August 24–30, 2026
👋 A Note Before We Start
One of this week's events came from a reader tip 🫶, which is exactly what I hoped Redmond Beat could become: neighbors helping one another notice more around town.
A small Redmond fact before we start: Downtown Park opened only in 2018 and was designed for large community events. This Saturday's FORMOSOUND festival is a fitting use of it, in a week that also brings the final Rockin' on the River concert and Movies at Marymoor screening.
📍 Three Things to Know
📸 School-zone speed cameras return next Monday
Redmond's speed cameras reactivate on Monday, August 31 at Redmond High School, Redmond Middle School and Rose Hill Middle School. They operate when the school-zone beacons are flashing.
Fines start at $110 for driving 6–9 mph over the 20 mph limit.
🌱 Young people can get help applying for climate grants
Teams of at least two people ages 15–24 can apply for $1,000–$5,000 to lead local climate projects. Applications are due September 20.
A free drop-in help session runs Thursday, August 27 from 3–4:30 p.m. at Redmond Library. City staff can review ideas and applications, and computers will be available.
🎥 Redmond Lights is looking for video art
Redmond is seeking existing videos up to 10 minutes long for silent projection at Downtown Park during Redmond Lights. Selected artists receive a $500 stipend, and submissions are due Sunday, August 30 at 11 p.m.
🎵 Worth Doing This Week
🎶 Two ways to spend Wednesday evening
Chicago Transit Experience · Wednesday, August 26 · Food trucks at 5 p.m. · Music from 6–8 p.m. · City Hall Great Lawn
Postponed from August 5 because of wildfire smoke, this free, all-ages concert is the final Rockin’ on the River show of the summer. It is scheduled rain or shine.
The Princess Bride · Wednesday, August 26 · Parking at 6 p.m. · Doors at 6:30 p.m. · Movie at dusk · Marymoor Park
The season’s final Movies at Marymoor screening includes preshow entertainment at 7 p.m. The current online checkout price is $13.95, children 5 and under are free, and leashed dogs are welcome.
🎭 Two very different Friday outings
Eastside Improv Student Showcase · Friday, August 28 · Doors at 6:15 p.m. · Show from 6:30–8:15 p.m. · Redmond Senior & Community Center
A reader tipped me to this family-friendly showcase featuring students from Eastside Improv's adult beginner, intermediate, advanced and 50+ classes. Tickets are $12.
Prefer something outdoors? Barks, Bikes + Brews runs from 5:30–9:30 p.m. at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, with bike racing, vendors, a beer garden and corgi races. Admission has a suggested $5 donation; dogs must be leashed and vaccinated. See the event details →
🎧 A Saturday afternoon of music and art
FORMOSOUND · Saturday, August 29 · 2–9 p.m. · Redmond Downtown Park
This free festival brings Taiwanese music, cultural performances, food and a marketplace to the Downtown park. No registration is required, so you can drop in for part of the day.
Also downtown: Redmond Library hosts Through Our Eyes, a free teen-created art experience from 2–5 p.m. It is open to everyone. See the details →
📅 Plan Ahead: September 5-10
🎨 Arts in the Park starts September 5
Live community performances and the Eastside Made Pop-Up Faire come to Downtown Park from 4–8 p.m. each Saturday in September. The series is free and begins Saturday, September 5.
🏃 Two Labor Day dates to plan for
Redmond Harvest Half Marathon · Monday, September 7 · 8:30 a.m.–noon · Marymoor Park
Registration is $75 through September 4. See race details and register →
Small Wonders · Applications due Monday, September 7
VALA Eastside invites local artists and writers to submit miniature art, poetry or flash fiction about home or cultural heritage. Entries cost $1 each, with up to six submissions. See the call for art →
💬 Meet City Council at Spiritbrook Park
Thursday, September 10 · 5–7 p.m. · Spiritbrook Park
This free, informal drop-in lets residents talk with City Council members about local priorities and the city budget. An RSVP is encouraged but not required.
💡 One Useful Tip
🗺 You can flag a speeding concern without attending the open house
Use Redmond's interactive map to mark a street, describe a speeding concern and comment on possible responses. There is also a short questionnaire.
If you prefer to talk with the project team, the city is holding an open house on Tuesday, August 25 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. in Red Oak Room 140 at the Redmond Senior & Community Center.
📬 Before You Go
Know about a Redmond event, local change or neighborhood story we should see? Reply and send it my way, even if you don't have all the details. Corrections are always welcome too.
👥 Think of a Redmond neighbor who would find this useful? Forward this email to them. They can subscribe at redmondbeat.beehiiv.com/subscribe.
Until next week,
Redmond Beat ❤
Event times, prices, availability, and transit alerts can change. Follow the original links before making plans.