskine helped start the Redmond Saturday Market in 1976 with a simple idea and a lot of volunteer energy. What began as a small community market has grown into one of the Eastside's longest-running traditions, connecting local farmers, artists, makers, and neighbors for nearly five decades. It's a great reminder that some of Redmond's best ideas started with people who simply wanted to build something for the community.

A Recovery Gym Near the Trail? & Best Outdoor Dining in Redmond

Welcome to Best of Redmond! Redmond's twice-weekly newsletter and podcast about all the amazing things happening in Redmond for the next seven days! 🚔 City Responds to Resident Complaints Redmond police recently wrapped up a months-long investigation into a massage business after neighbors reported suspected illegal activity. Investigators worked with regional law enforcement, served search warrants, made arrests, and the business closed. We don't usually spend much time on crime here, but this one matters for a simple reason: people spoke up, and the city followed through. If something around your neighborhood genuinely feels off, use the proper reporting channels instead of assuming someone else will handle it. In this case, those reports clearly made a difference. ⚽ Marymoor Becomes Redmond's Soccer Headquarters Marymoor Park turns into Redmond's soccer headquarters on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a giant championship watch party. The match will play on a huge outdoor screen, with Redmond High's marching band, Rhythms of India, DJ Charma, Sounders guests, family activities, food trucks, beer, and wine around the park. Parking will be tight, so biking or taking the 2 Line to Marymoor Village is probably the easier move. Bring a blanket, sunscreen, and enough time to enjoy more than just the game. 🎵 Free Live Music at SoulFood Coffeehouse HighersElves brings a mellow folk set to SoulFood Coffeehouse on Wednesday, July 15, starting at 5 p.m. The duo leans into acoustic melodies, close harmonies, and the kind of outdoorsy sound that fits an easy summer evening. The show is free, and SoulFood is one of those places where people actually settle in instead of grabbing coffee and leaving. Get there a little early if you want a decent seat, order something before the music starts, and plan on hanging out for a while. This one's simple, local, and easy. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lavender Festival Returns to Woodinville JB Family Growers opens its Lavender Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Woodinville. Vendor booths run until 5 p.m., with local makers, food, lavender products, and plenty of room to wander the fields. Even if lavender usually isn't your thing, the rows are great for photos and the farm gives kids space to explore without everything feeling overly programmed. Go earlier in the day for cooler weather, easier parking, and fewer people between you and the best photo spots. 🚲 Bicycle Bling Redmond's Pedal Forward Eastside rebate program gave qualifying residents up to $2,000 toward a new e-bike, with other households eligible for $500. The application window is closed now, but the bigger story is where the city is heading. Between better trail access, more bike infrastructure, and programs that make e-bikes less expensive, cycling keeps becoming a more realistic option for commuting around the Eastside. Keep an eye on future city announcements, because incentives like this tend to get attention fast and any next round could fill up quickly. 🧘 Stress Less at the Redmond Library Redmond Library is hosting Stress Less: Yoga for Calming Anxiety on Friday, July 17, from 4 to 5 p.m. for teens who could use a real break from school, sports, jobs, social media, and everything else piling up. The free hour includes gentle yoga, breathing exercises, and simple mindfulness tools, with no yoga experience required. This isn't about perfect poses. It's about giving teens a few practical ways to slow down when their brains won't cooperate. Registration is smart, and comfortable clothes are probably the only thing they need. 🐾 Seattle Humane's Ice Cream Social Returns Seattle Humane's Ice Cream Social takes over Marymoor Park on Saturday, July 18, from noon to 2 p.m. for dogs, their people, and anyone who thinks free ice cream is a reasonable weekend plan. There'll be open space for pups, trainers to answer questions, games, prizes, giveaways, and treats for the humans too. Your dog does not need to be social-media ready or perfectly behaved. Sniffing every tree is completely acceptable. RSVP ahead so organizers know you're coming, then bring water, waste bags, and a leash for an easy afternoon outside. 