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 “Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.”
-- Mary Roach --
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 I was so happy to see so many people (and animals) at our Petpalooza event Saturday at Game Farm Park. The day began with buckets of rain but by mid-morning and noon, the skies had parted completely and it was nothing but sunshine and cloud cover. The sun certainly helped dry off all the wet dog smell!
 I want to thank our Parks, Arts and Recreation staff for putting on another stellar event, and of course, the army of volunteers who helped make it happen. Events of this size take so much planning, preparation and day-of execution and I always walked so impressed that everything just works.
 For those who walked or ran in our Dog Trot 3k/5k Fun Run, you can find the official results HERE.
 Beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, full closures will go into effect for East Main Street between Auburn Avenue and B Street NE, and Auburn Avenue between East Main Street and 1st Street NE as part of the City of Auburn’s Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project.
These closures are expected to remain in place through the end of August 2025, with detours clearly marked throughout the construction zone. We are urging commuters to plan ahead and use alternate routes where possible.
 Despite the street closures, all downtown businesses and residences will remain open and accessible. We have coordinated dedicated parking options and wayfinding signage to help patrons navigate safely to shops, restaurants, and services within the project area.
I implore our downtown visitors to please continue to visit our amazing small businesses downtown and help them through these tough few summer months.
And please visit Hills of Comics at their new location at 1320 26th St NW #14 in Auburn, and follow them on Facebook!
This significant work demonstrates the City’s investment in critical downtown infrastructure to support and prioritize the revitalization and growth of the downtown business community.
 We are excited to share that the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department was recognized with a Washington Recreation and Park Association Spotlight Award for Cedar Lanes Park.
(Click image to view video)
Cedar Lanes Park was revitalized over the course of the last two years to include several new features, including a bike park with one of the first paved pump tracks on the west side of Washington. The park now includes dirt trails with four skill area --skinnies skills area, jump line, and drop zone and dirt pump track -- designed to improve bike handling and skill development, along with a flow trail for continuous movement and a paved Pump Track. The redevelopment also added a storage building, ADA restroom, and improved amenities, while removing invasive species and creating clearer sightlines to deter illegal activity.
 The park now hosts the Auburn Parks Mountain Bike program, offering biking classes, camps, and events, while fostering community partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and the school district. The project has successfully turned Cedar Lanes Park into a positive, active space that supports biking education and recreational opportunities.
Cheers to the staff team that worked tirelessly on this project: Thaniel Gouk, Stefanie Coleman & the Park Maintenance Team, Kevin Witte & Kjerstin Lange!
 Our newest Auburn royalty, Miss Auburn Chandler Groce and Miss Auburn's Teen Malia Watanabe-Collier, stopped by City Hall Monday night to accept proclamations announcing them as official Goodwill Ambassadors for the city!
Chandler and Malia have been incredibly busy this year on their community service initiatives, which have already made a massive difference in spreading awareness around mental health and healing through storytelling (you can still register for Chandler's Saturday event, info below in our Community Calendar!).
I'm incredibly proud of Chandler and Malia, who are both amazingly talented and smart, for already making their year of service exceptional!
 Memorial Day is right around the corner, and here in Auburn, it’s a time when we come together to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
It’s one of the most meaningful days of the year, and I’m always so grateful to join our community in remembering those we’ve lost and reflecting on the freedoms they helped protect.
This Monday, we’ll gather for three special ceremonies across the city, and I hope you’ll consider joining us:
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10 a.m. – Mountain View Cemetery | 2020 Mountain View Dr SW
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11 a.m. – Veterans Memorial Park | 405 E St. NE
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12:30 p.m. – Les Gove Park (American-Vietnamese War Memorial) | 910 9th St. SE
These events are open to everyone, and each one offers a powerful opportunity to reflect, remember, and give thanks. Hope to see you there.
 Monday at the City of Auburn was Brandon Mohler Appreciation Day! Brandon has been active these past months helping the teenagers of the Auburn Marshallese Community and the Washington Marshallese Community Association -- in partnership with our Blue Ribbon Committee -- on a canoe carving project.
The project has helped the community and teens find a sense of belonging, grasp onto positive learning experiences, and learn the value of teamwork and respect.
 Brandon, as Assistant Regional Manager of the South Puget Sound region of the Washington Department of Natural Resources, personally helped find logs big enough to work as a canoe. He even helped transport them to Auburn!
So it's with great pleasure that I recognize Monday, May 19 as Brandon Mohler Appreciation Day and I hope you're giving him all of the kudos you can muster!
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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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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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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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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:
Celebrating Juneteenth - Hosted by the Office of Equity
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Second Sunday Rock Wall (FREE!)
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 22
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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KidsDay
Auburn's KidsDay is the perfect day for any child and the best way to kick-start your summer! Live entertainment, inflatable rides, face painting, a variety of activity/info booths, craft vendor sales, miniature golf, rock climbing wall, ArtRageous hands-on art experiences, large vehicle & equipment display, a variety of food concessions, and much more.
NOTE - Auburn's KidsDay is geared toward Auburn-area kids as a kickoff to summer and coincides with the end of school calendar for the Auburn School District and takes into account the built-in snow days.
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome.
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Contact Information
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
Kristy Pachciarz, Special Events Coordinator
📅 Tuesday, June 24
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 9th St. SE
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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:
- Hands-on FREE Art activities with ArtRageous
- Celebrating PRIDE
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Mayor Backus Speech
Giveaway: Pride flags/stickers
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 29
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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 Not gone and not forgotten, Hills of Comics! You can check out their new location at 1320 26th St NW #14 in Auburn, and follow them on Facebook!
 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)
Avalon Hall, the Spanish Colonial-style building located at 307 East Main and today home to Dominion of Worship Tabernacle Ministries, was first built in 1924 as the Washington Theatre, a 400-seat movie theater. Its opening night feature was the silent romantic comedy film The Marriage Circle. The theater had difficulty competing with other Auburn movie theaters due its lack of pipe organ. The building went on to be the home of the Auburn Bowling Academy, The Avon Theater, an Eagles Hall, and The Avalon Dance Hall.
Have a historical Auburn night out at home by streaming The Marriage Circle online, along with the animated short “Felix Turns the Tide,” starring Felix the Cat, just like Auburn moviegoers saw at Washington Theatre on opening night.
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