Here is our dilemma this summer: How will we swim, run, hike, bike, paddle, dance, eat, drink, golf, shop, cheer on our favorite teams and catch all the action of the Olympics? It’s going to take a Herculean effort, but we think we’re up to the challenge, and we have to admit: It’s a pretty great problem to have.
If you’re joining us in Bellevue this summer—on your own, with co-workers, or accompanied by friends or family—here’s how we suggest you tackle the sport we like to call “doing every fun thing under the sun.” And just in case we leave out anything, please visit our events calendar for more cool happenings.
If you’re the festive type, mark your calendar for the Main Street Choc Walk (June 4); the Bellevue Strawberry Festival (June 25-26); the Bellevue Family 4th (July 4); the Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair (July 29-31); the Kirkland Classic Car Show (July 31); Kirkland Summer Fest (Aug. 12-13); and the Taste of Main (August 20).
Meanwhile, music lovers should take note of the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival (June 1-5); Live at Lunch performances (July 5-Sept. 8); and outdoor concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and Marymoor Park.
Sports fans should head to the pitch for Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign soccer matches, to Safeco Field for Seattle Mariners baseball games or to Key Arena for Seattle Storm women’s basketball games.
Beach volleyball enthusiasts can get a rare glimpse of professional action at the AVP Seattle Open (June 2-5), and as summer stretches into fall, football fans by the carload—and boatload—will flock to Century Link Field for Seahawks games and Husky Stadium for UW football games.
For those who would rather participate than spectate, Bellevue offers the Lake to Lake Bike Ride (June 11); Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk (July 4); and Round the Rock Stand Up Paddle Race (Sept. 17); nearby Kirkland hosts the Sounders FC Rave Green Run (July 17); and Issaquah welcomes the series finale of the Cascadia Dirt Cup (Sept. 17).
If your interests lean more toward raising a glass than breaking a sweat, we suggest the Washington Brewers Festival (June 17-19); Kirkland Uncorked (July 15-17); and the Auction of Washington Wines (Aug. 18-20).
Still have free time? Kiss those lazy days goodbye and fill in your calendar with a visit to the Bellevue Farmers Market (Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.) or the Crossroads Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 12-6 p.m.), a tour at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, or a leisurely lunch or delicious dinner at a local restaurant. And while you can’t earn a gold medal in shopping, you can certainly give your gold card a workout at our inviting malls and boutiques.
Written by – Monica Fischer
Photo Credits – Top to Bottom: Fireworks at Bellevue Family 4th via Bellevue Parks & Community Services/Colin Walker, Taste of Main via Detlef Shrempf, Live at Lunch via Michael Walmsley, Round the Rock courtesy of Round the Rock Stand Up Paddle Race, Farmers Market Flowers via Crossroads Bellevue
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