Happy Friday, Eastside. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! In today’s edition: Sticker shock at Washington pumps, WinterFest, Bonfire & Christmas Ships, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Sticker shock at Washington pumps: Gas prices in Washington fell 21 cents since late October, but as of Nov. 25 the average was $4.188, 37% above the national $3.055 and higher than a year ago — get all the details.

Drivers face extended wait: WSDOT says the I-405 Renton to Bellevue widening and toll lanes project is delayed until summer 2027, nearly two years late, blaming contractor setbacks and pursuing litigation over delays — get the updated timeline.

Big changes for riders: King County Council approved Metro’s 2026-27 budget, a $4 billion package adding 400,000 bus hours and investing in zero-emission buses, including the Tukwila Base slated to open in 2026 — see what’s in the budget.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: Last week, my step-dad got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Annual plans are 55% off until Sunday — check it out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate with pancakes, Santa, and reindeer
• Join neighbors to plant native species
• Shop handcrafted gifts at Skyline Holiday Bazaar
• Celebrate Winterfest holiday fair and tree lighting
• Shop festive handmade gifts supporting refugees
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• Pet parents: Don’t miss Chewy’s Black Friday sale

🫶 We got your back

New store on the way: Vancouver-based Vessi is bringing its waterproof kicks stateside with its first U.S. store at Bellevue Square, opening late December on the second level in the former Trophy Cupcakes spot. Expect Dyma-tex walking shoes ($145 to $190) and some apparel and accessories. Seems Seattle’s rain finally met its match. See when and where it opens.

Opportunity for civic leadership: Redmond is taking applications to fill Osman Salahuddin’s vacant City Council Position 1. Apply by noon Jan. 2 if you live in 98052, are 18+, and a registered U.S. voter. An optional info session is Dec. 2 at City Hall. The appointee serves through 2027. Interviews start Jan. 13, with a Jan. 20 vote. See how and when to apply.

Spin it, plant it: Crate-dig where LPs are conservatively graded, re-sleeved in archival rice paper, and cleaned, then wander to the carnivorous plants for some cross-nerding. At Sundew Records & Plants, they also offer ultrasonic washing for your own stack, so everything spins and thrives.

Health drinks that don’t taste like grass: With tasty tea and matcha blends for everything from recovery and radiant skin to energy without the crash, a metabolism boost, and immune support, everything in Pique’s lineup tastes as good as it makes you feel. They’re clean, there are no additives, and all new monthly subscriptions are 20% off for liferight now. Yup… literally forever (or until you cancel).

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

😂 Lavalavas to Flannels with Sisa Grey @ Pasifika Grill & Bar | Friday (11/28) at 8:00pm – Ready to trade Netflix for laughs? Sisa Grey, yes VAI from Apple TV+ Chief of War, brings her stand-up Lavalavas to Flannels to Pasifika Grill & Bar in Bellevue, with a guest musician, dinner, and zero awkward two-drink minimums. All ages, $35, seats go fast.

💤 Friday Night Pajama Bingo @ Village Wines | Friday (11/28) at 8:00pm – Friday night means wine, pajamas, and yelling BINGO at Village Wines. One admission card reserves your seat and gets you ten rounds, extra cards are $5, with prizes, glass pours or bottles, and zero judgment for flannel pants.

This weekend

🌳 Restoration Event | 62nd Street Trail| Saturday (11/29) at 10:00am – Roll up your sleeves on the 62nd Street Trail and help swap weeds for native plants, Forest Steward led and neighbor approved. Finally, weeds you can judge without guilt. No experience necessary, gloves and tools provided, just bring water, sturdy shoes, and a can-do attitude.

❄️ WinterFest @ Kirkland Urban | Saturday (11/29) at 4:00pm – Holiday kickoff alert: Kirkland Urban becomes a festive playground with Santa pics, live ice carving, snowfall, and alpacas. Grab the kids for crafts, carolers, s’mores, and Boot Boogie Babes line-dance tips, then wander to Peter Kirk Park for the tree lighting.

