Meetings for the week of October 5th

Monday, October 5th 

Bellevue Utilities Long-Term Plans Open House (at Bellevue Library), drop-in from 3:30-5:30pm (link)

Human Services Commission, 6pm (link)

2027 Draft Annual Action Plan Overview & CDBG Funding Recommendations and Public Hearing - staff will present an overview, and in addition to the public hearing, there will be a 30-day public comment period to receive input from community members. Following the public hearing and during this Oct 5th meeting, the Human Services Commission will vote to finalize the 2027 CDBG funding recommendations (it will be on Council’s consent agenda on Nov 17th). The Action Plan will be posted after the meeting, but you can see past years’ Action Plans here. CDBG funding allocations are contingent on the city receiving its 2027 annual formula allocation from HUD. The notice about the hearing (link) says that Written comments can be submitted to the Human Services Commission at humanservicescommission@bellevuewa.gov and by noon on Oct. 5 (while this is in advance of the Action Plan being revealed, it is the only way to comment before they vote on the funding recommendations, if you cannot attend the hearing). It is possible to find out what some of the funding recommendations are by looking at *both* of the last two meetings’ draft minutes. 

Organizations that were mentioned in the draft minutes include: 9/14: Pride Across the Bridge, BrightSpark Early Learning Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, LifeWire, Friends of Youth, Old Friends Club, Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN), Bellevue LifeSpring, Immigrant Women’s Community Center, Africans on the Eastside, PorchLight Housing, Mary's Place, Solid Ground, Ubumwe Women Association Services, YMCA of Greater Seattle, Backpack Brigade, Babies of Homelessness, KidVantage, Renewal Food Bank, Salvation Army, Sound Generations, Imagine Housing, Elbert House, Congolese Integration Network, Attain, Hopelink, Consejo, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KSARC), Family Law Casa of King County, Kindering, Chinese Information and Service Center, Russian-speaking Senior Day Program, East King County Family Resource Center, and Kin On Healthcare Center. 

9/21: Mary’s Place, 4 Tomorrow, Indian American Community Services, Centro Cultural Mexicano,  Upwards Boost and Learn, Bellevue Home Repair Program, Consejo, DAWN, Youth Eastside Services, Bellevue Schools Foundation, Kindering Center (Childcare and Preschool Consultation program), Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue, new International Community Health Services program, Friends of Youth, Open Doors, Eastside Legal Assistance Program, Housing Stability Program, Rainier Athletes, Congolese Integration Network, Immigrant Women’s Community Center, Worldwide for Refugee, and PorchLight. 

Tuesday, October 6th 

City Council, 6pm (link)

Proclamations for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Walk and Roll to School Day, and Community Planning Month

Oral Communications: Speakers may register starting at noon on the day of the meeting (link), and are usually allotted three minutes each. 

Brief on the community impact of Bellevue Youth Theatre and the 2026 Experience Bellevue! celebration that was held at City Hall on September 19th. 

Consent Calendar

• Minutes 
• Three-year extension of the Lease Agreement between Kimschott Factoria Mall, LLC, and the City of Bellevue for the Bellevue Police Community Substation at Factoria Mall. The lease rental rate is increasing and will also go up 4% annually for the second and third year, but this is well below market rates. 
• Settlement of a lawsuit due to property damage because of a watermain break that caused significant flooding to a home. 

Budget Deliberations: Discussion of the 2027-2028 Preliminary Operating Budget and the 2027- 2032 Capital Improvement Program Plan through the Safe & Efficient Transportation System Strategic Target Area. (Transportation Benefit District tax, Grand Connection Crossing, Operating Budget, and Capital Improvement Plan).

This is one of a series of Budget discussions; next week there will be one on Economy/Safety and Health/Utilities. On Oct 20th, the budget discussion will cover things like human services, housing, community engagement, technology, building maintenance, access to services, TOD, long term planning, Smart City, parks and streetscapes, and development services fees. The final public hearing will be on Oct. 27th. 

Budget Discussion: Grand Connection and Transportation Benefit District 

The Agenda Memo provides an outline of where the $265.5M for the Grand Connection Crossing (GCX) construction costs will come from. Some of the funds ($75M) are coming from debt issuance, but no line item for interest costs is provided (my estimate was $40M, not in present dollars). It seems likely that the $13.2M that the TIF Property Tax would contribute in this tally is reduced by the amount of bond interest that will need to be paid, but it is concerning that this is not clearly stated. From my notes about the Final Project Analysis this spring, TIF would support 24% ($84.4 million, present value $41.0 million) of the GCX costs (the 24% was based on total costs that included more bond repayments)(see pages 8 and 81 of the FPA).

The TBD has the potential to generate $11M annually (and increasing with inflation) just from the 0.1% increase in sales tax, and the separate decision about the car tab fee of $20-50/vehicle annually would also bring in millions. From the Transportation Scenarios memo attached to the Sept 15 meeting materials*, the car tab would bring in just over $2M annually at the $20 level; if it steps up to $40 when allowed, then that could generate $36M over ten years. Raising it to $50 might take a referendum, but that could mean ~$42M over 10 years and ~$50M for the ten years after that, if the TBD is renewed after 10 years. (Note: this potential $52M increase for the car tabs over 20 years is lower than the $121M increase mentioned in the FPA, but I don’t see flexibility in the sales tax amount without a vote). 

There was also a previous mention of an underspend assumption of 10% in the GCX Cashflow document from the 9/22 meeting, which knocked down the amount of money we needed to find under the cushions by $26.5M (via wishful thinking?). It does not appear here, but I wonder if it is still being credited as a source of funds in one of these categories. It’s also possible that City Council has pushed back on some more risky strategies, as I believe they did for the previous interest-only GCX bond payments idea. The Memory Bank document (question 31) shows that Naren Briar asked about this, and the answer was that it was a cash flow thing due to lagging invoices, etc. 

