Downtown Issaquah to host events full of food, drink, art and music

Walk, stroll, cycle or dance on Front Street while you shop & dine during Al Fresco weekend events.

By Cameron Sheppard • August 17, 2021 12:30 pm
Restaurant front outside seating expanded during Al Fresco events (courtesy of Downtown Issaquah Association)
Restaurant front outside seating expanded during Al Fresco events (courtesy of Downtown Issaquah Association)

Downtown Issaquah is reprising the Streatery for four weekends with a free, family-friendly pedestrian area that expands restaurant and business operations onto closed Front Street.

Art, music, and park friendly activities will round out the ambiance aimed at drawing locals and visitors. DIA’s goal is to help the community safely come back together, local businesses overcome the financial devastation of COVID, and prosper.

Front Street opens as a the Pedestrian Playground beginning on August 21 through September 12, on Saturdays and Sundays, 7am – 10pm

“We are delighted to create the pedestrian friendly space our community of businesses, residents, and visitors raved about last year and have eagerly been awaiting. Plan to meet your friends and make a day of the outdoor adventure, shopping and dining in Issaquah,” said Christina Bruning, president of the Downtown Issaquah Association.

The Pedestrian Playground is four consecutive weekends in Downtown Issaquah where Front Street is opened to pedestrians and cyclists as a part of Al Fresco on Front. Front Street will be open to pedestrians and cyclists so that they can enjoy dining, shopping and games with family and friends.

Front Street North from Northwest Dogwood to Sunset Way and Alder Street will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians and cyclists. This pedestrian playground will be the backdrop to outdoor dining, shopping, arts & music, and exploration on Front Street.

Issaquah’s designation as a Creative Arts District is recognition of the multitude of talented artists who call Issaquah home. Dozens will be celebrated in the downtown area throughout the summer.

September 4th, the ArtWalk & Music Stroll season finale, the splash of visual and musical art will line Front Street 4 to 8 p.m. Featured Musicians and Artists include:

· Kaleidoscope School of Music at the Historic Shell Station, 232 Front Street N.

· Scotty FM and the BroadCasters at the Library, Front St and Sunset Way featuring Scott Mallard, Bryce Van Parys, Michael Olivola, and Mike Kreider.

· The Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra Woodwind Quintet will perform by Experience Tea from 5pm to 6pm at 195 Front St North.