Happy Tuesday, Eastside. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Eastside Buzz serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:

• Mansion listing 🏰
• Free state fair tickets 🎟️ 
• 4th of July parade 🎆 
• Things to do 📆 

Let’s get to it.

📰 In the news

Bellevue housing strategy explained: The City of Bellevue has released three new videos detailing what affordable housing is, the community’s housing needs, and how the 2025 strategy will make finding homes easier — watch them here.

Kirkland drop-offs score tickets: Now through July 10th, drop off five or more non-perishable items at Kirkland dealerships to earn a free weekday ticket for the Evergreen State Fair (Aug. 21–Sept. 1) — learn more.

Northwest’s priciest mansion: Bellevue’s Hunts Point estate hit the market at $79 million on June 20th, making it the most expensive listing in the region. The price falls just shy of the $85 million NWMLS record set in 2022 — learn more.

The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.

Highlights this week

• Student discipline rules update on July 11
• Gas tax rate increases go into effect today
• Kirkland Wednesday Market returns at Marina Park
• Virtual resource center offers essential services
• Woodridge celebrates Independence with a fun run
• Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment

🫶 We got your back

Scoops of sunshine: Sirena Gelato is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.

Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Dough Zone—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.

See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? Urban Eyes isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.

Game-day glory days: When you need that signed rookie card, throwback jersey, or commemorative puck to complete your shrine, look no further than Collector’s Corner NW. From MVP autographs to limited-edition bobbleheads, they’ve got the goods that make your living room feel like championship central—no referees required (just maybe a foam finger).

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

♟️ Youth Chess @ Kirkland Library | Tuesday (7/1) at 4:30 pm – Checkmate boredom after school with casual play and Coach Harrison’s interactive lesson. Snacks fuel your strategic moves—no registration means more time to say “your move.”

💤 Snuggle Up Story Time @ Issaquah Library | Tuesday (7/1) at 6:30 pm – In PJs and with plush pals in tow, drift into dreamy tales to spark bedtime imagination. Bring your favorite stuffed sidekick for extra snuggles and sweet dreams.

🎶 Concerts on the Green: Radio 80 @ Issaquah Community Center | Tuesday (7/1) at 7 pm – Dust off the leg warmers and tease that hair — it’s an all-out ’80s flashback with Radio 80 rocking the green. This free outdoor concert series brings the nostalgia with synths, leather jackets, and big energy. Lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and questionable dance moves highly encouraged.

📚 Rise and Shine Story Time @ Issaquah Library | Thursday (7/3) at 10:30 am – Kickstart your morning with giggles, wiggles, and rhyme time at the Issaquah library. Caregivers and kiddos unite for story magic that’ll have everyone smiling before the sun’s even high.

🎲 Bingo Night @ Chelan Ridge Winery | Thursday (7/3) at 6 pm – Wine not your typical bingo? Swap chips for chardonnay as you dab cards and sip Chelan Ridge’s finest pours—no buy-in required. Prizes, pours, and plenty of laughs await!

🐾 Down Home 4th of July @ Olde Town Issaquah | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Rally your neighbors for a nostalgic parade down Front Street with your four-legged pals and non-motorized wheels decked out in red, white & blue. Don’t forget to register ahead—especially if your crew is rolling deep. After you wave at the crowds, snag a bite from lined-up food trucks and settle in for lawn games and sunshine.

🎸 Puget SoundZ @ Prohibition Cellars | Friday (7/4) at 6 pm – Winemaker Sandor ditches the corks for chords with his band tackling everything from Chris Stapleton grunge to Nirvana pop. Let their genre-busting set fuel your Independence Day spirit with live rock vibes and ice-cold vino.

This weekend

🏍️ I90 & CRU July 5th Moto Show & BBQ @ I-90 Motorsports | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Rev up those engines and roll into a family-friendly moto extravaganza benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Show off your ride for a $25 donation, compete for cash prizes across multiple classes, then refuel with free hotdogs, burgers, and giveaways. Limited to 25 entries, so polish your bike and bring your crew for a roaring good time.

📚 Honoring Banned Books @ BookTree Bookstore | Saturday (7/5) at 4:24 pm – Celebrate free expression with a two-part event: a “Writing that Informs & Teaches” workshop with Robert Lashley from 4:24–6 pm, followed by spotlight readings and an open mic at 6:15. Rub shoulders with Sybil James, Maiah Merino, Michael Hureaux, and more as they champion stories that refuse to be silenced. Bring your own piece or simply soak up the rebellious vibes in Kirkland’s cozy indie bookstore.

🎶 Pink Martini featuring China Forbes @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery | Saturday (7/5) at 7:30 pm – Kick off your Independence Day weekend with Pink Martini’s lush blend of jazz, Latin, and classical vocals as they celebrate three decades of international flair. China Forbes’s velvety voice pairs perfectly with a glass of Washington’s finest under the stars. Expect timeless favorites, sparkling choreography, and a festive winery atmosphere.

🧠 Declutter your Mind | Introspect, Reflect and Rejuvenate @ Northwest Arts Center | Sunday (7/6) at 8:30 am – Who needs a mental Marie Kondo? Sweep out the mental clutter with guided relaxation and meditation techniques designed to reboot your brain and soothe your soul. Arrive early, find your zen spot, and get ready to clear house—inner peace is just a breath away.

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 7/1 Radio 80 @ Issaquah Community Center – 7 pm
• 7/3 Ian Ayers and more @ Warr-King Wines  – 6 pm
• 7/3 Whiskey Gaels @ Village Wines – 8 pm
• 7/4 Puget SoundZ @ Prohibition Cellars – 6 pm
• 7/4 Whisky Ridge @ Vino Bella Wine Bar – 7:30 pm
• 7/5 Nick Mardon @ Chandler Reach – 4 pm
• 7/6 Karaoke @ Chelan Ridge Winery – 4:30 pm
• 7/6 The Herding Cats @ The Lime – 8 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Max Rombakh (Windermere Real Estate/East) – 5 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | Built in 2019 | 3760 sqft

Just a stone’s throw from Google and Lake Washington, this Kirkland stunner serves up lake and mountain views from an 800-square-foot rooftop deck—bring your sunglasses and your best rooftop dance moves. The chef’s kitchen is so well-equipped it might inspire even the most dedicated takeout fan, and the all-seasons patio means s’mores and wine by the fireplace are always on the menu.

Four bedrooms upstairs keep things cozy, while a swanky lower level with rec room, wet bar, and guest suite is ready for anything—rowdy game nights, in-laws, or both. Tesla Powerwall, motorized shades, and a towering privacy hedge keep things cool, quiet, and delightfully low-maintenance.