Heart of Bellevue

Discover the people & places that bring life to the Heart of Bellevue.

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Your "Downtown Experience" Gift Guide

'Tis the season! This year, re-think the way you gift and reach for a more out-of-the-box present. Here's a list of some of our favorite experiences to gift in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Janet Lee

In 2019 after thinking and re-thinking her career, Janet Lee became a City Sweats franchise owner in Bellevue and West Seattle, a decision that changed her life for the better. Learn why Lee believes the health and wellness industry is needed now more than ever, and where she loves to spend time in Downtown Bellevue.

Celebrating 17 years of Snowflake Lane

See the region’s most festive show this year from Nov. 26 – Dec. 24! Snowflake Lane presented by The Bellevue Collection is back with falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, performers and parade of holiday floats, but with a few modifications to keep everyone safe.

Enchanting Holiday Performances Brings Seasonal Cheer to Bellevue

Meydenbauer Center Theatre has been a home for holiday performances in Downtown Bellevue for years. Evan Mues, the theatre administrator at Meydenbauer, said these performances are beloved by the community, showing strong attendance year after year. Holiday performances will run from Nov. 21 – Dec. 23.

Fun on the ice! Special Events at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

This winter, make the most out of the holiday season by participating in one (or many!) of the special events offered at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink! Check out our collection of fun below.

Person Behind The Place: Britt Nhi Sarah

A dedicated lover to the winter sport, Britt Nhi Sarah has spent over 20 years teaching others the art of ice skating. This year, she returns as the main skating coach at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra. Learn more about her approach to lessons, and why she loves working in Downtown Bellevue.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cheers to Zero Waste Holidays and Beyond

This holiday season, save the planet! The City of Bellevue will be informing the community about their Zero Waste Holiday Program through helpful guides, classes and fun activations. Erin Hislop, the City of Bellevue’s conservation & outreach program administrator, said their goal is to have zero waste all year round.

Discover Bellevue's Season of Cheer

Discover Bellevue's most magical holiday experiences! The Season of Cheer returns this year with a collection of the regions' most popular holiday celebrations and events. Running from mid-November to early January, dozens of beloved winter activities will transform Downtown Bellevue into a top holiday destination.

BDA Member Spotlight: Compton Design Office

As future-oriented, big-picture thinkers in urban development, co-founder Kay Compton shared how Compton Design Office has reimagined the role of architects and creators in a rapidly shifting social and professional landscape like Bellevue's core.

Person Behind The Place: Noor Kiswani

Born and raised in Bellevue, the Kiswani brothers opened Uppercuts Barbershop last month, bringing distinct generational skills and experiences to their hometown. Get to know more about Noor Kiswani's favorite places around Downtown and why his family history makes Uppercuts unique.

City of Bellevue Seeking Artists for Utility Box Wraps Program

The City of Bellevue is looking for Eastside artists to design artwork for utility and signal boxes around the city. The success of the program in BelRed Arts District gave insights to how powerful art can be and the positive effects it has on the community.

Brighten Up Your Holidays With Garden d'Lights

The most wonderful time of the year returns with over half a million sparkling lights, brought to you by The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society & the City of Bellevue Parks & Community Services. The 26th annual Garden d'Lights will run from Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, open daily and holidays.

Give Back This Year: Bellevue Firefighters Foundation Hosts Online Holiday Gift Drive

Each year, the Bellevue Firefighters Foundation leads and supports programs that offer much-needed assistance to children and families. This year, their annual holiday food and toy drive will be hosted online to support approximately 3,000 Bellevue families in need.

Person Behind The Place: Jasmine Dailida

In the summer of 2020, Jasmine Dailida recognized the value of Fit4Mom and bought the business with no hesitation, becoming a Black business owner during a pandemic. Nearly two years later, she still has no regrets. Hear why Dailida believes Fit4Mom is more than just a program, and why she loves being part of the Downtown community.

Ditch the Kitchen This Year: Your Restaurant Guide to Thanksgiving Day

This Thanksgiving, spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen with these fantastic Thanksgiving Day meal options! Grab your stretchy pants and head out to support these restaurants in the Heart of Bellevue.

BDA Member Spotlight: Symetra

An established national player in financial services and a key BDA partner, Symetra strives to live its values for its customers and communities by weaving vocal support for local nonprofits, recreation, sports, transit, and civic leadership through an equitable, inclusive lens. Hear from Trinity Parker, Symetra’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and public affairs, on how longstanding dedication to community activation and volunteering goes hand in hand with championing Downtown Bellevue.

