Issaquah Events and Festivals

Held in downtown Issaquah the first Friday evening of every month from May through September, ArtWalk events feature all types of art, including visual, lyrical, musical and performance. The free events include live music around every corner, hands-on art projects and some special surprises.

Boehm’s Candies chocolate factory, known world-wide for its award-winning confections, has attracted thousands of visitors annually to Issaquah since 1956. The manicured grounds are graced with fountains, a replica of a 12th-century alpine chapel near Saint Moritz Switzerland, and the Edelweiss Swiss-style chalet which was the home of founder Julius Boehm. Escorted tours are available by appointment.

The annual Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz event takes place in August. Always-popular, this event features a variety of foods from several different local restaurants as well as wines, beer, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.

This once a year special event is the time we pause to recognize many of Issaquah’s special people whose volunteerism and contributions make our community such a special place to live and work. The presenting organizations honor individuals who have dedicated their time and talent in various ways. Awards are presented each year at the May Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting.

On Tuesday evenings starting at 7:00 pm, the Issaquah Parks & Recreation hosts this popular free concert series. Come early for picnicking or enjoy concessions available by the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah. The event is sponsored by the Issaquah Arts Commission and many of our generous local businesses.

Established in 1972, the Zoo is dedicated to increasing the understanding and appreciation of the earth’s vanishing wildlife and the role of humanity in nature through education, research, captive breeding, conservation, recreation and exhibition.

In addition to our exhibits, the Museum provides a place for historical research in the David J. Horrocks Research Center. Visitors may look through the Historical Society’s extensive photo collection which includes images of early Issaquah families at work and play, downtown scenes of dusty streets and tall wooden storefronts, and the milling, mining, farming and railroad activities of old Gilman. They also have access to our web site, research files, and a number of other references from the Research Center.

Sponsored by the City of Issaquah and presented by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Issaquah’s Down Home 4th of July celebration kicks off with an Independence Day Kids and Pets Parade. From Labradors to llamas, favorite pets accompany costumed children on decorated floats and bikes down Front Street and to Memorial Field, where families spend the day with old-fashioned games, music, food, the Sky High Rummage Sale, and the Annual Slug Beauty Pageant and Speed Contest.

In concert with the Greenway Days festival weekend, stroll down Front Street in downtown Issaquah and admire hundreds of vintage and classic cars, street vendors, a swap meet and live music. Trophies are awarded in the afternoon at the Triple-X Drive-in followed by a cruise down Front Street.

The original town hall of Issaquah was in use from 1898 until 1930. Now a museum, this fascinating exhibit tells the story of Issaquah’s past through hundreds of photographs and artifacts (many never before on display) and a variety of interactive elements. Come see one of Issaquah’s original water pipes, a rare Native American fur trade knife, and graffiti hidden for 75 years inside the walls of the fish hatchery. Set off an imaginary charge with an authentic dynamite blaster, ring a logging camp bell, listen to the music of the Squak Valley Hot Shots — and much more!

From the museum’s back door you can go directly to jail – the old two-cell town jail, which was constructed in 1914 of solid eight inch concrete walls and still has the original iron bars in the windows. The forged iron lock bar weighs at least 80 pounds, and effectively cut the escape count to zero. Call for visiting hours.

It all began in 1972 when Marvin and Ruth Mohl started saving unwanted buildings from around the old farming and mining town of Issaquah. In saving the buildings, the idea was to honor the character and ambiance of the old community rather than to create a museum. They moved, renovated and combined them into an attractive retail area in a park-like setting with the ultimate goal of creating a haven for independent shops and restaurants. Over a quarter of century later, the 40-plus shops and restaurants that make up Gilman Village constitute one of Puget Sounds’ best known and most distinctive shopping destinations.

Planted by Dr. W.E. Gibson (a physician) at the start of the twentieth century. Dr. Gibson became Issaquah’s mayor in 1900 and served several additional terms as mayor and in the state legislature over the next 25 years. His family home was located on this site until it was torn down in 1970. Fortunately, through the efforts of Issaquah High School Students, a petition was drawn up and the tree was saved.

Ginkgo trees belong to one of the oldest tree species on earth (Ginkgo biloba), dating back 150 million years. They were once native to Washington but later became extinct in North America. Specimens cultivated in Chinese ornamental gardens were later reintroduced around the world. This rare and unusual tree is visible at the corner of Andrews Street and Front Street South.

This two-day festival boasts more than 25 events in 10 communities spanning 100 miles along Interstate 90. The festival celebrates conservation and education efforts in the Mountains to Sound Greenway and the more than 4,000 annual volunteers who give their time to enhance the Greenway.

