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 “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
-- Coretta Scott King --
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 Keep an eye on your mailbox -- the fall issue of Auburn Magazine is arriving this weekend!
There is a lot packed into this one, including stories about the new public art coming to Sound Transit’s parking garage, the return of salmon to Mary Olson Farm, our Specialized Recreation program, the future of Soos Creek Botanical Garden, Auburn’s Veterans Parade and so much more.
 One other change you’ll notice next year: beginning in 2027, Auburn Magazine will move from four issues each year to three. Rising printing, paper and mailing costs mean we can save some public dollars while continuing to deliver the same magazine you know and love. Look for next year’s issues in March, June and October. Check your mailbox tomorrow!
I hope you enjoy this final issue of 2026!
If you prefer to read the magazine online, it's available on our city website, where you can select to have it translated into Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, or whichever language you prefer to speak (and read) at home.
 It’s budget season for the City of Auburn!
Earlier this year, the Directors and I reviewed prior budgets, new “program improvement” requests, and put together a biennial budget for 2027-2028 that is balanced and, we believe, an accurate representation of the needs and wants of our community. Not every need or want is included in the proposed budget - like your own family budgets, not every want or need can be immediately fulfilled.
We began presenting the budget to your Auburn City Council on Monday, September 21st, and we will continue Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29th & 30th, beginning at 5 p.m. – if you’d like to join us online or in Council Chambers. Council will review the budget and make any changes they want prior to the final approval later this year.
 There was a whole lot of digging happening at Brannan Park this week!
Thanks to the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, their volunteers and our Parks, Arts and Recreation team, about 100 new trees are being planted at one of Auburn’s busiest sports complexes.
 Those trees will eventually mean more shade for athletes and families, a healthier tree canopy and a more comfortable park during those hot summer days we know all too well here in the valley. And while planting 100 trees makes for a pretty impressive day of work, the best part is knowing the benefits will be around for many years to come.
A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make it happen, and to Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor for rallying the volunteers during their lunch break Friday!
 This is a pretty exciting one: Auburn will soon become the first city in King County to have free internet coverage through a new partnership between the King County Housing Authority and Comcast.
The program will provide free high-speed internet service to 295 residents living in six KCHA housing communities in Auburn. Residents will also have access to digital literacy resources, computer classes and other support designed to make sure having internet access also means having the tools to use it.
Internet access is part of everyday life now, and it has been for over a decade. For so many of us, it's how we apply for jobs, complete schoolwork, make appointments, or simply stay connected with family and loved ones.
I'm thrilled to see this investment happening in Auburn and I hope you'll join us as we celebrate the launch next Friday!
📅 Friday, Oct. 2
⏰ 5:30 - 7 p.m.
📍 Neighborhood House Center at Burndale Homes | 1044 18th Street NE
 Earlier this year, our city shared some wonderful news -- the City of Auburn completed the conservation-focused purchase of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center, ensuring this beautiful place on Lea Hill will remain protected from future development and open for generations to come.
And now you're all invited to come celebrate it!
 The garden has a long and storied history in Auburn as a place to walk and learn, and just slow down for a minute in nature. The Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation will continue operating and maintaining the gardens and its public programming, while City ownership ensures the property itself is preserved for the future.
Come explore the gardens throughout the day, and stick around for a special Conservation Celebration at 2:30 p.m. I hope to see you there!
📅 Saturday, Oct. 3
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Conservation Celebration at 2:30 p.m.
📍 Soos Creek Botanical Garden & Heritage Center | 29308 132nd Ave. SE
 On Wednesday, our Auburn Junior City Council returned for a new school year featuring several new (and returning) faces! They have an ambitious couple of months ahead of them as they prepare a list of policies and community engagement opportunities, beginning with a presentation for council sometime soon.
On Wednesday, they voted long-time members Rowan Santos as Chair and Mikaela Pedraja as vice-chair. They also set subcommittees for the year and approved their official logo (below).
We can't wait to get started with them!
 For those interested in attending a future AJCC meeting, they typically meet every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 25 W. Main Street.
Full schedule:
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
- Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026
- Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026
- Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026
- Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027
- Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2027
- Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2027
- Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2027
- Wednesday, March 10, 2027
- Wednesday, March 24, 2027
- Wednesday, April 7, 2027
- Wednesday, April 21, 2027
- Wednesday, May 12, 2027
- Wednesday, May 26, 2027
- Wednesday, June 9, 2027
- Wednesday, June 23, 2027
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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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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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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, Oct. 1
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H Street SE
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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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Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties
12 & Up | Free Program
Women’s underwear has long reflected society’s views on modesty, femininity, and beauty. From historic styles that restricted the female form to the more liberating fashions of today, women’s undergarments have been symbols of both oppression and empowerment. This talk is made possible through the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau.
