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 "Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to."
-- Alfred A. Montapert --
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 Saturday is one of my favorite days of the year in Auburn, which means Petpalooza is back!
Game Farm Park will once again be overflowing with wagging tails, excited kids, and animal lovers of all kinds for one of our most beloved community events. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat (and I don’t just mean the dog biscuits).
 The day kicks off with the Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run, a chance for humans and their pups to hit the trail together before diving into a full day of festivities. From high-flying dogs showing off their agility, to reptiles, parrots, and even a few adoptable pets hoping to find their forever homes, there’s no shortage of joy.
We’ll be offering on-site registration for the Dog Trot, beginning at 8 a.m. for $35/person. Fee includes event T-Shirt, full-color race bib and finisher’s medal. Race begins at 9:30 a.m.!
 We’ve got returning favorites like the “Unleashed” Pet Contest hosted by Emerald Downs, free and low-cost pet services, and dozens of vendors with everything from homemade pet treats to gear for your four-legged companions. And don’t worry, there’s plenty for the two-legged guests as well -- music from J80 Proof ALE and Po'okela Street Band will keep the vibe going strong all day long.
I’ll be there, and I hope to see you and your furry sidekicks there too! For event details, schedules, and a full list of activities, head over to our website below.
📅 Saturday, May 17
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (9:30 a.m. Dog Trot)
📍 Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
💲 Free
Did you catch the Petpalooza segment on Q13 Fox Seattle?
 Thank you City of Auburn Theater Coordinator Jim Kleinbeck and Tammy Foss of Seattle FlyDogs for making the trek to the Q13 Fox studio Wednesday morning to tape this segment about Petpalooza for Studio 13 Live! Always a pleasure to see our city events broadcast far and wide!
And a special thank you to Event Coordinator Kristy Pachciarz for organizing all of the details and working with Q13 to make this story happen! You can watch the full segment on Q13's website.
 We broke ground this week on revitalization work at B Street Plaza, which will soon spill over to Main Street.
This work will replace outdated infrastructure, including water, sewer, storm drains, sidewalks, and street surfaces. Throughout the project, access to downtown businesses and residences will remain open, and we encourage our community to continue supporting local shops and restaurants!
In addition to these infrastructure improvements, the City is also planning a complete rebuild of the Auburn Avenue Theater, which was structurally compromised following a 2021 fire and condemned in early 2022. The new theater, designed by Otak Inc., will seat up to 310 and serve as a vibrant hub for arts and culture.
 Design work is expected to wrap up by the end of 2025, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. This comprehensive downtown investment—supported by over $1.5 million in grants—reflects Auburn’s commitment to creating a safe, accessible, and thriving city center for generations to come.
I hope you join me in supporting local through this construction phase!
 Eat Local Auburn is continuing this month, with options at restaurants from downtown Auburn to Lakeland Hills!
You can check out the full list of eateries on our Economic Development team's new website, and start saving on delicious local meals throughout the week!
The of Auburn is united to raise public awareness and participating in local Affordable Housing Week efforts to inform the public of critical need to preserve and increase affordable housing in our communities.
Please join me in marking this week as Affordable Housing Week, a commitment to actions and efforts to ensure our residents can live with dignity in safe, healthy and affordable homes.
 This week was National Police Week, a time to honor and remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are deeply grateful for their courage and service, and we will never forget their legacy.
Thursday was Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to remember the fallen, support their families, and recognize the daily courage shown by the men and women in law enforcement.
Thank you to all who wear the badge with integrity and compassion. We are grateful for your service.
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Make and Mingle @ Postmark
Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+.
📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark
Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 15+
Registration: $0
Instructor: Postmark Staff
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Duende Libre
Duende Libre presents euphoric new jazz that honors its historical roots! This award-winning jazz trio combines jazz virtuosity with roots rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and West Africa to create a “strikingly authentic blend” in their original music. Each performer, having apprenticed with direct descendants and master musicians of these traditions, they consider themselves disciples of their teachers. Duende Libre pushes the boundaries of the genre to invoke a powerful sonic freedom!
