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 "Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now."
-- Denis Waitley --
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 In what's quickly becoming our official end-of-summer bash, Party in the Plaza returns to downtown Auburn next Friday for one last hurrah before August is behind us!
We're welcoming FREE live country music and blues from local band Slim Wizzy Band, plus line dancing from Buckle and Boot, along with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
 Party in the Plaza is a wonderful, free event right in the heart of downtown Auburn and I hope you join us next week! Plenty of parking in area parking lots and garages.
📅 Friday, Aug. 28
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W Main St.
 One of Auburn’s most unique late-summer traditions is nearly here! Hops & Crops brings craft beer and cider, live music and local food trucks to the beautiful and historic Mary Olson Farm.
Beyond being a great afternoon out, the festival supports the Farm’s free and low-cost education programs, which help thousands of students learn about history, farming, sustainability, salmon and stream ecology each year.
This rain-or-shine event is for ages 21 and older. Admission is $25 online through Labor Day or $35 at the event and includes a tasting glass and five tokens. Designated driver admission is $10 at the gate.
📅 Saturday, Sept. 12
⏰ Noon - 6 p.m.
📍 Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Rd
💲 Tickets
 Tomorrow I'm headed to Game Farm Park for the Washington Employment Security Department's Combined Fund Drive softball fundraiser, an annual fundraiser that is now celebrating it's 10th year in Auburn!
Each year, this fundraiser brings together employees from state agencies, along with their families and friends, for a day of friendly competition and a lot of fun.
This s tournament directly supports the Combined Fund Drive’s mission of strengthening nonprofits across Washington and beyond. Last year, state employees and retirees contributed more than $5.5 million through the Combined Fund Drive, supporting more than 5,000 nonprofits.
Every softball team, raffle basket, and attendee helps extend that impact. In the past 10 years, this event has raised thousands of dollars for charities and nonprofits.
I hope you can join me -- see ya on the field!
 The end of summer is quickly approaching, and with that comes our final Food Truck Tuesday of the year. It's been so fun seeing everyone out in our plaza each Tuesday late morning and afternoon, enjoying food from a variety of options and rotating trucks.
 Celebrate on Tuesday with La Costenita (tacos and Mexican cuisine) and Paparepas (authentic Venezuelan cuisine).
📅 Tuesday, Aug. 25
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W Main St.
 When severe flooding struck our region last December, Auburn residents saw firsthand how quickly rising water can affect just about all of us. It reminded us why flood-control infrastructure and regional coordination matter, so I'm happy to share that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding an open house to discuss these issues, and it's right around the corner!
Mud Mountain Dam is a critical part of our water system -- located on the White River, the dam holds and carefully releases water during periods of heavy rain and snowmelt, helping protect communities throughout the lower White and Puyallup river valleys. Since its completion in 1948, the dam has prevented an estimated $4 billion in flood damage. According to a preliminary analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it also helped prevent an estimated $215 million in damage during the December 2025 storms.
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Army Corps will host a public open house from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn Community and Event Center, 910 Ninth St. SE. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about proposed updates to the dam’s Water Control Manual, how decisions are made about storing and releasing water during floods, dam safety, emergency management, levee repairs and the environmental review process. Representatives from Auburn, Pacific, King County and Pierce County will also be available to discuss local flood-risk management.
Flooding does not stop at city or county boundaries, and the decisions made throughout the White River watershed can have a direct impact on Auburn. I encourage you to attend, ask questions and learn how you can provide feedback on this important work!
Learn more about the Sept. 1 open house
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 1
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
📍 Community and Event Center | 910 Ninth St. SE
Registration is now open for our Glow Run in early October
 Thank you to everyone who joined us last Friday for the Poker Fun Run! I hope Lady Luck was on your side, and if you didn't get a winning hand -- there's always next year! But let's be honest, the real winning was a fun community event, getting a little exercise, and walking away with a brand-new shirt.
 Don't forget to register for the upcoming Almost 5K Glow Run & Walk, part of our new Almost 5k, Always Fun Run Series. Like the Poker Run, the Glow Run is perfect for all ages and abilities. A race t-shirt is included with your registration (guaranteed with early registration and available while supplies last with late registration).
Glowies are also included!
- Early registration through September 2: $20 per person
- Late registration September 3-30: $25 per person
- Sorry, no registrations October 1 & 2
- On-Site Registration on October 3: $30 per person
Online Registration
📅 Saturday, Oct. 3
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 Ninth St. SE
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Auburn Artist Studio Tours
Auburn Studio Tours are back! Are you curious about how your local artists work and create in their studios? This is a unique opportunity to visit three of Auburn's own talent at their studio space, ask questions, and learn about their practice up close, ending with a visit to Postmark Center for the Arts for a reception and tour of Auburn Artist in Residence Yoshi Nakagawa's on-site studio.