🍷 Kaitie Wade @ Chateau Ste Michelle Winery | Saturday (11/29) at 5:00pm – Kaitie Wade is unplugging at Chateau Ste. Michelle for a cozy acoustic set, perfect for sipping something good and pretending we still go to concerts past bedtime. Expect warm vocals, familiar covers, a few originals, and that classic Woodinville barrel room glow.

🎅 The Santa Experience @ Hotel 116 | Sunday (11/30) at 2:00pm – Skip the mall chaos, Santa is clocking in at Hotel 116 in Bellevue with cocoa, cookies, and family photo ops. Kids write letters, he actually writes back, which is more than some relatives. Walk-ins are fine, but a reservation keeps you on the Nice List.

🚢 Bonfire & Christmas Ships @ Denny Park | Sunday (11/30) at 3:45pm – Denny Park on Lake Washington is doing it right with Christmas ships, a bonfire, and cocoa from FHNA. The City brings the heat, you bring the neighbors, and arrive early because parking is scarce and the ship’s serenade is short, sweet, and worth the cold.

🎶 Kozak Siromaha Charity Concert @ Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka | Sunday (11/30) at 5:00pm – An intimate charity concert and meet-and-greet with Kozak Siromaha, Ukraine’s harmonium-wielding Cossack, mixing music, ritual, and a little saber swagger. All proceeds support Ukrainian defenders, kids are welcome, and there will be pastries, so even your sweet tooth does a good deed. Limited tickets.

Next week

🏈 Belle Harbour: A Very Merry Open House featuring Blitz the Seahawk @ The Park at Belle Harbour | Monday (12/1) at 5:00pm – If you’ve been waiting for an easy win with the grandkids and your holiday spirit, this is it. Cookies, cocoa, and Blitz the Seahawk, plus writing cards to veterans, dazzling trees, wreaths, and menorahs, and a silent auction benefiting Puget Sound Honor Flight.

🎸 Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawai’i @ Kirkland Performance Center | Monday (12/1) at 7:00pm – Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is bringing Holidays in Hawai‘i to town, turning carols into island sunshine and your stress into a pleasant sway. Expect dazzling fingerwork, warm aloha vibes, and a holiday reset without the airport lines, or the sand in your shoes.

🥂 JWC: Charcuterie, Champagne & Creativity @ Chabad Mercer Island | Tuesday (12/2) at 7:15pm – Whether you need a night off or just an excuse to call charcuterie dinner, this Mercer Island hang features champagne, wood-burning, and conversation. Craft a Chanukah cheese board, meet women who get it, and leave with glow, snacks, and something you made. Space is limited.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 11/28 Marianna @ Crossroads Mall – 7 pm
• 11/29 FrensFest 0.2 @ Mirra – 10 pm
• 11/30 Forum Does Funny @ Forum Social House – 5 pm
• 12/3 Rock the Holidays @ Kirkland Performance Center – 7 pm
• 12/5 The Super Tonix @ Rollin Log Tavern – 9 pm
• 12/5 California Mix Night @ Briora Ballroom – 7 pm
• 12/6 Aria Ballroom Winter Showcase @ Aria Ballroom – 3 pm
• 12/6 Classical Chamber Recitals @ Redmond Senior and Community Center – 3 pm
• 12/7 Sunday Sunset Salsa/Bachata Social @ Bravo Dance School – 6 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Eastside edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Joey Ferrick (Groundhog Land Company)

Redesigned by SKB Architects, this 2,140 square foot central Bellevue ranch blends midcentury and modern on the 7th fairway of Glendale Golf Course. The private primary suite features high ceilings and windows to the jacuzzi and greens. A spa bath adds a Japanese soaking tub, steam shower, and generous closet. The gourmet kitchen pairs high-end appliances with custom Richlite counters, a Seattle Home Magazine feature.

A sleek living room bar sets the tone for entertaining, then the backyard seals it with a jacuzzi, LED lit sports court, and a golf cart garage with Glendale access. Central location, resort energy.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →