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 “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."
-- Harriet Beecher Stowe --
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 Auburn's premiere pet-centric event is finally here this weekend and I can't wait to see everyone (and your pets) at Game Farm Park on Saturday!
As always, the event begins with the Dog Trot 3k/5k Fun Run through the neighborhoods around the park. Can you think of a better way to get your dog some exercise on a Saturday morning? Day-of registration is allowed, so let's give those pups some zoomies!
 The event proper begins at 10 a.m., which means for the next several hours, Game Farm Park is absolutely packed with pets of all sizes and flavors -- dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, turtles, alligators (at least one) -- you name it, it's there.
The full list of activities and day-of attractions is available on our website, including the Emerald Downs' Unleashed Pet Contest at noon at the main stage!
 I hope to see everyone there and to make sure to bring a raincoat -- for some reason, Mother Nature has deemed it necessary to rain at parts of each and every Petpalooza for the past few years. Who knows -- maybe she likes the smell of wet dog? Regardless, we've never let it stop us, and we don't aim to this year!
📅 Saturday, May 16
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
 After years of planning, preparing, studying, determining, surveying, measuring, discussing (and any other "-ing" you can think of) we have officially broken ground on the BRAND NEW Auburn Avenue Theater!
 The Auburn Avenue Theater has always been more than a building. It has been a place where people gathered, performed, celebrated, laughed, learned and made memories. Losing the old theater was difficult for so many of us, but this groundbreaking is a promise that its story is not over.
Downtown Auburn’s next chapter is being written, and I cannot wait for the day we gather again, sometime in mid 2027 -- not with shovels, but with a ribbon to cut, a theater full of people and a new community space ready to welcome everyone!
 One of the things I love most about Auburn is seeing young people step forward with big ideas -- and then do the work to bring those ideas to life!
On Saturday, June 6, the Auburn Junior City Council will host the inaugural Auburn Art Showcase at the Postmark Center for the Arts, featuring artwork from high school students across the Auburn School District.
This event is organized by Auburn Junior City Councilmember Rowan Santos and the AJCC Arts Committee, and I am so proud of the creativity and care they have put into creating a space for young artists to share their work with the community.
The showcase will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave., and admission is free. Students interested in participating can submit their artwork online ahead of the event.
I hope you’ll stop by, support these talented students and help celebrate the next generation of artists here in Auburn.
Please share with a student in your orbit!
📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 1 - 4 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
 On Monday, the Auburn City Council will consider approval of a conservation-focused purchase of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center property on Lea Hill, an important step toward permanently protecting this beautiful public garden from future development.
The property was not listed for sale on the open market, and the transaction does not reflect a change in the financial health or mission of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation. Instead, the purchase fulfills the longtime vision of founders Morris Skagen and his late partner, Jim Daly, to ensure the garden remains protected and available for public benefit for generations to come.
 If approved, the garden will remain open to the public and continue to be operated and maintained by the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation, just as it is today. This purchase is not about changing what the garden is, but protecting what makes it so special -- the quiet pathways, mature trees, native woodland, ravine garden, cedar grove, heritage plantings and peaceful spaces where people can learn and reflect with nature!
 A mobile Disaster Assistance Center will be in Auburn this weekend for residents, businesses and nonprofits who would like in-person help with FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance applications.
Specialists will be available Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot at The Outlet Collection Seattle, 1101 Outlet Collection Way.
FEMA staff can help with applications for assistance related to temporary housing, basic home repairs, personal property loss and other disaster-caused expenses, while SBA staff can help homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits learn more about low-interest disaster loan options.
If you or someone you know could use help navigating the process, this is a good opportunity to speak with someone in person right here in Auburn!
📅 Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
⏰ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
📍 Outlet Collection Seattle | 1101 Outlet Collection Way
 I also want to share a traffic note for next week that may impact anyone traveling through downtown Auburn.
BNSF and its traffic control contractor, NW Safety Signs, will be closing the railroad crossing on West Main Street between C Street NW/SW and B Street NW/SW beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. The closure is expected to remain in place until 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21, while crews complete railroad crossing repair work.