📅 Friday, May 16
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
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Petpalooza Dog Trot 3k/5k Fun Run
A family-oriented fun run event that takes place prior to Auburn's Petpalooza festival. Participants will follow a 3K or 5K route. The course is flat, easy and enjoyable for all ages and ability levels. Water will be available on the course for both dogs and human participants. The race is 'chip-timed' by Bell Lap Productions.
REGISTRATION DETAILS AND FEE:
- Registration is now open!
- Early Registration (on or before March 31) - $25/person
- Late Registration (April 1 - May 13) - $30/person
- Sorry, no registrations May 14 - May 16
- On-Site Registration on May 17 - $35/person
ON-LINE REGISTRATION (open now!)
***First 100 to register receive an embroidered Petpalooza-logoed beanie in heather black.
Registration includes a limited-edition T-Shirt, full-color race bib and a participation medal. T-shirt sizes not guaranteed for late registrations and available while supplies last for on-site registrations.
📅 Saturday, May 17
⏰ 9:30 a.m.
📍 Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
💲 Register
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Petpalooza
Petpalooza is a FREE event for pet lovers and a special day for your four-legged family member or other furry friend. Petpalooza is kicked off with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run. The event features an animal-related entertainment stage, flydog and agility demos, the popular 'Unleashed' Pet Contest, a free agility area, a large variety of vendor booths, adoptions, free and low-cost pet services, give-a-ways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained.
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome.
For a list of Auburn hotels, visit www.exploreauburn.com.
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
📅 Saturday, May 17
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
💲 Free
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Step into the Mind: A Schizophrenia Awareness Experience
“Step into the Mind” is an interactive experience designed to offer insight into what it can feel like to live with schizophrenia – through the voices, art, and stories of those who know it best. Hear personal reflections, explore creative exhibits, and learn from community members who are living with or supporting loved ones with this condition.
Join the City of Auburn and Miss Auburn 2025, Chandler Groce, in recognition of World Schizophrenia Awareness Day – a day dedicated to education, understanding, and breaking down stigma.
Enjoy storytelling, interactive displays, art, and food, all while building awareness and connection.
📅 Saturday, May 24
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Register(free)
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Arts of Love Festival
Join us on Saturday, May 31st for the Arts of Love Festival! Enjoy cultural performances, crafting, food, lei-making, fashion, and of course, Postmark’s Arts Gallery! We hope to see you there!
FREE | ALL AGES
Register now!
📅 Saturday, May 31
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Register (free)
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Auburn Farmers Market
The Auburn Farmers Market provides a convenient venue for local farmers and artisans to provide access to healthy, fresh, locally sourced food and products to area residents. The Market serves as a vibrant gathering place where visitors can learn about healthy food choices, and overall health and well-being. View more information on the Auburn Farmers Market Page.
Shop from 40 farm, food, and craft vendors! Visit the information booth for a free Market tote.
Entertainment Schedule:
📅 Sunday, June 1
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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Rainier Audubon Nature Festival
Free day pass at Flaming Geyser State Park!
📅 Saturday, June 7
⏰ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Flaming Geyser State Park | 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Road
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Rhythm & Rhymes Story Hour
Join Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Public Library for Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hour! Enjoy a fun, interactive music presentation with ASO musicians followed by a story read-aloud with an Auburn librarian. This FREE program is best for ages 3-8 but families of all ages are encouraged to attend. Take home a craft kit to continue the fun at home!
Ages: 3-8
Fee: $0
Instructors: Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Public Library
Register now!
📅 Saturday, June 7
⏰ 10 - 11 a.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Register (free)
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Auburn Farmers Market
The Auburn Farmers Market provides a convenient venue for local farmers and artisans to provide access to healthy, fresh, locally sourced food and products to area residents. The Market serves as a vibrant gathering place where visitors can learn about healthy food choices, and overall health and well-being. View more information on the Auburn Farmers Market Page.
Shop from 40 farm, food, and craft vendors! Visit the information booth for a free Market tote.