Sip, Eat and Indulge at Rouge Cocktail Lounge

A new speakeasy bar is now open in Old Bellevue, transporting guests into an art deco lounge featuring plush banquettes, a marble-backed bar and a luxe gold ceiling. Rouge Cocktail Lounge serves small French bites and a line of New Orleans-inspired cocktails. Owners Mary and Chris Kenney felt a cocktail gathering space was exactly what Bellevue needed.

Person Behind The Place: Carmine Smeraldo

In 2016, Carmine Smeraldo (known as CJ) saw the opportunity to expand to Downtown Bellevue and open Carmine’s. Hear more about his journey to create a fine dining Italian restaurant and where you can find him in Downtown Bellevue.

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink is Back

The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) is bringing back the region’s largest ice-skating experience to the beautiful and centralized Bellevue Downtown Park! The 24th annual Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra will open daily, including holidays, November 19 through January 9.

Exploring the Power of Art at Pacific Northwest Art Laboratory

Nestled inside Excalibur Apartments lies a cozy and intimate art studio designed to help people learn, reconnect and find balance. Founder Eva Vernitska created Pacific Northwest Art Laboratory in September of 2020, a solo project to help her get through difficult times in life. Today, it's grown into what could only be described as a playground for adults.

Bellevue's (Much Needed) Fall Spa Trips

From juggling kids and deadlines at work to prepping for the upcoming holiday season, the stress can pile on quickly. To help restore your energy, We recommend stopping by these signature spas in the Heart of Bellevue!

Chace’s Pancake Corral: Serving Up Breakfast With a Side of Bellevue History

Chace's Pancake Corral offers more than just delicious breakfast plates and hot coffee. We sat down with owner Jane Zakskorn to discuss the names behind exclusive menu items, how the pandemic has affected them and what has changed since opening in 1958.

Person Behind The Place: Chaz Lee

Chaz Lee spent a decade of his life crafting his culinary skills which earned him the attention of Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi owner Jeffery Fredericks. Lee took the job and is now working for Ascend as a lead mixologist. We caught up with him on what makes Ascend cocktails unique and his favorite spots Downtown.

Vaccination Verification For Many Activities in Downtown Bellevue: What to Expect

On Oct. 25, King County will be requiring people ages 12 and older to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result from the last 72 hours to enter certain indoor and outdoor establishments. In a time like this, it’s important to continue to support each other. Downtown Bellevue is stronger when we act together.

Trick & Treat Yourself This Halloween In Bellevue

Halloween is right around the corner and Downtown Bellevue is gearing up for a spooky night around town. From eerie fun dance celebrations to witchy kid-friendly events, we got a list of some of the best ways to celebrate Halloween this year.

Seattle Restaurant Week is Back in Bellevue

The bi-annual prix fixe dining promotion runs from October 24 – November 6. Restaurants will be offering special menus of $20 lunches, $35 and/or $50 dinners, including takeout, delivery, or on-site dining. We gathered a list of some of the restaurants participating and what you can expect in downtown:

BDA Member Spotlight: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue

For our next BDA Member Spotlight, we wanted to explore how youth services have become increasingly crucial during the pandemic with Tim Motts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue CEO and President. We caught up with Tim to hear how city planning efforts can impact nonprofits like his as the #HeartofBellevue continues to boom.

International Ballet Academy Celebrates 20th Anniversary Season

The International Ballet Academy is proud to celebrate 20 years of dance education and community outreach. Over the past two decades, the Academy has championed dance with the aim to create a brighter future for dancers of all ages and widen access to explore the incredible medium.

Person Behind The Place: Zhiqin Zhang

Zhiqin Zhang headed to Downtown Bellevue in 2012 to open Yuan Spa. Today, she continues to grow her spa empire throughout the Eastside with a second spa location opening in November. We sat down with Zhang and discussed Yuan Spa and her favorite spots in the Heart of Bellevue.

Step Up Your Lunch Game in Bellevue

A prime spot for dining, Downtown Bellevue offers a variety of places that provide a break during the workday hustle and bustle. Instead of scouring the city for a place, take a look at some of our favorite choices for quick and memorable lunches to get you through the day.

Vote Informed: 2021 Bellevue City Council Candidates Forum

Watch the live, online discussion featuring all six of Bellevue's City Council candidates. The moderated discussion included questions regarding the business community and other issues impacting the city.

Free Facebook Marketing Webinar

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, The Bellevue Downtown Association will host a free Facebook Marketing Webinar to help small business owners learn how to build an online presence and engage the community.

Person Behind The Place: Courtney Voorhees

Courtney Voorhees joined the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society staff and embraced the idea of working for a non-profit and continuing to provide a beautiful place for the downtown community. We caught up with her on exciting events coming up and her favorite spots in the Heart of Bellevue

Civility & Unrest Reopens in the Heart of Bellevue

After nearly seven long months of closure, Bellevue’s independent and locally driven bar returns on October 14 with a new culinary team run by Executive Chef Scott Emerick and pastry chef extraordinaire Tanya Emerick. They are bringing new flavors to entice and a new boldness that they hope guests will embrace.