A signed detour route will direct drivers to use C Street NW, 3rd Street NW and A Street NW. Please keep in mind there are other active construction projects along that detour route, so drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time if traveling through the area.
Pedestrians and cyclists will still be accommodated through the closure and work zone with flagger assistance.
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Dog Trot 3k/5k Fun Run
A family-oriented fun run event that takes place prior to Auburn's Petpalooza festival. Participants will follow a 3K or 5K route. The course is flat, easy and enjoyable for all ages and ability levels. Water will be available on the course for both dogs and human participants. The race is 'chip-timed' by Bell Lap Productions.
REGISTRATION DETAILS AND FEE:
- Early Registration (on or before March 30) - $25/person
- Late Registration (March 31 - May 12) - $30/person
- Sorry, no registrations May 13 - May 15
- On-Site Registration on May 16 - $35/person
ONLINE REGISTRATION
***First 100 to register receive a 19-ounce coffee mug with full-color Petpalooza logo.
Registration includes a limited-edition T-Shirt, full-color race bib and a participation medal. T-shirt sizes not guaranteed for late registrations and available while supplies last for on-site registrations.
DOG TROT RULES OF PARTICIPATION:
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NEW! Packets that are not picked up by 11:00 AM will not be available after the event unless we have written notification (to events@auburnwa.gov) by 9:30 AM on race day
- All participants must have their race bib on the FRONT of their person
- Dogs must be current on vaccinations
- No aggressive dogs
- No female dogs in heat
- No more than two dogs per human
- Keep your dog on a 7-foot leash or shorter at all times.
- No dogs under the age of six months
- Bring your dog only if he/she is well socialized
- Please, clean up after your dog
- Run or walk the course only if you and your pet are in adequate physical condition
- Strollers are welcome on the course
- Participants may not switch race distances after May 13
- Participants must run/walk the course in its entirety with a dog to be eligible for awards
- Route will close after 90-minutes
For a list of Auburn hotels, visit www.exploreauburn.com.
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
📅 Saturday, May 16
⏰ 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
📍 Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
💲 Register
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Petpalooza
Petpalooza is a FREE event for pet lovers and a special day for your four-legged family member or other furry friend. Petpalooza is kicked off with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run. The event features an animal-related entertainment stage, flydog and agility demos, the popular 'Unleashed' Pet Contest, a free agility area, a large variety of vendor booths, adoptions, free and low-cost pet services, give-a-ways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained.
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome.
Please note, no ATM available on-site. Please plan ahead. Majority of vendors accept credit/debit cards.
For a more hotel information visit www.exploreauburn.com.
HELPFUL INFORMATION: Check back for updates
Interested in Vendor Opportunities? Subscribe to our email list to be notified when applications are available.
2026 Petpalooza Sponsor Packages available. Email events@auburnwa.gov for information.
📅 Saturday, May 16
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
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Food Truck Tuesday
Enjoy a rotating selection of delicious local food trucks in the heart of Auburn at Auburn City Hall! Bookmark the Washington State Food Truck Association's website and check back each week to see the scrumptious local fare.
The day's food truck: Dick’s Dive-In
📅 Tuesday, May 19
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mountainview Cemetery Memorial Day Service
The public is cordially invited to attend a special Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM. The Cemetery is also offering special office hours during the Memorial Day weekend to assist families.
- Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Sunday, May 24, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Monday, May 25, 2026 from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Cemetery will display many American Flags on the grounds and each Veterans gravesite is decorated with a small flag. For more information about the special activities surrounding Memorial Day at Mountain View Cemetery, please call 253-931-3028 or visit mtviewcemeteryauburn.com.
📅 Monday, May 25
⏰ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
📍 Mountainview Cemetery | 2020 Mountain View Drive
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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:
OPENING DAY!
