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 “Don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
-- Ella Fitzgerald --
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Earlier this week, I was proud to represent Auburn at the Association of Washington Cities’ City Action Days in Lacey, joined by Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor and Councilmembers Kate Baldwin, Hanan Amer, Clinton Taylor, and Lisa Stirgus.
City Action Days is one of the most important opportunities cities have during the legislative session to ensure our voices are heard as decisions are being shaped in Olympia. Over two full days, our delegation attended briefings with state leaders, participated in policy discussions with city officials from across Washington, and met directly with legislators to advocate for Auburn’s priorities.
 Those conversations focused on the issues that matter most to our community: strengthening public safety, addressing staffing challenges in police and emergency services, investing in transportation and infrastructure, expanding affordable housing and behavioral health supports, and protecting cities from unfunded mandates and rising liability costs that threaten essential services.
Our team worked to make sure Auburn has a seat at the table, sharing our perspective, building relationships, and reinforcing the importance of state partnership in addressing challenges cities cannot solve alone.
I’m grateful for the time and commitment our elected officials dedicate to this work, and for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our community alongside cities from across the state!
 The Ray of Hope Resource Center (2806 Auburn Way N) will be open as a Warming Center throughout the night on the following dates: January 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2026 from 9 p.m. – 7 a.m.
In addition, the following locations provide heating during the day:
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Auburn Community & Event Center, 910 9th St SE
- Monday – Friday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S
- Monday – Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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The Outlet Collection, 1101 Outlet Collection Way, 253-833-1790
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Wednesday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
For more information on winter warming locations please visit the City of Auburn website.
 Our Mayor's Office staff had a small, impromptu gathering at City Hall early Friday afternoon to rally for our SEATTLE SEAHAWKS!
We're going to be glued to our TVs Sunday at 3:30 p.m. as they host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game.
It's been a little over a decade since we've been in this spot, but we aren't worried because we're ready for this!
Go Hawks!
 As our community continues to recover from the December flooding, I want to remind Auburn residents that King County still has a wide range of recovery resources available for individuals, families, and businesses who were impacted.
These county resources include guidance on safely returning to flooded properties, cleanup and debris disposal options, help documenting damage for insurance and potential disaster assistance, and financial and volunteer support programs. King County also offers information in multiple languages and resources tailored to renters, homeowners, business owners, and farmers.
If you experienced flood damage, large or small, I strongly encourage you to explore these resources and complete King County’s damage surveys. This information helps determine eligibility for additional state or federal assistance and ensures our region’s needs are fully understood.
You can find the full list of recovery tools and updates on King County's website.
 Friday morning, we had the pleasure of hosting dozens of students from our sister schools in South Korea and Japan.
A huge shout-out to Buena Vista Schools and the Auburn Adventist Academy for organizing the visit -- the students are here in Auburn as part of their standard foreign-exchange program.
 It's always a fun morning anytime we get to hang out with any students in City Hall, let alone those from halfway across the world. I just hope the weather wasn't too cold!
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Angela Petrucci Quartet
Join us for a night of great jazz with Angela Petrucci Quartet, an up-and-coming jazz vocalist, who made her solo debut as a jazz artist in 2023. As a student of Greta Matassa and a former member of the "BlueStreet Voices", she has sung in several student showcases and has been featured as a soloist in the vocal jazz group. She will be singing with some of Seattle’s best jazz artists.
📅 Friday, Jan. 23
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)
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Mercury Rising - A Tribute To Queen
Mercury Rising is Olympia’s premiere Queen tribute band. Join us as we celebrate the music of one of the most epic rock bands of all time. Mercury Rising will bring you to your feet with all of the Queen anthems you know and love.
📅 Saturday, Jan. 24
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student)
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Auburn Symphony Orchestra Presents: Joyful Triumph
A concert filled with spirit and grandeur! Cool Cat pays tribute to the legendary Hollywood mountain lion P-22, Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy dazzles with folk-inspired beauty featuring violinist Rachel Lee Priday, and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 rises in a sweeping, triumphant testament to the human spirit.
📅 Sunday, Jan. 25
⏰ 2:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
💲 Tickets
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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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Cherry Cherry - Neil Diamond Tribute
Cherry Cherry is one of the coolest renditions of the Neil Diamond experience you’ll ever see. All the hits, horns and hoopla make this show rock! Cherry Cherry performs timeless hits with skill, evoking memories that every crowd will enjoy. Experience Neil Diamond’s music like never before. Cherry Cherry will entertain audiences young and old alike.
📅 Saturday, Jan. 31
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Tickets ($27 regular, $25 student)
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Love Run
The Almost 5K Love Run & Walk is an in-person fun run, part of our Almost 5K, Always Fun Run Series. The Love Run & Walk is perfect for all ages and abilities (kids in strollers permitted)! Join us for this fun event as we kick off American Heart Month.