Relax, Heal and Grow at Float Seattle

Located inside Park Metro apartment, Float Seattle was created for the sole purpose of helping you get through it all with float therapy. It’s a non-pharmaceutical option to treat anxiety, stress, and chronic pain; a secret weapon to improve your life overall.

BDA Member Spotlight: Whisk

Catch our member profile with Whisk co-owner Don Perinchief in a stirring conversation that explores the history of our partnership, offers a small-business perspective on how the Bellevue landscape has evolved and impacted local merchants, and digs into how a vested interest in community organizations has widespread effects.

Person Behind The Place: Tanya Emerick

Pastry chef Tanya Emerick doesn't let anything get in her way, which shows through the success she's built up through the years. We sat down with her to discuss the reopening of The Lakehouse and her favorite places in Downtown Bellevue.

Fall Favorites in Bellevue

When days are shorter, we need to take advantage of every single minute. This means making time to enjoy the autumn days in Bellevue. The season brings many fall offerings that are hard to resist. From unique fall flavors to gorgeous spots to admire the leaves, here’s our downtown to-do list in Bellevue this fall.

KidsQuest Children's Museum Hosts First Annual Imagination Celebration Fundraiser

KidsQuest Children's Museum welcomes you to experience the wonder of discovery, the power of play and the joy of offering innovative educational opportunities for all. The virtual weeklong adult fundraiser began on Sept. 27 and plans to end on Oct. 2 with a live stream event at 7:00 p.m.

(Pumpkin) Spice Up Your Fall

Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) season is back! In Downtown Bellevue, we have a variety of coffee shops serving up the delicious taste of pumpkin that you’ve been anticipating all year. Here’s five spots where you'll find a quality PSL this season.

Your Venue Guide to the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series

With 20+ live shows - many free - spread out over five days, it's the perfect opportunity to plan a self-guided jazz walk. Here's a list of venues hosting live music next week, Oct. 6-10.

Person Behind The Place: Chris Peterson

Chris Peterson wears many hats as he evolves Bake's Place Bar & Bistro with themed drink nights, high-end food and beverages, live music, beautifully décor and more. We caught up with Peterson on how Bake’s Place has evolved over the years and his favorite spots in Downtown Bellevue.

Hello Again, Bellevue: Hidden Gems of Downtown

Downtown Bellevue has plenty of popular restaurants, impressive patios and beautiful parks. While well-known spots are still favorites, the city has many hidden gems in the area, tucked into corners or sometimes hidden in plain sight. Look around and you’ll find these rare and equally spectacular places that are worth discovering.

The Sophia Way: A Place of Hope and Change for Unhoused Women

14 years ago, there wasn’t a single resource for women experiencing homelessness on the Eastside. Since then, The Sophia Way has grown substantially, continuing to empower women with skills and resources to live a better life. Chief Executive Officer Alisa Chatinsky shares their story.

Throwback Thursday: From New Heights

If you're feeling a little nostalgic for shifting seasons past and present, take a moment to admire these historical photos we picked out from a few locally renowned archives.

Meet Thomas Marriott: The First Half of East West Trumpet Summit

Thomas Marriott, the first half of the East West Trumpet Summit, has earned the titles of jazz trumpeter, composer and producer. The charismatic performer began his passion for music at the age of five and since then has dived head-first into the jazz scene.

Person Behind The Place: Charles Celestial

From California to Bellevue, Charles Celestial has forged a home in the Pacific Northwest and quickly climbed his way to Executive Chef at Japonessa Sushi Cocina. His dedication through the years has garnered him wide recognition in the culinary field and many satisfied customers.

Hello Again, Bellevue: 4 Ways Downtown Bellevue Celebrates Diversity

Over the past several decades, Downtown Bellevue has grown from a quiet suburban community into a dynamic, multicultural urban center. See how Bellevue continues to present itself as the forefront of growth, change and accessibility.

A (Brief) Farewell to Al Fresco Dining - City & BDA Seeking Feedback for Next Year

As cooler weather approaches, we temporarily say goodbye to this year's Al Fresco expanded outdoor dining program. To ensure that on-street dining continues and to create an even better Al Fresco program in 2022, we are seeking feedback on the Old Bellevue dining experience.

Celebrating New BDA Members in the Era of COVID-19

Since COVID-19 landed back in March of last year, 27 regional businesses and nonprofits have joined us in championing the economic health and cultural vitality of the Downtown core. These recent members play an integral part in how we serve our Downtown constituents.