Food Hall Rumor in Redmond? Plus Live Music & Best Handyman

Welcome to Best of Redmond! Redmond's twice-weekly newsletter and podcast about all the amazing things happening in Redmond for the next seven days!📰 The Penny Problem… Solved (Finally Makes Cents)Okay, so starting mid-June, Washington is officially done pretending pennies matter. A new law signed March 23 lets retailers round cash purchases to the nearest nickel when making change. If your total ends in 1 or 2 cents, it rounds down. If it ends in 3 or 4, it rounds up… you get the idea. Cards aren’t affected, just cash. This is happening because pennies basically disappeared last year and stores were already improvising. It’s optional, but expect to see it more. Honestly… it kinda makes cents.🎵 Howard Brothers Live at SoulFoodThe Howard Brothers are playing live on Friday, March 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at SoulFood CoffeeHouse. These guys are identical twins doing this folk-Americana thing, but with a mix of jazz and classical backgrounds, so it’s not your typical acoustic set. It’s one of those shows where you can sit, sip something, and actually listen without yelling over a crowd. SoulFood keeps it super low-key, which is part of the appeal. Get there a little early if you want a good seat.📚 Meet the Author: ADHD Field Guide TalkThere’s an author event happening Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 PM at Brick & Mortar Books. Cate Osborn is coming in to talk about her new book, The ADHD Field Guide for Adults, and do a signing after. It’s free, but they do ask for an RSVP so they know how many people to expect. This is one of those smaller, more conversational events where you can actually ask questions and chat a bit. If you’ve ever wondered how people actually manage ADHD day-to-day, this could be worth your time.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids Garden Science at the LibraryThere’s a kids science event on Saturday, March 28 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Redmond Library. Master Gardener Maggie is leading a hands-on session about how plants grow, and kids get to take home their own activity kit after. It’s geared toward ages 5 to 12, and they only have materials for about 25 kids, so showing up early matters. No registration needed, just walk in. Good option if your kid likes getting their hands dirty and asking a million questions.🐾 Slatmill Fun Run for DogsThere’s a dog-focused workout event happening Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Pickles Playland. It’s called a Slatmill Fun Run, which is basically a dog-powered treadmill where your pup controls the pace. The instructor, Brian, helps dogs learn how to use it safely, whether they’re brand new or already full of energy. It’s open to all dogs, and you can even book two at once if you’ve got a pair. Email ahead to reserve a spot so you’re not just showing up and waiting around.🎲 Strategy Board Game Meetup at Uncle’sThere’s a strategy-focused board game meetup on Saturday, March 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Uncle’s Games in Redmond Town Center. It’s part of a group called “board game girlies,” open to women and non-binary folks in their 20s and 30s. They split into beginner, medium, and more intense strategy tables, so you don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to join. You can bring your own games or just jump into one. RSVP is required since they organize tables ahead of time.🚴 Bike Bling: Big Week for CyclistsAlright cyclists, here’s what’s going on right now. Registration for the Cascade Training Series closes Sunday, April 5, so this is your last real week to jump in if you’re thinking about it. Also, quick heads up… there are long-term detours on the Eastrail near NE 85th and Slater in Kirkland, so plan your routes accordingly. And one more thing… RAMROD, which is that big Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day event, is officially not happening in 2026 due to permit issues. Yeah, kinda a bummer. If that ride’s your thing, you’re looking at 2027 now.🕰️ Redmond History MinuteOkay, it's time for the Redmond History Minute, where we share an interesting piece of history, trivia, or tidbit about life in and around Redmond.In 1916, Lake Washington was permanently lowered by how many feet when the Ship Canal opened?A) 3 feetB) 9 feetC) 15 feetD) They actually raised itAnswer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter.🔮 Redmond Rumor MillOkay, here’s one we’ve been hearing more and more lately… what if Redmond got a permanent food hall near the Saturday Market?The idea floating around is a year-round setup with 6 to 8 rotating local vendors all under one roof. Kind of like the market, but not just seasonal.Now, to be clear… nothing’s been officially announced, and we don’t know locations, timelines, or who would be involved.But if it did happen… where would you want it?If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page atfacebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post.🗳️ Your Picks: Best Handyman in RedmondAlright, that's it for this week.Head on over to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called "Your Picks," and drop your vote in the comments. We want to know who you think is the best handyman in Redmond.📻 Don't Miss the PodcastIf you enjoyed this newsletter, you're gonna love the companion podcast. Find it at bestofredmond.com.We'll see you in the next one... or maybe before then, walking around Redmond.🎯 History Minute AnswerThe answer is B – 9 feetWhen the Ballard Locks opened in 1916, they lowered Lake Washington by 9 feet to match Lake Union's level. This dried up the Black River, wiped out the salmon run there, and exposed a ton of new shoreline. It also reshaped the Eastside completely. Fun fact… parts of Kirkland’s downtown were actually underwater before all that happened.