Here’s our weekly round-up of events from October 29 – November 4 on Mercer Island:
MIVAL Holiday Show
Monday, October 29 – Friday, December 14
Mercer Island Community & Event Center Gallery, 8236 SE 24th Street
The Mercer Island Visual Arts League’s annual holiday art show is now open and runs through Friday, December 14. Support local painters, fiber artists, ceramicists, photographers, and more! There is an Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 1, from 6:30 – 8 pm with hors d’oeuvres, light refreshments and live music.
Talk Time
Monday, October 29, 1 – 2:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Improve your speaking and listening skills in this conversation group for English language learners. Learn more about American culture and meet people from around the world. Walk-ins welcome.
Swing Your Socks Off & Fabulous Foxtrot
Monday, October 29, 7 – 8 pm, 8:15 – 9:15 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
Review basic swing steps and partnering, then learn fun and playful East Coast swing and “swing-blues” variations. Classes are beginning/intermediate levels. No partner needed. Take in conjunction with Foxtrot for a fabulous night of dance fundamentals!
Story Times at the Library
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join the Mercer Island Children’s Librarian for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun in these programs designed especially for you and your young child.
Tuesday, October 30
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon
Wednesday, October 31
Play & Learn (ages 5 and younger) – 10:30 am – Noon
Thursday, November 1
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:30 pm
Community Coffee Hour
Wednesday, October 31, & Friday, November 2, 9 – 10 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Join Mercer Island Parks & Recreation for Community Coffee Hour every Wednesday and Friday! This is a free program for kids, teens, adults, seniors, and families. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while catching up with old acquaintances or meeting new friends.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].
Storybook Corner
Wednesday, October 31, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Bring your little ones to enjoy popular picture books read by Island Books’ staff or special guests.
9th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat at Local Businesses
Wednesday, October 31, 3 – 5:30 pm
Mercer Island Town Center, South End shopping center
For the 10th year, Mercer Island businesses in the Town Center and South Mercer Shopping Center are inviting ghosts, goblins, firefighters, princesses, devils, zombies and other characters to trick or treat at their businesses. They’ll be handing out treats from 3 to 5:30 PM. Business participants will have a flyer in their window, so trick or treaters will recognize participating businesses.
Wine Wednesdays at Caruccio’s
Wednesday, October 31, 5 – 9 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Purchase your wine by the glass from a rotating selection of wines. Each glass includes delicious appetizers served buffet-style. No need to purchase tickets for Wine Wednesday.
Chamber of Commerce November Member Luncheon
Thursday, November 1, Noon to 1 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce invites members of the chamber organization and the community to its November membership luncheon. You will have the opportunity to hear from the Port of Seattle Commissioners as they share an update on what’s new at the Port including mega projects underway at Sea-Tac Airport to catch up with increased traveler demands, plans to increase cargo movement through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, their commitment towards readying our future workforce through internships and training, ways they are supporting small business growth, and collaborations with local governments and communities to spur economic development and opportunity for all.
Tabletop Thursdays
Thursday, November 1, 4 – 7 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Drop by for an afternoon of board games, video games, playing pool or ping-pong, and hanging out. There’s a huge selection of games, and the staff is always up to taking on a new competitor. Games include: Codenames, Mission Red Planet, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Connect 4, Monopoly, and more. Free for ages 7 – 14.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected]
Thursday Food & Film Night at Caruccio’s
Thursday, November 1, 5 – 9 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
This week’s film is Tortilla Soup. Watch featured movies projected on Caruccio’s big screen with subtitles and soft audio. Enjoy your wine by the glass along with complimentary appetizers inspired by the classic or foreign film of the evening.
Family Sing Along & Stories
Thursday, November 1, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Bring your guitar or other instrument for a true community sing-along with Nancy Stewart. Lyrics & chords will be projected on a screen so you can read, sing and play along. If you attend all five sing-alongs, your guitar-playing skills will get a good workout! Linda Ernst, Children’s Librarian will share special stories. All ages welcome!
Open Book Club: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Thursday, October 25, 7:30 – 9 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
In October, our Open Book Club will read and discuss The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. In this historical novel, two women–a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947–are brought together in a story of courage and redemption. All are welcome to attend, and if you purchase the book in the store you’ll get a 10% discount.
First Fridays with Friends: Bagels with a Bus Driver
Friday, November 2, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Bring your kids of all ages and enjoy interactive games during Indoor Playground, snacks and a special guest who will join in on the play! This week, meet an bus driver and learn about their role in our community!
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].
Stories & Sing-alongs in Leap’s Pad
Friday, November 2, 11:30 am – 12 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Join the mascot, Leap the Frog, on the first Friday of each month to sing songs and tell stories with Nancy Stewart and Sue Anderson in Leap’s Pad! Through music and stories, explore and learn about nature and the environment in the nature themed children’s play area.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].
Friday Reception: Island Icons
Friday, November 2, 5 – 8 pm
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, 7605 SE 27th Street
The new street banners in Town Center are now on display! Stop by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and take a closer look at Pamela Edwards’ designs. A set of the banners and information about the artist’s inspiration will be on display through the end of the year. Join us on First Friday in November for a small reception to celebrate the works.
