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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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 The fourth-annual Juneteenth celebration is this Sunday at Les Gove Park and 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. This is one of my favorite events of the year and I'm hoping to see all of you at Les Gove Park!
📅 Sunday, June 22
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲 Free
We raised the Juneteenth flag high and proud at City Hall!
 Monday evening, we gathered at City Hall Plaza to raise the Juneteenth flag, an annual tradition here in Auburn that continues to grow in meaning and significance each year.
Juneteenth marks the day -- June 19, 1865 -- when the last enslaved people in the United States were finally told they were free. That news came more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, a delay that speaks volumes about how uneven and delayed justice can be -- and why our collective work toward equity and inclusion is far from over.
 Raising the flag was more than ceremonial. It was a moment to honor the resilience of generations past, to acknowledge the progress we’ve made, and to recommit ourselves to building a more just and inclusive future -- right here in Auburn.
Thank you to everyone who stood with us this on Monday, including Deputy Mayor Cheryl Rakes and Councilmembers Tracy Taylor, Clinton Taylor and LIsa Stirgus, and to all who continue working toward a community where every person is seen, heard, and valued.
 WSDOT will soon launch significant tolling changes impacting South King County commuters -- including here in Auburn. And if you’re joining us for the Juneteenth Celebration at Les Gove Park this weekend, you’ll have a great chance to learn more. WSDOT will be on site with a booth full of resources and answers. Event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Here’s what’s changing:
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SR 509 Expressway: A new 1-mile tolled stretch of highway between I-5 and 24th Ave South in SeaTac opens this summer. Once complete, it’ll connect to the existing SR 509 at S 188th St. Tolling will begin this fall.
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SR 167 Express Toll Lanes: Expect a tech upgrade. Three new toll zones, additional HOV-to-toll lanes, and expanded access for drivers without a Good To Go! account. Flex Passes will still be required for toll-free carpooling, and motorcycles will need a Motorcycle Pass.
Good to Go! accounts are the easiest way to avoid extra fees and ensure the lowest toll rates. Opening an account is quick, free, and available in multiple languages.
Learn more, get resources, and be ready:
Visit the WSDOT booth at Juneteenth to get free resources, ask questions, and prepare for what’s ahead.
Or, check out this WSDOT tolling systems guide. It's also available online in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
 On Tuesday we had the pleasure of welcoming Congresswoman Kim Schrier to the Auburn Resource Center -- one of the most impactful projects we've undertaken to address homelessness and connect our residents with vital support. The center is already serving as a hub for wrap-around services, including our day and night shelter, the food bank, Community Court, and a weekly resource fair every Thursday afternoon.
 I’m also pleased to share that the City Council just approved a key step in the next phase of this work: an authorization to apply for a federal Section 108 Loan Guarantee through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This will help us move forward on the next chapter of the Auburn Resource Center, and I look forward to sharing more in the months ahead.
 This project is a testament to what’s possible when we come together -- with our federal, regional and local partners -- to meet people where they are and offer real pathways to stability and dignity.
 On Tuesday afternoon, I had the honor of joining Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Congressman Adam Smith for a powerful roundtable discussion on maternal health in Auburn and South King County. This meeting brought together elected officials, healthcare providers and public health leaders to talk about the growing disparities our families face -- and the work ahead to change that.
For a few years now, South King County has seen worse maternal health outcomes than other parts of the region. That’s especially true for Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and immigrant communities, who face higher risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. These disparities are driven by deep-rooted issues: gaps in access, provider shortages, cultural barriers, systemic racism, and the rising cost of care.
We heard directly from local leaders and experts about the need for earlier, more accessible prenatal care, better support during the postpartum year, and investment in community-based programs that reflect the diversity and lived experiences of our residents. We also shared concerns about the national conversation around cutting Medicaid and rolling back reproductive healthcare protections -- and what that could mean for families right here in Auburn.
I’m deeply grateful to Representatives Schrier and Smith for their leadership on this issue and for including Auburn in this important conversation. I also want to thank MultiCare Auburn and our local healthcare partners for the critical work they do each day to care for our community.
Every parent deserves a safe, supported birth experience, no matter their zip code, income, or background. And every child deserves the healthiest possible start to life. That’s a vision we’ll keep fighting for.
(Click photo to watch video)
In this fifth episode of our third season of That's So Auburn! I'm joined by two amazing women City of Auburn women, Interim Events Supervisor Kristy Pachciarz and Events Coordinator Amanda Valdez!
They’re the brainpower behind many of our events organized by our Parks, Arts and Recreation department, such as Veterans Parade, Petpalooza, KidsDay, Lighted Santa Parade and of course, the Auburn Farmers Market.
🎙️ Available on all major platforms:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3Rcbn7S
Apple: apple.co/3PYsrOU
Amazon Music: bit.ly/4kR89nZ
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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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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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Party on the Plaza: Taco Festival
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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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. - Noon - The Reptile Man
Giveaway: Kid Kit: Veggie Race Kit
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 20
⏰ 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 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 23
⏰ 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 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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Party on the Plaza: Rock the Block
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, July 25
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W. Main Street
💲 Free
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Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, June 16, 2025
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
The hit 1950s song “Fly Me To The Moon,” made popular by Frank Sinatra, Eartha Kitt, and Neon Genesis Evangelion, was originally written by gay songwriter Bart Howard in honor of his partner Thomas Fowler. Howard and Fowler were together for 58 years until Howard’s passing in 2004. In an era of anti-queer legislation and “lavender scare” witch hunts causing most queer people to stay in the closet, “Fly Me To The Moon” was adopted by agencies as big as NASA as the anthem of the moon race, keeping this queer love song in the ears of every American, and becoming the first song played on the moon. Happy Pride Month!
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