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 "Gun violence is a preventable epidemic. We must treat it like one."
-- Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action --
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 Monday was special at City Hall! Not only did we raise the Pride flag, we also proclaimed June as LGBTQIA+ Month in the City of Auburn -- a month to recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBTQIA+ community and actively promote the principles of equality.
I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate, including our wonderful speakers Rowan Santos and Paris Yandall. Rowan is a junior city councilmember and a precocious wordsmith, and Paris is the Operations Director of the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance Washington, and a wonderful human.
I also want to thank Councilmembers Kate Baldwin, Tracy Taylor, Hanan Amer and Lisa Stirgus, and all of our amazing City of Auburn staff for attending and showing support.
The City of Auburn is better because you're a part of it -- it's everyone's city, and we're glad you're here!
 For this month's episode of That's so Auburn! I'm joined by Green River College President Suzanne Johnson, who stopped by to talk higher education, new initiatives, the changing educational landscape, and so much more.
Dr. Johnson joined Green River College in 2017 and in those 8 years, has been a major driving force in keeping higher education a backbone of the Auburn community. Under her stewardship, Green River College has thrived and continues to be one of the premiere community and technical colleges in the State of Washington. And might I add – it’s my daughter and I’s alma mater!
I hope you give the episode a watch at the link below, or a listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Just search That's so Auburn!
 If you're as passionate as I am about the future of transit in South King County -- especially the progress of the Link Light Rail -- then I encourage you to attend an upcoming Town Hall hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.
You'll have the opportunity to hear directly from Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine about key projects in our region, including updates on the highly anticipated Federal Way Downtown Station.
📅 Tuesday, July 8,
⏰ 7 - 8 a.m.
📍 KO-AM TV | 32008 32nd Ave S, Federal Way
💲 Free
This is your chance to ask questions, share your thoughts, and stay informed on the transit developments that will help shape the future of mobility in Auburn and beyond.
RSVP here: bit.ly/STCoffeeTownHall
 Today, we're giving away dozens of gun safety lockboxes at City Hall (and depending on when you read this, we might still be there! 4 - 5:30 p.m.) and for a good reason -- gun violence is an important topic for the safety and and well-being of our Auburn community.
 Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed by a gun, and more than 200 are shot and wounded. The use of firearms is the leading cause of homicide deaths among youth and young adults, and while cities across the nation are working to reduce firearm-related homicide and violence, it takes of all us to enact meaningful change.
I urge all residents to support local community efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value all human lives.
 Join us Tuesday, August 5th for National Night Out (NNO)! NNO is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Residents in neighborhoods throughout the City of Auburn and across the nation are asked to come together to promote camaraderie and make our City a more caring place to live. All neighborhoods are encouraged to be a part of Auburn's NNO by registering their neighborhood event.
Check out Auburn's National Night Out page to get full details! Sign your neighborhood up today with this Online Registration Form!
 Meet Us Downtown! Live in downtown Auburn or don't have a neighborhood event to attend? Come to City Hall Plaza! We'll have food, games, live music, and police and city staff on-hand to answer any questions you may have.
 We had a furry little visitor Tuesday morning at Les Gove Park!
If you see our unique friend bear friend, do not approach, and please call our non-emergency number: 253-288-2121.
 The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was not able to immediately locate the little fella. They think most likely, he was booted by his mother. If you see him (or her), call the non-emergency line.
Definitely do not feed or interact with him -- we don't want him getting used to being around people!
 By the end of summer you're going to be sick of me reminding you here, but here we go: A reminder that East Main Street downtown is closed until the end of August!
 Why is Downtown Auburn Closing Streets This Summer?
The City of Auburn is making major upgrades to downtown streets, sidewalks, utilities -- and eventually -- rebuilding the Auburn Avenue Theater. To do this safely and efficiently, parts of East Main Street and Auburn Avenue will close to vehicles from now through late August 2025.
 Why is it happening?
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Old infrastructure needs replacing. We're talking water pipes, sewers, road pavement, sidewalks -- much of it is at the end of its useful life.
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The Auburn Avenue Theater was damaged and later condemned after a fire and demolition next door in 2021–2022. It’s getting a fresh start with a brand-new design.
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We’re revitalizing downtown to make it safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for residents, visitors, and businesses.
What does that mean for me?
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Full road closures start June 2, 2025, and last through August 2025 on East Main St and Auburn Ave in the heart of downtown.
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You can still reach downtown businesses and residences! Access will remain open: just expect detours, noise, and slower traffic at times.
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Construction work is limited to daytime hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). No night work is expected (you'll be notified if that changes).
 What’s coming next?
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Infrastructure upgrades: water, sewer, storm drains, sidewalks, crosswalks, street lights -- you name it.
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A new theater: The existing building was demolished in 2024. A new, modern performing arts space is coming in 2026 or later!
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Better pedestrian experiences: more lighting, safer crossings, and improved public spaces like the B Street Plaza.
 Concerts are starting up this weekend with the following tentative schedule. Plan ahead and avoid the roads during peak traffic times!
