Japanese Convenience Store Rumor? Plus Marymoor Movies & Best Ice Cream in Redmond

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!📰 Outdoor Movies Return to Marymoor ParkSummer movie nights are back at Marymoor Park, and this week's feature is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days on Wednesday, July 29. Parking opens at 6:30 p.m., gates open at 7:00 p.m., live entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m., and the movie begins at dusk. Tickets are $13.95, kids five and under get in free, and parking is free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from the food trucks, and don't leave the dog at home because they're welcome too. Just remember to skip the outside alcohol and clean up before you head home.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream at the LibraryThis is one of those library events that kids will be talking about on the ride home. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream Science is happening Thursday, July 30, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Redmond Library, where you'll watch liquid nitrogen experiments and see ice cream made right in front of you before getting a sample yourself. It's designed for kids ages 8 to 12, and thanks to the Friends of the Redmond Library, it's completely free. No registration is required, but space is limited, so getting there a little early is probably a good idea.🧘 Free Yoga at Marymoor ParkIf you've been meaning to stretch a little more this summer, here's a good excuse. YogaSix Redmond is hosting a free outdoor yoga class on Thursday, July 30 at the Velodrome Picnic Area in Marymoor Park. It's open to all skill levels, so whether you've been doing yoga for years or you're trying it for the first time, you can just show up with a mat and join in. Bring a friend or the whole family if you'd like. It's free, but registering ahead of time is a smart idea so you'll get updates if the weather or location changes at the last minute.🐴 Meet the Farm Animals at Farrel-McWhirter ParkIf you've got kids who love animals, Farrel-McWhirter Park is doing a one-hour farm animal program on Thursday, July 30, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. It's at Farrel-McWhirter Park, 19545 Redmond Road, where families can get up close with some of the park's animals and learn a little about how they're cared for. It's a nice way to spend an hour outside without having to drive out to a farm, and younger kids usually have a blast meeting the animals in person. Show up a few minutes early since these programs tend to fill up once they get started.🚲 Pie Ride on the Eastside TrailsIf riding your bike and rewarding yourself with pie sounds like a good plan, this one's for you. The LUMPS Redmond Eastside Pie Ride rolls out on Wednesday, July 29, at 11:10 a.m. from the East Lake Sammamish Trail near Whole Foods in Redmond. Riders head along the Sammamish River and Bear Creek Trails to the Northshore Senior Center in Bothell for homemade pie or cookies before taking a small detour on the ride back to burn off at least a few of those calories. The pace is moderate, there's a required safety briefing before the group leaves, and you'll want to bring water and be ready to ride on time.⚔️ Summer Swords & Spirits for AdultsIf you've ever wanted to try fencing, or you already fence and just want a fun night with other adults, Summer Swords & Spirits is happening Saturday at 5:00 p.m. This is a 21-and-over event with a fencing tournament followed by a relaxed social gathering. Registration is $35, and everyone is asked to bring a dish or snack for the potluck. There will be alcoholic drinks for those who want them, plus non-alcoholic options, so it's just as much about hanging out as it is about the competition. If you're planning to fence, sign up ahead of time so organizers know how to set up the tournament divisions.🐦 Learn the Secrets of Redmond's WoodpeckersHere's something a little different if you like getting outside. The Eastside Audubon Society is hosting Woodpeckers: Behaviors and Habitats at Marymoor Park on Saturday, August 1, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. You'll learn how to identify local woodpeckers by both their markings and the sound of their drumming, plus hear why these birds can pound on trees all day without giving themselves a headache. The class is geared toward adults, but families are welcome and kids under 12 attend free with an adult. Registration is required since the group is capped at about a dozen people, so don't wait if this sounds like your kind of Saturday morning.🐾 Bring Your Dog to Bark & BourbonIf your dog gets more excited about meeting new friends than you do, this one's worth a look. Bark & Bourbon is happening on Sunday, August 2, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Northwest Spirits in Woodinville. Bring your pup and they'll get complimentary pup cups, treats, and a bandana while you enjoy the Happier Hour menu. They also run a "Goodest Doggo" contest, with the winner chosen by Instagram votes and a prize for both the pup and their owner. It's an easy way to wrap up the weekend if you're looking for a dog-friendly afternoon close to Redmond.🕰️ 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.Which company founded in Redmond made thrusters used on NASA Mars missions?A) United Control B) Rocket Research Company (Aerojet Rocketdyne) C) Microsoft Research D) Blue Origin EastsideAnswer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter.🔮 Redmond Rumor MillHere's one that's been popping up in conversations around town. We've heard a Japanese convenience store concept could be headed to the Redmond Town Center area. Think onigiri, katsu sandwiches, Pocari Sweat, and other grab-and-go favorites. From what we've heard, it wouldn't be a full restaurant, more like a curated convenience store, and people keep mentioning the nearby Microsoft campus as part of the reason it makes sense. We haven't been able to confirm any of it yet, so for now it's still just a rumor. What would you hope to see if this ends up happening?If you've got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond and drop it in the "Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses" post.🗳️ Your Picks: Best Ice Cream 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 ice cream 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 – Rocket Research Company (Aerojet Rocketdyne).Redmond's tech story didn't begin with software. Rocket Research Company designed and built propulsion systems that were eventually used on NASA Mars missions, helping establish the city's reputation for serious engineering long before it became known around the world for Microsoft. It's a fun reminder that Redmond has been home to big ideas for a lot longer than most people realize.