Here’s my weekly round-up of events for the week of August 1-7 on Mercer Island:
Monday Family Fun Movies 
Monday, August 1, 6:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Come enjoy Air Bud, the story of a young boy and a talented dog with an amazing ability to play basketball become friends.
Read It, Sing It, Play It!
Tuesday, August 2, 6 pm
Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, Sunset Highway between 77th Avenue SE and 80th Avenue SE
Can you really read, sing, move and play at the same time? Well, try it out and you will probably be surprised! Come with the whole family to enjoy this popular Northwest singer-songwriter as she shows you how, using tongue-twisting, brain-building, jump-it-up, silly songs and singing games. Help celebrate National Community Night Out!
National Night Out 
Tuesday, August 2, 5 – 8 pm
Mercer Island Sculpture Park, 7800 block of Sunset Highway
The City of Mercer Island will be hosting its 8th annual “National Night Out,” a crime prevention and preparedness event. Mercer Island residents are invited to join City officials and the Police Department at the Sculpture Park for a free hotdog cookout and music from 5 to 8 pm. Many neighborhoods throughout Mercer Island are also hosting their own neighborhood block parties and cookout events.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, August 3, 10:30 am – noon
Mercer Island Public Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English. Sponsored by the Mercer Island Friends of the Library.
Squishy Circuits! 
Wednesday, August 3, 1 – 3 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Electrical circuits are the foundation of our modern, technology-driven lives. Everything from simple light bulbs to complex devices like the iPhone depend on them. Stop by to create circuits and explore electronics using playdough, battery packs, LEDs, buzzers, and small motors. Bring a friend and work in pairs!
Storybook Corner 
Wednesday, August 3, 10:30 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Bring your little ones in to enjoy popular picture books read by our staff or special guests.
Learn more >>
First Thursday: Art + Wine Event
Thursday, August 4
Suzanne Zahr / SZ Gallery
2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
Art & Wine Tasting Event – 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us this First Thursday for our monthly Art and Wine Tasting event, hosted at the SZ Gallery on Mercer Island. The Islander will be pouring wine tastings paired with seasonal bites.
Featured Local Artist: Elissa Eng
European Artist: Gitte Peters
Live Music: Carla Mory
Tastings by: The Islander
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts – Art, Antiques, Bubbles & Bonbons
7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
Art & Wine Tasting Event – 5 – 8 pm
Join us for a glass of bubbly, bonbons, and a special new dessert sampling from Roberto’s. Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts will be featuring the works of 20th Century Native American artists during the month of August. Works by well-known artists including: Floyd Joseph, Barry Wilson, Russell Smith, Robert Davidson, Bruce Bess Cleveland, A. Kimmel, Fred Etitty, Alice Adams, Kathy Pimoand, and others. Plus one-of-a-kind jewelry from a New Delhi Collection “En Inde” – works hand-made by craftswomen lead by Anupama Sukh Lalvani.
Learn more >>
Mostly Music in the Park – Maya Soleil (Afro-World Fusion)
Thursday, August 4, 7 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th SE & SE 32nd
Join us in Mercerdale Park in July and August for the Mercer Island Arts Council’s annual summer concert series. Concerts feature various bands and artists from around the region performing a wide variety of music.
S
hakespeare in the Park
Thursday, August 4 & Friday, August 5, 7 pm; Saturday, August 6, 7 pm & Sunday, August 7, 7 pm
Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre, 2040 84th Ave SE
Sponsored by The Mercer Island Arts Council, Wooden O presents two Shakespeare plays with multiple performances at the Luther Burbank Park amphitheatre in July and August. With open seating and an outdoor setting, Wooden O brings the Shakespeare plays to life, engaging audiences of all ages.
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Synopsis: The idealistic resolve of four young men gets tested by four young ladies who show up at their doorstep. The King and his friends vow to abstain from women’s company for three years. They plan to devote their time to academics. The Princess of France and her ladies arrive for a visit just as the vows leave the men’s lips. It’s will against want and heart against head in this delightful summer romance.
Hamlet
Synopsis: After receiving news of his father’s death, a young man comes home to a much changed world. Doubt, uncertainty, and grief dog him at every turn. Struggling to make sense of the new order, Hamlet faces a crossroad. He can consent, or rage against the injustice around him. Rich with soaring language, Shakespeare’s masterpiece opens up with fresh insights with each new viewing.
Summer Shuk Open Air Market
Friday, August 5, 3 – 6 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Stop by the J every Friday in August to shop at our shuk open-air market. Inspired by Middle Eastern markets, our shuk will feature local farmers, local food producers, and small businesses. Whether it’s grabbing a challah from a local bakery or a flower bouquet for Shabbat, there’s something for everyone as we wind down the week and prepare for the weekend. Musicians will also perform each week. This week’s vendors include:
Artemis Farm
Convergence Zone Cellars
Heavy Restaurant Group
Lisa’s Flowers
Marry Rose Bakery
Six Strawberries
Sweet Momma Brown’s Barbecue
Tamar Vered Flourless Goodies
Ziva Mediterranean Foods
Learn more >>
Hawaiian Pool Party
Saturday, August 6, 5:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Bring your own dinner, inflatables and friends to make sure you have a great time! Come cool off from the hot summer sun and enjoy a few hours of quality SJCC time. Music, snowcones, volleyball, and good old-fashioned fun will be had.
Seafair Weekend – Boeing Seafair Air Show
Friday, August 5th – Sunday, August 7th
One of the most impressive air shows in the country, the Boeing Seafair Air Show is back in 2016 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, August 5 – 7th, 2016 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.
Blue Angels Practice & Show 2016 Schedule:
Friday, August 5: 1:15 – 2:30 pm (Practice)
Saturday, August 6: 1:15 – 2:30 pm (Full show)
Sunday, August 7: 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm (Full show)
Best spots to watch on Mercer Island: Landings on 60th Ave; Park on the Lid; Luther Burbank Park; Groveland Park.