During the Budget Info Session on Sept 30th, there was more than one mention that the TBD could possibly return $10M to the "General Fund," but John Resa described it as a one-time transfer, not each year (intriguing). There is also a bullet point at the bottom of page 3 of this week’s agenda memo that talks about $50M coming back to the General Fund from the TIF over 25 years (after covering crossing maintenance costs, which I do not see an estimate for, and debt service). I believe the estimate for the TIF revenue is still $84.4M, and debt service might be $40M, so this does not math using the numbers I have. 

Other potential funding sources for the Grand Connection Crossing identified by the FPA were: Reserves of $158M, increasing the amount collected under the TBD (extra $121M over 20 years, on top of the $127.8M it said was the base [obviously less than $11-13M + $2M over 20 years, so the amount going to GCX was assumed to be only a portion of the TBD collections]), banked levy capacity ($134.5 million over 20 years) and the B&O tax rate (up to $154 million over 20 years) [pages 81 and 82]. 

Background on Timeframes: The revenue distribution of the TIF would be particularly backloaded over the 25 years (we won’t get any $ from taxes on improvements on the City Hall or station parcels until those are torn down and turned into offices, for example, and we’re still making $M’s of investments in upgrading City Hall [see 3/17/26 consent calendar, and page 15 of the Memory Bank attachment]). There’s also been mention of “20 years”, though I’m not sure what that corresponds to. Other things that are 20 years are the Comprehensive Plan, the Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion levy (2017-2036?) and the TFP, which was increased from 12 to 20 years in 2025 since we didn’t have enough $ for Transportation CIP projects in the budget due to the Contra line item that had a significant negative value. 

* There is also a Transportation Scenarios memo attached to the agenda this month, but it’s dated Sept 10th, and looks like it’s the same as the one for the previous meeting. 

Budget Discussion: Operating Budget

This includes: Roadway and Sidewalk Maintenance  Street Cleaning and Snow & Ice Response  Bridge and Pavement Preservation  Smart Mobility and Intelligent Transportation Systems  Neighborhood Services  Traffic Engineering  Signals and Street Lighting  Implementation and Long-Range Planning  Development Review and Inspection  Right of Way Management  Transportation Demand Management

There are some new or expanded items: 

Speed Safety Camera Program, ($11M (upfront investment?), 3.0 FTE) Seems unclear if it includes the first 14 cameras that are being deployed by the end of 2026 (seven locations, one camera facing each direction). There was also a significant investment in outreach previously, and some follow-up surveys are expected. It is not clear what the 3 FTE is for, and if the cost for those personnel is included in the $11M, since the cameras are provided by a contractor. After implementation is complete, it will be funded by revenues generated by the cameras. Not clear if revenues should also cover set-up costs.  Not clear if this includes the feedback signs at the camera locations, which were budgeted at $1M in the Transportation Scenarios memo (with or without the TBD tax). I don’t see the cameras themselves in the scenarios. There is also a one-time funding line item for the cameras for $6k on page 13 of the Memory Bank. The contract with Verra Mobility was in the consent calendar for 7/21/26: $7.5M in Phase 1 and $3.7M in Phase 2 (which would start in 2028). 

Parking and Curb Management Program ($3 million; 1.50 FTE) This is more than the rollout was supposed to cost $1.6M when the City Council was deciding whether we should install parking meters, and less than was included in the Sept 15th Transportation Scenarios document ($6.1M, top of the table). It is not city-wide, just Downtown, BelRed and Wilburton, and implementation won’t happen right away in areas where parking is at less of a premium. Page 15 of the Memory Bank doc says the actual amount is $3,044,902. 

Shared Micromobility ($210,000, 0.5 FTE) “staffing and operating costs,” not listed on the Transportation Scenarios memo. There is also a note in page 11 of the Memory Bank that says 75% of a $14,000 request for Shared Micro-mobility was funded in the 2027-2028 budget, and Page 15 lists $30k for shared micro-mobility. 

BellHop, $300,000 - [duration not specified], though the Transportation Scenarios memo listed this as Interim Support and it will only be funded if both the sales tax and car tabs tax are approved.

Budget Discussion: Capital improvements 

* There is a Transportation Scenarios memo attached to the agenda for this meeting, but it’s dated Sept 10th, and looks like it’s the same as the one for the previous meeting. No obvious changes 

Bellevue’s Future of Transportation Engagement Report covered virtual and in-person outreach and a survey with 936 responses. Top two requests were: Maintain and repair aging streets, sidewalks, and bridges, and Improve driving travel times through street design and traffic signal upgrades. 

The Memory Bank included other things that may need more research: “Portfolio‑level CIP allocations are based on revenue sourcing,” A question from Mo: “Is the private contribution and donation for the Grand Connection $24 million in the CIP?” Answer: When you look at the full 10-year period, it actually rolls up to about $41M, which we'll talk more about on the 6th of October. But in the first six years, in the first couple of years of that, it's a smaller amount.” There were 50 questions from Council, and about 1/4 of them don't have answers yet. For example, a question from Vishal Bhargava: “If you think the TBD pieces are really important and critical for our city, why are they not in the base budget?” “This question will be answered in greater detail during the 10/6/2026 Council Meeting when we discuss the Strategic Target Area: Safe and Efficient Transportation.” “I would love to see the cumulative impact to our taxpayers of all the things, increases, fee changes, etc. What does it mean to a typical resident from the budget that we've got, the revenue sources and the budget that they've got?” “This will be discussed at an upcoming Council Meeting.”  

On page 11 of the Memory Bank, you see that the “Towing and destruction of seized RVs” had a $150k request, but is being given no funding at all, and there are many other items that didn’t have their funding requests met. On Page 12, it appears that 33 people have commented in favor of the Grand Connection, and *zero* against, but many are opposed to the TBD or want a vote on the tax to go to voters. On page 13, it is interesting that the Expanded Utility Bill Assistance Program ($5.2M) and Affordable Housing permit expenses ($1.05M) are listed as one-time expenses; I would have said we are very likely to continue these in the future. Page 15 only has $20k for municipal EV charging, which implies that the new chargers for the BSC, Fire Station 1, and City Hall will all be installed by the end of 2026. It is also interesting to compare this with the 2024 budget Memory Bank, which is here, and the Capital Projects Dashboard (updated quarterly, here). 

