Mocktail Bar Coming to Redmond? + Cirque du Soleil This Week & Who's the Best Coffee Shop?

Best of Redmond – Tuesday, February 17, 2026🏢 The Microsoft Visitor Center Is Closed — And A Lot of Us Never WentMicrosoft has permanently closed its public Visitor Center and Museum in Redmond after roughly 15 years, and many locals are just now realizing it’s gone. The space showcased company history, hands-on exhibits, and even Bill Gates’s original Altair 8800 computer. Microsoft issued a broad statement about aligning to business needs, but hasn’t shared a specific reason for the closure. If you always meant to go someday, you’re not alone — and this might be your reminder not to wait on local bucket-list spots.🐾 Chinese New Year @ Pickles PlaylandChinese New Year at Pickles Playland happens Tuesday, February 17 from 10:00am to 3:00pm for pups attending daycare, boarding, or grooming that day. Dogs will celebrate the Year of the Horse with themed fun, a surprise lucky gift for their humans, and optional spa-style add-ons like paw balm or lavender aloe massages. The event is a $15 add-on and includes a photo update sent to owners. If your dog is already booked for daycare, reserve early — event perks are first come, first served.🎭 Winter WhimsyWinter Whimsy takes place Friday, February 20 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at 8703 160th Ave NE in Redmond. This annual family-friendly variety show for ages 8 and up features comedy, juggling, and high-energy performers including Alex Zerbe and David DiMuzio. Your ticket includes complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, making it an easy local night out. If you’re thinking about going, purchase tickets early — this one tends to fill up.🍷 Stand-Up Comedy Night at SAMA CellarsStand-Up Comedy Night at SAMA Cellars is Friday, February 20 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at 7425 166th Ave NE Suite C110. The evening features headliner JR Berard, Mary Lou Gamba, and host Dani Marie in an intimate lounge setting. Tickets are $20 through February 19 at 6:00pm, then $25 at the door. If you’re planning a date night or small group outing, grab tickets early and show up ready to laugh.🎪 Cirque du Soleil ECHO at Marymoor ParkCirque du Soleil ECHO runs multiple performances this week at Marymoor Park, including February 18 through February 21 evening shows. The traveling big-top production blends acrobatics, theatrical storytelling, and elaborate staging into a large-scale spectacle right here in Redmond. It’s one of the biggest touring shows to hit the area this season. If you’ve been meaning to see Cirque without driving into Seattle, this is your chance — just check showtimes before heading out.🎲 Open Game Night at Uncle’s GamesOpen Game Night at Uncle’s Games is Saturday, February 21 from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at 7325 166th Ave NE F150. This weekly gathering invites players to join store demos or bring their own board games to play with friends. It’s casual, welcoming, and a great way to meet other tabletop fans in the area. If you’ve been looking for a low-pressure way to plug into the local gaming community, this is it.📚 Mystery Book Club at Brick & Mortar BooksMystery Book Club meets Wednesday, February 18 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Brick & Mortar Books. This month’s selection is Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood, with a focus on cozy mysteries and lively discussion. The meeting will be held in-store and is open to anyone interested. If you enjoy mysteries and want an excuse to support a local bookstore, this is an easy midweek outing.🕵️ Rumor Mill: A NoLo Bottle Shop Near the Saturday Market?We’re hearing that a “NoLo” bottle shop and bar may be looking at space near the Redmond Saturday Market. The concept reportedly caters to the sober-curious crowd with craft mocktails, non-alcoholic wines, and zero-proof spirits.What we don’t know yet is whether a lease has been signed or when it might open — nothing has been publicly confirmed.Would you check out a mocktail bar in Redmond?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.🕰️ Redmond History MinuteRedmond couldn’t incorporate as a city until it had 300 residents. What event finally pushed them over that number in 1912?A) A logging crew arrived from Oregon B) A baby was born C) They counted horses as residents D) They annexed a neighboring farm* The answer for this quiz is under the "Your Picks" section.☕ Your Picks: Best Coffee Shop in RedmondAlright, that’s it for this week.Before we go, we want to know — who’s the best coffee shop in Redmond?Head to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called “Your Picks,” and drop your vote in the comments. Tell us which spot you think makes the best coffee in Redmond and why.* The answer to the trivia question, A baby was born. :)