April hasn't exactly sprung yet as the weather decides between winter showers and summer sun. Rain or shine, DIA will host Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day, the citywide Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, April 22, 9am-12pm. There are plenty of areas and options to choose. Or organize a cleanup in your own neighborhood, click on the sign-up button below to see the options. Meet at the historic Shell station.

Family-Friendly Activities in Downtown Issaquah

By Krysten Carrera

Many people choose to live in Downtown Issaquah to start and raise families. Our solid schools, relatively safe streets, and exposure to arts and culture provide a nurturing environment for children to thrive.

Downtown Issaquah boasts a range of activities to keep kids busy. Let’s take a look at some of the family-friendly options in our community.

• Little Gym offers classes, camps, and more that help children from four months to twelve years old burn up extra energy.
• Like all libraries, the charming Issaquah Library is free and open to the community. The kids’ and young adult section is in easy view of the rest of the facility, so you can easily keep an eye on your child while you browse another area. Also check out the story stroll and other events.
• Village Theatre exposes youths to the fine arts through participation in plays and musicals. They can also sign up for “KIDSTAGE” classes and camps.
• Who knew? Our downtown actually has a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio. Gracie Barra Issaquah has classes for children of all ages.
• Kaleidoscope School of Music boasts private lessons for a range of instruments and voice, as well as rock band opportunities. (Editor’s note: we’ll do an in-depth review of Issaquah music schools this summer.)
• Out of the Box Eco-Store has used puzzle exchanges.
• Among many activities available for young people, Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is now registering multiple age groups for summer camp in July.
• The Garage is a safe space for teens to hang out with friends, grab a snack​, ​play music, get help with homework, and much more. All activities – including counseling and case management services – are free of charge.
• Shout out to the Downtown Issaquah Association: from volunteer opportunities like Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day on Saturday, April 22 to programs like Fenders on Front Street on Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day), pretty much everything we do is family-friendly. 
• Last but not least, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Flying Pie Pizzeria, Stan’s Bar-B-Q, and 96 Front Street (formerly Yum-E-Yogurt; still serving frozen yogurt!). I often see families and sports teams at these beloved eateries, and everyone seems to be having a blast. At Flying Pie, you can even play arcade games.

We’re lucky to be able to give our young people so many ways to enrich their minds, develop social skills, and enjoy themselves. If you have children in your life, I hope you look into some of these exciting opportunities right here in our backyard.

HIP HAPPENINGS DOWNTOWN

Open Mic: Tonight! Wednesday, April 5, 6-8:30pm at the train depot

StoryWalk: April through May throughout downtown.

Farm Fresh Market: Saturdays, 9am-2pm April 8,15, 22, 29 - Seasonal produce, artisan crafts & specialty foods @ historic Shell station.

Flower Fresh Market: Sunday, April 9, 8am-4pm (9am-2pm artisan crafts & specialty food booths) at the historic Shell station.

Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day: Saturday, April 22, 9am-12pm gather at the historic Shell station.

Downtown Issaquah Discovery Walk: Saturday, April 29, 11am-12pm.

Issaquah Wine Walk: Friday, May 5, 6-9pm.

The Downtown Issaquah Wine & ArtWalk is back for 2023! Grab some friends and embark on a wine adventure of Issaquah's Historically Hip downtown and Olde Town galleries, boutiques, and businesses. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Issaquah Association.

Meet winemakers from some of Washington’s finest wine producers. Sip, stroll, and shop around the northwest’s funky Olde Town destinations. This is one of the Downtown Issaquah's most anticipated events, so purchase your tickets early ($35 for 10 tasting tokens) and get a discount verses the day-of price ($45). Wine tasters must be 21 or older.

The event is free for those who don’t drink the wine, but do want to enjoy fine art, crafts, live music, dance, and performance art. You can have a date night, hang out with friends, meet new people, dine in the downtown restaurants, engage with winemakers and artists, or just sit back and relax. There’s something for everyone to have fun on a Friday night.

New private VIP Experience for 2023!

This year features a private VIP (limited to 50, pre-sales only) experience that includes an early bird private reception with the owner of Capri Cellars, exclusive tastings at the wine education center, a souvenir glass and tote bag, and a vintner encounter ($75). VIP check-in for pre-sold tickets only.

Consider Donating to the Vibrancy of Downtown!

Let's Keep Historic Downtown Issaquah Blossoming! Adopt a hanging basket as a unique gift and support our charming community. Perfect in lieu of Easter Sunday or Mother's Day flowers, the hanging baskets are available to visit May through September. Donations are tax-deductible.

City of Issaquah Olde Town Neighborhood Transportation Survey