 We're joined by Kirkland Communications Program Coordinator and PIO Angela Brown and Kirkland PD Community Services Unit Sergeant James Hill to get the lowdown on summer safety, fireworks (and why they're not permitted in Kirkland), National Night Out, e-bike safety, and more. Plus, we share how you can have a chance to win a pair of Mariners tickets!
Listen to this newsletter in podcast form here, or search 'This Week in Kirkland' anywhere you get your podcasts!
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, July 7. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
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Council will provide direction on the rollout of School Zone Flashing Beacons.
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Council will consider dedicating the access road in the former Houghton Park and Ride for right-of-way purposes, which will assist in construction of the new Kraken Iceplex.
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Council will consider adopting a "Kirkland Youth Bill of Rights" that would serve as a guiding document when the City considers policy and budget decisions that may impact young people.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
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A report and options related to paid parking.
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An overview of Kirkland Corrections and related Police Programs.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City's:
Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
Looking ahead: The Kirkland City Council Chambers will be undergoing planned major replacement and improvements to audiovisual and broadcast equipment. This work will occur in July due to vendor availability and, as a result, the July 21, 2026 City Council meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Councilmembers will be participating virtually. While on-site attendance for the public will be available in City Hall in the Rose Hill Room, members of the public are strongly encouraged to participate virtually using the meeting information provided on the agenda. Thank you for your understanding during this important upgrade.
Not sure where to find what you’re looking for?
Check out Ask Kirkland — the City’s website chatbot. Click on “Let’s Chat” in the lower righthand corner.
You can also text Ask Kirkland to ask questions via SMS. Just text:
1-866-527-KIRK (5475)
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Have a question for the City but aren’t sure where to ask?
Rep’d is an innovative video platform that allows City staff to quickly and easily share short, plain-language answers to community questions. Ask a question today!
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See an issue needing to be addressed?
Whether it’s potholes, graffiti, downed trees, or otherwise, let us know through Our Kirkland!
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 In observance of Independence Day, City administrative offices are closed on Friday, July 3. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, over the phone, and the Our Kirkland service portal will resume at 8 a.m., Monday, July 6.
For 2026 City Hall closures, visit the City's website.
Come together to celebrate the Fourth of July with our annual community parade through downtown Kirkland. Enjoy a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment and community activities. Event details are available at www.kirklandwa.gov/CelebrateKirkland.
Event highlights include:
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Food trucks at Lake Street and Central throughout the day.
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Community mural and photo station at Central and Lake Street throughout the day.
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Kids Pavillion at Lakeshore Plaza at 10:30 a.m. with decorating stations and giveaways. The Kids Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. from Marina Park.
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Main Parade kicks off at noon, following an opening ceremony featuring the national anthem sung by Bridget Watanabe, and performances from a bagpiper, color guard, and honored veterans.
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Veterans Reception at Heritage Hall, with special remarks from Kirkland City Council.
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Performances by the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Team, Latin Horses, Lion Dancers, and more!
We thank our event sponsors, Kenworth Truck Company, Lee Johnson Auto Family, Amazon, and Kitagaito Orthodontics, for help making this Celebrate Kirkland possible.
Celebrate Kirkland is a daytime parade and community celebration that reflects the City's commitment to providing a fun, family-friendly event while reducing impacts on neighbors, pets, wildlife, and the environment. The event does not include fireworks. Fireworks, including the sale, use, and discharge of consumer fireworks, are prohibited within Kirkland city limits. For more information, contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 425-587-3650.
Drivers should expect traffic delays, detours, and restricted parking near the parade route in downtown Kirkland on Saturday, July 4. The Lakeshore Plaza and 3rd and Central parking lots will be closed from 6:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. For parade routes, street closures, and parking information, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/celebratekirkland.
For the safety of all parade route spectators and to maintain emergency access, personal pop-up tents are not permitted along the parade route. Unauthorized tents will be removed by event staff. Removed tents can be picked up the Park Maintenance and Operations building located at 12006 120th PL NE in Kirkland between July 8 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tents not claimed by July 10 will be donated.
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 The City of Kirkland invites community members to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by gathering with neighbors for an evening of connection, conversation, and community.
National Night Out is an annual event celebrated across the country to strengthen neighborhood relationships and build positive connections between community members and the people who serve them. Whether it's a block party, neighborhood BBQ, or community gathering, the event is an opportunity to get to know the people who live nearby while welcoming visits from local first responders and City leaders.