Full info on Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties
📅 Thursday, Oct. 8
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H Street SE
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Second Saturdays: Music and Arts of India
Update: This event has moved from September 12th to October 10th, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience!
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. This beginner friendly, hands on workshop introduces participants to the traditional South Indian art of Kolam. The workshop will begin with a brief introduction to Kolam, its history, cultural significance, the different styles, and the tradition of practicing it as a daily ritual. Participants will then learn the fundamentals using guided practice sheets before creating their own Kolam designs on the floor with step-by-step instruction. The workshop will conclude with time for questions and sharing. After the workshop, relax and unwind with the music of South Indian fusion band, Dhawayam.
FREE | ALL AGES
📅 Saturday, Oct. 10
⏰ Noon - 4 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
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Eternal Seasons - Auburn Symphony Orchestra
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons has been loved for centuries. Max Richter steps inside that familiar world and hears it anew.
Four Seasons Recomposed keeps Vivaldi close while weaving in Richter’s cinematic, post-minimalist voice, creating music that feels faithful, fresh, and alive in the present. Auburn Symphony Concertmaster Emilie Choi takes center stage as soloist.
Then Mozart’s final symphony, later nicknamed Jupiter, brings the afternoon to a brilliant close with grandeur, wit, and one of the most dazzling finales in classical music.
Tickets available on the Auburn Symphony Website.
📅 Sunday, Oct. 11
⏰ 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
💲 Tickets
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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, Oct. 13
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
🎟️ Register
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Auburn Community Players: The Little Mermaid (Rated G)
Join the Auburn Community Players as they bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life in this magical undersea adventure! Featuring unforgettable songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” this beloved musical follows Ariel as she dreams of life beyond the sea and risks everything for love. Filled with colorful characters, heartwarming moments, and spectacular music, this family favorite is sure to capture hearts of all ages. Dive into the magic!
Buy Tickets Online
Regular: $25, Student/Senior: $22
📅 Friday - Sunday, Oct. 16-18
⏰ Various times
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Bldg. | 12401 SE 320th St. SE
💲 Tickets
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Auburn Community Players: The Little Mermaid (Rated G)
Join the Auburn Community Players as they bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life in this magical undersea adventure! Featuring unforgettable songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” this beloved musical follows Ariel as she dreams of life beyond the sea and risks everything for love. Filled with colorful characters, heartwarming moments, and spectacular music, this family favorite is sure to capture hearts of all ages. Dive into the magic!
Buy Tickets Online
Regular: $25, Student/Senior: $22
📅 Friday - Sunday, Oct. 23-25
⏰ Various times
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Bldg. | 12401 SE 320th St. SE
💲 Tickets
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Halloween Harvest Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
Join us at our Halloween Harvest Festival and Trunk-or-Treat for kids ages 2-10 and their families.
This fun-filled fall afternoon will include games, crafts, BOO-seum, food vendors, and a fun Trunk-or-Treat experience around Les Gove Park. Your little goblin will not want to miss this event!
2026 event map and list of vendors coming soon...
Donations accepted inside the Community & Event Center:
- Support the Auburn Food Bank and bring a non-perishable food item
- Donate your old costumes to the City of Auburn Solid Waste & Recycling. Costumes will be given away at the 2027 FREE Costume Swap.
Looking to participate as a Trunk-or-Treat vendor?
Trunk-or-Treat Vendor Application
Trunk-or-Treat Vendor Deadline: Friday, October 9 at 5:00 PM.
Payment Due: Friday, October 9 at 5:00 PM
Trunk-or-Treat vendor types:
- Non-Profit: $10 vendor fee
- Childcare Provider: $10 vendor fee
- Community Youth Recreation: $10 vendor fee
- Youth Education: $10 vendor fee
- Commercial/Retail:$40 vendor fee
- Political: $10 vendor fee
- Organized School Groups: $0 vendor fee (free)
- Family Group: $0 vendor fee (free)
Participating trunks must provide giveaways and/or treats for at least 2,000 youth participants visiting the event. Participants may also provide informational materials about their programs.
Prizes will be awarded to the most creative (fun, not scary) trunk.
Participating organizations are encouraged to dress up in costumes appropriate for a 2-10 year-old audience.
Trunk-or-Treat Vendor Application deadline: Friday, October 9 at 5:00 PM. Any applications received after October 9 will be considered on a space available basis.
Interested in bringing your food truck or prepared food to the event?
Food Vendor application -- This event is now full for food vendors.
Please note we offer first-right-of-refusal to the previous years' food vendors. Returning food vendor deadline is June 30, 2026.
