Posts about Holiday Events

Halloween Events in Redmond, WA: Your 2026 Guide-image

Somewhere on Education Hill, a kid is explaining over cereal why the dinosaur costume needs a cape, and a golden retriever is about to be zipped into a bumblebee suit against his will. Halloween has officially landed. The good news? Redmond crams a ridiculous amount of candy, costumes, and pumpkin hunting into the next two and a half weeks, much of it a short drive from our front door. Here are the Halloween events in Redmond, WA worth taping to the fridge, starting with a stacked Saturday. Halloween in Redmond: Harvest Festival and Howl-O-Ween Saturday, October 17 comes down to one question: farm day or dog day? Harvest Festival at Farrel-McWhirter Park For one afternoon, Farrel-McWhirter Park goes full harvest mode. The all-access pass covers fresh-pressed apple cider, tractor-pulled wagon rides, a forest-trail scavenger hunt with a prize, and butter making with a biscuit (the tastiest science lesson in town). Kids 12 and under also score a pony ride with the "unicorns and friends" crew plus a pumpkin to carry home. The morning session has already filled up, so the afternoon session is your ticket When : Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 1 to 3 PM | Where : Farrel-McWhirter Park, 19545 NE Redmond Road | Cost : $30 to $36 per registered child (ages 2 to 12), up to two adults tag along Howl-O-Ween at Redmond Town Center Howl-O-Ween is Redmond Town Center's Halloween pup parade and party, aka a chance to watch a dachshund in a hot dog bun try to keep his dignity. Costumed pets parade at 1 PM, judging follows at Center Court at 2 PM, and the afternoon brings prizes, treats, and a live set from Seattle musician Kimo Muraki. It's free, but registration is required through the event's Eventbrite page . Need to burn off pre-parade zoomies? Our guide to dog-friendly parks in Redmond has a few favorite spots. When : Sat, Oct 17, 2026, noon to 4 PM | Where : Redmond Town Center, 7345 164th Ave NE | Cost : Free with registration   Trick or Treat in Redmond, WA: The City's Halloween Lineup The City of Redmond goes big on Halloween, and its community centers carry most of the load. (New in town? Here's everything we tell people moving to Redmond in one guide .) Trick or Treat and Haunted House at Marymoor Village Saturday, October 24 doubles up at the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village. From 4:30 to 7:30 PM, kids go room to room for candy and crafts, indoors and dry no matter what the sky decides. Indoor trick-or-treating is free, with registration through the city. From 5 to 9 PM, the same building runs a five-minute haunted house recommended for ages 12 and up, with admission ranging from $5 to $6 per participant. Register online or buy haunted house tickets at the door! When : Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | Where : 6505 176th Ave NE Spooky Spectacular at the Redmond Senior & Community Center A Monday night Halloween party? We're in!  Spooky Spectacular brings costume dress-up, face painting, a photo booth, and mini games for all ages, plus hot dogs, veggie dogs, and candy. Bring your own pumpkin to the decorating table. No carving required, so parents everywhere can exhale. Admission is $5 to $6 per participant, with registration available through the City of Redmond. When : Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 6 to 7:30 PM | Where : 8703 160th Ave NE Trunk or Treat with the Redmond Fire Department Trunk or treat swaps doorsteps for decorated car trunks, so kids collect candy from a parking lot full of creative hatchbacks. The Redmond Fire Department hosts this one at City Hall, and Redmond Parks is rolling in with a decked-out vehicle from Farrel-McWhirter. Tiny firefighters meeting real firefighters? Expect a lot of photos. When : Fri, Oct 30, 2026, 5 to 7:30 PM | Where : Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St Trick or Treat at Redmond Town Center On Halloween evening, participating Redmond Town Center shops hand out treats from 4 to 6 PM. Look for the pumpkin decal in store windows, bring your own bag, and arrive early, since treats last only while supplies hold out. Hungry afterward? Our list of must-try Redmond restaurants has spots ready for a table of tiny superheroes.   