School’s out, and summer is here! From Summer Celebration to Shakespeare in the Park, here’s our round-up of Mercer Island summer events you won’t want to miss.
Mercer Island Farmers Market
Sundays, June 7 – October 11, 10 am – 3 pm
No market July 12 (Mercer Island Summer Celebration) or August 2 (SeaFair Blue Angels Air Show)
The Sunday visit to the Mercer Island Farmers Market is a ritual for many throughout the summer. The market features beautiful produce, sustainably caught fish, pasture-raised meats, flowers, artisan and read-to-eat foods, and so much more. Additionally, the Mercer Island Farmers Market is not just about fabulous food, it is also about building community. The market features the following programs:
- Children’s Table volunteers offer activities every market day to enhance children’s understanding food, gardening and nature.
- Master Gardeners offer advice and consultation to gardeners every market day.
- Music is offered every Sunday adding to the hospitality of the farmers market.
- Tastings are offered several times a month during the season to educate the community about farmers market products and promote healthy cooking and eating.
And don’t miss these special events: Berry Pie Baking Contest (August 9) and Caspar Babypants Concert (September 13).
Learn more >>
Mercer Island All Comers Track Meet
Thursday, July 9
After its inaugural event in 2014, the Mercer Island All Comers Track Meet is back for its second year – brought to you by the MI Cross Country and Track Booster Club in partnership with the MI Parks & Recreation department and MI Food Revolution. It will take place on July 9th as a pre-event to Summer Celebration. All welcome to participate in this community event celebrating exercise and track and field. Get dinner at participating food trucks after competing in your event.
Mercer Island Summer Celebration – Return of the Pirates!
Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12
The pirates return to Mercer Island’s Summer Celebration 2015! Back from 2007, the pirates will cause a wee bit more o’ mayhem, all in the spirit of swashbuckler fun.
Summer Celebration kicks off with a Obliteride Kids Ride followed by the widely anticipated Grand Parade. The parade ends at Mercerdale park, which is set up for the weekend with bouncy houses, carnival rides, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, live bands, and more. Additional festival events and attractions include a car show, boat rides around the island, a Sounders women’s soccer game (at MIHS), and a Fireworks display at Luther Burbank Park.
Learn more >>
West My Friend
Mostly Music in the Park
Thursdays in July & August
Mercerdale Park
FREE
The Mostly Music in the Park program, organized by the Mercer Island Arts Council, features a great line-up of music performances.
Here is the schedule:
| July 23: | West My Friend ~ Indie Folk |
| July 30: | Wings N Things ~ Paul McCartney Cover Tunes |
| August 6: | SuperSones ~ Cuban Salsa Roots |
| August 13: | The Warren G. Hardings ~ Traditional String Band |
| August 20 | The Fabulous Roof Shakers ~ Rhythm & Blues |
Special Bonus Concert:
Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle Concert
Sat, Aug 15, 5 pm; Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre
Families are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs, and blankets for an evening of musical entertainment.
Learn more >>
Seattle Shakespeare Company’s Tempest performance at Luther Burbank Park
Shakespeare in the Park
Performances in July & August
Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre
Sponsored by The Mercer Island Arts Council, Wooden O will bring plays to life, engaging audiences of all ages, in the beautiful, outdoor setting of Luther Burbank Park.
As You Like It
Synopsis: Exiled from their home and disguised to avoid attention, Rosalind and Ceila seek refuge in the secluded forest of Arden. Once there, the witty pair get caught up in the romantic tangles of the locals and find their own love interests as well. Rosalind’s disguise as a man gives her a newfound freedom, but it’s not without its complications. This is Shakespeare’s sparkling romantic comedy in which lessons of love are learned by all. July 9, 10, 16, 17, 18 at 7 pm | Jul 11 at 2 pm | Aug 2, 6, 9 at 7 pm
Henry IV, Part One
No one at court believes that young Prince Hal is a worthy heir to the throne. Certainly his carousing with the tavern-dwelling Sir John Fallstaff and his bandit crew doesn’t inspire thoughts to the contrary. However, a tide of rebellion is sweeping the kingdom with Hal’s rival Harry Hotspur in the dissenter’s ranks. The crisis will force the prince to confront his destiny and begin his journey to become England’s heroic king. July 12, 19, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 at 7 pm | Aug 1, 7, 8 at 7 pm |Aug 9 at 2 pm
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Blue Angels over Seattle City Skyline
Seafair Weekend – Boeing Seafair Airshow
July 31 – August 2
One of the most impressive air shows in the country, the Boeing Seafair Air Show is back in 2015 with more exciting acts and daring aerial maneuvers than ever before! Don’t miss your favorite aircraft flying high in the sky during Seafair Weekend, July 31 – August 2, 2015 over Genesee Park and Lake Washington. Attendees won’t mistake the familiar roar of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels ripping through the air as they return for yet another heart-pounding performance in our great city. Best spots to watch on Mercer Island: Landings on 60th Ave; Park on the Lid; Groveland Park.
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 4, 5 – 7 pm
Sculpture Park, 7800 block of Sunset Highway
All Mercer Island residents are invited to join City officials and the Police Department for a free hot-dog cookout at sculpture park in recognition of National Night Out.
National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event in the United States, held the first Tuesday of August annually in cities around the country. The event is designed to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch (Paws on Patrol), neighborhood watch, and other anti-crime efforts. Island residents also encouraged to host an event in your own neighborhood – whether a block party or simply a backyard cookout.
Learn more >>
MIPA Summer Concert
Tuesday, August 18, 6:15 – 7 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Ave SE & SE 32nd St
FREE
Families of preschool-aged children invited to come monkey around with MIPA at this highly anticipated event of the summer . . . a FREE outdoor concert featuring Recess Monkey! Bring a picnic, a blanket, and your dancing shoes. All are welcome! Invite your friends and extended family to come rock out.
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