Here’s our weekly round-up of upcoming events from July 30 – August 5 on Mercer Island:
Stories at Dragon Park
Tuesday, July 30, Noon
Deane’s Children’s Park, 5701 Island Crest Way
Family program, all ages welcome. Bring your lunch to the park and enjoy stories while you munch!
Poetry + Wine with Kary Wayson
Tuesday, July 30, 5 – 6 pm
Barrels, 7605 SE 27th Street, Suite 107
Island Books and Barrels Wine Bar are partnering for another poetry night. Local poet Kary Wayson will join us to read from her collections and perhaps some works in progress. We will start the reading at 5 pm, but please feel free to arrive beforehand to grab a glass of wine and get a good seat!
Garth Stein Movie Release Party
Tuesday, July 30, 6 – 7:30 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Garth Stein is joining us to celebrate the release of the movie tie-in edition of The Art of Racing in the Rain. The New York Times bestselling novel from Garth Stein — a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately story of family, love, loyalty, and hope — is a cpativating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it. We love this book and are delighted to celebrate this accomplishment with him! There will be mingling, drinks, book signings, and a talk from Garth.
Community Coffee Hour
Wednesday, July 31 & Friday, August 2, 9 – 10 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Community Coffee Hour is offered every Wednesday and Friday. Stop by for a hot cup of jo’ and socialize with fellow community members in a fun and engaging atmostphere.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7609 or email at [email protected]
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, July 31, 10:30 am – Noon
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Bring your kids ages 5 and younger to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, art, and play!
Storybook Corner with Lilia Karimi
Wednesday, July 31, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Storybook Corner this week will feature local author Lilia Karimi. Bring your little ones in to enjoy a book about children’s yoga. She will read from the book and teach a short yoga class for both parents and kids. Come ready to stretch, twist, and relax.
Live Music
Wednesday, July 31, 6 – 8 pm
Barrels, 7605 SE 27th Street, Suite 107
Stop by for a glass of wine and listen to live music with Patrick Daugherty on guitar and vocals and Edgar Steinitz on the saxophone and clarinet. These two really have fun together and the music is cross generational.
Wine Wednesday
Wednesday, July 31, 5 – 9 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Stop by for the community-inspired Wine Wednesday. When you purchase your wine by the glass or bottle from our rotating selection of wines, you may enjoy an aperitivo-style buffet on our 21 foot curved countertop.
Kids Discovery Lab: Will It Fly?
Thursday, August 1, 1 – 2 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
How do planes and birds stay up in the air? Bring your brain and imagination as we explore the world of flight and the science behind lift. See if you can design a plane, bird or helicopter that flies. For children ages 5 and older with an adult. All materials provided.
Creative Writing Class Reading
Thursday, August 1, 2 – 4pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Michael Harpers’ Creative Writing Class will be joining us Thursday afternoon to read their new work. High schoolers from the area are going to use this opportunity to publicly read their work and share their authentic voices with our community.
Mostly Music in the Park: Joe Blue & the Fabulous Roof Shakers
Thursday, August 1, Pre-concert activities at 6 pm | Live music at 7 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Avenue SE and SE 32nd Street
The Mercer Island Arts Council is proud to announce Joe Blue & the Fabulous Roof Shakers, an East Coast R&B, Soul, & Classic Rock band with West Coast Vibes. Round up your friends and family, pack a picnic, and meet us in Mercerdale Park for live music, family friendly activities, and fun times! Sophie Feldman will be the Opening Act before the concert begins at 7 pm. Come early for more fun!
Shakespeare in the Park
Twelfth Night: August 8 & 11
Romeo and Juliet: August 1-4 & 9-11
Luther Burbank Park, 2040 84th Ave SE
Join the Mercer Island Arts Council, Mercer Island Parks & Recreation, and Seattle Shakespeare Company for productions of two of Shakespeare’s most recognizable plays – Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night. Find a spot in the open-seating amphitheater at Luther Burbank Park, and watch the Bard’s stories come to life in their originally intended setting. All performances are free and begin at 7 pm, with a special “doubleheader” performance of both plays beginning at 2 pm on Sunday, August 11.
Live Music
Thursday, August 1, 6 – 8 pm
Barrels, 7605 SE 27th Street, Suite 107
Thursday is Jazz night! “…And All That Jazz!” will perform from 6 – 8 pm. If you haven’t heard this quartet, you’ve been missing some great Jazz.
Art Opening & Artist’s Reception
Friday, August 2, 5 – 8 pm
Suzanne Zahr, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
Meet Jean Sbarra Jones at the SZ Gallery for our First Friday Art & Wine Reception. Jean speaks publicly about her work in relationship to her personal life experiences and faith, which illuminates more thoroughly the unique and powerful meaning embedded in her paintings.
Annual Art Show & Studio Sale
Friday, August 2, 5 – 8 pm
MIVAL Gallery, Avellino Building, 2836 78th Ave SE
Don’t miss our annual studio sale event. Prints, art supplies, and various art oddities will be for sale at discounted prices! Our artists have selected from their original collections items which are $100.00 or less.
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, August 2
Come out for Mercer Island’s First Friday Art Walk. Art galleries on Mercer Island will be hosting their art walk events on the first Friday of the month (and some have free wine!). Clarke + Clarke, MIVAL Gallery, SZ Gallery, and Barrels Wine Bar will be participating.
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
Suzanne Zahr / SZ Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
MIVAL Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
Avellino Building, 2836 78th Ave SE
Barrels
Hours: 5 – 9 pm
7605 SE 27th Street
Farmers Market
Sunday, August 4, 10 am – 3 pm
Mercerdale Park, North End, 77th Ave SE & SE 32nd Street
The Mercer Island Farmers Market is open every Sunday from June – October. Enjoy the sunshine and check out the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season, as well as locally made food and drinks, artisan crafts, and fun activities for the whole family. Visit the website for weekly updates and special events.
