ZZ Top & Cheap Trick at Marymoor This Week, Plus Best Barber 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!🎸 ZZ Top & Cheap Trick Are Coming to Marymoor LiveIf you've been waiting for one of the big summer concerts, this is it. ZZ Top and Cheap Trick take the stage at Marymoor Live on Tuesday, August 11 for a night packed with classic rock hits. Whether you're going for the legendary guitar riffs, the sing-along favorites, or just an excuse to spend a summer evening outdoors, this should be one of the biggest shows of the season. Gates open before the music starts, so plan to arrive early, grab some dinner from the vendors, and settle in before the lights go down.🍷 Trivia Night at SAMĀ CellarsNeed something fun to do Thursday night? SAMĀ Cellars is hosting a free Trivia Night on August 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at their Redmond wine lounge. It's open to all ages, so you can bring your smartest friends, the family, or just show up and see how much random knowledge you've been collecting over the years. The adults can enjoy a glass of wine while everyone competes for bragging rights. Get there a little early if you want a good table before the questions start flying.🌎 Crossroads Brings the World to the EastsideIf you're looking for something a little different this weekend, the Bellevue International Festival is happening Saturday, August 8 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Crossroads Park, just a few minutes from Redmond. You'll find live music, cultural dance performances, food trucks, community booths, and activities for kids throughout the afternoon. It's free to attend and has quietly become one of the Eastside's better summer festivals. Bring your appetite, wander through the different exhibits, and plan to spend a few hours exploring.🎨 Paint Your Own Concrete Art at the LibraryHere's a creative way to spend Sunday afternoon. The Redmond Library is hosting a free concrete painting workshop on August 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Local artist Pratitee Shah will bring a collection of concrete planters and other studio pieces that you can paint and customize however you'd like. Every piece is a little different, which makes the finished projects unique. The workshop is limited to the first 30 participants, so it's worth arriving a little early if you want to grab a spot.🚲 Bicycle BlingIf you've been looking for a reason to dust off your bike, here's a good one. Cascade Bicycle Club is leading the Cycle the Gap group ride on Saturday, August 8, departing Bear Creek Park & Ride at 8:30 a.m. The guided ride heads toward Snohomish and is designed to help cyclists build endurance while exploring some great Eastside roads with a friendly group. Registration is required and spots are limited, so don't wait too long if you'd like to join. Even if you're not training for anything, it's a fun way to meet other riders and discover a few new routes.🪴 Sip, Knot, and Make Something CoolIf you've been wanting to try something new, Big Block Brewing is hosting a beginner-friendly macramé workshop on Saturday, August 8 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. You'll learn the basic knots, make your own hanging plant holder, and head home with something you actually made yourself. All of the materials are included, and drinks will be available for purchase while you work. Tickets are $60, it's open to ages 16 and up, and space is limited, so it's worth grabbing a spot ahead of time if this sounds like your kind of afternoon.🖼️ The Redmond Arts Festival Keeps GoingIf you loved the Redmond Arts Festival, or missed it altogether, here's another chance to see some of the artwork. VALA Art Center is featuring Spotlight!, an exhibition showcasing selected artists from this year's festival. The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and admission is free. You'll find everything from landscapes and portraits to colorful abstract pieces created by local artists. If you're already out around downtown Redmond this weekend, it's an easy stop that's well worth your time.🎲 Digimon Tournament at Marymoor GamesIf you've got a Digimon fan in the house, or you're still playing yourself, Marymoor Games is hosting its weekly Digimon Card Game tournament on Saturday, August 8 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Redmond Town Center. Registration runs from 11:00 a.m. to noon, the tournament uses the Constructed format, and the entry fee is $10 plus tax. Whether you're a seasoned player or looking to meet other fans of the game, it's a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Show up a little early if you need to register before the first matches begin.🐾 Luke McRedmond's Pop-Up Dog Park Is Still OpenIf your dog has been bouncing off the walls lately, here's a good excuse to burn off some energy. The City's temporary off-leash pop-up dog park at Luke McRedmond Park is open through August 31, giving local pups a fenced place to run, play, and meet a few new friends. It's located at 15644 Redmond Way and has become a favorite stop for dog owners looking for something different from their usual neighborhood walk. If you haven't checked it out yet, or it's been a while, this is a great week to let your four-legged family member stretch their legs.🕰️ 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.Question: Redmond's Derby Days bicycle race started as a fundraiser in 1939 to buy what for the town?A) A new water towerB) Christmas decorations and school athletic gearC) A town clockD) A public libraryAnswer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter.🔮 Redmond Rumor MillHere's one we've been hearing from a couple of different directions. Sources say a boutique running club could be looking at a space on Cleveland Street. From what we've heard, it wouldn't be just a running shoe store or just a gym. Think locker rooms, a wall of running gear, post-run coffee, and organized group runs that make it feel more like a club than a retail shop.Now, we haven't been able to confirm any of that yet, and we don't know if a lease has been signed or if talks are still in the early stages. But if it does happen, would you join a place like that, or stick with your current running group?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 Barber 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 barber 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 – Christmas decorations and school athletic gear.The Derby Days bicycle race began as a Depression-era fundraiser to help pay for Christmas decorations and school athletic gear. What started as a practical way for the community to raise a little money eventually grew into one of Redmond's longest-running traditions. It's a great reminder that some of Redmond's biggest annual events started with neighbors simply pitching in to make the community a little better.