Best Things to Do This Weekend + Wild New Redmond Food Rumor
Episode 24 •
28th April 2026 • Best of Redmond: Redmond Washington News, Events, Restaurants & Things to Do • Dan Schulz and Jennifer Davis – Eastside Seattle community podcasters with a passion for talking about all the amazing local businesses, neighborhood news, and weekly recommendations for Redmond WA residents.
Welcome to Best of Redmond! Redmond's twice-weekly newsletter and podcast about all the amazing things happening in Redmond for the next seven days!
📰 Walk or Run to Help End Dog Cancer at Marymoor
There’s a big dog walk happening at Marymoor Park on Sunday, May 3 at 10:00 am, and it’s all about raising money to fight canine cancer. It’s called Wag Love Life, and yeah… you can walk, run, or just show up with your dog and hang out. Registration is $35 and they’ve got dog contests, a tribute wall, and a bunch of other stuff planned. The money goes toward real research and treatments that are already helping dogs live longer. If you’ve got a dog… this one’s worth showing up for.
☕ Small Business Saturday Pop-Up at SoulFood
There’s a local vendor pop-up happening at SoulFood CoffeeHouse on Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and it’s all focused on Asian-owned businesses. They’re bringing in a mix of handmade goods, art, and low-waste products, so it’s not just one type of thing. You can grab your usual coffee while you walk around and check out vendors like handmade collectibles and stained glass pieces. It’s a pretty easy, low-key way to support local without committing your whole day. Get there earlier if you want first pick.
👨👩👧👦 The “Talk” About Teeth at Redmond Library
Okay, quick question… have you had that uncomfortable talk with your kids yet? You know the one. The one that’s a little awkward… mostly because you’re not totally sure you have all the answers either. Yeah… not that one. We’re talking about brushing teeth. There’s this event at the Redmond Library on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00 pm that basically handles it for you. It’s for kids 8 to 12, they make it hands-on so it’s not boring, and they send them home with a goodie bag. Honestly, not a bad way to outsource that whole conversation.
💃 Prom Night… But Way Better This Time
There’s a “Senior” Prom happening at the Redmond Senior & Community Center on Friday, May 1 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and yeah… it’s exactly what it sounds like. This one’s for ages 50+, and it comes with a DJ, dancing, a photobooth, and a full spread of appetizers. No awkward high school memories required this time. Tickets are around $10–$12, which honestly feels like a steal for a full night out. You can dress up or keep it casual… just don’t skip the dancing.
🎲 Open Game Night at Uncle’s Games
If you’re looking for something easy Saturday night, Uncle’s Games at Redmond Town Center is doing open board gaming on May 2 from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. You can bring your own games or just jump into whatever they’ve got set up. It’s super casual, no pressure, and you don’t need a group to show up. People are usually pretty open to letting others join in. It’s a solid option if you want something social that doesn’t involve yelling over music. Show up a little early if you want a good table.
📚 Local Authors in Conversation at Brick & Mortar
There’s an author event happening at Brick & Mortar Books on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 pm, featuring Alexandra Oliva and Laurie Frankel. They’re both local, and this is part book launch, part live conversation about writing and storytelling. It’s a smaller setting, so you actually get to hear them talk through ideas instead of just doing a reading and leaving. They’re also doing a prize drawing if you preorder the new book. Good option if you want something quieter that still feels like getting out.
🕰️ Redmond History Minute
Okay, it's time for the Redmond History Minute, where we share an interesting piece of history, trivia, or tidbit about life in and around Redmond.
From 1919 to 1942, the American Pacific Whaling Company wintered its boats in which Eastside location?
A) Lake Sammamish
B) Meydenbauer Bay in Bellevue
C) Lake Washington
D) The Sammamish River
Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter.
🔮 Redmond Rumor Mill
Alright, here’s one we’ve been hearing… there might be a new small-plates spot coming to downtown Redmond, and it’s not your typical restaurant setup. Word is it’s a 10-seat counter, everything cooked over live fire using Japanese binchotan charcoal, and there’s no menu at all… you just trust the chef. Supposedly it’s being developed by a former Seattle chef, but nothing’s been officially confirmed yet. So yeah… very little detail, but a lot of intrigue. Would you try something like this?
If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at
facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post.
🗳️ Your Picks: Best thing to do on a weekend in Redmond
Alright, that's it for this week.
Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think is the best thing to do on a weekend in Redmond.
📻 Don't Miss the Podcast
If you enjoyed this newsletter, you're gonna love the companion podcast. Find it at bestofredmond.com.
We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond.
🎯 History Minute Answer
The answer is B – Meydenbauer Bay in Bellevue
Whaling ships actually spent their winters docked in Meydenbauer Bay, which is now one of the most expensive residential areas on the Eastside. The American Pacific Whaling Company operated there until it went bankrupt in 1942. So yeah… there were literal whaling ships sitting in what is now downtown Bellevue.
