Sounders Watch Party, Puppy Yoga & a New Climbing Gym Rumor 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!📰 Transit Safety Reminder as Redmond's Transit Network GrowsGetting around Redmond is easier than ever with four light rail stations on the 2 Line, frequent bus service across the city, and the free RedLink shuttle connecting key destinations. As more people use transit, the City is reminding everyone to pay attention while traveling around town. Keep your belongings with you on buses and trains, stay alert on station platforms, and watch for increased foot traffic around transit hubs. If you're using rideshare services, double-check the vehicle before getting in. A little extra awareness goes a long way during a busy summer travel season.⚽ Sounders Watch Party Takes Over Redmond Town CenterRedmond Town Center is turning into soccer central on Friday, June 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a giant watch party featuring a big-screen match broadcast, family activities, games, and music from DJ Indica Jones. Seattle Sounders legend Jhon Hurtado is scheduled to stop by, giving fans a chance to meet one of the club's familiar faces. Samā Cellars and several Town Center restaurants will also be offering food and drink specials throughout the event. If you're looking for a lively community gathering before kickoff, this one checks a lot of boxes.🐾 Puppy Yoga Returns After Selling OutApparently people really like doing yoga surrounded by puppies. After the first session filled up, the City of Redmond added another Puppy Yoga class on Saturday, June 13 from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Redmond Senior & Community Center. Participants ages 13 and up can stretch, relax, and spend an hour with a group of adorable pups. Whether you're a yoga regular or just showing up for the dogs, nobody's judging. If this sounds like your kind of Saturday afternoon, registration is recommended because these spots disappear fast.⚽ World Soccer Watch Party: Netherlands vs. JapanThe soccer theme continues on Sunday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. when the Redmond Library hosts a free watch party for Netherlands versus Japan. The event is open to all ages and includes food, games, and plenty of soccer conversation while fans gather to watch one of the tournament's most interesting matchups. The City of Redmond is sponsoring the event, and no registration is required. Space is limited, though, so arriving a little early is probably a smart move if you're planning to attend.🚲 Bicycle BlingIf you've got an e-bike, Washington just rolled out some new statewide rules that are worth knowing about. The goal is to make it easier for riders, parents, trails, and cities to all be working from the same playbook as e-bikes continue to grow in popularity. Around Redmond, where people use e-bikes to connect with light rail, ride the Sammamish River Trail, and get around town without a car, those changes matter. The main takeaway is simple: before your next ride, spend a few minutes getting familiar with the updated rules so there aren't any surprises later. Find the new rules here: https://dnr.wa.gov/recreation/recreation-planning/e-bike-rules-and-regulations🎵 The Dead South Comes to Marymoor LiveSummer concert season keeps rolling with The Dead South taking the stage at Marymoor Park this week. The Canadian group has built a huge following by mixing bluegrass, folk, and old-school storytelling into a sound that's become instantly recognizable. Marymoor shows always bring a fun crowd, and this one should be no exception. Grab a blanket, bring a few friends, and settle in for a night under the trees. If you've never seen a show at Marymoor, this is a pretty good place to start.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Build a Glowing Planet Lantern for Father's DayLooking for something a little different than the usual Father's Day outing? On Saturday, June 13, families can create glowing rotating planet lanterns together at the Redmond Senior & Community Center. The workshop runs from 12:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes all materials needed to build and decorate an illuminated space-themed keepsake. Fathers, grandfathers, kids, and anyone who likes hands-on creative projects are welcome. At the end, you'll leave with something you actually made instead of another coffee mug or tie.🚵 Duthie Hill Hosts a Full Day of RidingMountain bikers know Duthie Hill is one of the best riding spots anywhere on the Eastside, and on June 13 the park hosts a full day focused on trails, skills, and community. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free to attend. Riders can connect with other cyclists, explore the trail system, and spend the day outdoors without spending a dime. Whether you're learning to ride features or you've been hitting jumps for years, Duthie tends to have something for every skill level.🎨 Finish That Project You've Been IgnoringWe've all got one. Maybe it's a half-finished painting, a crochet project sitting in a closet, or a book you've been meaning to finish for six months. Landscape Inspired Gallery is hosting a free community crafting night on Friday, June 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where people can bring whatever project they're working on and enjoy a creative space with other makers. No classes, no pressure, no expectations. Just show up, bring your project, and make a little progress.🐾 Meet Adoptable Dogs at Postdoc BrewingIf you've been thinking about adding a dog to the family, Saturday, June 14 might be worth circling on the calendar. Dog Gone Seattle is bringing adoptable dogs to Postdoc Brewing from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a meet-and-greet event. You'll be able to meet the dogs, talk with rescue volunteers, and learn more about the adoption process. Even if you're not actively looking to adopt, it's still a pretty good excuse to spend an afternoon around a bunch of friendly dogs.🕰️ 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.From 1956 to 1965, Redmond had a neighboring town called "East Redmond." What happened to it?A) Redmond annexed itB) The Washington Supreme Court dissolved itC) It renamed itself to SammamishD) It never existed — it was a tax scamAnswer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter.🔮 Redmond Rumor MillHere's one making the rounds this week. Sources say a climbing gym with a built-in coffee bar may be in permit discussions somewhere near the light rail station area. The rumor describes a roughly 12,000-square-foot facility focused on bouldering rather than giant climbing walls, with a legit espresso setup and coworking tables near the windows.What we don't know is whether permits have actually been filed, who would operate it, or exactly where it would go.The question is simple: if this turns out to be real, where do you think it ends up?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 Family-Friendly Restaurant 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 family-friendly restaurant 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 – The Washington Supreme Court dissolved itIn the 1950s, rural homeowners on the east side of Redmond didn't want to be annexed, so they formed their own town called East Redmond in 1956. It existed as a real, separate municipality for nine years. Then the Washington Supreme Court stepped in and dissolved it. The area was eventually absorbed into what's now mostly Sammamish and parts of greater Redmond. An entire town, wiped off the map by a court order.