🎼 Shakespeare Meets a Live Orchestra All the World's a Song brings Shakespeare and a live orchestra together at the Redmond Performing Arts Center on Saturday, July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. Actors perform scenes from the plays while the orchestra handles the big emotional moments, so it lands somewhere between a concert and a stage show. You don't need to remember anything from high school English to follow it. Tickets range from free to $12, which is unusually reasonable for a live performance like this. Check availability before you go, because the cheaper seats may disappear first. 🕰️ Redmond History Minute Okay, it's time for the Redmond History Minute, where we share an interesting piece of history, trivia, or tidbit about life in and around Redmond. What year did Nintendo of America move its headquarters to Redmond? A) 1976 B) 1982 C) 1990 D) 1998 Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter. 🔮 Redmond Rumor Mill We've been hearing that a recovery gym may be looking at space somewhere near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The idea sounds less like a normal gym and more like a place for cold plunges, infrared saunas, compression therapy, and other recovery treatments aimed at cyclists and runners. We have not confirmed the business, location, or timing, so this is still firmly in rumor territory. Where do you think something like this would make the most sense? If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post. 🗳️ Your Picks: Best Outdoor Dining in Redmond Alright, that's it for this week. Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think has the best outdoor dining in Redmond. 📻 Don't Miss the Podcast If you enjoyed this newsletter, you're gonna love the companion podcast. Find it at bestofredmond.com. We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond. 🎯 History Minute Answer The answer is B – 1982 Nintendo of America moved its headquarters to Redmond in 1982, years before the city became known around the world as a major technology hub. Nintendo's Redmond connection goes back further than a lot of people realize, and the company became a major part of the Eastside's gaming story long before many of today's biggest local employers arrived.

Taiwanese Shaved Ice in Overlake? Plus, Who Is The Best Family Dining in Redmond

🐴 The Horses Helping Redmond Families Some of the best things happening in Redmond aren't new restaurants or big events. They're places quietly changing lives every single day. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center has been doing exactly that for decades, helping children and adults with disabilities build confidence, strength, and independence through adaptive horseback riding and equine-assisted services. A recent Seattle's Child feature shines a spotlight on the incredible work happening right here in our community. If you've never visited Little Bit, this is one of those Redmond organizations that's worth knowing about because it's making a real difference for local families every day. 🎬 Movies at Marymoor Returns With Mamma Mia If you've been waiting for movie nights at Marymoor Park, they're back. Wednesday July 15 they’re showing Mamma Mia. Gates open at 7:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to grab dinner from the food trucks, catch the pre-show entertainment, and claim a spot before the movie starts after sunset. Bring blankets or lawn chairs because it's all outdoors, and parking is free. Tickets are $10 plus the King County park fee and service charges. It's one of those classic Redmond summer nights that's easy to make a family outing or a date night. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 World Cup Watch Party Takes Over Redmond Town Center If you're looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup on Saturday, July 18, Redmond Town Center is turning center court into a giant watch party. The fun starts at 12:30 and goes to about 4pm with local DJs, kids' activities, virtual reality soccer, games, giveaways, and a huge screen for the match. Even if you're not a hardcore soccer fan, there's enough going on to keep the whole family entertained. Head to Redmond Town Center early if you want a good spot because these community watch parties tend to fill up once the pregame festivities get rolling. 