City of Auburn: Summer Special Events & FREE Programs

Summer Events header_2025

Microcosms: The Photography of
George L. Kinkade

On Exhibit at White River Valley Museum

Now through June 29

"This universe of ours is beautiful, inspiring, ugly or depressing only by virtue of our relation to it." We invite you to explore these relationships through many tiny worlds, many microcosms, that show us how nature repeats its patterns at both miniscule and massive scales.

Microcosms

market shopper

Auburn Farmers Market

Sundays, June – September 14

Les Gove Park | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Browse from over 40 vendors in a beautiful park setting. The Auburn Farmers Market opens their 17th season with a variety of Washington grown, farm fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, nursery plans, wine, cheese, butter, baked goods, hand crafted art and more! See you Sundays!


juneteenth_2025

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Les Gove Park | 10am - 3pm

Join the City of Auburn and the Office of Equity, Engagement & Outreach in honoring Juneteenth—commemorating the end of slavery and the liberation of Black Americans in the United States. This FREE community celebration includes powerful performances from local artists and musicians, inspiring messages from community leaders, and fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a day of learning, connection, and celebration while supporting local Black-owned businesses and vendors. Come be part of a vibrant day of reflection and joy!


KidsDay stage

KIDSDAY

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Les Gove Park | 11am - 4pm

KidsDay is the perfect day for any child and the most excellent way to kick-start your summer! This FREE event offers live entertainment, a Kids’ Safety Zone, inflatable rides, a rock climbing wall, mini golf and more! Back again this year is the ‘Touch-a-Truck’, ArtRageous hands-on art experiences, the Unicorn Experience, and the Super Slide! Thank you to our sponsors: Auburn Prevention Coalition, Coordinated Care, Mary Bridge Children's, King County Parks and International Community Health Services


Party on the Plaza

PARTY ON THE PLAZA

Fridays, June 27, July 25 & August 22

City Hall Plaza | 5:30 - 8:30pm

Spend your summer Friday nights in downtown Auburn at the Party on the Plaza! This FREE event series features live music & dancing, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a rotating lineup of fun, themed evenings. Enjoy the Taco Festival on June 27, Rock the Block on July 25, and Cheeseburger in Paradise on August 22! With great eats from Dick’s Drive-In, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, Paparepas, 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!


RecnRoll_kidsDay

REC N ROLL

FREE Mobile Recreation Program

Monday - Friday | June 30 - August 22

10am – 2pm | Various parks in Auburn

The Rec n Roll van is packed with outdoor games, crafts, water play, dedicated staff – and it’s coming right to you all summer! Join us as we roll this free program into parks and schools throughout the City of Auburn. Our trained staff will set up interactive games, activities, and crafts for children to encourage outdoor play and physical activity. For more information about the program and a full schedule, visit auburnwa.gov/recnroll. *No program July 4 & 5


July 2025 calendar

CELEBRATING NATIONAL PARKS & RECREATION MONTH THIS JULY

We are excited to share the power of parks, arts and recreation in supporting strong, vibrant and resilient communities. 

This year's theme — “Build Together, Play Together” celebrates the many ways park and recreation can foster a sense of belonging in communities by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. 

Make plans to check out all the fun events and programs offered by Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation for the month of July 2025. Click HERE for your FREE printable calendar.

For a complete list of parks, programs and events - visit auburnwa.gov/play.


Poets at the Postmark

POETS AT THE POSTMARK

Every first Wednesday

Postmark Center for the Arts | 6:30 – 8pm

Come to our monthly Postmark Poetry Nights! Doors open at 6:00PM, poetry starts at 6:30PM. Arrive early to peruse artwork by local artists, bring a poem to share during the open mic, and bring a poetry book to swap for a poetry book at our book exchange!

  • July 2
  • August 6
  • September 3

4th of July Festival

4th OF JULY FESTIVAL

Friday, July 4, 2025

Les Gove Park | 11am – 4pm

Celebrate with us at Les Gove Park! The event includes entertainment on two stages, a variety of craft artists, a car show, inflatable rides and TONS of children’s attractions, mini golf and a rock wall! The event also offers train rides, laser tag, and a huge variety of food trucks. Purchase a wristband for $10 for unlimited play all event long! Come see for yourself, this naturally shaded park and spray park will keep you cool during an enjoyable afternoon.


classic car

4th OF JULY CAR SHOW

Friday, July 4, 2025

Les Gove Park | 11am – 4pm

Celebrate with us at Les Gove Park! The car show is held in conjunction with Auburn’s 4th of July Festival, so there’s great music, lots to do and fabulous food options! Registration is $15 in advance or $25 on event day, if space permits. Advance registration by June 30. Sorry, no registrations July 1-3. Complimentary dash plaque to first 200 paid participants. Awards in 15 categories. 