At the Sept 30 info session, John Resa said that the $5M allocated for KidsQuest is already included in the $9.5M that Council approved on 5/5/26, and that it’s not a new funding amount. I’d noted at the time that the first installment was $4.5M, with funds to be triggered at $2.5M for substantial completion of improvements/maintenance, and the final $2.5M at occupancy in about 2028, so this makes sense. It is likely many/most other items listed in this budget would similarly tie back to a previous decision, but I haven’t figured out if there’s a reference that lets you trace them back yet. 

One person at the info session asked about the Aquatic Center, which they said they didn’t see any funding for in the budget, but page 15 of the Memory Bank shows $18.5M for it from 2027-2032. A likely error is in the G-NEWFAM item, which is listed as $500k on page 13 and $50k on page 15. Page 15 says it is part of the response to question 46, but that doesn’t make sense to me. Another likely error is where, it lists $155M for Pedestrian and Bike Mobility in 2027-2032, but the Transportation Scenarios memo puts $82.8M-$118M for that category in 2027-2036, depending on the TBD tax decision, plus a separate Preservation item for $24M that includes major intersection work; all together it still doesn’t add up to $155M. Neighborhood Mobility is $38M-$55M depending on the scenario, but the Memory Bank groups Neighborhood Mobility with Safety at $30M (possibly not a discrepancy since the Scenarios time frame is longer, but still annoying for someone who is trying to make sure things match up). I think there are probably a lot of discrepancies I haven’t noticed, since some of the more interesting info was just released yesterday with the meeting materials, and I’ve been told I’ll get answers to some of my questions on Monday. Please take a look if you have time! 

City Council Consideration of the Bellewood Townhomes Rezone application (Freiheit Architecture/ JB Bellewood, LLC) for a rezone of an ~3.2-acre site located at 2233 & 2229 112th Avenue NE to amend the existing Concomitant Zoning Agreement (CZA) to allow multi-family residential development on the subject site (Near Bellevue Montessori School, International Montessori Academy, and Cedar Crest Academy) with no changes to the site’s existing Office (O) zoning designation. The Hearing Examiner recommends approval, and there are attached documents (859 pages) for the Hearing Examiner’s Administrative Record. This is a Process III quasi-judicial land use matter. The proposal is for 42 townhome units. It currently has 3 and 4-story office buildings from 1978. 

Consideration of the EverGlen Village Rezone application (Rice Fergus Miller) for a rezone of an ~0.62-acre site at 12500 NE 10th Place from Professional Office (PO) to Mixed Use Residential - Midrise (MUR-M). There are no specific development plans for the site at this time. The Hearing Examiner recommends approval, and there are attached documents for the Hearing Examiner’s Administrative Record. The property to the north is included in the BelRed Subarea (map from the 9/10/24 City Council meeting) and from the 2024 FLUM, it appears that the intended zoning for these parcels and the ones around them are the same. The BelRed MUR-M zoning will allow 100’ buildings when the BelRed Look Forward passes soon; seems possible that FAR for MUR-M may vary by area but I didn’t really have time to confirm what the differences are. 

Wednesday, October 7th 

Arts Commission, 4:30pm (link)

Partner Presentations from Northwest Edvard Grieg Society (performances and Education in partnership with Music Works Northwest). Although they will have 5 concerts on the Eastside this season, there are too many in other places, so they won’t reach the 50% requirement that would allow them to apply for the EAP grant next year (seems to me that at least the education component could be funded).  Also, the Seattle Chinese Chorus will present - no information provided.

Outdoor Event Venue Feasibility Study Update: Event producers have been surveyed and interviewed, and the report on that should already be done. The next phase is the Feasibility Report: Determination of Need, Facility Definition, Activity Profile, Management and Operating Scenarios, Facility Precedents, Funding Models, and Potential Sites, and that report will be completed by the end of the year. The consultant team is Framework Cultural Placemaking, AMS Planning & Research, and Snøhetta.

The Factoria Public Art call had 154 artists apply, and it is proposed that Jennifer Tran and People’s Architecture Office be selected. There are some photos of their past work, but It looks like they haven’t shown a specific concept that they’ve already settled on. The budget is $600k plus tax. 

The Pacific Northwest Korean-American Parents Association (PNW KoPA) has proposed naming its bronze award the “Bellevue Arts Commission Award.” The Commission will vote on this. 

Public meeting at 6pm (virtual) for Spring District MDP Revision 12 for North Blocks Multifamily (link) 

Thursday, October 8th 

Meydenbauer South Reservoir Community Meeting at Bellevue City Hall, 6:30-8pm (link)

Transportation Commission meeting, 6:30pm (link)

Mobility Implementation Plan Changes: The administrative updates to the speed limit category and map update to reflect the current transit network can be done without Commission action. The new map shown looks like it should include Route 240 as a frequent transit route, though there could be criteria for this beyond the 15 minute headways.

     The Commission will consider the removal of the Speed Limit Factor multiplier that assumed it was common for cars to exceed the speed limit when assessing the comfort of adjacent pedestrians. Data has been collected to show that drivers actually go closer to the speed limit (though major speed limit changes have yet to take effect), and this change also requires Council approval. Attachment C has the maps that shows pedestrian and bike facility gaps after this change takes place, and the number of places that are still identified as in need of improvement are plentiful; this change will help us do a better job of highlighting them.

       There will also be continued discussion of how to categorize the intersections that do not meet the forecast Volume/Capacity (V/C) performance target, such as due to regional traffic. 

       The MIP System Intersection Performance forecast for 2045 looks much better than the map I remember from the Comprehensive Plan FEIS, and I am trying to remember if there’s been a change in how this is calculated.