ON-LINE REGISTRATION
Early registration includes a t-shirt.
The Almost 5K Love Run & Walk is an easy run/walk around Les Gove Park. 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). Community Vendors will be onsite to share information on American Heart Month. Activities will keep the festivities going after you've completed your laps.
Early Registration Fee: $20 until January 7, 2026 (T-shirt sizes guaranteed through January 7)
Late Registration Fee: $25 until January 8 - February 4
On-Site Registration Fee: $30 on February 7, 2026
ON-LINE REGISTRATION
Questions?
Contact Kjerstin Lange or call 253-931-3043
📅 Saturday, Feb. 3
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 les Gove Park | 910 Ninth St. SE
💲 Register
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Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall
Be someone's hero today and donate blood. The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be located outside City Hall.
- Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience.
- Same-day appointments available at most locations.
- Photo ID required.
- For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites.
- Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
Book your one hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood
📅 Tuesday, Feb. 10
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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Wildwood Angels
Born from a shared love of traditional country music, Wildwood Angels brings heartfelt lyrics, timeless vocals, and the mesmerizing beauty of the pedal steel guitar to the stage. The duo plays timeless hits from Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and more along with a mix of popular tunes and originals you are sure to love.
📅 Friday, Feb. 13
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)
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Comedy at the Postmark
MOVED TO: Postmark Center for the Arts!
Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only.
📅 Friday, Feb. 20
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 senior)
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State of the City with Mayor Nancy Backus
Please join Mayor Nancy Backus Wednesday, February 25 for her State of the City address at the Muckleshoot Casino Events Center (2402 Auburn Way S.)
5:00 PM - Door's open and reception: Enjoy refreshments and connect.
6:00 PM - Mayor's Address begins.
Please reserve a seat below (for free!) by 5:00 PM the day before. More details (including parking) in the RSVP link.
- Free (plus-ones encouraged!)
📅 Wednesday, Feb. 25
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Muckleshoot Casino Events Center | 2402 Auburn Way S.
🎟️ Register
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Buddy Ritchie & The Bopper - Honoring the Day the Music Died
This tribute pays respect to three entertainers who were taken from us way too early in their young musical careers, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Backed by five professional musicians, this show will keep your toes tapping and make you want to dance in the aisles to songs like That’ll be the Day, Peggy Sue, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace and much, much more.
📅 Saturday, Feb. 28
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Tickets ($27 regular, $25 student)
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Linda FM & Bandwidth
Get ready for an epic night of music and entertainment straight from your FM dial! This music variety show is packed with incredible talent and diverse musical styles. Connect with others, celebrate music, and savor unforgettable memories when American Top 40 on the FM dial dominated the airwaves. Join Linda FM and Bandwidth for a great evening of wonderful music!
📅 Friday, March 6
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)
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Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall
Be someone's hero today and donate blood. The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be located outside City Hall.
- Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience.
- Same-day appointments available at most locations.
- Photo ID required.
- For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites.
- Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
Book your one hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood
📅 Tuesday, March 10
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde
The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
📅 Friday, March 13 - Sunday March 15
⏰ Various times
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Spring Fling Family Dance
Little ones ages 5-11, grab your VIP and join us for our Spring Fling Family Dance! Dress your best as we dance the night away. Visit one of our activity tables for a temporary tattoo, 360° photo, beaded keychain creation, or spend the whole night out on the dance floor. Light refreshments and dessert will be available. Vegan and gluten-free option available. Pre-registration required for all attendees. Registration includes 1 adult and 1 child. Availability to add additional adults or children.
$36/$45 – additional attendees $12/$15
Call 253-931-3043 to Register Now!
📅 Saturday, March 14
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
📍 Auburn Community & Event Center | 910 9th Street SE
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Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde
The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
📅 Friday, March 20 - Sunday March 22
⏰ Various times
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Peter Cotton Trail
Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6
Hop through Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunnies who will be hidden in various locations around Auburn. Find 10 bunnies, submit a scorecard, and get entered for a chance to win some awesome prizes! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, including seniors and those in the specialized recreation community. It's a great way to get outside, stay active and enjoy the outdoors!
More info on auburnwa.gov.
📅 Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6
⏰ Dawn to dusk
📍 Various parks
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Sharing this photo we took for our cover story in the Winter 2026 Auburn Magazine! Available online or in your mailbox!
 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)
James “Jim” Cugini in his Main Street grocery store, the Auburn Public Market, 1929. Cugini was the first grocer in Auburn credited with importing international foods for his inventory, especially foods from northern Italy where he and his family immigrated from. His stock shelves, neatly on display in this photo, show familiar American brands like Campbell’s Soup on the shelf next to “exotic” imported products like olive oil.
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