Here’s my weekly round-up of events for the week of August 8 – 14 on Mercer Island:
Monday Family Fun Movies
Monday, August 8, 6:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Enjoy marvelous fun sports movies with the whole family. Join us for Space Jam where Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes have been kidnaped by aliens, and Bugs challenges the aliens to a game of basketball to settle things–with the help of Michael Jordan. Family program, ages 5 and older. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.
Books, Brownies and Beyond Summer Book Club
Tuesday, August 9, 4 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Stop by to chat with teen librarian, Carrie Bowman, and former IMS teacher, Mrs. Behnke, about books you are reading this summer. We can’t wait to hear about your favorites! We’ll share our summer reading and the famous cookie bar treats, too. For middle school students.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, August 10, 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.
Sports Robots 
Wednesday, August 10, 6:30 pm
Mercer Island Public Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Experience the cutting edge of technology with the introduction of LEGO® MINDSTORMS EV3 Robotics. Learn some fundamental programming using EV3 robotics core sets, expansion sets, and software. Students will be divided into groups to build robots and program their robots to move, talk, or react. All equipment provided. For kids in grades 3-8. Presented by Bricks 4 Kidz.
Storybook Corner 
Wednesday, August 10, 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 >>
Mostly Music in the Park – Jazz Underground (Contemporary Big Band Jazz)
Thursday, August 11, 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.
Look at Us Now, Mother! 
Thursday, August 11, 7 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
As a child, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum wondered if she was born into the wrong family. In this laughable and lighthearted documentary, a mother and daughter salvage their testy relationship. On the road to forgiveness, Gayle and Mildred make some hilarious and bitingly honest stops along the way. Seattle premiere!
Learn more >>
Summer Shuk Open Air Market
Friday, August 12, 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:
Bewellaby
Blackbird Tea Co.
The Flower Lady
Hell or High Water Farm
In Your Face Pies
Shevet Achim
TAG
Tualco Valley Produce
Ziva Mediterranean Foods
Learn more >>
Youth Theatre Northwest presents CATS 
Friday, August 12 & Saturday, August 13, 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 >>
Camp Burbank Community Campout
Saturday & Sunday, August 13 & 14
Luther Burbank Park, 2040 84th Ave SE (Meadow)
Camp Burbank’s Community Campout is a great way to “get away from it all” and still be close to home. We do all the hard work like cooking, cleaning, and coming up with FUN things for you to do. All you are responsible for is your tent, personal items, and sleeping bags! Register now! Spots are filling fast.
Learn more >>
Mercer Island Farmers Market 
Sunday, August 14, 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:
- 9th anniversary tasting and activities
- Music by Birdwatchers
- Kids: Blackberry Ink
- Sponsor of the week: Covenant Shores