There is speculation that the building may have been constructed as a residence in the late 1890’s and over the years records show that it was also used as a warehouse, grocery store, feed store and gasoline station. In 2003, the Downtown Issaquah Association with assistance from the City of Issaquah, private party donations and volunteers began the process of restoring the building to its 1944 appearance as the Hailstone Feed Store and Shell Gasoline Station. In the restoration process, one of the most exciting discoveries the group has made is an Owl Cigar sign painted on the back of the building. The advertisement would have been easily visible to passengers taking the train in or out of Issaquah, the chief mode of transportation at that time. The space is available to lease on an hourly basis and will accommodate up to 49 people. Inquire at – reservations@downtownissaquah.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Another good source of trail information is the Issaquah Alps Trail Club website: www.issaquahalps.org. The Visitor Information Center located at 155 NW Gilman Blvd. also has a selection of maps and information about local hiking trails.

Originally incorporated as the town of Gilman in 1892, Issaquah was a center of coal mining activity in the late 19th century. The Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway constructed a modest Queen Anne-style depot building in 1889. Now operated by the Issaquah Historical Society, the depot has been restored to its original grandeur. A steam engine in front of the depot showcases the history of logging in the area. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

In addition to the Issaquah Visitor’s Center, walking tour brochures are available at the Issaquah Historic Railroad Depot and Museum, and the Gilman Town Hall Museum.

Open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, find nursery stock from seedlings to hanging baskets, produce, including fruit from Eastern Washington and flowers, flowers and more flowers in season. Special events are held every Saturday and there’s lots of parking!

In the heart of Issaquah’s old downtown, this facility is the most-visited hatchery in the state. About 300,000 people a year come to take the self-guided tour, or tours guided by docents on weekends. The Hatchery was originally constructed as a Works Project Administration (WPA) project during 1936-1937.

The best time to visit is in September and October, when the salmon return, and Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (F.I.S.H.) offer public tours. The fish start arriving in early September with the Chinook coming through late October. Coho arrive in mid-October through the first of December.

The Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (F.I.S.H.) offers one-week day summer camps that are held at the Watershed Science Center at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. Camps will help kids learn about one of Issaquah’s greatest natural resources – the salmon! Participate in games, exercises, and experiments. Learn about: microscopes, animal tracks, Native American legends, pollution, the food chain, water quality, and the salmon life cycle. Call for camp session dates by age group and cost per week.

Once a familiar landmark on the east shore of Lake Sammamish, this house was built by Thomas and Caroline Alexander in 1902 on land which was known for most of the century as Alexander’s Resort. Thomas Alexander had earlier been the “walking boss” (traveling construction supervisor) for the Seattle, Lakeshore and Eastern Railway.

The Visitors Center features maps, brochures and information about activities, recreation, entertainment and shopping in Issaquah and around the region. The center also provides information about lodging, restaurants, and services such as schools and daycares.

Operated by the City of Issaquah, the pool is open to the public for lap swim, public swim and classes. Children in the 5th grade and under must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian while using the Pool. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied in the water by an adult. Open Monday thru Friday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity for non-profits to come together and showcase their organization. Each year there is a terrific variety of groups that set up booths. We have had powerboats, bunnies, puppies, Llamas, music groups, photography, MAAD, 55 Alive, and short wave radio. There is something for all ages.

Since 1987, KIDSTAGE has provided Puget Sound students and their families a year round “home” for theatre arts activities. KIDSTAGE is uniquely designed to use theatre to build critical life skills in each participant. In KIDSTAGE, the classes and rehearsals encourage creativity, collaboration, problem solving, concentration, public speaking, and a strong work ethic. While some students are on a path to Broadway, all students are improving their futures and increasing self-confidence through involvement in KIDSTAGE or the Teen Access Program.

The park is a 512-acre day-use park with 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish. The area around the lake was an important culture zone for local Indian tribes for centuries. The park provides deciduous forest and wetland vegetation for the enjoyment of visitors. A salmon-bearing creek and a great-blue heron rookery are additional features. The park has more than a mile of waterfront with public beaches and nine boat ramps.

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from late June to late September, enjoy music on the streets of downtown Issaquah. Music is a great mix from Blues to Rock to Pop to Country to Jazz to Folk to Blue Grass and so much more!

Bark Park is in Issaquah Highlands is about 2 acres of land enclosed with a fence so you can let your dog run wild. There are large rocks to sit on, a water fountain and poop bags are provided. It’s a great place to take your dog to burn off energy!

The Issaquah Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide range of activities for children of all ages, as well as teens, and adults. Classes include aquatics, cultural arts, education programs, Kinder Kamp, Day Camps, Adventure Camps, Adventure Pursuit Expeditions, Mighty Mite Camps, health & fitness classes, preschool classes, special events, sports activities, youth center and teen activities.