Draft Minutes: 

Human Services Commission, 9/14/26, 9/21/26  (link)

City Council, 9/15/26, 9/22/26 (link)

Arts Commission, 9/2/26 (link) - includes discussion of a 1800-2400 seat performing arts center (PACE) study

Transportation Commission, 7/9/26 (link) - Deputy Mayor Hamilton suggested it would be helpful to have the presentation materials available before meetings. 

Upcoming meetings:       

10/13 Council: ESC recommendation (on budget and rates?)

10/14 State Legislature: Joint Transportation Committee meeting  

10/14 Planning Commission: Great Neighborhoods: Introduction Lake Hills & West Lake Sammamish

10/15 BSD School Board meeting 

10/22 Hearing on changes to Shoreline Management Act, 5pm open house, 6pm hearing (link)

10/28 Planning Commission: BelRed LUCA Public Hearing, Downtown Livability 2.0 request for hearing 

11/5 BSD School Board meeting 

11/5 ESC: Solid Waste Performance Update, Water System Plan Final Draft and Recommendation, Storm and System Water Plan Update 

11/18 Planning Commission: Economic Development Plan Update, Wilburton Sustainable District Phase 2 update 

12/3 BSD School Board meeting 

12/9 Downtown Livability 2.0 Public Hearing 

12/17 BSD School Board meeting starts at 2pm 

Opportunities:

https://newbellevue.com/get-involved/ will be updated as items come in, and has items which are still open. Some surveys and new items:

There are openings on the Bellevue Network on Aging to give older adults a voice in issues that affect their lives. Applicants must live, work, and/or serve older adults in Bellevue, and may apply online by Friday, October 23rd. (link)

Sharing again: A petition, "Demand an independent review of a bad energy plan" has been posted on Change.org https://www.change.org/demand-energy-review

The Youth Climate Action Fund (link) welcomes teams of Bellevue youth ages 15–24 to apply for microgrants up to $5,000 to lead projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build climate resilience, educate the community or advance sustainability in Bellevue. Applications will be accepted through November 5th (corrected date), and there will also be an info session on October 28th. You can specify on the interest form if you'd need help finding a team and/or sponsor organization. 

Applications for the Eastside Arts Partnership Support Grants and Project Grants are due October 10, 2026. EAP Grants can provide up to $15k, and there are $3k, $5k, and $7k levels for the project grants to fund arts, cultural, and heritage projects. BellevueWA.gov/ArtsGrants

Blood donation opportunities have been added to the event calendar for 10/3, 10/5, 10/6, and 10/11. Volunteers are needed for donor registration, monitoring donors, and promoting blood drives; these 3-4 hour shifts would be 1-2 times per month. (link)

Washington Aerospace Scholars (link) provides hands-on activities and insight from industry experts to prepare students for careers in aerospace. The program runs from Nov-March and is free unless you choose to get UW credit. There is a virtual info night on October 6th from 6-7pm. High school juniors must apply by October 13th, though applications are being accepted now on a rolling basis.

The Creative Crosswalks survey is open through November 30th (link).

Events and Community Calendar:

https://newbellevue.com/events/

10/3 Fall Edit Runway Show at Bellevue Square, $50, 8:30-10am (link) - sold out

10/3 Saturday Morning Walk at Downtown Park, 9-10am (link)

10/3 Journaling the Garden at Bellevue Botanical Garden, free, 9-11am (link)

10/3 WSU Extension Master Gardener Program at Bellevue Demonstration Garden for Soil Nutrition 2.0, 10am-noon (link)

10/3 Great Neighborhoods: Lake Hills Public Space Assessment, 10am-noon (link) - 90-minute walk with free doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate! Participants will help conduct a public space assessment identifying opportunities to improve access to neighborhood gathering places, public spaces and the pedestrian and cyclist experience. There is another walk at 1pm.

10/3 Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and City of Bellevue Resource Fair at Crossroads Mall, 10am-2pm (link) - info about assistance programs (for both homeowners and renters) and accessing services; those who visit all the booths will be given a gift card to Grocery Outlet (while supplies last)

10/3 Bloodworks NW blood drive at the American Progressive Telugu Association (Crossroads area), 10am-4pm (link)

10/3 Seattle Bach Festival | Day of Historical Keyboards at UW in Seattle, $40, free for students, 10am-4pm (link) -  lautenwerck, clavichord, harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ

10/3-10/4 Salmon Days in Issaquah, 10am-6pm (link)

10/3 Amazon's The Spheres in Seattle are open to the public on the first and third Saturdays, 10am-6pm (link) - a reservation is required

10/3  Bellevue Classical Piano Meetup Group @ St. Luke's Lutheran Church, free, 10am-noon (link) - non-performers do not need to RSVP, $15 to play

10/3 Claude Builders Bellevue Monthly Event at Capital One Cafe on Bellevue Way, 11am-2pm (link)

10/3 Kelsey Creek Farm Fair, 11am-4pm (link) - See event page for parking and shuttle details. Most activities are free, but you can pay for a child to ride a pony or do pumpkin decorating, and there will be a play patch with crafts and carnival games. Volunteers are needed for this event, ages 15+.

10/3 Youth Nature Journaling Club at Bellevue Botanical Garden, free, ages 6-11 must be accompanied by an adult and 12+ can participate independently, please be on time for 12pm start, noon-1pm (link)

10/3 The Wisdom of Leaves watercolor painting experience at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $80 (discount for BBG members), noon-2pm (link)

10/3 Mini Runway shows at Bellevue Square Mall for Fashion Week, noon-4pm (link)

10/3 Starberry jewelry, Thuc Cafe, and Bakery Based pop-ups at Je T'aime Blooms, noon-6pm (link)

10/3 Fiesta del Maiz at Crossroads Park, free, noon-5pm - Storytelling, folklore crafts, and interactive activities for kids. Demonstrations/education showing traditional preparation, nixtamalization, and cultivation, Dance, poetry and traditional music, and many food and art vendors!

