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 "Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start."
-- Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player --
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 Pride Month in Auburn is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful reminder that love, acceptance, and inclusion make our community stronger. We honor the diversity that defines us and stand united for equality, respect, and the right for everyone to live free from discrimination.
 Join us Monday, June 2 outside City Hall as we raise the Pride flag together and kick off a month of celebration, reflection, and solidarity.
📅 Monday, June 2
⏰ 6 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W. Main Street
 Join us in the heart of downtown Auburn for Party on the Plaza -- a summer event series filled with live music, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and the perfect community vibe. Best of all? It’s free to attend!
Each event brings a different theme, so mark your calendar and plan your feast:
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📅 June 27 – Taco Festival
A night of bold flavors, salsa beats, and taco heaven. Plus FREE salsa dance lessons!
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📅 July 25 – Rock the Block
Amp up your summer with rockin’ tunes and street food favorites.
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📅 August 22 – Cheeseburger in Paradise
Say goodbye to summer with tropical vibes, burgers, fries, and cool treats.
Featuring mouthwatering eats from Dick’s Drive-In, La Costenita Cuisine, Paparepas, Tacos Cortes, El Koreano, Tabassum, Alaskan Dumplings, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, DelFino's, Bean Hut, and Swanky Scoop. Plus, a car show at the June and August events.
So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and let’s turn City Hall Plaza into the place to be this summer.
See you on the plaza!
📅 Friday, June 27 | Friday, July 25 | Friday, Aug. 22
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W Main Street
 We're proud to announce that the City of Auburn’s Mountain View Cemetery is the first employer in King County to be designated under the START Program (Safety Through Achieving Recognition Together) by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries!
This achievement reflects our strong commitment to workplace safety and ongoing collaboration across departments.
A huge thank you to the incredible staff at Mountain View Cemetery, our partners at Washington State L&I, and the City of Auburn HR & Risk Management team!
Your teamwork and dedication made this recognition possible!
 Thank you everyone who came out to honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day. Each year, I'm filled with pride and privilege as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
 Memorial Day holds a sacred place in our city’s heart. It’s a moment to pause and remember those who stepped forward in the face of danger, knowing they might never return home.
 It is our solemn responsibility to remember them. To carry the weight of their sacrifice with reverence – to honor the lives interrupted, the families forever changed, and the dreams left unfulfilled. Their memory deserves more than a single day of reflection – it deserves our ongoing gratitude and commitment.
 And in Auburn, that’s exactly what we offer: our deepest gratitude. To the fallen, to the families who carry their legacy, and to all who have served and continue to serve – thank you.
And thank you to Deputy Mayor Cheryl Rakes and Councilmembers Yolanda Trout-Manuel, Kate Baldwin, Tracy Taylor, Hanan Amer and Lisa Stirgus for attending! And of course, to former Councilmember and Deputy Mayor Larry Brown -- always a pleasure to see you!
 This Sunday is the best Sunday of the year! Why? Because it's opening day for the Auburn Farmers Market!
The Auburn Farmers Market is one of my favorite places because it brings together local farmers, artisans, and community members in a vibrant space where fresh, healthy, and locally sourced food is just the beginning. It’s more than a market, too -- it’s a place to connect, to learn about wellness and healthy living, and to support the incredible small businesses that help our community thrive.
(Click photo to watch video)
The market begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Les Gove Park and ends at 3 p.m. Swing through each Sunday this summer until the market closes Sept. 14!
📅 Sunday, June 1
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
 The fourth-annual Juneteenth celebration at Les Gove Park is right around the corner and I agree -- I also can't believe it's been four years!
 The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 22, at Les Gove Park, near the Auburn Community and Event Center. The Auburn Farmers Market will take place at the same time and place, just down the pathway.
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
 As I wrote last week, East Main Street between Auburn Avenue and B Street NE, and Auburn Avenue between East Main Street and 1st Street NE will undergo a full closure as part of the City'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!
 All downtown businesses will remain OPEN during construction! I hope you continue to visit and while you're here, check out our #EatLocalAuburn initiative!
 Featuring discounted lunch options at Chaska Bar and Grill, to 10% off your order on Mondays at Zola, to a hot and delicious pizza at Gosanko, there's so much to explore! Keep this page bookmarked and enjoy the savings.
 We've partnered with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence and Prevention to give away FREE gun lockboxes (no strings attached) at City Hall Plaza next Friday!
We’ll share a few quick words before the giveaway, and then Chief Mark Caillier will give a short tutorial on how to use your new lockbox -- all you have to do is show up and receive your free gift!
📅 Friday, June 6
⏰ 4 - 5:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W. Main Street
💲 Free
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Arts of Love Presents: Island Fest
Join us on Saturday, May 31st for Island Fest, presented by Arts of Love! Enjoy cultural performances, crafting, food, lei-making, fashion, and of course, Postmark’s Arts Gallery!
Journey 2 Health Founder and Health Advocate Elizabeth Dowling will be hosting a cooking demonstration where she will be preparing a traditional Filipino dish that is culturally significant and commonly enjoyed in the Philippines and here in the US. This will be one of the featured dishes representing some of the participating cultures during our Arts of Love Island Fest!
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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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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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 8
⏰ 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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Party on the Plaza
Spend your summer Friday nights in downtown Auburn at Party on the Plaza! This FREE event series features live music, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a rotating lineup of fun, themed evenings. Enjoy the Taco Festival on June 27 with a free car show, Rock the Block on July 25, and Cheeseburger in Paradise on August 22 with another car show! With great eats from Dick’s Drive-In, La Costenita Cuisine, Paparepas, Tacos Cortes, El Koreano, Alaskan Dumplings, Tabassum, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, DelFino's, Bean Hut, and Swanky Scoop!, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and kick back in the heart of the city!
📅 Friday, June 27
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W. Main Street
💲 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:
- 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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4th of July Festival
FREE (purchase wristband for $10 unlimited activities)
Celebrate our country's birthday at Les Gove Park. The event includes entertainment on two stages, a variety of craft artists, a car show, inflatable rides, euro-bungee trampolines, train rides and other fun activities for children. The event also offers a rock climbing wall, mini golf, bocce, food concessions, and so much more! Come see for yourself, this naturally shaded park and spray park will keep you cool during the afternoon.
Wristband sales begin at 10:00 AM. You can purchase a wristband for $10 for unlimited activities which include all inflatable rides, cyclone swing, bungee trampolines, rock wall, train rides, mini golf, laser tag and balloon art.
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome.
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Contact Information:
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
Kristy Pachciarz, Special Events Coordinator
📅 Friday, July 4
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
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 Sometimes, the best part about winning an award is you get to have your cake (and eat it too).
 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)
Hotels like Hotel Green, located on West Main Street, were the apartment buildings of early 20th century Auburn. They served as homes for young single professionals from all walks of life. In April 1930 the hotel had eight residents, including Ernesto Cardini, an Italian terracotta modeler artist, Nancy Wright Bone, a bookkeeper at a local automotive business born in Arkansas, and John Antoneas, a Greek candy maker.
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