Pumpkin Patches Near Redmond McMurtrey Farm Yes, Redmond has its own pumpkin patch. McMurtrey Farm's $9 admission covers wagon rides, the corn field hunt, ducky races, games, and access to the fields. Kettle corn is available on-site, while barrel car rides and face painting cost extra. Leashed dogs are welcome, too. The same fields switch to Christmas trees on November 27 and our Redmond holiday guide will walk you through tree season. When : Wed to Sun, 10 AM to 6 PM | Where : 13925 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE The Pumpkin Farm and Puzzle Patch Woodinville's "puzzle patch" is a choose-your-own-adventure: a 10-acre corn maze with three trail systems, a sunflower walk, and 10 acres of pumpkin plants to wind through. And to the dog owners, make sure to circle Sunday, October 18. Pup-kin Patch day brings extra dog-friendly fun and pup photo ops at no added cost . Howl-O-Ween Saturday, Pup-kin Patch Sunday: your dog's calendar is officially fuller than yours. When : Thu 2 to 7 PM, Fri to Sun 9 AM to 7 PM, through Oct 31 | Where : 14063 NE 145th St, Woodinville | Cost : $10 ages 12 and up, $5 ages 2 to 11, pets free; the pumpkin tent is free to shop Remlinger Farms For the full production, Remlinger Farms in Carnation delivers. One wristband covers more than 70 rides and attractions, a corn maze with a scavenger hunt, and a hay ride. Pony rides, ziplining, gem mining, and apple cannons cost extra. Tickets are $33.95 online for ages 2 to 65, and the gate runs $1 more, so book yours here from the couch. When : Fri to Sun, 10 AM to 6 PM, through Nov 1 | Where : 32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation Haunted Houses Near Redmond for Grown-Up Scares Close to home, the Marymoor Village haunted house is the city's 12-and-up fright. For something with real teeth, head north to Snohomish. Thomas Family Farm at Night On October weekend nights, Thomas Family Farm trades hayrides for screaming with Nightmare on 9 Haunted House, home to The Vogel Institute, and Nightmare on 9 Haunted Town, also known as Rippers Hollow. Both attractions cost $35 and are suggested for ages 12 and up. A $20 flashlight corn maze rounds out the night, and the farm warns it gets very muddy, so leave the white sneakers at home. When : October weekends; Haunted House Fri and Sat 6:30 to 11 PM, Sun 6:30 to 9 PM; Haunted Town Fri and Sat 7 to 11 PM, Sun 7 to 9 PM | Where : 9010 Marsh Rd, Snohomish Halloween at Home in Bear Creek: Treats for Every Boo Our favorite part of Halloween in Redmond happens right here at The Colony. On Friday, October 30, residents can swing by the leasing office for Treats for Every Boo, our Halloween giveaway with a special treat for everyone in the household: kids, adults, and yes, the pets too. Treat bags go while supplies last, and any leftovers will be waiting Saturday, October 31. Grab yours, then head to the Trunk or Treat at City Hall at 5 PM for a two-stop candy evening. After the candy run, our walking paths make for an easy costume-parade victory lap under the trees. Every home here has a wood-burning fireplace, and nothing thaws cold little fingers like sorting the haul by a crackling fire while somebody brokers a Kit Kat-for-Skittles trade. Want a peek at the setting? Take a look around our community photo gallery . From cider and costumed corgis to a fire station trunk-or-treat, Halloween events in Redmond, WA fill every corner of the calendar this year. Register early for the ticketed ones and save room for candy. Living minutes from Redmond Town Center makes it easy, and coming home to a fireplace makes it better. Curious about calling our community home? Peek at what we have open right now  , then give our team a call. And keep The Bear Creek Bulletin bookmarked, because fall and the holidays are coming in hot.   Halloween in Redmond: FAQ What Halloween events are happening in Redmond, WA in 2026? Redmond's 2026 Halloween season kicks off Saturday, October 17 with the Harvest Festival at Farrel-McWhirter Park and Howl-O-Ween, a free pet costume parade at Redmond Town Center. City events follow on October 24 (trick-or-treat and haunted house at Marymoor Village), October 26 (Spooky Spectacular), and October 30 (Fire Department Trunk or Treat at City Hall). Where and when can kids trick-or-treat in Redmond? The Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village hosts indoor trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 24 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. The Fire Department's Trunk or Treat runs Friday, October 30 from 5 to 7:30 PM at City Hall, and Redmond Town Center shops hand out treats on October 31 from 4 to 6 PM. Is there a pumpkin patch in Redmond? Yes. McMurtrey Farm on Redmond-Woodinville Road runs a pumpkin patch Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with a $9 entry that includes wagon rides and a corn field hunt. Are there haunted houses near Redmond? The City of Redmond runs a five-minute haunted house at Marymoor Village on October 24, 2026, from 5 to 9 PM, recommended for ages 12 and up. For bigger scares, Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish runs a $35 haunted house and haunted town on October weekends, suggested for ages 12 and up.