10/3 The Bellevue German Language Meetup group is going to Oktoberfest on Bainbridge Island, 12:30-9:30pm (link)

10/3 Great Neighborhoods: West Lake Sammamish Public Space Assessment, 1-3pm (link) - 90-minute walk with free doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate! Participants will help conduct a public space assessment identifying opportunities to improve access to neighborhood gathering places, public spaces and the pedestrian and cyclist experience. There is another walk at 10am.

10/3-10/4 Youth Workshop: Learn to Crochet an amigurumi pumpkin, ages 9+, ages 12 and up don't need to have a parent present, $112, discount for members, two-day class from 1-3pm (link)

10/3 Sharbani Datta's “Odissi Dance Presentation” at Highland Community Center, 2-4pm

10/3 be you Art Exhibition reception at Yuan Ru Art Center, 2-4pm - show runs 10/3-10/11

10/3 Autumn Moon Night Market at the Spring District, free, 2-7pm (link) - annual lion dance at 5pm, family friendly, 50+ vendors

10/3 Bellevue Library Author Talk for Intemperance by Sonora Jha, 3-5pm (link) - This is a hybrid event; register if attending online, and there will be a sensory friendly watch party at Newport Way Library (also 3-5pm, link). Another event related to this book is on 10/20.

10/3 Под грибом, at Theatre33, 11am and 5pm, (11am show is sold out) and 10/10-10/11, various times, $18, (link)

10/3 Styled for Strength (Pink Threads of Resilience): Survivors, Warriors, and Legacies near Bellevue City Hall, $35, 6-8pm (link) - benefits Filipino American Cancer Care and features Holistic Healing Center

10/3 Northwest Flamenco Academy Tablao program student showcase, $25, 7pm (link) - doors open at 6:30, featuring guest singer Erin Lau

10/3 Frequencies of Unrest Chesta Beatz at Civility & Unrest, free entry, 21+, craft cocktails, 7-11pm

10/3 Aerial shows by Gabby Leiva at Suite, 7:30, 8:15, and 9pm, no cover, and DJ EPOP at 9:20pm

10/3 Lonely Hearts Club: The Music of the Beatles at Bake's Place, 8-9:30pm (link)

10/3 Saturday Socials at Primo’s Bellevue | Supper Club + Late Night, 21+, 10pm-2am (link) - also 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, and 11/21

10/4 lululemon Center Court Sweat with Charmaine at Bellevue Square Mall, free, 9-10am, tickets go on sale 9/16 (link) - class full

10/4 Willow Bird Feeder/Garlic Holder basketry workshop at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $115 (discount for BBG members, 10am-1pm (link)

10/4 lululemon Center Court Sweat Mat Pilates with Maddie, 10am (link) - sold out

10/4 Theatre33's Little Red Hen, $9+, 11am (link)

10/4 SF & F Reading and Hangout at Lincoln Square, free, 11am-1pm (link) - this week's discussion is on Harrison Bergeron

10/4 Pokemon TCG League Cup at Mox Boarding House, 11:15am

10/4 Greener Living class on Castile Soap 101 at Bellevue Library (Downtown), 1-2pm (link) - additional classes on 10/7, 10/13, 10/21, 11/12, 11/16, and 11/24

10/4 Crochet, Coffee, and Chat at Woods Coffee in Hotel 116, 1pm (link) - waitlist

10/4 Play with Plants Woven Vessel basketry workshop at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $115 (discount for BBG members, 2-6pm (link)

10/4 Call and Response #4, community painting and live music at Crossroads with artist Brenda Loukes-Johnson facilitating, free/donation and registration is required, ages 15+, 3:30-5:30pm, arrive by 3:15 (link)

10/4 ACME Foundation's Dvayam at Meydenbauer Center Theatre, 4-7pm (link)

10/4 Sunday Sunset Salsa Bachata Social Dance (Happy October Fest) at Bravo Dance School with DJ Ernesto, 6-8:30pm - (there are also 4-week Salsa Bachata dance series classes starting Oct 5-8)

10/5-10/9 Walk and Roll to School Week

10/5 Bloodworks NW blood drive at the QFC on 8th (north of Bellevue Square Mall), 9am-3pm (link)

10/5 Plugged In: EVs, Charging & Mobility at The Eight, $30, 9:30am (link) - kick off event for Transportation Week, includes guided tour of The Eight charging infrastructure and coffee and donuts

10/5 Bellevue Utilities Long-Term Plans Open House (at Bellevue Library), drop-in from 3:30-5:30pm (link)

10/5 Photography Workshop: Hues of Red and Gold in the Garden, $115, discount for BBG members, 5-7pm (link)

10/5 Human Services Commission Public Hearing on human services needs

10/5 Firefly Social for Tech Professionals at Tapster, 6pm (link)

10/5 LD 45 & LD 48 Housing Equity Candidate Forum – General Election, 6-7:30pm (link)

10/5 Continuing the Conversation: Welcoming Neighbors Through Stories at Crossroads Community Center, 6-8pm (link) - light refreshments provided, registration (link) encouraged

10/6 Bloodworks NW blood drive at Expeditors International in Factoria, 9am-3pm (link)

10/6 Transportation Week: Decarbonizing the Commute: Bikes, Transit & Micromobility, 9:30am (link) - optional 30-minute guided Lime bike ride through Bellevue to follow, coffee and donuts

10/6 Theatre33's “В гостях у Тэффи / A Visit with Teffi” at North Bellevue Community Center, free to RSVP, 10am-noon (link)

10/6 Tradition Lake with Tracks Tuesday Trails 50+ Hiking, which meets at NBCC, transportation provided, $8, 10am-2pm (link)

10/6 Protect & Connect brunch hosted by the Bellevue Police Foundation, 11:30am-1pm (link) - designed with parents in mind, this inaugural event will focus on current challenges to youth safety including internet, vehicular and e-bike safety

10/6 Craft a Character at NBCC, ages 5 and under with adult, free to register, 5-6pm (link) - on Tuesdays until 10/27. This week's book is From Head to Toe.