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06/07/2025
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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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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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Farm Open Day: Music In Nature
Admission is Free!
Explore the sounds of nature with a performance by the Seattle Opera and meet the Mary Olson Farm Artist in Residence, Jahnvi Madan.
1 p.m.: Opera Time with the Seattle Opera
For contact info and full schedule, please visit www.wrvmuseum.org.
(The Artist in Residence program is part of this larger day at the Farm)
📅 Saturday, June 14
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road
💲 Free
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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
💲 Free
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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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Pride Pancake Breakfast at Auburn First United Methodist Church
Auburn First UMC is excited to host our first annual Pride Pancake Breakfast! Breakfast is free, and registration is not required. There will be a silent auction benefiting Lambert House. Come enjoy good food for a good cause! (gluten free and vegetarian options available). For full details visit auburnfirstumc.org.
📅 Saturday, June 28
⏰ 9 a.m. - Noon
📍 Auburn First United Methodist Church | 100 N. 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:
- 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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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:
Noon - 1 p.m. - Green River Nursery demo
Giveaway: Misting fans.
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, July 6
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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Kids Summerstage
An exciting children's outdoor entertainment series that will be LOADS of fun for kiddos and the adults who bring them! Pack up a picnic lunch and enjoy the performances!
This entertainment series will be held at the park shelter beside the Discovery Playground. Bring swimsuits and towels and enjoy the Rotary Spraypark before/after the performances.
*In the event of rain, concerts will be moved indoors, if possible.
2025 Line-up:
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July 9 - Reptile Isle - an educational, interactive reptile performance everyone enjoys.
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July 16 - Recess Monkey - everyone's favorite group of monkeys in back offering live performances! This trio provides high-energy family music that truly rocks!
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July 23 - Charlie Williams 'The Noiseguy' - a vocal sound impressionist and kids' comedian
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July 30 - The Magic of Jeff Evans - a fun, unforgettable, interactive magic show
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August 6 - Eric Ode - award-winning singer/songwriter offering fun, inclusive music for kids and families
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August 13 - Louie Foxx's One-Man Side Show - filled with astounding magic tricks and side splitting comedy
Performance Inquiry Form
Contact Information:
Email Kristy Pachciarz, Special Events Coordinator
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
📅 Wednesday, July 9
⏰ Noon - 1 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲 Free
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Summer Sounds
The perfect summer entertainment series the whole family will enjoy!
Pack up a picnic blanket and dinner and enjoy the various performances. The series will be held at the parks shelter beside the Discovery Playground.
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM from July 9 to August 13.
Line-up:
July 9 - Army Reserve Rock Band. Playing great rock-n-roll music and more!
July 16 - Michael Powers - Contemporary Jazz guitar
July 23 - The Flea Circus - “The unorthodox union between Hawaii’s soul and Rock and Roll!”
July 30 - Never Haz Been - Classic Rock
August 6 - Seastar - Contemporary Celtic folk music
August 13 - Cosmic Vinyl - Electrifying hits from the 60’s to the 80’s
📅 Wednesday, July 9
⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲 Free
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Auburn Airport Day
Please join us and bring the whole family!
Come learn more about aviation and the Auburn Airport at this free event while enjoying great food, great company and the chance to be up close and personal with the people, planes and helicopters that make flight possible. Register for a Young Eagles flight online in advance to be one of the kids to fly for free (see airport website for requirements). We look forward to seeing you!
Please visit www.auburnmunicipalairport.com/airport-day for full details.
📅 Saturday, July 12
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Auburn Municipal Airport | 2143 E. Street NE
💲 Free
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Farm Open Day: Pollinators and Plants
Admission is Free!
Join King Conservation District as we learn how to harvest seeds, maximize out garden spaces, and identify the best native plants for our environments.
Meet a hive of busy bees with a specialist from Green River College
12:00PM: Bee Presentation
All ages welcome!
For contact info and full schedule, please visit www.wrvmuseum.org.
📅 Saturday, July 12
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road
💲 Free
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Mary Olson Farm Artist in Resident | Open Rehearsal
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.
1:00-3:00 PM | Open Rehearsal
Guests are invited to come and watch an open rehearsal session by Artist in Residence Jahnvi Madan, providing a preview of her new instrumental work.
FREE | ALL AGES
Register now!
📅 Saturday, July 12
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
📍 Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road
💲 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!)
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, July 13
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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 We tend to have a little bit of fun at City Hall around this time of year.
 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)
Have you ever “heard something on the grapevine”? This phrase started being used in the 1830s and 1840s in reference to the brand-new telegraph wires popping up all over the country, a new technology that allowed news to spread quickly from person to person more quickly, and privately, than ever before. It gained popularity in the 1860s after the building of the Grapevine Telegraph Line, a famously poorly-constructed and unreliable cross-country telegraph line. Telegraph lines and poles wouldn’t arrive in Auburn until the 1880s, courtesy of the railroads and Pacific Postal Telegraph Company.
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