NIGHT RUN OPEN GYM

Mondays, July 7-Aug.11

The REC Auburn Teen Center | 5:30 – 8pm

Hey Teens (ages 14-18), join us at The REC for our FREE summer open gym program to play exciting 4-on-4 games. This program runs Mondays, July 7 through August 11. See you there!

Night Run

mountain bike photo

SUMMER RIDE AT CEDAR LANES

Free Mountain Bike Instruction & Rides

Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 8-Aug. 14

Cedar Lanes Bike Park | 5-8

This free summer program features a 30-minute ride skills clinic each session, then participants can hit the trails, skills zones, and the new Pump Track. Don’t know how to ride? We’ve got you covered! Instructors will be on hand and bikes and helmets of all sizes are available to borrow (waiver required). Bikes are available for ages 2 to adult! Helmets and a participant waiver are required.  Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Co-sponsored by Cycle Therapy Racing.


kids summerstage

KIDS SUMMERSTAGE

Wednesdays, July 9 – August 13 | 12pm

Les Gove Park

An exciting children’s outdoor entertainment series that will be LOADS of fun for kiddos at the adults who bring them! Pack up a picnic lunch and enjoy the performances. This entertainment series will be held at the parks shelter beside the Discovery Playground. 

Summer Line-up:

  • July 9 - Reptile Isle - an educational, interactive reptile performance everyone enjoys.
  • 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

Seattle Print Arts Annual Print Exchange

CLOSING RECEPTION:

Seattle Print Arts annual Print Exchange

Wednesday, July 9

5-6pm | Postmark Center for the Arts

Join us at Postmark Center for the Arts for the Closing reception of the Seattle Print Arts Annual Print Exchange. Seattle Print Arts (SPA) members to showcase their work in an un-juried celebration of fine art printmaking. This exhibition highlights the diversity and creativity of both traditional and non-traditional printmaking, fostering knowledge sharing, professional development, and community engagement within the vibrant SPA network. Enjoy light snacks, peruse the artworks, and chat with the artists!


family climb

FAMILY OPEN ROCK CLIMB

July 9 & August 13

Les Gove Park | 5:30-7:30pm | Ages 4 & up

Bring the family to the climbing wall in Les Gove Park for a full evening of rock-climbing fun! This is a drop-in climbing opportunity all equipment, instruction and belayers will be provided. Fee: $13/$16. 

Check out Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Rock Climbing package options designed for groups and families wanting to develop teambuilding skills and have fun. This program can be customized to meet your groups’ or families’ individual needs. Perfect for teams, clubs, workplace training, youth groups, and especially families. The program will be customized at time of registration. All equipment, instruction and facilitation are provided. Please call 253-931-3043 for available times.


park yoga

FREE FITNESS IN THE PARK

Wednesdays & Thursdays, July 9 - July 31

Sunset Park, 1420 69th Street SE

Join the Auburn Community Fitness Team for four weeks of FREE outdoor fitness classes! These classes offer slow movements to focus on balance, stability, and relaxation.  More information at www.auburnwa.gov/fitness.  Pre-registration is not required; daily sign in is required.

Yoga | Wednesdays | July 9-30 | 7-8 pm

  • This introductory Yoga class is appropriate for all fitness levels. Bring your mat and enjoy the summer evening in the park with a relaxing Yoga practice

HITT the Park | Thursdays | July 10-31 | 6-7pm

  • Get your heart pumping with this high energy High Intensity Interval Training class.  All equipment and instruction are provided.

Summer Sounds 2022

SUMMER SOUNDS
Wednesdays, July 9 – August 13 | 6:30pm

Les Gove Park

The perfect summer entertainment series the whole family will enjoy! Pack up a picnic dinner and enjoy the performances. This entertainment series will be held at the parks shelter beside the Discovery Playground.

Summer 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 - “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

AUBURN AIRPORT DAY

Saturday, July 12  | 10am - 4pm

Auburn Municipal Airport | 2143 E Street NE

Learn about aviation and the Auburn Airport while you enjoy great food, great company and the chance to be up close and personal with the people, planes and helicopters that make flight possible.

airport

FARM OPEN DAY: POLLINATORS AND PLANTS

Saturday, July 12  | 11am - 4pm

Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road

Join King Conservation District as we learn how to harvest seeds, maximize our garden spaces, and identify the best native plants for our environments. Meet a hive of busy bees with a specialist from Green River College and enjoy a Bee Presentation at 12pm. All ages welcome to this FREE event!

Mary Olson Farm_cute boy and craft

Art_Second Saturdays

SECOND SATURDAYS AT THE POSTMARK FREE ARTMAKING EXPERIENCES!