10/6 Civics 101 series at Newport Way Library: Civics Trivia Night, 5:30-7:30pm - registration not required, presented by the Office of the Washington Secretary of State, refreshments provided, questions will cover topics from previous workshops.

10/6 Ways to Peace: The Art of Re-Centering at Bellevue Library, 5:30-7:30pm (link, link) - taught by Marci McReynolds, formerly manager of the BCRC

10/6 Intro to Sergers at the Bellevue Library Makerspace, 5:30-7:30pm (link) - registration opens on 9/29

10/6 Washington Aerospace Scholars (link) provides hands-on activities and insight from industry experts to prepare students for careers in aerospace. The program runs from Nov-March and is free unless you choose to get UW credit. There is a virtual info night on October 6th from 6-7pm. High school juniors must apply by October 13th, though applications are being accepted now on a rolling basis.

10/6 Yasmin Levy performs One More Night at Meydenbauer Center, 8pm (link)

10/7 Tomodachi Art Classes in Japanese at 9:30-11:30 and noon-2pm, $23 including tax (link) - also 10/14, 10/21, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/9, and 12/16

10/7 Greener Living class Dare to Repair at NBCC, 11am-12pm (link) - additional classes on 10/13, 10/21, 11/12, 11/16, and 11/24

10/7 Intro to Digitization class at Bellevue Library, 11:30am-12:30pm (link) - registration opens on 9/30

10/7 Made in Bellevue: Ferns and Broadleaf Houseplants at The Meadow, free, noon-2pm (link) - also 10/21

10/7 ORCA card assistance event at Mini City Hall in Crossroads, 1:30-3:30pm - for anyone who needs a new card, Senior or Disabled reduced fare permits, replacing lost/damaged cards or answering questions, also 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, and 12/16

10/7 Start of Fall Bike Club for ages 10-13, with a different 2-3 mile ride on trails each week. Participants must know how to ride, but bikes and helmets are available to borrow on request. Oct 7-28, $30 for residents, 1:45-3:30pm (link)

10/7 Art Cart at Newport Way Library, for children and teens 6+, 3-5pm (link) - on first Wednesdays (also 11/4 and 12/2)

10/7 Open Lakehouse + AI Meetup at Databricks - Bellevue, 5-9pm (link)

10/7 Hauntingly Creative Happy Hour at the Yarrow Bay Kitchen and Market, 5-7pm

10/7 Community Hawaiian Art Making (Kapa) at Lake Hills Library, registration required (4 seats left), 6-7:30pm (link) - class will fill up, also on 10/20 at Newport Way Library

10/7 Public meeting at 6pm (virtual) for Spring District MDP Revision 12 for North Blocks Multifamily (link) 

10/7 Eastside Jam Open Mic at BelRed Arts Studio, 7-9pm

10/8-10/11 Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound's “REPS Showcase” at Hotel 116 (link)

10/8 Eastside Leadership Conference: Zero Hour at the Meydenbauer Center, $250, 8am-2pm (link)

10/8 Midday Mindfulness in UW's Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, free, 11:15am (link) - guided meditation in the James Turrell Skyspace

10/8 Peyvand's Ultimate Citizens film screening at Bellevue College, noon-2pm

10/8 Bellevue Lifespring's Pack with a Purpose at Bake's Place, 16+, free to RSVP, 4-6pm (link) - pack snacks for local students experiencing food insecurity, and enjoy delicious appetizers

10/8 Transportation Week Closing Party hosted by ZEV Coop, 4:30pm

10/8 Thirsty Thursday | Greater Bellevue Community Business Networking, free, 4:30-6:30pm (link) - also 11/12 and 12/10

10/8 Free Family Workshop: Reducing Your Water Bill (Presented in English) at Highland Middle School, 6-7:30pm (link) - there is also a session in Spanish on 10/7

10/8 Meydenbauer South Reservoir Community Meeting at Bellevue City Hall, 6:30-8pm (link)

10/8 Orquesta Northwest's “Annual Latino Chamber Music Festival 2026” at First Congregational Church of Bellevue, 7-10pm (link)

10/9 No school for BSD students

10/9 Play with Clay at KidsQuest, 10am-noon (link) - included with admission; additional $10.50 to glaze and fire in the kiln. There is also an Open Clay Studio on first Fridays from 5-7pm, same cost to glaze and fire

10/9 The State of Arts and Culture on the Eastside (at the former Bellevue Arts Museum), panel discussion with special guest Martin Greer from ArtsFund, 11:30am-1:30pm (link)

10/9 “Eastside Día de los Muertos” Sugar Skull activity at Crossroads Community Center, 12:30-2pm

10/9 Fall in Bellevue Celebration 2026 at The Meadow, 1-4pm (link) - Enjoy an urban pumpkin patch filled with 500 free pumpkins and plenty of fall‑themed photo moments. Bellden Cafe will be keeping the vibes cozy with complimentary hot cider, pumpkin‑spiced scones, and apple‑cinnamon waffle sticks. And for a little hands‑on fun, enjoy a pumpkin‑decorating craft that’s great for kids, adults, and anyone who loves a good seasonal project.