Participating artists:
John Harris, Ceramicist
Brian Lane, Printmaker
Marita Dingus, Mixed Media sculpture and outdoor
Yoshi Nakagawa, Printmaker
Participants are shuttled to and from each location, starting and ending at Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave, Auburn, WA 98002. Each location will see a 30-minute tour. Because each studio location is private, studios have limited accessibility for wheelchairs and walkers.
Register for Auburn Studio Tours here!
📅 Saturday, Aug. 22
⏰ 1 - 5 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
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The Trobairitz: Exploring the Female Poets of Medieval France
Free Program with RSVP
The OG feminine counterculture? They were laying down the truth about love in a time when women were often seen as ornamental.
You've probably heard of medieval troubadours, but did you know there were female poets during this period as well? The trobairitz wrote about romantic love from a distinct, and much less idealized, perspective from that of their male counterparts. This lecture explores the works and lives of these trail-blazing female poets, as well as how their view of romantic love differed from that of the troubadours.
Dr. Charity Urbanski is a Teaching Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, specializing in twelfth-century England and France. Her research interests include historiography, gender, power, and monstrosity. She is the author of Writing History for the King: Henry II and the Politics of Vernacular Historiography.
Content most appropriate for audiences 15 & Up
📅 Saturday, Aug. 22
⏰ 2 - 3 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H Street 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:
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, Aug. 23
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Strings in the Garden
Auburn Symphony’s String Quartet returns to the beautiful Soos Creek Botanical Garden for a relaxed afternoon of live music surrounded by blooming flowers and winding garden paths. Tickets required, available at the Auburn Symphony Website.
📅 Sunday, Aug. 23
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center | 29308 132nd Ave 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.
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Yoga in the Garden
Join Yoga instructor Brigette Wagner, for a series of 6 Yoga classes held in the Pavilion by the Pond.
Classes begin Wednesday, July 29 and finish Wednesday, September 2. Start time is 8:45, and classes run one hour.
Dress in loose fitting clothing and bring a Yoga mat and large towel. The classes are $10 each, payable to the instructor. All participants are required to sign a Liability Waiver at their first class.
Full info at sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org
Questions? info@sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org
📅 Wed. Aug. 26
⏰ 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
📍 Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center | 29308 132nd Ave SE
💲10
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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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Party on the Plaza!
Looking for a fantastic way to spend a summer evening?!
A mini golf course, food trucks and a beer & wine garden will be at City Hall Plaza from 5:30 - 8:30 PM on Friday, July 24 and August 28.
LIVE MUSIC:
August 28 - Slim Wizzy band (Country Rock & Blues) and line dancing from Buckle & Boot.
All Ages Welcome: The overall event is completely free and family-friendly, though the beer and wine garden area is strictly for guests aged 21 and older.
📅 Friday, Aug. 28
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W Main St.
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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:
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, Aug. 30
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Poets at the Postmark
Come to our monthly Postmark Poetry Nights! Doors open at 6PM, poetry starts at 6:30PM.
Arrive early to peruse artwork by local artists and have refreshments! Bring a poem to share during the open mic, and bring a poetry book to swap for a poetry book at our book exchange!
September's featured poet is Arlene Naganawa!
Featured Poet's bio:
Arlene Naganawa’s work appears in Calyx, Fatal Flaw, La Piccioletta Barca, Mom Egg Review, The Inflectionist, Thimble, Waxwing, West Trestle Review, Whale Road Review and other journals. Her collections include I Weave a Nest of Foil (Kelson Books), We Were Talking about When We Had Bodies (Ravenna Press), The Ark and the Bear (Floating Bridge Press), The Scarecrow Bride (Red Bird Chapbooks), and Private Graveyard (Gribble Press).
Her poems were featured in 4Culture’s Poetry on Buses/Poetry in Public: Places of Landing. She received grants from City Artist Seattle and Artist Trust. She was a Writer in the Schools for Seattle Arts and Lectures, a Hugo House youth instructor, and a Pongo poetry mentor with incarcerated youth.
Ages: All
Fee: Free
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 2
⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
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First Thursday Late Hours
We are staying open late over the summer!
Drop in and experience the vibes of the 60’s and 70’s in our BOHO exhibit.
📅 Thursday, Sept. 3
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H Street 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:
- El Colonel, 11AM-12:30PM
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Giveaway: Market t-shirt *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, Sept. 6
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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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, Sept. 8
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
🎟️ Register
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Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival
Beer, Live Music, and Food Trucks on a beautiful farm!