- Rec n Roll, 10AM-3PM
- Seattle Steel Pan Project, 11AM-12PM
- Rock Wall, 11AM-2PM
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Giveaway: Produce bags *Available while supplies last
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 7
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Food Truck Tuesday
Enjoy a rotating selection of delicious local food trucks in the heart of Auburn at Auburn City Hall! Bookmark the Washington State Food Truck Association's website and check back each week to see the scrumptious local fare.
The day's food trucks: Delfino’s, Asian Crazy
📅 Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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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, June 9
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
🎟️ Register
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History Q&A
Free Program
You have questions? We have answers!
Curator of Collections, Hilary Pittenger, answers all your local history curiosities. She’ll address questions posted by guests in our new exhibit.
Haven’t visited the exhibit yet? Submit your questions here.
📅 Thursday, June 11
⏰ 1 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
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Rhythm and Rhymes: Story Hour with Auburn Symphony Orchestra
Join us at the Postmark Center for the Arts from 10am - 11am for Rhythm and Rhymes, a unique collaboration between Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Auburn Library.
Taking inspiration from a children’s book, an ASO musician will teach an age-appropriate, interactive music program, and an Auburn librarian will then read the story aloud. Afterwards, families will be invited to explore instruments, and receive a craft to take home. Rhythm and Rhymes combines music and literature for children and families to enjoy over the course of 45 minutes.
This event is free and family friendly. Funded by the Postmark Programming Grant and 4 Culture King County.
FREE | ALL AGES
📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 10 - 11 a.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
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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:
DADS & GRADS JERSEY DAY
- Rainier Riff, 1PM-2PM
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Giveaway: Multi-tool *Available while supplies last
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 S.
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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:
CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH AT THE AUBURN FARMERS MARKET, in partnership with the City of Auburn Office of Equity, Engagement, and Outreach
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June Kid Kit: Soccer Cup-and-Ball Game
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 21
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Juneteenth at the Market
Come celebrate Juneteenth at the Market with the City of Auburn, hosted by the Office of Equity, Engagement & Outreach and Auburn Farmers Market. 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.
Participate in community fellowship, support local small businesses, and learn from community leaders. Enjoy amazing local artists, musicians, and vendors.
Vendor applications:
- Juneteenth Performer Form
- This year we are using the Manage My Market software to track vendor applications. Once you create an account you’ll be directed to the application for Juneteenth at the Market. There is a $15 non-refundable application fee for food, craft, and commercial vendors. Service vendors and Non-Profit organizations may apply at no charge.
PLEASE NOTE: Payment of the application fee and/or submission of the application does not guarantee vendors a place at the Juneteenth at the Market event.
General Vendor & Food Vendor Applications
Contact Information:
Office of Equity, Engagement & Outreach
253-294-3843
juneteenth@auburnwa.gov
📅 Sunday, June 21
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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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, a variety of activity/info booths, craft vendor sales, 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.
No ATM available on festival grounds. Majority of vendors accept debit/credit.
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Interested in Vendor Opportunities? Subscribe to our email list to be notified when applications are available.
Contact Information
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
Email Auburn Events
📅 Tuesday, June 23
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
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Food Truck Tuesday
Enjoy a rotating selection of delicious local food trucks in the heart of Auburn at Auburn City Hall! Bookmark the Washington State Food Truck Association's website and check back each week to see the scrumptious local fare.
The day's food trucks: Taco Cortes, Le Nomade
📅 Tuesday, June 23
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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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:
- ArtRageous, 11AM-2PM
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Giveaway: Flags/stickers *Available while supplies last
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 28
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Who knows what you might see at Petpalooza!
 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)
Wedding portrait of John Mayetani and Esther Ishihara, 1938. May is sometimes described as a superstitiously bad time to hold a wedding, a tradition which traces its origins back to ancient Rome. According to the poet Ovid, May was the month in which households needed to appease the spirits of the restless dead with offerings, while June was the time of Juno, the goddess of marriage and contracts. In reality, most Roman brides were married whenever it was convenient – it was only the wealthy and well-educated of Rome’s elites who had the ability to use calendars and auguries to select the most auspicious wedding day.
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