10/9 Make Your Idea Lovable at the Mercer Island Library, 2-4pm (link)- ​A Hands-On Lovable Workshop with LatinaTechies to build an app or work on a side project

10/9 Tinker Time at KidsQuest, 3-4pm (link) - included with admission, all ages can build towers and play with tools, weekly on Fridays, with new materials each week

10/9 UW Planetarium public shows on campus in Seattle, at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm

10/9 NAMI Eastside Annual Gala at Meydenbauer Center, 5:30-9pm (link)

10/9 Jazz Overhaul quartet plays in the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, Meydenbauer Center, student tickets $10, general admission $20, 7:30-9pm (link)

10/9 We Have Some Monsters, an improvised musical at Village Theatre in Issaquah, $28+ - one night only

10/9 IndieProv: Local Improv Showcase at Jet City Improv in Seattle, 7.50-15, 7:30pm (link) - second Fridays, also 11/13, 12/11, and 1/8

10/9 West Coast Feed: The New Seattle Sound at Bake's Place, 8-9:30pm (link)

10/9 Off the Coast - Caribbean Party at Primo's, 10:30pm-2am (link)

10/10 MGFA Community Health Fair - Seattle at the W Bellevue, 9am-1pm (link) - learn more about managing myasthenia gravis

10/10 PEPS and Vroom parent meetup and interactive music at The Heybrook (Yarrow Bay area of Kirkland), free, 10am-noon (link)

10/10 Japan Week event at Bellevue College, free, 10am-5pm, free parking in the BC garage (link) - live music, dance, demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, and games

10/10 Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing tour in Seattle, $10, 10am (link)

10/10 Speak Up for Better Care Class at Overlake Medical Center, 1pm

10/10-10/11 Omo Thai Tea pop-up at Jo Malone London, 1-3pm

10/10 Gustavo Apiti Runway Show at Mari SkyClub, 5-7pm (link)

10/10 Lady A at Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, Meydenbauer Center, student tickets $10, general admission $20, 7:30pm (link)

10/10 Greta Matassa's tribute to Ray Charles at Bake's Place, 8-9:30pm (link)

10/10 La Pachanga at Mirra, 21+, $20, ladies free until 11pm, starts at 10pm

10/11 Crunch & Brunch Pilates and Pottery at Crossroads Mall, 8-11am (link) - 45 minute Pilates class, matcha by Saintcha, and a $15 pottery voucher for Creatively Yours

10/11 Bloodworks NW blood drive at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (Eastgate), 9am-3pm (link)

10/11 Preserved Moss Art Workshop at Yuan Ru Art Gallery, $77.21, 1:30-3pm (link)

10/12 Full Moon Meditation at Downtown Park, 6:30-8:30pm (link) - recurs on second Mondays (11/9)

10/12 AJoy A Cappella Joy Chorus' Family and Friends Concert, 7:30-9:30pm (link)

10/13 Plein air painting with Evergreen Association of Fine Arts at Bellevue Botanical Garden, 9am-1pm (link)

10/13 Car Seat Checks at Seattle Children's Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center, 10am-1pm (link) - sign up online, offered on second and fourth Tuesdays

10/13 Harvey Manning with Tracks Tuesday Trails 50+ Hiking, which meets at NBCC, transportation provided, $8, 10am-2pm (link)

10/13 BSD Tech Talk: Helping Families Understand Technology, AI, Privacy, Safety, and Classroom Learning at WISC. Light lunch at 11:30, program 12-1pm

10/13 Quiet Reading Party at Bellevue Library, 5:30-7:30pm (link)- One Bellevue One Book 2026 event featuring Sonora Jha's Intemperance

10/13 Beyond the AI Pilot: CIO Dinner hosted by Trail at Ascend, 6-9pm (link)

10/13 Greener Living class on How to Get Rid of Almost Anything (virtual), 6-7pm (link) - additional classes on 10/21, 11/12, 11/16, and 11/24

10/13 Intro to 3D Printing class at the Bellevue Library Makerspace, 6-7pm (link) registration opens on 10/6

10/13 Make Paper Marigolds class using Cricut at the Bellevue Library Makerspace, free, 6-7:30pm (link) - registration opens one week before, and this class has filled up in the past

10/13 Queer Climb Night at Edgeworks, 7-9pm (link) - on second Tuesdays

10/13 Sunset Salsa Bachata Social with DJ Estrella at Bravo Dance School

10/14 Salmon Restoration and Planting Event at Carnation Farms, 10am

10/14 Autumn Tai Chi in the Park (Chen Style), south side of Bellevue Library, 11:30am-12:30pm (link) - may move indoors if there is rain

10/14 Newport Way Library Teen Volunteer Council Meeting, Grades 9-12, 2-3:30pm (link) - Earn volunteer hours and enjoy snacks.

10/14 All Ages Board Game Afternoon at Newport Way Library, 3:30-5:30pm (link) - most second Wednesdays through May (not Nov, but 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14, and 5/12)

10/14 HistoryLink's What Works, Seattle? discussion with past Seattle city leaders near Pike Place Market, 5:30-7pm

10/14 Eastside Día de los Muertos performance by Danza Azteca at Crossroads Community Center, 6-7pm

10/14 The Exchange Northwest Forum at Bellevue City Hall, free to RSVP, 6-8pm (link) - Event with the City of Bellevue, Bellevue College, Wa Tech at Washington State & King County Information Technology focusing on expanding digital equity, supporting small businesses and startups, connecting education and living wage jobs, and helping public services be as innovative as the communities we serve. This event is likely to fill up.

10/14 Reading with Rover (a certified therapy dog) at Bellevue Library, 6:30-7:30pm (link) - also 12/9

10/14 Is Humanity Reaching a Spiritual Tipping Point at Eastside Bahai Center, free, 6:30pm (link)

10/14 ELLA Casual Conversation 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at Lincoln Square, free, 7-9pm (link)

10/15 Old Bellevue Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting, at 520 Bar & Grill, 8:30-9:30am

10/15 Audubon Bird Walk at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $5, 9-10:30am (link)

10/15 Free opportunity to observe glassblowers in glassybaby's Madrona (in Seattle) hot shop, 10am-5pm - there is also a glass pumpkin workshop on 10/16 for ages 12+ that is $180

10/15 Bellevue Chamber lunch on Space Innovation, 11:30am-1pm (link) - Rep. Suzan DelBene, Amazon's Steve Hartell, and Greater Seattle Partners CEO Shannon Braddock share the stage at W Bellevue to talk about The New Space Race - earlybird pricing through October 8th.

