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!

📰 WM Billing Error After Waste Hauler Switch

On February 11, 2026, the City of Redmond announced that some residents received bills from WM by mistake after the city switched waste providers in January. So if you opened your mailbox and thought, “Wait… didn’t we change companies?” you’re not crazy. The bills were sent in error. The city says they’re actively working with WM to fix it, and WM will contact affected customers directly with next steps. For now, don’t panic and don’t pay anything you weren’t expecting.

🌙 Lights Out for Birds Documentary Night

Lights Out for Birds is happening Thursday, February 19 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Redmond Senior & Community Center, 8703 160th Ave NE. The city is screening “Lights Out Texas,” a documentary from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about bird migration and how light pollution messes with it. After the film, there’s a panel discussion and community conversation about what we can actually do locally. If you like nature, science, or just learning something new on a Thursday night, register ahead and grab a seat.

😂 Stand Up Comedy Dinner at Fork & Spoke

There’s a stand up comedy dinner Friday, February 20 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Fork & Spoke inside the Hilton Garden Inn, 16630 Redmond Way. They’re pairing dinner with up-and-coming Indian comedians, so you’re basically getting food and laughs in the same night. It’s set up for date night, friends night, or “we need to get out of the house” night. Seats are limited, so if this sounds like your kind of thing, grab tickets before it fills up.

🎲 Star Wars Unlimited Tournament at Uncle’s Games

Star Wars Unlimited Premier & Twin Suns happens Sunday, February 22 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Uncle’s Games in Redmond Town Center. If you’re into trading card games, this is Fantasy Flight’s newer Star Wars format. Premier costs $8 and runs three rounds, and Twin Suns is free to enter. There are prize packs and weekly play cards for participants. If your kid is into this stuff, or you secretly still are, this is a solid Sunday afternoon plan.

📚 Meet Recology at the Redmond Library

You can meet Recology, Redmond’s new waste hauler, on Sunday, February 22 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at the Redmond Library. They’ll walk through how the new service works, how to sort waste correctly, and what’s changed since the switch. Given the WM billing mix-up, this feels especially relevant. It’s meant to be informative but casual, with time for questions. If you’ve been confused about bins, pickups, or what goes where, this is your chance to get clarity.

🐾 Sunday Morning Dog Patio at Farine

Farine Bakery & Café is open daily from 7:00am to 3:00pm at 16450 Redmond Way, Suite 100, and their heated covered patio is dog friendly. So if you want a Sunday morning plan with your dog, this is an easy one. They’ve got things like the Crème Brûlée Cruffin, Eggs Benedict on a croissant, and an Almond Croissant Latte. Staff usually bring out water bowls, and sometimes even treats. Go early though. It gets tight on weekends and the good pastries sell out.

🕰️ Redmond History Minute

Okay, 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.

True or False?

"During Prohibition, Redmond's first tech startups were actually illegal moonshine operations hidden in the woods."

Answer revealed at the bottom of this newsletter.

🔮 Redmond Rumor Mill

Alright… here’s one for you.

We’re hearing there might be an automated premium pizza kiosk piloting inside one of the new high-rise lobbies near the light rail station. Think tech meets pepperoni. Supposedly you order on a screen and it handles the...

Best of Redmond – Tuesday, February 17, 2026

🏢 The Microsoft Visitor Center Is Closed — And A Lot of Us Never Went

Microsoft 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 Playland

Chinese 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 Whimsy

Winter 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 Cellars

Stand-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 Park

Cirque 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 Games

Open 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 Books

Mystery 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...

🛋️ IKEA Is Now Open in Redmond

IKEA officially opened its new Plan & Order Point with Pick-up in Redmond Town Center on Wednesday, February 11. This smaller-format store focuses on one-on-one design appointments for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and small-space living, with orders delivered to your home or picked up onsite. You won’t find a showroom maze or Swedish meatballs here — sorry, no lingonberry breaks — but you will get expert help without driving to Renton. It’s located at 7325 166th Ave NE, making it a convenient new option for Redmond residents upgrading their space.

🎤 Open Poetry Night at SoulFood CoffeeHouse

Open Poetry Night happens Thursday, February 19 from 6:00–8:00 PM at SoulFood CoffeeHouse. Curated by longtime host Michael Dylan Welch, this monthly gathering has been running since 2006 and features one invited reader who selects another to share the stage. The atmosphere is welcoming and low-pressure, whether you’re reading or just listening. SoulFood is located at 15748 Redmond Way. Arrive a little early to grab a drink and settle in before the readings begin.

💰 Free Tax Help at the Redmond Library

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation volunteers takes place Saturday, February 14 from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at the Redmond Library. Trained volunteers provide individualized tax preparation assistance, and there are no age or income limits. This is a walk-in site, with the final appointment beginning at 3:00 PM. The library is located at 15990 NE 85th St. Bring all required documents and arrive earlier in the window to reduce wait time.

🧩 Puzzle Swap at Uncle’s Games

The Puzzle Swap returns Sunday, February 15 from 1:30–5:30 PM at Uncle’s Games in Redmond Town Center. If you’ve finished a puzzle and don’t want to do it again, bring it in and trade it for something new from their collection. It’s an easy way to double or triple your puzzle time without spending extra money. Uncle’s Games is located at 7325 166th Ave NE, Suite F150. Bring puzzles in good condition so everyone gets a quality swap.

🎵 Live Music with John Riziki at SAMĀ Cellars

Live music with solo acoustic artist John Riziki takes place Friday, February 13 from 6:00–8:00 PM at SAMĀ Cellars Wine Lounge. Expect an easygoing evening of acoustic tunes paired with wine in an intimate setting. SAMĀ Cellars is located at 7425 166th Ave NE, Suite C-110. It’s a great option for a relaxed Friday night without leaving town. Seating can fill up, so arriving early is a smart move.

🐾 Valentine’s Pawty at Pickles Playland

The Valentine’s Pawty happens Friday, February 13 from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pickles Playland in Redmond. This special $13 add-on event is available for dogs attending daycare, boarding, or grooming that day. Pups receive a festive bandana, treat bar access, optional massage upgrades, and a photo update sent to owners. Pickles Playland is located at 7330 164th Ave NE, Suite E-165. Reservations are strongly recommended, as event days often fill up.

📚 Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog on Friday, February 13 at 6:30 PM at Brick & Mortar Books. Kids can take photos with Clifford, create Valentine’s cards, enjoy themed activity sheets, and discover the newest book, Love from Clifford the Big Red Dog. This free event requires no tickets, though supplies are first come first served. Brick & Mortar Books is located at 7430 164th Ave NE, Suite B105. Arrive early for the best photo opportunities.

☕🎶 Rumor Mill: Vinyl + Coffee Listening Bar?

We’re hearing that a Portland-style vinyl and coffee listening bar may be eyeing a small space on Leary Way near the new downtown development. Think high-end espresso, analog records, and moody lighting — the kind of place you settle into for an hour without realizing it. What we don’t know yet is who’s behind it or how far along the plans are. Could Redmond be getting its own...