Opening Reception
Friday, November 2, 5 – 8 pm
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts, 7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts will be hosting an opening reception for Valaree Cox. She returns to present an entirely new body of work in paint and plaster. In addition, there will be works by two new artists. Noble Goldens’ Spirit Bowls and Paper Weavings are stunningly unique. And don’t miss Susanne Werner’s non-literal abstract paintings. Bubbly and bonbons will be served!
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, November 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, and SZ Gallery will be participating.
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
Learn more >>
Suzanne Zahr / SZ Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
Learn more >>
MIVAL Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
Avellino Building, 2836 78th Ave SE
Learn more >>
The Fall Harvest with Chef Cody Castiglia
Friday, November 2, 6 – 9 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Chef Cody Castiglia from Della Terra Catering never disappoints, and farm-to-table is his specialty. You’ll start your evening with Italian bubbly rosé and hors d’oeuvres while you mingle with friends-old and new-before being seated at the beautiful wooden community table decorated with fresh cut flowers, candles and stunning Italian ceramic dishware. The winemaker will create a perfect pairing with each course and guide you through a brief tasting. Bring your companion, friends or buy as a special gift for an unforgettable memory of “The Fall Harvest”.
Youth Theatre Northwest presents: The Rules of Comedy
Friday, November 2 – Sunday, November 18
Parrish Hall Theatre at YTN, 4400 86th Ave SE
See what happens when slapstick meets Shakespeare! Join Youth Theatre Northwest for a side-splitting lesson in humor as they explore the Rules of Comedy, then put them into action as they find the funny in one of the most famous tragedies of all time – Hamlet. Following the rules has never been more fun.
Mercer Island Preschool Association Toy Swap
Saturday, November 3, 9 am – 1 pm
Islander Middle School, 8225 SE 72nd Street
Every year, the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) organizes a giant consignment sale of gently used toys, children’s clothing, and equipment for children ages 0 – 12. Shoppers will find maternity clothing, baby clothing, toys, cribs, pack n’ plays, strollers, and diaper bags. If you’re interested in making a donation or selling your items on consignment, visit the Mercer Island Preschool Association website for more details on how and where to drop off your items.
Restoration Event
Saturday, November 3
Homestead Park, 10 am – 1 pm
Clarke Beach Park, 10 am – 2 pm
Wildwood Park, 11 am – 1 pm
Each year, Mercer Island citizens donate hundreds of hours of their time to maintain the community’s parks and open spaces: picking up litter, planting trees, cutting down ivy, painting over graffiti, or repairing trails. This weekend, there are 3 opportunities to plant trees and shrubs!
Doodle Rumpus Art Workshop
Saturday, November 3, 2 – 3 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
How do you turn a doodle into a comic? This entertaining workshop, presented by Charlie Williams, includes developing content using wordplay, linear stories, storyboarding and sketches. You will also get to work with others to share your amazing ideas. Recommended for ages 10 – adult.
Island Book’s 45th Anniversary Party
Saturday, November 3, 4 – 6 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Come and celebrate with Island Books, the beloved Mercer Island bookstore! In honor of their 45th anniversary, you are invited to bring a picture of yourself from the 1970s (if you have one) to share on the board and all your best Island Books memories to write in the memory book. There will be champagne and cake!
PJ Story Time with Meg Lippert & Nancy Stewart
Saturday, November 3, 6 – 6:30 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
This month’s storyteller is Meg Lippert. Her favorite stories are multicultural folk tales, stories that have entertained people all over the world for countless generations. She has been telling stories and teaching storytelling since 1965. Geared especially for children over three; refreshments will be served. And don’t miss the special guest opener, musician and singer Nancy Stewart!
Mercer Island Band Together Gala
Saturday, November 3, 6 – 10 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
“All the leaves are brown… and the sky is gray…” but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a fantastic adults-only night out with your fellow Mercer Island Band enthusiasts, past and present! Join us for an evening of California themed, food truck inspired fare and signature cockhtails, silent and moderated auctions, live music and most of all, great times with all your band family. All proceeds go to support ALL of Mercer Island’s extraordinary band programs from 5th grade to the nationally recognized MIHS Marching Band gearing up to attend the Tournament of Roses Parade this winter.
Versatile Red Curry – Interactive Demo with Chef Pranee Halvorson
Sunday, November 4, 1 – 3:30 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Thai cuisine expert, Chef Pranee, will be sharing all about the versatile red curry in Thai cuisine today while you watch and participate in the elegant, state-of-the-art open kitchen. Chef Pranee will teach you how to make your own Thai red curry paste from the freshest Thai herbs and sauces and demonstrate how to use the curry in three simple ways.
Reading with Rover
Sunday, November 4, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog in a welcoming environment.
Reading with Rover is a community-based literacy program working with schools and libraries throughout the greater Seattle area. Space is limited and there will be a sign-up sheet at the door.
Israeli TV Dinners: Your Honor
Sunday, November 4, 3 – 10 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
Don’t miss the heart-pounding entire first season of Israel’s hot new TV drama, Your Honor. You can watch all 12 episodes or come for dinner and watch the remaining 8 episodes. Dinner will be catered by Mediterranean Kitchen.