10/15 Network Night Out at Ascend to support Bellevue Lifespring, 4-6pm

10/15 Hopelink's Reaching Out Celebration at Meydenbauer Center, requested donation is $200 or more, 5:30pm (link) - featuring guest speaker Rick Steves

10/15 BelRed Run Club Run/Walk and Breast Cancer Awareness Month event, 5:30pm - RSVP on Strava

10/15 The Gathering: An evening for Seattle's integrative health and wellness community at Sano on 106th, 6-8pm (link)

10/15 PlaytestNW Game Designers Meetup at Mox Boarding House, 6-9pm (link) - meets on third Thursdays

10/15 Fashion Connect SEA at Lucky Strike Bellevue, 21+, free, 7-9pm - this networking event is sponsored by Fashion District NW and Lucky Strike, and event booths are available. There will be an event step & repeat and photographers, so dress to impress!

10/15 Bellevue German Language meetup at Pasifika, 7-9pm (link) - monthly get-together, also 11/19 and 12/17  

10/16-10/26 Living Roots exhibition at Yuan Ru Art Center, 11am (link)

10/16 Make-a-Wish's Wish Heroes Luncheon at Meydenbauer Center, 11:30am

10/16 The Annual: Women’s Health, All in One Place with the Style Collective in Medina, $99, 11:30am-3pm (link) - optional pre-event session starts at 10:15am

10/16 Pine Needle Hand Brooms workshop at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $85 (discount for BBG members) 1-3:30pm (link)

10/16 Energy Efficiency Bingo at Crossroads Community Center, 2-2:30pm, followed by a half hour presentation on the bill assistance and energy efficiency program, and help signing up for programs like bill assistance, flex rewards, and energy assessments until 4pm. You will need information about your PSE account and resident birthdates.

10/16 Garden Baubles in Bulrush workshop at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $85 (discount for BBG members) 4-6:30pm (link)

10/16 Sound Generations Golden Gala in Seattle, 5-7:30pm (link)

10/16 Bellevue College International Guitar Series: Hao Yang, $20, $15 for BC faculty/staff, 7:30-9:15pm (link)

10/16 Mara & The Charm: Rock with a Wild Heart at Bake's Place, 6-7:30 and 8:30-10pm (link) - seatings start at 5pm and 8pm

10/16 Community Night at Crossroads: Pumpkin Painting, free, 6-8pm (link)

10/16 Bingo Night fundraiser to support the North Bellevue Community Center, ages 6+ welcome, $10 per card (cash), doors open at 6:30, 7-8:30pm (link)

10/16-10/18 and 10/22-10/25 A Picasso at Theatre33 - by Jeffrey Hatcher, will be performed in English, $30-35, Sunday shows are at 2pm and others are 7pm, also 10/23-10/25 (link) - when modern art became the enemy

10/16 Late Nights R&B at Mirra, free before 11pm with RSVP, 10pm-2am (link)

10/17 Tree Planting at Lewis Creek Park for Arbor Day - signup space is limited

10/17 2026 Bellevue Residential Permitting Expo at Bellevue City Hall, free, 10am-3:30pm (link) - Whether you’re a homeowner planning a new home or ADU, a DIY remodeler, a property owner navigating permits, or simply interested in housing and policy updates, you’ll get helpful information and resources at this free, drop-in event. New workshops and panels for 2026 include Understanding permitting, how to use MyBuildingPermit.com, and Tree Code rules, with an interactive event to follow on pre-approved plans for DADUs and cottages. Registration is appreciated.

10/17 Harvest Market at Carnation Farms in Carnation, 10am-3pm

10/17 Intro to the Laser Cutter at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 11:30am-12:30pm (link) - registration opens 10/10

10/17 Mushroom Walk at Bridle Trails State Park with PNW Ecotherapy, $37.37, 1pm (link) - sold out

10/17 Diwali Sangam at Yuan Ru Art Center, 2-5pm (link) - Honoring the Creative who keep culture alive: art, food, culture, performances, option to light up a diya for $150 to support the event

10/17 Make a Pendant Three Ways class at the Bellevue Library Makerspace, 18+, 2:30-5:30pm (link) - 3D printer, laser cutter, and CNC, registration opens 10/10

10/17 Point of Sail: A Tribute to Yacht Rock at Bake's Place, 6-7:30pm and 8:30-10pm (link) - seatings start at 5pm and 8pm

10/17-10/28 Theatre33's “Волшебное Путешествие Алисы / Alice's Magical Journey” at Meydenbauer Center Theatre

10/17 Eastside Symphony Young Soloist Celebration in Redmond, 15/10/$0, 7:30-9pm (link)

10/18 Get out the vote rally and canvass with Rep. Hall, Callan, Zahn, Thai, and Vanessa Kritzer in Sammamish, 11am

10/18 Storytime at the Garden for K-2 at BBG, free, 1-1:30pm (link) - adults must attend with the children

10/18 Festive Herbal Beverages from the Garden, $60, discount for members, 1-3pm (link) - how to grow and harvest herbs, edible flowers, and seasonal botanicals to craft cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, capturing maximum flavor

10/18 Opening Reception for the Living Roots Arts Collective at Yuan Ru Art Center, 2-4pm

10/18 Ruhi's Story: When the Moment Comes at Eastside Bahai Center, 3pm (link)

10/18 Street Foods of the World cooking class at Whisk in Old Bellevue, $145, 5-7:30pm (link) - Whisk offers 1-2 cooking classes every day

10/18 Club Pilates x Porsche Bellevue Mat Class Experience, 5:30pm

10/18 Mental Health Benefit Concert by EverEverest & ConChord Music, free to register, 6-7:30pm (link)

10/18 Sunset Salsa Bachata Social with DJ Spicy at Bravo Dance School

10/18 Jahm Sessions at Mirra, 21+, $10, 4-9pm (link)