Read more
4th of July in Redmond, WA: Where to Celebrate in 2026-image

There's a particular kind of evening that rolls around just once a year. The charcoal's hot, American flag towels are draped over balcony railings and pool chairs, and a few doors down a Bluetooth speaker is getting a serious workout. The 4th is almost here, and the only question left is where you're actually going to be when the fireworks light up the sky. Here's the good news for anyone celebrating Independence Day in Redmond, WA: you're sitting right in the sweet spot. Some of the best fireworks shows in the region are a short, easy drive away, which means you get a calm home base and a front-row seat to the fun. Since July 4 lands on a Saturday in 2026, the whole weekend is yours to play with. We've pulled together where to go, when the fireworks actually start, and a few parking tricks that'll save your evening. Grab a cold drink and let's map out your Fourth.   Does Redmond Have Its Own Fireworks Show? Unfortunately, Redmond does not currently list a municipal July 4 fireworks display, and lighting your own is a no-go inside city limits any time of year. Before you frown, hear us out, because this is the local insider's secret weapon. What it really means is that you skip the gridlock and keep your evening relaxed at home, then point the car toward whichever show fits your crowd. You're minutes from the largest celebration on the Eastside and a quick hop from the big one on the water in Seattle. Think of Redmond as basecamp: easy in, easy out, and no fighting for a parking spot two blocks from your own front door. One neighborly note, since we love this community and want it staying friendly: those personal firework bans hold all year. If a stray bottle rocket disrupts the peace, Redmond's non-emergency line is 425-556-2500. Now, onto the fun part.   Bellevue Family 4th: The Eastside's Biggest Night If you want the marquee event without a long haul, this one's a roughly ten to fifteen minute drive away. Bellevue Family 4th takes over Downtown Park, a fountain-ringed gathering spot in the heart of downtown Bellevue, and it's the largest fireworks show on the Eastside. Activities get underway at 5:00 PM, although food vendors open around 3:00 PM. The fireworks burst overhead at 10:05 PM, choreographed to a live score from the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. Picture the first shell going up right as the strings swell. It's the kind of moment that makes the whole drive worth it, plus it's free! One tip worth its weight in gold: park free after 5:00 PM at The Bellevue Collection properties. Roll in, grab dinner nearby, and stroll over with your blanket while there's still daylight to claim a good patch of grass.   Fourth on the Plateau: Family Games in Sammamish About fifteen minutes out, Sammamish throws its hat in the ring with Fourth on the Plateau at Sammamish Commons. This is the easygoing, kid-friendly pick, with family games and activities starting at 5:00 PM and fireworks show at 10:00 PM. It's free, it's relaxed, and it's tailored for families who'd rather chase their toddlers across a lawn than navigate a downtown crowd. Pack the camp chairs, let the kids run themselves ragged before dark, and settle in for the finale.   Lake Sammamish Fireworks at Vasa Park Resort Want your fireworks reflected on the water? Then head to Vasa Park Resort on the shore of Lake Sammamish, roughly fifteen to twenty minutes away from The Colony at Bear Creek . The lakeside setting turns the show into a double feature, once in the sky and once shimmering across the lake. The party warms up at 6:00 PM with food trucks, live music, and face painting, then the fireworks take over at 10:00 PM. Come hungry, snap your fingers to the beat, and let the kids get a butterfly painted on a cheek before the sun dips. Keep in mind that Vasa Park has free admission after 6 PM, limited capacity, limited onsite parking for a $5 cash fee, and a free shuttle so be sure to plan accordingly!   