Here’s my weekly round-up of events for the week of August 15 – 21 on Mercer Island:
Monday Family Fun Movies
Monday, August 15, 6:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join us for Jumanji – A magical board game serves as a door to another dimension in this adventure fantasy based on Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning children’s book. When a pair of children discover the game and start playing it they unwittingly unleash a man who’s been trapped inside – as well as an array of stampeding jungle animals. Family program, ages 5 and older. Registration not required, but space is limited.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, August 17, 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.
Storybook Corner 
Wednesday, August 17, 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 >>
Youth Theatre Northwest presents CATS 
Wednesday, August 17 & Thursday, August 18, 7 pm, Friday August 19 & Saturday August 20, 8 pm
Outdoor stage at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave SE
Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this venerated musical is legendary. Youth Theatre Northwest transforms the outdoor courtyard of Emmanuel Church into a gritty Tokyo side street. Under a canopy of twinkle lights and stars, the Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader – for he must choose one of the Cats to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Best for ages 4+.
Learn more >>
Summer Mini Book Sale 
Thursday, August 18, 8 am
Mercer Island Public Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join us for a mini sale featuring 50 cent hardback fiction and 25 cent pocket paperback fiction on August 18th – 28th. Shop during the libraries regular open hours.
Mostly Music in the Park – Swamp Soul (Cajun/Zydeco) 
Thursday, August 18, 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.
Sip and Swing Screening 
Thursday, August 18, 6:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Celebrate Tu B’Av, a day of love in Israel with an evening of dance, dessert, drinks, and a movie! Learn to swing dance from Ari Levitt, who’s been teaching and performing locally, nationally, and internationally for more than 25 years. Then enjoy drinks and dessert before a free screening of the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom.
Learn more >>
Summer Shuk Open Air Market
Friday, August 19, 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:
Heavy Restaurant Group (Bread and Challah)
Healthy Creations (Vegan, gluten-free baked doughnuts)
Lia’s Flowers (Flower Bouquets)
Artemis Farm (Vegetables)
Ziva Mediterranean Foods (Hummus)
Island Synagogue (Kippot)
Shtick Jewelry (Jewelry)
Island Treats (Caramels and Chocolates)
Ballard’s Little Soap Factory (Handmade bar and liquid soap “with an ingredient list you can pronounce.”)
Emily’s Granola (Homemade Granola)
Flourless Goodies (gluten-free treats)
Stopsky’s Pickles and Preserves
Learn more >>
Restoration Event 
Saturday, August 20, 10 am
Pioneer Park; Meet at the kiosk at the corner of Island Crest Way & SE 68th St
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.
Movies in the Park – The Good Dinosaur 
Saturday, August 20, 8:34 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Avenue SE and SE 32nd Street
Join us for another great year of movies in the park. FREE family movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen in Mercerdale Park. Participants should bring blankets, lawn chairs, and flashlights.
Mercer Island Farmers Market 
Sunday, August 21, 10 am – 3 pm
SE 32nd Street at Mercerdale Park (between 77th and 78th Ave SE)
Visit the Mercer Island Farmers Market for the widest array of top quality Washington foods fresh from the farm, the field or sea, artisan produced and/or ready to eat – plus music, children’s activities, artisan gifts, and more!
Here are the highlights this week:
- Tasting by New Seasons
- Music by Fred Schactler Trio
- Kids: Veggie Prints