🌸 Flower Bar, Flights & Fashion Here's a fun one for Thursday, July 16. The businesses along Leary Way are teaming up for a neighborhood block party centered around Palmers East. They're setting up a flower bar, serving specialty cocktail flights, and bringing in Styled With Claire and Woodpecker Flooring for a shopping and community event that feels more like a summer get-together than a typical happy hour. It starts at 4:00 p.m., so you can swing by after work, build your own bouquet, grab a drink, and check out what the neighborhood businesses have been putting together. 🎨 Turn Your Memories Into a Comic Book If you've got an older kid who's always doodling or dreaming up stories, the Redmond Library has a free Memoir Comics Workshop on Thursday, July 16, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Seattle comics artist Vivian Li will show participants how real comics come together, from sketching with blue pencils and inking to lettering and telling a story from their own life. All the supplies are provided, so they just need to show up ready to create. It's for ages 11 and up, and it's a pretty cool chance to learn from someone who does this professionally. 🚲 Bicycle Bling: Kiddie Kilo Returns to the Velodrome If you've got a kid who loves riding anything with wheels, the Kiddie Kilo is happening Friday, July 17, at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome in Marymoor Park. Kids 12 and under can take a fun lap around the track on just about anything they ride, from bikes and trikes to push bikes and other creative wheel-powered rides. Helmets are required, kids ride free, and adults are asked for a $5 donation. Registration starts around 6:30 p.m., with the Kiddie Kilo wrapping up between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. Just keep an eye on the weather because rain can cancel race night. 🏓 Watch Some Seriously Good Pickleball at Perrigo Park Even if you're not signing up, Saturday, July 18, is a good day to swing by Perrigo Park if you've caught the pickleball bug. The City's Summer Pickleball Tournament runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with some of the area's stronger recreational players battling it out in doubles matches. These aren't beginners learning the rules. Expect long rallies, quick hands at the net, and plenty of competitive play. Bring a chair or just stop by for a while if you're curious why pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports around. 🎭 Emojiland Brings the Internet to the Stage If you're looking for something a little different this week, SecondStory Repertory is wrapping up its run of Emojiland: The Musical through Sunday, July 19. The show imagines what happens inside your phone when a software update puts every emoji at risk, turning familiar little icons into a funny, surprisingly heartfelt musical about friendship, identity, and finding your place. Tickets are $35, and performances are at SecondStory Rep in Redmond Town Center. If you're in the mood for live theater instead of another movie night, this one's definitely the most unique show in town. 🕰️ Redmond History Minute Question: What unique animal feature did the original Clise/Willowmoor estate famously keep roaming its grounds? A) Alpacas B) Peacocks C) Swans D) Emus Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter. 🔮 Redmond Rumor Mill Okay, this one's for anyone with a sweet tooth. We've heard from a couple of different sources that a popular Taiwanese shaved ice and boba shop, the kind that's built a huge following in Seattle's International District, has been looking at a second location near the Overlake light rail station. We haven't been able to confirm a lease or opening date, so for now it's still firmly in rumor territory. If it happens, though, it'd be a pretty fun addition to the neighborhood. What do you think? Have you heard which shop it might be? If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post. 🗳️ Your Picks: Best Family Friendly Dining in Redmond Alright, that's it for this week. Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think is the best family friendly dining spot in Redmond. Whether it's the place your kids always ask for, the restaurant with the best kids' menu, or just somewhere everyone leaves happy, we want to hear your pick. 📻 Don't Miss the Podcast If you enjoyed this newsletter, you're gonna love the companion podcast. Find it at bestofredmond. com. We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond. 🎯 History Minute Answer The answer is B – Peacocks Willowmoor was less “farm” and more “fancy country estate with personality.” The peacocks were part of the whole scene, along with the Dutch windmill and the other over-the-top touches.