Log Boom Park: A Lakefront Show in Kenmore A little north, about fifteen minutes from home, Log Boom Park in Kenmore hosts a free community show right on the water. Things start rolling at 7:30 PM with music, food trucks, and activities, and the fireworks light up at 10:00 PM. This is a lovely option if you'd like a shorter run-up than the all-evening events. Arrive as the music starts, grab a bite, and you're settled in with time to spare before the first boom rolls across the lake.   Seafair 4th of July on Lake Union Ready for the regional headliner? Seafair, Seattle's long-running series of summer festivals, brings its Fourth of July celebration to Lake Union, about twenty-five to thirty minutes from our doorstep. This is the big one, the show people plan their whole evening around. Gates run 3:00 to 9:00 PM, split across two spots: Gas Works Park, with a kids' zone, music, and food, and Lake Union Park, with games and a beer garden. The fireworks crown the night at around10:20 PM over the water. Do yourself a favor and register ahead for your free entry ticket, or grab reserved seating if you'd like a guaranteed spot, so you breeze past the day-of scramble. You can reserve your spot by checking out the Seafair website here !   Start and End the Day Right at Home in The Colony at Bear Creek The smartest play on the Fourth happens before you ever start the car. Sleep in, then kick the day off at one of our luxury amenities like the pool  while the burgers thaw and the playlist shuffles. When the afternoon winds down, the whole region is just a quick drive from our community, up in the Bear Creek and Education Hill area northeast of downtown, with quick access to SR-520 and the rest of the Eastside. And the Fourth is only the opening act of the season. Redmond's historic summer festival, Derby Days, rolls into the Redmond City Hall campus on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, 2026, and the free, all-ages Rockin' on the River concert series brings live music to the great lawn by City Hall on select Wednesday evenings this August. There's a reason so many folks fall for settling into life in Redmond.   The Easy Choice for Your Fourth So here's the shape of your holiday: a slow morning at home, a short drive to the show that suits your group, and a sky full of color over Bellevue, Sammamish, Kenmore, or Lake Union. Redmond gives you the calm; the Eastside and Seattle bring the fireworks. That balance is exactly what makes this corner of Washington such a fine place to live. If you've been thinking about putting down roots near all of it, we'd love to help you find your place in Redmond. Take a look around our community , or give our team a call at (425) 278-4885 and we'll walk you through what's available. Either way, keep an eye on The Bear Creek Bulletin , where we round up the best of Redmond all year long.   Frequently Asked Questions Does Redmond, WA have a 4th of July fireworks show? Redmond doesn't host its own municipal fireworks display, and personal fireworks are not allowed within city limits. The upside is that several excellent shows are a short drive away, so Redmond makes an easy, relaxed home base for the holiday. Where can I watch 4th of July fireworks near Redmond? The closest big show is Bellevue Family 4th at Downtown Park, about ten to fifteen minutes away, with fireworks at 10:05 PM. Other strong options nearby include Fourth on the Plateau in Sammamish, Vasa Park Resort on Lake Sammamish, Log Boom Park in Kenmore, and Seafair on Lake Union in Seattle. What time do the fireworks start near Redmond? Most area shows light up around 10:00 PM, with Bellevue at 10:05 PM and Seafair on Lake Union at around 10:20 PM. Activities at most events begin in the late afternoon or early evening, so there's plenty to enjoy before dark. Are the 4th of July events near Redmond free? Many are. Bellevue Family 4th, Fourth on the Plateau, and Log Boom Park are all free to attend. Seafair offers free ticket registration along with paid reserved seating if you'd like a guaranteed spot. What's the best parking tip for the Eastside fireworks? For Bellevue Family 4th, park free after 5:00 PM at The Bellevue Collection properties. For Seafair, register ahead for your free ticket so you skip the day-of hassle.

