Plus even more fall events you won’t want to miss: Shop Local Bingo, First Friday Art Walk, Island Books 50th Anniversary Celebration, MIVAL Holiday Art Show, Monty Python’s Spamalot production by the MIHS Drama program, and more!
Chamber of Commerce Shop Local Bingo
November 1st – 30th | Participating Business Locations on Mercer Island
Beginning on November 1st the Chamber will kick off its marketing efforts with Thankful for Local Bingo. Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small business. Pick up a bingo card from Island Books or Island Treats, visit the participating businesses on bingo card, complete the required item, and receive a sticker. Bingos can be made horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. Submit winning cards to the bingo card box at the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce by November 30th. Drawings will take place each week for a $75 Met Market gift card.
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, November 3rd, 5 to 8 pm (Hours may vary at participating locations)
Don’t miss the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Mercer Island! Participating locations include: Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts, MIVAL Gallery, Suzanne Zahr, Inc., Aljoya, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, Barrels Wine Bar, John L. Scott, Cascade Frames, and Coldwell Banker Bain.
MIVAL Gallery Presents: Shades of Gray | Opening Reception
Friday, November 3rd, 5 to 7 pm, at the MIVAL Gallery, 2836 78th Ave SE
The Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) invites you to its opening reception for its “Shades of Gray” art show, featuring a variety of unique and beautiful artwork created by talented artists. From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery, there is something for everyone. Buy one-of-a-kind gifts and support the arts community. The reception will include music and refreshments, and the show will be on display through December 23rd at the MIVAL Gallery, open Wednesday through Saturday, Noon to 6 pm, and Sunday, 2 to 4 pm. MIVAL’s mission is to promote and encourage artistic endeavors on Mercer Island and the surrounding area, to stimulate awareness and appreciation of the visual arts in the community, and to sponsor art exhibits and workshops.
Youth Theatre Northwest Presents: The Wall and the Woods
November 3rd – 12th | Youth Theatre Northwest, 4400 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island
In this new fantasy dystopia, 13-year-old Lily is a proud Gatewatcher, defending the great city of Nestuk against enemies from the surrounding woods. When she is captured by a group of young rebels from beyond Nestuk’s walls, Lily learns a dark secret about her city – a secret that will lead her to magic beasts, cryptic riddles, and unlikely allies.
The Wall and the Woods was created based on ideas from YTN’s 2022-2023 New Work Conservatory. It’s action-packed and full of both comedy and touching moments, a perfect adventure for anyone who enjoys fantasy or YA fiction.
Island Books 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, November 4th, 9 am to 6 pm | Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Join Island Books to celebrate its 50th Anniversary! Activities will be happening throughout the day starting at 9 am and will include a champagne toast and cake at 5 pm.
City of Mercer Island Fall 2023 Recycling Event
Saturday, November 4th, 9 am to 3 pm, at the Islander Middle School Parking Lot, 7447 84th Ave SE
Safely dispose of the old equipment, hardware, appliances, and other household items that are cluttering your basement or garage at the annual Mercer Island Fall Recycling Event. Please note: new location at the Islander Middle School Parking Lot (due to the closure of City Hall and construction at other previous sites).
MIPA Market: Toy Swap & Student Business Fair
Saturday, November 4th, 9 am to Noon, at the Islander Middle School, 7447 84th Ave SE
The Mercer Island Preschool Association’s Toy Swap event is leveling up this year with the addition of the Student Business Fair. Find great prices on baby and children’s items, plus shop at the new Student Business Fair to buy homemade items from local entrepreneurs under the age of 18.
MIHS Drama Program Presents: Monty Python’s Spamalot
Performances on November 9th – 11th & November 16th – 18th | Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center (PAC), 9100 SE 42nd St
Enjoy the musical performance of the Tony award-winning musical comedy (high school version) of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Lovingly ripped from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot has everything that makes a great knight at the theatre, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters.
The Secret Life of Ellis Pond Presentation
Wednesday, November 15th, 6:30 pm | Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
The Mercer Island Historical Society and the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) invite you to a special presentation about Ellis Pond, a five-acre park located mid-island, near the library on Mercer Island. Speaker Marcia Mellinger lived next to Ellis Pond from 1994-2014. During that time she worked with the city to resolve issues related to Ellis Pond, organized biannual Friends of Ellis Pond work parties, and over the years, became the unofficial Ellis Pond historian. Marcia is a lawyer and currently lives near Green Lake where, of course, she has become involved in Green Lake restoration projects. MIVAL artist, Ellen Miller Wolfe’s paintings of the Ellis Pond area are currently on display at the library so come early and enjoy a gallery tour with the artist as a docent.
Mercer Island Farmer Market Harvest Market
Sunday, November 19th, 10 am to 2 pm, 7700 SE 32nd St
The Mercer Island Farmers Market will re-open for two Harvest Markets – on on Sunday, October 29th, and one on Sunday, November 19th. Enjoy local fresh produce, food vendors, unique crafts and gifts, and more. Cross everything off your ingredient list for your Thanksgiving dinner! The market is located just north of Mercerdale Park on SE 32nd Street (between 77th and 78th Ave SE).
MIVAL Gallery Presents: Annual Holiday Show
Show runs through December 15th | Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
The Mercer Island Visual Arts League invites you to its opening reception for its annual holiday show and art sale, featuring a variety of unique and beautiful artwork created by talented artists. From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery, there is something for everyone. Buy one-of-a-kind gifts and support the arts community. The reception will include music and refreshments, and the show will be on display through December 15th at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center, open Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 7 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Toddler Story Times at the Mercer Island Library
Weekly on Fridays | Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join Ms. Tiger in the large meeting room for books, songs and bubbles in this 30 minute early literacy program! While designed for toddlers, babies are welcome to attend as well. Up to 30 minutes of play time follows. Ages 1 to 3 with adult. Siblings welcome.
Island Books Clubs
Virtual Knitting Book Club: Once a month, 6 pm – 7 pm, online
Open Book Club: Last Thursday of every month, 7:30 pm – 9 pm, Island Books
Kids Book Club: Once a month on Fridays, 5 – 5:45 pm, Island Books
Island Books hosts three monthly book clubs: an in-person Open Book Club, a Virtual Knitting Book Club, and an in-person Kids Book Club.
To join Virtual Knitting Book Club, simply click the Zoom link and knit or craft while discussing the assigned book. This September, knitters plan to discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez, followed by The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches in October. Sip tea, listen to the clacking of needles, and embrace the silence when troublesome patterns interrupt the conversation. All levels of knitters and crafters are welcome!
At Open Book Club, members read and rehash books from a variety of genres, chosen by a staff facilitator. In August, join fellow readers to discuss Quan Barry’s novel, When I’m Gone, Look for Me in the East: a story of twin brothers tasked with finding a reincarnated spiritual teacher in Mongolia. In September, club members plan to read Trust by Hernan Diaz: a Pulitzer Prize-winning story of class, fortune, and deceit, staged in the bustle of New York City.
Island Kids Book Club is a new book club led by staff member Becca Oman. It’s perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders (or kids who read on that level) who love to read and want to meet fellow members.
Park Restoration Events
Weekly, various dates, times, and locations in Mercer Island, free
The City hosts several restoration events and “work parties” at green spaces throughout the island. Connect with neighbors and get your hands in the dirt while learning about our local plants and forests.
Small snacks, gloves, and tools are provided, and no experience is necessary. Please visit the City calendar to view the restoration event dates and register as a volunteer.