The Pickering barn is the only surviving dairy barn in Issaquah, a community once dominated by dairy farming. The historic site dates from the 1800’s when it was the home of Territorial Governor, William Pickering. The restored barn has been equipped with modern day conveniences to make it a state of the art facility while preserving its historic character. Today, the Pickering Barn is divided into two separate barns connected with a centralized entrance hall. The Barn is especially suited for receptions, auctions, company parties, and formal weddings. For appointments to tour the Barn, additional information and/or availability, contact the City of Issaquah Parks & Recreation Dept. at (425) 837-3321, Monday through Friday.

Description: The Issaquah Arts Commission Issaquah Parks Board and Issaquah Parks & Recreation Department work together to bring new sculptures to the Rainier Trail Park. Each piece is borrowed and will remain in the city for one year.

Holiday fun for everyone during the month of December! Santa’s Reindeer Farm is located permanently on the grounds of the Cougar Mountain Zoo. Its north facing site was selected by Santa in 1989 for easy access from the North Pole as well as for its ideal climate and breathtaking scenic beauty. Come out to meet with Santa Claus and his reindeer team, have your face painted and hear a story from an Elf or wander through the Magic Forest. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks, stop by Santa’s post office, come aboard the Training Sleigh, admire breathtaking Art and Bronze Sculptures and discover the perfect holiday gift for yourself or anyone on your list at the Wild Treasure Gift Shop.

For more than 40 years, the Salmon Days Festival takes place in downtown Issaquah and includes over 400 craft and food booths, a giant children’s Field of Fun area, the Grande Parade, Foods of the World, and three stages of top entertainment, all surrounding the hatchery’s exhibits, displays, and tours.

Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, the Skate Park provides skateboarders and rollerbladers recreation opportunities. The Park is adjacent to and on the southeast side of the Issaquah Community Center and although it is unsupervised, safety rules are posted.

This exciting weekend festival features hydroplane races, carnival rides, a custom car and hot rod show, arts and crafts from Northwest artisans, family fun area with inflatable children’s rides, face painters, pony rides, giant slide and huge park area, food booths, beer garden and entertainment. Over 2500 FREE parking spaces!

Description: “Fathers of the Issaquah Valley” is a sculpture celebrating the connection between history, families and land while honoring the shift from an agriicultural area to what is now known as the suburban city we call Issaquah. Issaquah developer and long time citizen George “Skip” Rowley Jr. commissioned this sculpture to honor his father, Issaquah developer George Rowley Sr., (seated left) and Issaquah residents Henry Bergsma (seated right) and his son Bill Bergsma Sr. (standing). Henry owned and operated the Issaquah Valley Dairy from 1930 to 1962. His son, Bill, was the town milkman. When the dairy farm closed in 1962, George purchased the land and began slowly transforming it to serve the community in new ways. Today, the Hyla Crossing development stands on the site of the former farm. Drawing the three men together, the bench represents the land while the three men symbolize the past, present and future. Henry sits passively as his agricultural era draws to a close. Bill, standing in the middle, is engaged with the community and observing the continued changes while George ponders visions for the future of a sustainable and economically vital community.

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the Falls, you will find a two-acre park, observation deck, gift shop, the Salish Lodge, and the famous 270-foot waterfall.

Don’t miss Sunday car shows and music (at most shows) at the last historical Triple X Rootbeer Drive-in in the USA! Triple X and the car shows have been featured with Auto News, CNN, Evening Magazine, Food Channel, Travel Network, Drive Magazine, CruZin’ Magazine, Vintage Vehicle Show and My Classic Car Show. Home of the messy juicy burger, enjoy great food, fun and entertainment for the entire family!

Offering tent camping and trailer parking with water and electricity, the expansive grounds and beach area are also available to rent for family reunions, company parties, birthday parties and picnic reservations. Fee is dependent upon the number of people. A lifeguard is on duty.

Founded in 1979, Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest with four main programming components: Mainstage, Village originals and our Youth Education Program which includes both KIDSTAGE and Pied Piper.

Description: The dairy’s large wall was painted with the mural to commemorate “A Century of Dairying in Issaquah.” The mural prominently depicts the creamery as it originally appeared and the Pickering family’s dairy barn and farm.

Description: The dairy’s large wall was painted with the mural to commemorate “A Century of Dairying in Issaquah.” The mural prominently depicts the creamery as it originally appeared and the Pickering family’s dairy barn and farm.

Description: Material is stainless steel and bronze. The Artist chose the title of the work because it was completed on the winter solstice. In Mesopotamian Mythology Mithra was the sun god and was reborn on the first day of winter each year. Kelsey prefers to work in abstract forms because they have the ability to create images and stories that are unique to each individual viewer. Mr. Kelsey’s studio is located in Port Orchard, Washington.

Description: The life-sized horse stands approximately seven feet tall, weighs one ton and is made entirely of old metal parts. Artist Jason Dillon lives in Redmond and is a 2002 graduate of Eastlake High School.