New Bánh Mì in Redmond? Plus Safer Streets

Welcome to Best of Redmond! Redmond's twice-weekly newsletter and podcast about all the amazing things happening in Redmond for the next seven days! 📰 REDMOND WANTS YOUR INPUT ON SAFER STREETS The City of Redmond is asking for your help with a new citywide speed study that could shape how fast people drive on major streets for years to come. As part of the city's Safer Streets Action Plan, they're looking at speeds on arterial and connector roads and figuring out where lower speed limits or other changes could improve safety. You can drop pins on an interactive map or fill out a short questionnaire to share your experience with speeding. If you've ever thought, "People fly down this road," now's your chance to let the city know before future speed limits are decided. 🍺 BIG BLOCK BREWING TURNS 13 Big Block Brewing is throwing a Lucky 13 birthday party on Saturday, July 11, from noon until 9:00 PM at 14950 NE 95th Street, and they've packed the day with something for just about everyone. There'll be live music, special beer releases, food trucks, a classic car show, face painting, glitter tattoos, a tattoo truck, and even a macarons vendor. Kids are welcome, dogs are welcome, and the whole event is free. If you're looking for one place where the whole family can spend a few hours this weekend, this is a pretty easy choice. 🚗 ITALIAN CAR DAY AT REDMOND TOWN CENTER Saturday mornings at Redmond Town Center are already fun if you like cool cars, but July 11 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM is all about Italy. Italian Car Day brings everything from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, and Fiats together in one place. It's free to walk around, chat with owners, and get a close look at cars you don't normally see outside of magazines. 🎵 MARCUS KING BAND COMES TO MARYMOOR LIVE One of the biggest concerts in town this week lands at Marymoor Live on Sunday, July 12. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the Marcus King Band takes the stage at 7:00 PM after an opening set from Penelope Road. If you've never been to a summer concert at Marymoor, this is a good excuse to change that. Bring a blanket, plan to arrive early, and settle in before the music starts. 🚲 BICYCLE BLING Bad news if you were planning to ride the inaugural GETMAD cycling event this year. The Redmond Cycling Club has canceled the ride after permitting issues and questions about using state highways and the closed section of SR 165 couldn't be worked out. A lot of local riders were looking forward to adding another big Northwest ride to the calendar, so this one definitely stings. The club says it hopes to bring the event back in the future, so here's hoping this ends up being a postponement instead of the end of the ride. 🐾 PIGGY CUP AT PETCO This might be the cutest thing happening in Redmond all week. Petco Redmond is hosting Piggy Cup 2026 on Sunday, July 12, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, where miniature pigs take the field for a soccer match while kids cheer them on. There'll be family activities, plenty of photo opportunities, and everyone gets to pick their favorite little MVPiggy. It's free to attend, and even if you're just stopping by while running errands, this one should put a smile on your face. 💼 RETIREMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP AT THE LIBRARY If retirement is on your mind, the Redmond Library is hosting a free workshop on Sunday, July 12, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM covering the five phases of retirement planning. They'll talk through tax-efficient withdrawals, required minimum distributions, beneficiary planning, and ways to build a retirement strategy that can adapt as life changes. It's geared toward adults 50 and older, whether retirement is still a few years away or you've already made the leap. Bring your questions because this is one of those topics that's easier to understand when someone walks you through it. 🕰️ REDMOND HISTORY MINUTE Okay, it's time for the Redmond History Minute, where we share an interesting piece of history, trivia, or tidbit about life in and around Redmond. Which historic Redmond building once housed the town's undertaker, barber, hardware store, pizza parlor, and originally opened as a saloon in 1913? A) The Clise Mansion B) The Matador Building C) The Old Redmond Schoolhouse D) The Leary Building Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter. 🔮 REDMOND RUMOR MILL IS A BÁNH MÌ SHOP COMING TO DOWNTOWN REDMOND? Here's one we'd be pretty happy to see happen. We've been hearing that a Vietnamese sandwich and coffee shop could be looking at a spot along the Cleveland Street corridor. The rumor is they'll be serving bánh mì sandwiches, iced cà phê sữa đá, and other quick lunch favorites in a small, fast-service space. We've also heard the owner has spent the last three years building a following through farmers market pop-ups, but we haven't been able to confirm any of that yet. So...is this Redmond's next great lunch spot, or is it still just neighborhood chatter? If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post. 🗳️ YOUR PICKS: BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN REDMOND Alright, that's it for this week. Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think is the best Italian Restaurant in Redmond. 📻 DON'T MISS THE PODCAST If you enjoyed this newsletter, you're gonna love the companion podcast. Find it at bestofredmond.com. We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond. 🎯 HISTORY MINUTE ANSWER The answer is B – The Matador Building That building has had about as many careers as a downtown Redmond resident could imagine. It's one of those places that proves old buildings in Redmond usually come with a long, strange résumé.