Events & 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.