Description: The sculpture, which is comprised of three carved cedar poles, pays homage to the naturally felled wood. The artist, who comes from a long tradition of Norwegian fisherman and boat builders, uses chisels that were passed down from his grandfather. The craftsmanship of the work speaks to the universality and timelessness of carving. The sculpture will be on loan from the artist from summer 2009 – summer 2010.

Description: Taking more than two years to complete, this brightly colored quilt depicts prominent elements of the town, including the Depot, State Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah Creek, the Village Theatre, and the Darigold Creamery.

Description: The sculpture is a life-size tribute to former City Clerk Linda Ruehle, who retired in 2001, after 30 years of service to the city and community. The artist, Richard Beyer, is best known as the creator of the beloved sculpture “Waiting for the Interurban” in Fremont.

Description: “Miracle Grow” consists of 4 individual powdered coated steel sculptures, ranging in height from 8 feet to 14 feet. The artist was inspired to create “Miracle Grow” by observing the plants in his garden, especially the long leaves of the Iris.

Description: The material is flame cut, painted steel. The artist has had a passion for drawing since childhood –and, of all the media he explored, he feels steel offers the most exciting range of shapes and surfaces on which to draw. In an effort to capture the organic free associative tapestry of his drawings, he began cutting them into and out of rugged, yet yielding, steel. The process of rendering the steel drawings became a natural springboard into sculpture.

Description: The bronze and cement, eight-foot-by-two-foot male Coho salmon named Finley is accompanied by a seven-foot long, bronze female Coho salmon named Gilda. The statues serve as artwork, an educational display and a donation receptacle for Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (F.I.S.H.).

Description: Material: basalt. Fall City artist Craig Breitbach was born and raised in Port Angeles, Washington. His sculptures are generally realistic images of salmon, combining his love of art with his passion for fishing and nature. He works in many different stone types, but prefers basalt for larger pieces because of its contrast in textures.

Description: This kinetic sculpture is installed on the traffic island within Central Park, establishing a focal point for the park, which is visible from the entrance. As the viewer approaches the sculpture, the rectangular opening of the piece provides a framed vista drawing the eye through the sculpture to the view beyond. The sculpture is fabricated from quarter-inch steel plates and measures 9’ high 9’ wide x 18” deep. The base is designed in a circular format that bolts to an industrial-sized bearing system that functions as a “lazy Susan.”

Description: The door is designed to look like doors built 200 years ago in northern Morocco and symbolizes the friendship and hospitality between the two cities. The structure that supports and surrounds the door is approximately 11 feet tall and 9 feet wide and was constructed on the site to house the blue door.

Description: “The Dig” was the first outdoor sculpture commissioned by the City of Issaquah. The model was chosen by the Issaquah Arts Commission to commemorate the centennial of the city’s incorporation as Gilman in 1892. The main piece of the sculpture resembles the entrance to a mine and is carved out of 15,000 pounds of gray granite taken from the Cascade Mountains. Symbolic imagery is carved into the stone, including a mine portal, salmon, railroad track, bits of riveted locomotive boilers and a railroad spike.

Description: This mural depicts the Issaquah logging industry from 1900-1940. At this time, old growth cedar and fir logs were being cut from the hills surrounding Issaquah and milled in the town’s many lumber mills. Prior to 1960, Sunset Way was known as Mill Street, referring to the mills that were located on either end of the street when the town was incorporated in 1892.

Description: “The Pillars” consists of individually sculptured basalt monoliths. Bainbridge Island artist, Will Robinson chooses to work primarily with stone because of its solidity and ability to withstand the elements and time. Varying textures integrate smooth and rough surfaces, creating intriguing duality in the stone. He encourages viewers to touch his work; engaging with the stone creates a connection between the medium, the artist, and the viewer.

Description: Issaquah artist Doug Eck created the one and a half life-sized eagle and salmon to illustrate the struggle for survival in the wild. The bronze sculpture also was designed to illustrate the Valiant Effort of the City of Issaquah’s Police force and is prominently displayed in front of city hall and the Issaquah Police facility.

Description: Larry Kangas designed this piece with suggestions from Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. The mural depicts salmon at different life stages, creatures eaten by salmon and creatures that prey on salmon.

Description: “The Zephyr” is a mixed metal and glass sculpture. The top is kinetic, moving with the wind and is #6 in a series of 10. The artist executes every step of the process, including design, engineering, prototyping, metal cutting, pounding and finishing as well as glass and cement casting. There are no “found parts” in Carson’s work. He designs and makes every piece, including the glass balls, the hubs and the transitions His inspiration includes a fascination with the wind machines near his childhood home and his time working in a bicycle shop, fiddling with gears and learning to weld.