Entertainment Schedule:
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Second Sunday Rock Wall (FREE!)
11 a.m. - noon - Summer Gardening Presentation
Many Market vendors accept EBT, SNAP Market Match, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and WIC dollars.
Email the Auburn Farmers Market
253-931-3043
📅 Sunday, June 7
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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Mary Olson Farm Artist in Resident | Open Studio and Workshop
The City of Auburn program offers the opportunity for an artist to pursue their work in, and to be inspired by, the unique and beautiful setting of the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn, Washington. The residency lasts two months, providing the artist with a large indoor barn studio, a stipend, and access to the 67 acre farm.
12:30 - 2 p.m. | Open Studio
2:30 - 4 p.m. | Free Workshop "The Listening Farm: Composing Nature’s Elements"
In this free workshop, Artist-in Residence Jahnvi Madan will introduce participants to the world of music composition by drawing connections between nature sounds and music-making. With no musical training needed, attendees will practice deep listening, learn the foundations of composition, and collaboratively create short pieces inspired by nature. Jahnvi will also share how the Mary Olson farm’s soundscapes have influenced her own composition while in residency.
FREE | ALL AGES
Register now!
📅 Saturday, June 14
⏰ 12:30 - 4 p.m.
📍 Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road
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Second Saturdays | Taal Milan: A Kathak Presentation
Visit Postmark Center for the Arts gallery, open to the public each Second Saturday from 12-4PM! Each month features FREE, all ages performances, crafts, and events!
1-1:30PM Pre-performance Free Dance Workshop
Before her performance, Kathak Dancer, Pooja Ganesh, will be hosting a dance workshop where participants will have the opportunity to learn more about and practice one of India's major classical dance forms, Kathak.
1:30-2:30PM Taal Milan: A Kathak Presentation
Join us for a Kathak presentation (Indian classical dance form). This is an Indian classical dance presentation with an element of live and recorded music, a visual treat for the audience, blending the fluidity, grace, intricate footwork and fast chakkars (spins) of Kathak with tales from Indian mythology.
FREE | ALL AGES
Register Now!
Made possible by the Kiwanis Club of Auburn and with funding from 4Culture!
📅 Saturday, June 14
⏰ 1 - 2:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
💲 Register (free)
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Auburn Farmers Market
The Auburn Farmers Market provides a convenient venue for local farmers and artisans to provide access to healthy, fresh, locally sourced food and products to area residents. The Market serves as a vibrant gathering place where visitors can learn about healthy food choices, and overall health and well-being. View more information on the Auburn Farmers Market Page.
Shop from 40 farm, food, and craft vendors! Visit the information booth for a free Market tote.
Entertainment Schedule:
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Ranger and the "Re-Arrangers"
Giveaway: Kid Kit: Paper Seed Blooms
Many Market vendors accept EBT, SNAP Market Match, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and WIC dollars.
Email the Auburn Farmers Market
253-931-3043
📅 Sunday, June 15
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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Juneteenth Celebration
Come celebrate Juneteenth with City of Auburn, hosted by the Office of Equity, Engagement & Outreach. This federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery and liberation of Black people in the United States. This is a perfect event for the whole family to enjoy.
Come participate in community fellowship, support local small businesses, and learn from community leaders. Enjoy amazing local artists and musicians and lots of free activities for kids of all ages.
📅 Sunday, June 22
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲 Free
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 Thank you Auburn Area Connect Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to the Business Connect event last week at Smoke & Cedar atop the Muckleshoot Casino Resort! Always so much to learn (and smell and taste and drink).
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
The ubiquitous folding steel chair was invented in the 1930s, but wouldn’t become a staple of public life until after WWII, when the end of metal rationing and the rise of industrial production made the chairs a durable, flexible seating option for school auditoriums, church basements, and fraternal halls across the country – or in this case, the interview waiting room for Auburn Police Department applicants in 1971. Today, many of these chairs have been replaced with lighter, plastic versions that are easier to move around, but have proven less durable than their steel predecessors.
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