Read more
Spring Activities in Redmond: Fresh Ways to Enjoy the Season-image

  As winter starts to fade, Redmond becomes one of the best places on the Eastside to get outside, try something new, and make the most of longer days. Redmond’s downtown area is known for its mix of shops, restaurants, local businesses, and community-centered experiences, while nearby parks and venues make it easy to fill your calendar as the weather improves. If you’re looking for simple ways to enjoy the season, we've listed some exciting spring activities here! 1. Take Advantage of Redmond’s Trails and Green Spaces Spring is one of the best times to explore the great outdoors. Cooler mornings, mild afternoons, and blooming greenery make it a great season for exploring. One nearby option is Bridle Trails State Park, which sits between Kirkland and Redmond and offers 28 miles of maintained trails, plus easy hiking routes like Raven Trail, Trillium Trail, and Coyote Trail. The park is known for its forest setting and seasonal wildflowers, which makes it especially appealing in spring. Plus, it's dog-friendly so you can bring your pup to enjoy the scenery too! If you want a spring activity that feels low effort but still gets you out of the apartment, this is an easy one to keep in rotation. A casual trail walk, a weekend picnic, or an early morning reset outdoors can be just as appealing as a packed event schedule.   2. Plan a Spring Outing to Redmond Town Center Redmond Town Center is one of the easiest places to spend a spring afternoon without overplanning it. The center features more than 120 stores, around 20 restaurants, fitness studios, hotels, and entertainment, so it works well no matter what you're in the mood for. The center is also promoting seasonal specials right now, including spring-themed offerings from several tenants. For spring weekends, Redmond Town Center is a good option when you want something flexible. You can keep it simple with lunch and a stroll, or turn it into a bigger outing with shopping, dessert, and time outdoors in the center’s open-air setting. Just a few minutes away from The Colony at Bear Creek , residents frequent the center for many occasions, so you can too!   3. Add a St. Patrick’s Day Activity to the Week Want to work a little St. Patrick’s Day energy into your spring plans? One option still on the calendar is the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day 5K Virtual Run, which runs through Tuesday, March 17, 2026. It gives people a flexible way to celebrate with exercise on their own schedule while still joining in on the holiday fun.  If you're looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday here are some other local events and offerings: Arrow Lodge Brewing (March 17): St. Patrick's Day Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up with FancIce Jewelry (5:00 PM – 9:30 PM), featuring green beer and custom jewelry. Redmonds Grill (March 16-17): Live performances from the King County Pipes and Drums from 3-4 PM, plus Corned Beef & Cabbage and Guinness Beef Stew specials.   4. Catch a Spring Event in the Redmond Area If you like having something specific on the calendar, Redmond has a steady flow of community events and local happenings in spring. Experience Redmond’s March 2026 calendar shows several upcoming activities, including Drop-In Play at the Redmond Senior & Community Center, Line Dancing with Evamarie, Wednesday Drum Circle, Flatstick Pub Bingo, and March events at Brick & Mortar Books. Redmond offers something unique for everyone, whether you're a hobbyist looking to make friends with similar interests, or a new resident searching for a community!   5. Look Ahead to Late-Spring Weekend Plans As the season moves forward, Redmond gives you even more reasons to get out and explore. Redmond Town Center hosts its Exotics Car Show once a month from April to September!  Plus, Marymoor Live’s 2026 show lineup begins in late May, including performances starting May 23, 2026 and continuing into June and July. Meanwhile, the Redmond Saturday Market is expected to return in May 2026! This is a local favorite that brings together artisans, farmers, and vendors in the heart of downtown.   Make the Most of Spring at The Colony at Bear Creek One of the best things about living in Redmond, WA is having easy access to both everyday convenience and seasonal fun. Whether your ideal spring day includes nearby trails, community events, shopping, or a laid-back weekend outing, Redmond gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Better yet, if you're loving the Redmond area, The Colony is the perfect place to call home and located near everything you need for spring! Plus, our neighborhood and outdoor amenities allow residents to enjoy the beautiful change in seasons from their back porch! If you enjoyed this blog and are looking for more local guides and Redmond to-do's, check out our full Bear Creek Bulletin portfolio.  