"National Night Out is one of our favorite community traditions because it brings neighbors together," said Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. "Welcoming neighborhoods start with simple conversations and familiar faces. Whether you're meeting someone new or reconnecting with longtime neighbors, this is a wonderful opportunity to build the kind of community connections that makes Kirkland special."
Neighborhoods can request visits from Kirkland Police officers, Kirkland firefighters, crisis responders, and City Councilmembers by completing the First Responder/City Councilmember Request Form by Monday, July 20. Visits take place between 6 and 9 p.m., though first responder availability depends on emergency call volume.
Planning to close your street for the party? Residents will also need to submit a block party permit application by Monday, July 20, at least 10 business days before the event. Block party permit fees are waived for National Night Out events held on August 4, 2026. Only residents of the street being closed may apply.
To learn more, request a visit, or apply for a block party permit, visit the City's National Night Out webpage.
 Six new dedicated pickleball courts at Peter Kirk Park are officially open and ready for play. Designed to give players more room to play and more opportunities to connect, these new courts are ready for your next match.
Read more about the pickleball courts and other activities at Peter Kirk park here.
As you make plans for the Fourth of July, remember that fireworks are illegal in Kirkland.
Since 1999, Kirkland has prohibited the sale, possession, and use of fireworks, including sparklers and smoke bombs. The ordinance helps protect people, homes, pets, and open spaces from preventable fires and injuries.
Kirkland Police will have extra patrols throughout the holiday and may confiscate illegal fireworks and issue citations to those who violate the ordinance.
Celebrate safely by joining us for Celebrate Kirkland, with family-friendly activities starting at 10:30 AM and continuing throughout the afternoon.
Questions about the fireworks ordinance? Contact the Kirkland Fire Marshal's Office at 425-587-3650 or review Kirkland's Municipal Code.
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Clamshells are the lightweight plastic containers commonly used for berries, cherry tomatoes, baked goods, and many takeout meals. They have a hinged lid that opens and closes like a clam, which is where the name comes from.
They’re popular for good reason. Clamshells are lightweight, inexpensive, and do a great job protecting delicate foods during transportation and storage.
So why can’t they go in your recycling cart?
The simplest answer is that our waste hauler Waste Management does not have a market to sell the clamshell material to. Therefore, it is not a valuable commodity and cannot be recycled through our system.
Secondly, once clamshells arrive at a Waste Management recycling facility, they create challenges on the sorting line. Because they’re so lightweight, flattened clamshells often behave more like paper than rigid plastic as they move along conveyor belts. This makes them difficult for both workers and sorting equipment to identify and separate from other materials.
Even facilities with advanced technology struggle to sort clamshells accurately at the speed and volume required. As a result, many recycling programs choose not to accept them at all.
Unfortunately, for these reasons plastic clamshell containers belong in the garbage, not the recycling cart.
Read the full blog on clamshell packaging here.
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The City of Kirkland and the Kirkland Senior Council recently launched the Kirkland Age-Friendly Community Needs Assessment, a citywide survey to shape City policy, programs, and services for residents of all ages. Community members are invited to share their opinions by taking the survey at www.research.net/r/k-age.
This effort is part of Kirkland’s commitment to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which the City officially joined in 2025. The network provides a structured framework that helps communities strengthen the features and services that make them livable from early childhood through retirement.
Those who complete the survey will receive a free AARP reusable bag and be entered into a drawing for two Mariners tickets on AARP Day, Wednesday, July 22, including lunch at the Terrace Club.* The deadline to take the survey is Oct. 31, 2026.
*No purchase necessary. One entry per person. Reusable bag available while supplies last — pick up at Kirkland City Hall or receive in person at a tabling event. Enter by July 10 to be eligible for the ticket drawing. Winner selected by random drawing on July 10 and notified on the same day. Bags and tickets are sponsored by AARP in partnership with the City of Kirkland.
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Are you a Kirkland teen who wants to help shape your community? The City is looking for youth members to serve on the Transportation Commission and the Park Board. Share your ideas, influence real projects, and advise the City Council on issues that matter to you. Recruitment is ongoing, step in and help shape Kirkland’s future!
More information available on the Current Recruitment Positions page.
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The City of Kirkland is seeking to hire a Senior Utility Engineer to lead the planning, design, and delivery of critical water and sewer infrastructure projects. This role combines technical expertise, project leadership, and collaboration to ensure our utility systems continue to meet the needs of a growing community.
You will have the opportunity SERVE through meaningful public infrastructure, BELONG to a collaborative team that values innovation and partnership, and THRIVE in a role where your expertise helps shape the future of our city.
While you’re making a positive impact, we’ll support you with:
- 100% City-paid medical, dental & vision premiums
- Retirement & generous paid leave
- Growth & training opportunities
- A collaborative team that values your work.
Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
The pedestrian bridge at Northeast 80th St. (milepost 17) in Kirkland reopened Wednesday, July 1, following an emergency closure that began on June 3.
WSDOT bridge preservation crews reopened the bridge following the analysis of a recent inspection. WSDOT has determined that the pedestrian bridge will need long-term repair but deemed it safe for reopening.
The Northeast 80th St. pedestrian overpass is a steel arch bridge that was built in 1970. WSDOT bridges are inspected on a two-year cycle. The last inspection of this bridge took place in June 2026.
Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT's email updates.
Read WSDOT's full bulletin.
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Drivers should expect traffic delays, road closures, and parking restrictions due to the Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Event information is available at www.kirklandwa.gov/CelebrateKirkland.
The Lakeshore Plaza, Lake Street, and 3rd and Central parking lots will be closed from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. The public boat launch will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The following roads will be closed and detours in place from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m., when roads reopen after the parade.
- 4th, 5th and 6th Avenues from 1st Street to Market Street
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5th Avenue W from Waverly Way to Market Street
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Waverly Way from 5th Street West to Market Street
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2nd & 3rd Street W from 5th Ave West to Waverly Way
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Market Street from 7th Avenue to Central Way
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Lake Avenue West
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1st Street from 3rd Avenue to Central Way
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2nd Place from 3rd Avenue to Central Way
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Central Way from Market Street to 3rd Street
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Park Lane from Lake Street to 3rd Street
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Kirkland Avenue from Lakeshore Plaza to Main Street
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Lakeshore Plaza from Market Street to Kirkland Avenue
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Lake Street from Central Way to 2nd Avenue S
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Main Street from Central Way to Kirkland Avenue
A reminder that the sale, use, and discharge of private, consumer fireworks are banned in Kirkland City limits. For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 425-587-3650.
For the safety of all parade spectators and to maintain emergency access, personal pop-up tents are not permitted along the parade route. Unauthorized tents will be removed by event staff. Removed tents can be picked up at the Park Maintenance and Operations building located at 12006 120th PL NE in Kirkland between July 8 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tents not claimed by July 10 will be donated.
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(1) 116th Avenue Northeast Water Check Valve
Drivers will encounter alternating traffic controlled by flaggers on 116th Avenue Northeast between Northeast 100th Street and Northeast 95th Street. Traffic control is expected between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
(2) Northeast 85th Street Eastbound 3rd Lane Project
Drivers can expect minimal disruption to travel on Northeast 85th Street between 120th Avenue Northeast and 124th Avenue Northeast. The street has new asphalt and final striping is expected mid-July. Other minor tasks remain and will intermittently impact travel during allowable daytime hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
(3) Interstate 405/NE 85th Street Interchange
NE 85th Street is expected to be closed at the I-405 interchange area overnight July 9 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. WSDOT is planning for a northbound closure of I-405 in late-July.
For project updates, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/capitalprojects.
Celebrate Kirkland Fourth of July Parade
Location: Marina Park | 25 Lakeshore Plaza
Celebrate Independence Day and join the City of Kirkland as we come together for Kirkland’s annual Fourth of July parade. It's also the 250th Birthday of America! Please sit or stand along our downtown business district and enjoy a family-friendly event featuring processions from local shops, dance groups, music, honoring of veterans, and much more. This is a parade-only event with no fireworks. Everyone is welcome. Let’s keep the tradition going!
Mobile Blood Drives
Location: Kenworth Kirkland and Carillon Point
Urgent donors are needed this month to ensure Pacific Northwest patients have immediate access to lifesaving transfusions for cancer treatment, trauma care, and childbirth complications.
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Co-Working and Business Advising Day
Location: Kirkland City Hall | 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, 98033
Join us for a dynamic day of co-working, created specifically and exclusively for entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners in the beautiful city of Kirkland, right at City Hall. Hosted by the City of Kirkland, Startup425, Co-Working Day is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide valuable resources to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey along with fellow entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners.
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Summer Concerts at Feriton Spur Park
Location: Feriton Spur Park | 509 6th Street South, Kirkland, 98033
Join Eastrail Partners for our 2026 summer concert series in Feriton Spur Park, right along the Eastrail in Kirkland. Come early to get a spot on the lawn, or stop by on your evening bike, walk, or roll along the trail. Concerts will are free, all-ages performances for the whole family to enjoy.
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Learn all about the upcoming July 4th festivities and what you can expect at the 27th annual Celebrate Kirkland Parade from the people working behind the scenes.
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