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 "Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress."
-- Barack Obama --
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 It's hard to believe, but we're in year FOUR of celebrating Juneteenth at the City of Auburn, which begins Monday at a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza, followed by the holiday on Thursday and a region-wide event the following Sunday at Les Gove Park (more details on that below).
 Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in America. After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, owners in many isolated areas kept word from the people they had enslaved so that they would not flee. On June 19, 1865, some of the last enslaved people in America were freed when the news, at last, reached Confederate Galveston, Texas.
In 2021, the US Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day and making the day a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The Act was signed into law by President Biden on June 17, 2021.
June 19 is an important day, not only for our nation, but for our state and the City of Auburn. Join us Monday night to kick off a week's-worth of activity and celebration.
📅 Monday, June 16
⏰ 6 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W. Main Street
The Juneteenth celebration at Les Gove Park is right around the corner
 The fourth-annual Juneteenth celebration at Les Gove Park will feature over 50 vendors selling food, clothes, baked goods, body care and more!
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. 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 at Les Gove.
Juneteenth is Presented by City of Auburn Office of Equity, Engagement, and Outreach.
Thank you for your support of Auburn's Juneteenth Celebration -- we look forward to your participation!
📅 Sunday, June 22
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲 Free
City Hall will be closed Thursday, June 19 in observance
 In observance of the holiday, City Hall and all City of Auburn buildings will be closed Thursday, June 19.
 Today marks Auburn’s 134th birthday! On June 13, 1891, the town of Auburn was officially incorporated -- though back then, it was still known as “Slaughter.” (Yes, really!) Thankfully, just a few years later, the community came together to vote on a name that better reflected the city’s identity and future, choosing “Auburn” in honor of the red soil and wildflowers that reminded settlers of Auburn, New York.
It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come since those early days. What began as a small railroad and farming town has grown into a vibrant, diverse, and thriving city of more than 90,000 residents. We’ve embraced growth while still holding onto the sense of community and neighborly spirit that has always defined us.
Today I see the heart of a city that continues to move forward -- but never forgets where it came from. Here’s to 134 years of Auburn, and to the bright future still ahead!
 On Thursday, our City of Auburn staff welcomed graduating seniors at from West Auburn High School on a grad-walk through downtown to Washington Elementary the only way we know how -- with lots of shouting, cheering, congratulating, and smiles!
 And of course, a nearly impenetrable paper banner (we'll go easy on the heavy material next time).
 As you can see, we had a ton of fun welcoming the seniors through the plaza and cheering them on as they walk -- not only towards the elementary, but to their futures as high school graduates. That journey isn't easy for anyone, and I'm incredibly proud of all of the students at West Auburn High School for putting in work each and every day.
Enjoy this moment -- you've earned it!
2024 Next Step Auburn interns
On Monday, we're welcoming a fresh batch over a dozen interns to departments and buildings across the City of Auburn as our summer Next Step Auburn internship program officially begins!
 This internship program is truly special because of how involved it is -- throughout the summer, every intern will have the opportunity to hear directly from departments across the city, broadening their understanding of city services, and why the work we do as a collective is so important.
I can't wait for them all to get started and I'm looking forward to seeing the amazing projects they'll work through over the next 3 months.
Have someone in your life who would be interested in applying or next year? Keep an eye out for our job openings! We begin recruiting around March.
 We are aware of a planned region-wide protest this Saturday, including one here in Auburn near Auburn Way North and 15th Street NE.
In Auburn, we believe in the importance of free speech and the right to peacefully protest. It’s part of who we are -- and I’m proud that our community continues to engage in meaningful conversations, even when we don’t always see eye to eye.
That said, I want to gently remind everyone to keep safety and respect at the forefront. Please look out for one another, be mindful of your neighbors, and let’s make sure this remains a peaceful day for all involved.
 The gun lock box giveaway at City Hall Plaza was a resounding success! The King County Public Health team brought about 100 lockboxes with them and in about an hour, we were completely out -- which is not a bad problem to have.
The event coincided with Gun Violence Awareness Day, an important day to recognize the safety and wellbeing of the Auburn community as a whole. But that doesn’t mean gun violence prevention should be confined to just one day – it should be a constant priority.
 Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed by a gun, and more than 200 are shot and wounded. Every year in Washington State, there is an average of 273 people killed by gun homicides and 514 wounded.
We know that storing firearms unloaded in locked containers, such as gun safes or lock boxes, and keeping ammunition stored separately, significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. These safes offer quick access for authorized users while preventing access by children or unauthorized individuals.
I want to thank the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Auburn Police Department for their partnership on Friday's event, and I hope everyone today really uses these free lockboxes!
 Pride at the Auburn Farmers Market is right around the corner with a celebration planned for Sunday, June 29! Come wearing your rainbow attire, peruse the shops and fresh veggies, and leave happy and full with a box full of strawberries under your arm.
I'll see you there!
📅 Sunday, June 29
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way South
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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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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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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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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:
-
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!
-
July 23 - Charlie Williams 'The Noiseguy' - a vocal sound impressionist and kids' comedian
-
July 30 - The Magic of Jeff Evans - a fun, unforgettable, interactive magic show
-
August 6 - Eric Ode - award-winning singer/songwriter offering fun, inclusive music for kids and families
-
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 16
⏰ 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 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 16
⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲 Free
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 The Food Truck Tuesdays are going well at City Hall! If you haven't indulged, it's never too late -- every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 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)
In April 1950, Auburn’s City Council voted to take Auburn off Daylight Savings Time (“Fast Time”) and keep us on Standard Time year-round (“Slow Time”). Prior to the national adoption of uniform Daylight Savings protocols in 1966, every state, county, and municipality had the power to adopt whatever local time rules they preferred. The vote in Auburn was contentious -- large local employers like the railroads chose to stay on Fast Time, making life in Auburn a patchwork of time zones. Four weeks later, Council voted to reverse course and move back to being on Fast Time, where we’ve been ever since.
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