Now that summer has officially started around the Puget Sound, the chance to get outside to enjoy local art, fireworks or a movie is at hand. Here’s a look at some local events on Mercer Island and in Bellevue this July.
Fourth of July
For those who do not want to set off their own fireworks on July 4, but would still like to see them and participate in other festivities, the Bellevue Downtown Association is presenting its 21st annual Symetra Bellevue Family Fourth.
The festivities will take place in Bellevue’s Downtown Park, located at 10201 N.E. 4th Street.
The event officially begins at 2 p.m. and continues until 10:30 p.m., with performances by local bands and entertainment groups. Pre-fireworks music begins at 9:30 p.m. with the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Teresa Metzger-Howe, and the fireworks begin at 10:05 p.m.
Free parking will be available at the Bellevue Collection. For more information, visit www.bellevuedowntown.org/events/familyfourth.
Movies in the park
Both Mercer Island and Bellevue screen movies outside during the summer months. Mercer Island sets up a giant inflatable screen in Mercerdale Park for anyone interested in watching family favorite films.
This year, “ET: The Extra Terrestrial,” will be the first movie, shown on Saturday, July 28. “How to Train Your Dragon” will be shown on Saturday, Aug. 25. Staff is on site with special activities based on the movie starting at 7:30 p.m., and movies start at approximately 8:30 p.m.
In Bellevue, movies are shown at Bellevue’s Downtown Park. This year the first movie will be “Puss in Boots” on July 10. Movies begin at dusk, around 9 p.m. If the weather includes rain, movies will be held at the South Bellevue Community center, located at 14509 S.E. Newport Way.
Each week a different charity is highlighted and moviegoers are asked to bring a donation for that charity. The charity on July 10 is Sophia Way, and the suggested donation items are grocery gift cards, movie tickets and other personal hygiene products. Prior to the movie, Pagliacci Pizza will have a dough tossing demonstration and contest.
On July 17 the movie will be “Happy Feet 2” with donations of pain brushes, paint and other arts supplies going to the Highland Community Center. Zumba Fitness will do a demonstration prior to the movie.
“Zookeeper” is the feature film on July 24 with Ashoka the benefiting charity that night. Moviegoers are asked to bring books and office supplies.
To learn more, visit www.bellevuewa.gov/sbcc_movies.htm.
Summer Celebration
The 2012 Mercer Island Summer Celebration is the city of Mercer Island’s annual summer festival. This year, the event celebrates the Spirit of the Olympics, July 14-15.
The parade will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, with the Mercer Mile Fun Run beginning at 9:30 a.m. before the parade.
The weekend also includes an arts and crafts fair, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Rotary Club pancake breakfast on Sunday morning, a car show and booths for local community organizations and businesses.
To learn more about the event and the schedule, visit the city’s website at mercergov.org.
Bellevue Arts Fair weekend
Each year in late July, Bellevue comes together to celebrate the arts. The Bellevue Festival of the Arts, Bellevue Street Fair and Bellevue Art Museum’s Arts Fair all take place the last weekend in July.
The Bellevue Festival of the Arts will take place this year from July 27 through July 29 in downtown Bellevue.
The event features over 200 of local and well known artists in a variety of mediums, located by the Cost Plus World Market north of Bellevue Square.
The sixth annual Bellevue Street Fair runs the same weekend, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday along N.E. 6th Street and 106th Avenue N.E.
The Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair is held Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the museum.
Over 300 artists will be on display, and the event features a variety of free community programs to take part in.
To learn more about any of the events that weekend, visit www.bellevuearts.org/fair/index.html.
