Posts about Holiday Events

4th of July in Redmond, WA: Where to Celebrate in 2026

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.

Spring Activities in Redmond: Fresh Ways to Enjoy the Season

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.

Holidays with The Colony at Bear Creek in Redmond

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!