Saturday, September 13th, 2025, Noon-6PM
21 and Up Only
$25 pre-purchase GA online through Labor Day
$35 GA at the event, includes 5 oz taster glass and 5 taster tokens
$10 Designated Driver (no tastes) entry available at the event.
Hops & Crops is a truly unique festival experience. Nestled in its own canyon alongside the roaring Green River, the historic Mary Olson Farm is an idyllic place to listen to live music and sample some of the region's best craft breweries and cideries!
Here's our lineup so far:
Breweries and Cideries:
- Republic of Cider
- 2 Towns Ciderhouse
- Rail Hop'n Brewing Co.
- Top Down Brewing
- Valhalla Mead
- Jotunn Ciderhouse
- Portland Cider Co.
- Sider Cider House
- Barley Pop Brewing
- Pfriem Family Brewers
- Pelican Breweing Co.
- Triceratops Brewing
- Griffin Brewing Co.
- More to come..
Bands:
- Mountlake Traffic
- Elevator Operator
- Jaws of Brooklyn
- Happy Chems
Food Trucks:
- Thai-U-Up
- Pizza Maniac
- Longhorn Barbecue
This festival is a fundraiser to support the free and low-cost education programs at the Mary Olson Farm. Thousands of students from across the region visit the Farm every year to learn about history, farming, sustainability, NW salmon, and stream ecology.
Hops & Crops is a rain or shine, 21 and up only event. Dogs of all ages are welcome (leashed please)! Camp chairs and blankets are encouraged, outside food is discouraged. Outside alcohol, drugs, and firearms are prohibited.
📅 Saturday, Sept. 12
⏰ Noon - 6 p.m.
📍 Mary Olson Farm | 28728 Green River Rd
💲 Tickets
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Second Saturdays: Arts of India Cultural Celebration
Join us at the Postmark for a celebration of Indian music and art! This event is completely free, with interactive and educational elements designed to be fun for the whole family. All programming is presented by local artists from Auburn and the surrounding area.
Starting at 12PM, learn the geometric forms of Kolam, a traditional Indian art form that uses sand to create intricate patterns. While you learn from an experienced artist and practice the forms with the provided white sand, enjoy the South Indian fusion music of the band Dhawayam. A band of high school students, Dhawayam's music is for everyone to enjoy. After that, artist Manaswini Sridhar will perform Chaturyuga - The Time and Cycle, a traditional Indian dance that incorporates themes of time, renewal, and spirituality. English poetic narration will accompany the expressive dance.
FREE | ALL AGES
📅 Saturday, Sept. 12
⏰ Noon - 4 p.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:
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GRANDPARENTS DAY, in partnership with the City of Auburn's Office of Equity, Engagement, and Outreach
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Giveaway: Postcards and 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, Sept. 13
⏰ 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:
- Rec n Roll, 10AM-3PM
- ArtRageous, 11AM-2PM
- Auburn Elites, 12PM-12:30PM
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September Kid Kit: Sunlight Plant Prints *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, Sept. 20
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Multicultural Festival at the Auburn Farmers Market
Join us at the Auburn Farmers Market for food, fun, fashion, and so much more! Celebrate the many cultures of Auburn, all in one place.
📅 Sunday, Sept. 20
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 1140 Auburn Way S.
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Invincible & Mas Tequila: Pat Benatar & Sammy Hagar Tribute
Invincible Nights & Tequila Lights – Get ready for a high-energy night of legendary rock! Kick off the party with Mas Tequila, an electrifying tribute to Sammy Hagar featuring hits from Montrose, Van Halen’s “Van Hagar” era, and beyond. Loud guitars, powerhouse vocals, and nonstop rock ‘n’ roll energy make this a show to remember. Headlining the evening is Invincible – The Pat Benatar Experience, a stunning tribute to Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Featuring incredible vocals from Darlene Tyler and top-tier musicianship, this dynamic show delivers all the iconic hits and concert excitement fans love. Two amazing bands. One unforgettable night of singing, dancing, and classic rock favorites.
Buy Tickets Online
Regular: $27, Student/Senior: $24
📅 Saturday, Sept. 26
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 32th St.
💲 Tickets ($27 regular, $24 student/senior)
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Les Gove Park hosted a tree climbing competition on Saturday -- yep, you read that correctly!
 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)
Auburn’s first library, c. 1910. Located in a room above the first City Hall, Auburn’s first library boasted several hundred book volumes and subscriptions to multiple newspapers and periodicals. Like many libraries from the turn of the century, Auburn’s was funded by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), a pro-Temperance organization that sought to improve communities by eliminating access to things they believed had a corrupting influence on society, particularly drugs, alcohol, tobacco. As part of these efforts the WCTU often funded projects they considered “wholesome” alternatives that would keep people out of saloons, such as libraries, public lectures, gymnasiums, and public water fountains.
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