The Food Vendor Application deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Interested in Sponsoring? Email Special Events Coordinator, Mackenzie Mullen, for more information.
Contact Event Coordinators:
Email Kjerstin Lange or call 253-931-3043
Email Mackenzie Mullen or call 253-931-3403
📅 Saturday, Oct. 24
⏰ 1 - 5 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
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The Auburn Food Bank Harvest Breakfast
This annual fundraiser is an opportunity for community members to gather, enjoy breakfast and support The Auburn Food Bank assistance efforts. Join us to raise funds and ensure that all in our community can have a bountiful fall and winter.
Cost: free
View full info at theauburnfoodbank.org
📅 Friday, Nov. 6
⏰ 7 - 8:30 a.m.
📍 Grace Community Church | 1320 Auburn Way South
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Seattle International Comedy Competition
The Seattle International Comedy Competition is an annual event that welcomes comedians from around the world to the Pacific Northwest for an entire month of extraordinary comedy shows...and a winner is crowned at the end of it all. The City of Auburn will host preliminary rounds of the 46th annual competition, with one show each preliminary week as a horde of comedians compete to become Seattle’s newest champion!
Buy Tickets Online
Regular: $25, Student/Senior: $22
📅 Friday Nov. 6
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Bldg. | 12401 SE 320th St. SE
💲 Tickets
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Auburn's 61st Annual Veterans Parade & Observance
Auburn, Washington has been designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for the 2026 celebration of Veterans Day.
The City of Auburn is proud to be a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner and considers it an honor and privilege to host this annual event. Auburn has hosted the Veterans Parade since 1965. The 2026 parade marks our 61st year! Over time, the parade has grown into one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States of America.
The purpose of Auburn's Veterans Parade & Observance is to positively focus on honoring our country's veterans and active military personnel. Recognition is focused on congressionally recognized Veteran Service Organizations and their auxiliaries, the military and military reserve, National Guard, and ROTC. The goal of Auburn's Veterans Parade & Observance is to honor to our country's veterans and to their military missions of defending freedom around the world.
The 61st annual Veterans Parade will be held in Auburn on Saturday, November 7, 2026 starting at 11:00 AM. The parade typically boasts over 150 units and nearly 4,000 parade participants, including more than 15 marching bands, numerous military vehicles, veterans' units, honor guards and more.
The parade route travels west along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW/SW. The day-long activities run from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Additional November 7 activities include:
Community Breakfast
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE
The breakfast is co-sponsored by the American Legion Auburn Post #78 and the City of Auburn. Join us for the annual Veteran's Parade Community Breakfast, held on Saturday, November 8, from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at the Auburn Senior Activity Center. The breakfast is $12/person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham, juice or coffee.
American Legion Breakfast Flyer (PDF)
Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street NE
The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony held prior to the parade.
Auburn VFW Post 1741 Open House
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Auburn VFW, 130 W Main Street
This VFW Open House is exclusively for Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel. Come mix, meet and mingle with fellow Veterans! Food and refreshments will be served.
VFW Open House Flyer (PDF)
Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon
1:30 PM (doors open at 1:00 PM)
Merrill Gardens of Auburn, 18 First Street SE
The lunch program honors our Veterans, with special recognition given to our Dignitaries in attendance. The Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee's Outstanding Service to Veterans Award Recipients will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions and the City of Auburn. This event has limited seating; we suggest making reservations early.
Luncheon Reservation Form
"Our Heroes | Our Parade" Banner Tribute Program
This program was created to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women in Auburn who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in the United States Armed Forces. It also provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and Veteran Service Organizations to support those who served by sponsoring a banner in downtown Auburn. Banner Tribute Program Application Forms will be available until August 21, 2026.
Take some time to thank a Veteran for their service and sacrifice.
2026 Banner Tribute Application
Official Forms and Helpful Information:
All online forms are available in PDF format upon request.
to request.
View the livestream of the parade on the KOMO 4 Website or on KOMO 4 YouTube
2025 Parade Award Winners (PDF)
Watch the 2025, 60th annual Veterans Parade on YouTube.
There is absolutely no parade parking in local business' parking lots. Please be courteous when parking in the areas surrounding the parade route.
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Who's ready for the Glow Run next weekend? Full event details at auburnwa.gov/events
 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)
Cows at the Dykstra Farm, c. 1920. The Dykstra family farm was located on land on and around where Dykstra Parks is today in North Auburn. While they were primarily dairy farmers, they also grew raspberries, as seen on the canes in the background of this image. The fence in the middle of the photograph had to be specially built to keep the cows out of the Dykstra’s berry fields.
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