Read more
Holidays with The Colony at Bear Creek in Redmond-image

The holidays have arrived in Redmond Bear Creek neighborhood, and our apartment community is buzzing with festive energy! Whether you’re looking for cozy community gatherings or local attractions near you Redmond apartments, this season is packed with ways to celebrate, connect, and make lasting memories.   Festive Community Gatherings   Life at The Colony at Bear Creek is all about connection , and the ho lida ys bring that spirit to life in the most joyful ways. Residents can look forward to festive activities that transform our community into a hub of creativit y and seasonal cheer.   Halloween Costume Contest   We're ho sting our annual Halloween costume contest, one of the community’s most anticipated seasonal events. Residents can look forward to a lively afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and friendly competition as neighbors s ho wcase their best costumes across multiple categories. From clever family ensembles to adorable pet attire, the event offers a festive way to celebrate the season and highlight the spirited, close-knit atmosphere that makes The Colony at Bear Creek such a special place to call ho me.   Event Highlights:   - Friendly community competitions for all ages - Prizes and treats for participants - Fun, social, and pet-friendly energy   Resident Artist Works ho p   This year, one of our own residents will be sharing thei r passion for I kebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. This relaxing and inspiring class is a unique way to connect, express creativity, and bring ho me something beautiful for the ho lida ys . We’re always looking for ways to celebrate our amazing residents and their passions ; j ust one of the many ways The Colony brings a community-centered atmosphere to Redmond.   Event Highlights:   - Guided flower-arranging experience led by a resident artist   - Supplies provided—just bring your creativity   - A calm, meaningful way to unwind and celebrate community life     Ho lida y Events & Local Attractions in Redmond At the end of the year , Redmond transforms into a wonderland of ho lida y events and festive activities. From twinkling lights to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone right around the corner.   Fall & Early Winter Festivities   Redmond’s seasonal celebrations start well before December! From autumn festivals to pet costume parades, the area ho sts events that bring people together.   Examples:   - Fall festivals with local vendors and live music   - Pet and family costume contests   - Early ho lida y markets featuring regional artisans     Redmond Lights – Downtown Redmond & Esterra Park   Each winter, downtown Redmond glows with the magic of Redmond Lights , a free month-long celebration of art, light, and community. Wander through illuminated displays, enjoy live music, and take in creative exhibits that celebrate Redmond’s cultural diversity.   Why go:   - Free, family-friendly, and pet-friendly   - Perfect evening stroll for residents of The Colony - Running from early December through early January   Winter Wonderland at Redmond Town Center   Just minutes from our community, Redmond Town Center transforms into a ho lida y destination complete with a carousel, pop-up skating rink, and visits from Santa. Families and friends alike can enjoy seasonal treats, performances, and even special p ho to sessions for pets.   Why go:   - Ideal weekend outing near Bear Creek neighbor ho od   - Great mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment   - Local s ho pping and dining options to complete the day   Celebrate the Season With Your Bear Creek Community At The Colony at Bear Creek , we’re a thriving, connected community that celebrates together. From on-site even t s to the wealth of ho lida y activities around Redmond, your calendar will be filled with opportunities to experience joy, connection, and neighborly spirit all season long. Take a virtual tour today and  see  why we’re one of the best places to live in Redmond!   Resident Tips:   Mark your calendar early: On-site events and city festivities fill up fast.   Explore locally: Redmond offers plenty of walkable, family-friendly attractions.   Share your story: Tag The Colony at Bear Creek and #BearCreekNeighbor ho od on social media to spread the cheer!

Read more