Saturdays, 12pm-4pm

Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave 

Second Saturdays are starting in Auburn for the summer! The City of Auburn is hosting free creative workshops and activities for all ages the second Saturday of each month at Auburn's new Postmark Center for the Arts. See below for our line-up of wonderful upcoming programming for summer 2025! Sponsored in part by Kiwanis Club of Auburn.

  • July 12: Community Mural with guest artist Toka Valu
  • August 9: Insight Books with guest artist Wendy Wahman
  • September 13: Keep a Livin’ with guest reader Kathya Alexander

Jahnvi Madan Artist in Residence headshot

MARY OLSON FARM ARTIST IN RESIDENCE OPEN REHEARSAL

Saturday, July 12  | 1pm - 3pm

Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road SE

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.

Guests are invited to come and watch a FREE open rehearsal session by Artist in Residence Jahnvi Madan, providing a preview of her new instrumental work. Enjoyable for all ages!


Summer Climbing

SECOND SUNDAY FREE OPEN CLIMB

July 13 & August 10

Les Gove Park | 11am-2pm | Ages 4 & up

Bring the family to the climbing wall in Les Gove Park for a FREE climb during the Auburn Farmers Market! This is a drop-in opportunity. All equipment, instruction and belayers will be provided.

Check out Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Rock Climbing package options designed for groups and families wanting to develop teambuilding skills and have fun. This program can be customized to meet your groups’ or families’ individual needs. Perfect for teams, clubs, workplace training, youth groups, and especially families. The program will be customized at time of registration. All equipment, instruction and facilitation are provided. Please call 253-931-3043 for available times.


OPENING RECEPTION:

Unprecedented: The Inaugural Postmark Biennial

Wednesday, July 23

5-7pm | Postmark Center for the Arts & White River Valley Museum 

Join us at for the opening reception of Unprecedented: The Inaugural Postmark Biennial. Curators Jabari Owens-Bailey and Ellen Ito will host artist talks at the White River Valley Museum and Postmark Center for the Arts. Enjoy light snacks, peruse the artwork, and chat with artists!


Party on the Plaza

PARTY ON THE PLAZA

Fridays, July 25 & August 22

City Hall Plaza | 5:30 - 8:30pm

Spend your summer Friday nights in downtown Auburn at the Party on the Plaza! This FREE event series features live music & dancing, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a rotating lineup of fun, themed evenings. Come 'Rock the Block' on July 25, and Cheeseburger in Paradise on August 22! With great eats from Dick’s Drive-In, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, Paparepas, 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!


Barnyard Dance

Barnyard Dance at the Mary Olson Farm

Saturday, July 26 | 5:00-8:00 PM

Free Family Friendly Event!

Live music, line dancing, and delicious food in the Barnyard!

Joins us for a fun family evening on the farm with live country music from Kaitie Wade, great food available for purchase from Stacks Burgers, and tons of fun activities!

Learn to rope, have animal encounters with our barnyard friends, and explore the historic Mary Olson Farm!


NNO 2022

National Night Out

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025

Throughout Auburn | 5pm – 9pm

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. 


Fun Run

ALMOST 5K POKER FUN RUN, WALK OR STROLL
Friday, August 8 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Les Gove Park

The Almost 5K Poker Fun Run & Walk is an in-person fun run perfect for all ages and abilities! This fun run will utilize the big loop at Les Gove Park. Five loops around is “almost” a 5K (short of a 5K by 1,138 feet). For each lap around the loop, participants will stop, choose a card, and try to get the best poker hand with the five cards drawn. All participants must register in advance. For registration and event details visit www.auburnwa.gov.


Mary Olson Farm_child milking cow

FARM OPEN DAY: A DAY ON THE FARM

Sunday, Aug. 17  | 11am - 4pm

Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Road

Learn how to weave rag rugs, make butter, process apples for cider, among other farm activities that you would have seen on the Mary Olson Farm 100 years ago. All ages welcome to this FREE event!


Party on the Plaza

PARTY ON THE PLAZA

Fridays, August 22, 2025

City Hall Plaza | 5:30 - 8:30pm

Spend your summer Friday nights in downtown Auburn at the Party on the Plaza! This FREE event series features live music & dancing, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a rotating lineup of fun, themed evenings. Join us for Cheeseburgers in Paradise and a Jimmy Buffet cover band on August 22! With great eats from Dick’s Drive-In, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, Paparepas, 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!


HOPS & CROPS MUSIC & BEEF FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 13 | 12-6pm

Mary Olson Farm

Fun, sun, music, and brews! This 21 and up event is a South Sound favorite with live bands, dozens of beers to taste, and the most ‘chill’ beer festival experience in the region. Tickets on sale now – buy yours early for a discount!  


www.auburnwa.gov/events |  253-931-3043