What's Happening

We love our vibrant, multicultural, growing city. Check out this blog for highlights of 'what's happening' around Bellevue. If you have suggestions for posts or topics, please email us.

Sign Up For Email Updates from the BDA

Celebrating Fall Around Bellevue

Its the season of pumpkins, apple cider, falling leaves and cozy scarfs. Here are some fun ways to celebrate the fall season around Bellevue.

City to Host Event to Showcase New Technologies to Improve Commercial Property Efficiencies

Commercial Real Estate property managers and building operators have a lot going on. Energy management and efficiency improvements can take time and money, so what is the 'business case' to prioritize these projects and incorporate energy efficiency into your existing workload? Join the City's upcoming event to unpack these questions.

Rainier Freeway Station Closure – Everything You Need To Know!

As part of East Link light rail construction, the Rainier Freeway station at I-90 will be closed starting Sept. 22 2018. Here is everything you need to know for how Bellevue will be impacted from the Choose Your Way Bellevue team.

September BDA Breakfast Recap: A Look Ahead at Bellevue’s Mobility Future

A Look Ahead at Bellevue’s Mobility Future
Mark Hallenbeck was this morning’s speaker at the BDA’s September Breakfast series speaking on the topic “What data is telling us about mobility”. Mark gave a candid look at transportation challenges and opportunities in our downtown community and the suburbs surrounding our dense urban core (and giving a basic overview in land use and mobility habits along the way.) Read on for a recap of his presentation.

Lights, Camera, Bellevue Fashion!

Plan your Bellevue Fashion Week experience! Find out about exclusive runway shows, complimentary events, beauty demos, and irresistible shopping happening September 19 - 23.

Welcome to our newest BDA Members! September 2018

Welcome to our newest BDA Members! - September 18, 2018

Interested in learning how your business can be featured through BDA membership?

Mobility Matters for Downtown Bellevue

Mobility Matters for Downtown Bellevue

Transportation and mobility are always top of mind for the BDA board and there are multiple ways for BDA Members to get involved.

Refresh Recycling

If you haven't yet considered it, think about revamping your recycling schedule and habits - a little bit can go a long way! Join other businesses that are improving their recycling and taking pride in keeping more waste out of the landfill.

Art + Experience: Bellwether 2018

Experience art in Downtown Bellevue September 14 - 23. The 10-day Bellwether arts festival features more than 50 artists and is free to attend.

Hidden History in Downtown Bellevue

Did you know Bellevue wasn't incorporated until 1953 or that the American Pacific Whaling Company use to winterized their boats in Meydenbauer Bay? Discover the hidden history of Downtown Bellevue.

School year begins Thursday Aug. 30; walk and drive safely

It's hard to believe it's that time of year again! School starts tomorrow, and the Bellevue Police and Transportation departments want to ensure you and your family get where you need to go safely. Take note of changing traffic patterns due to the opening of the new Wilburton Elementary School near Downtown Bellevue, and take extra precautions as construction on sidewalks and nearby streets is still wrapping up.

Supporting Businesses Impacted by East Link Extension Construction

Support Bellevue businesses impacted by East Link light rail construction and enter to win a tour of the extension tunnel through the Sound Transit Loyal to the Local contest!

Welcome New BDA Members!

The Bellevue Downtown Association is thrilled to welcome five new members this month. The BDA supports over 260 members through advocacy, member events and marketing. Thank you to our loyal BDA members!

BDA Advocacy in Action | First Look at the Draft Preapplication Update for Downtown Projects

The BDA Land Use Livability Committee initiated a dialogue with Bellevue’s Development Services staff to find common ground on improvements and efficiencies in the project preapplication submittal process. Read more to learn about the discussions and take a first look at the draft preapplication update.

School Attendance: For Businesses, It Matters!

Chronic absenteeism affects schools across the nation. Here, on the Eastside, more than 4,300 students in the Bellevue and Lake Washington school districts were “chronically absent,” in 2017. Aligning our community organizations, businesses and resources around this work can make a difference. It can make a difference in employee satisfaction, in the lives of children and youth, and eventually for economic development.

Tweet to Win a Tour of the East Link Light Rail Tunnel

Evidence of light rail coming soon to the Eastside is hard to miss in Bellevue, as construction comes more together, with a bridge crossing I-405 and carrying on behind Whole Foods. But how are things looking beneath the surface? The Bellevue Downtown Association is excited to share Sound Transit’s Loyal to Local contest. Seven lucky winners and a friend will win a private group tour of the tunnel in Fall 2018.

Explore the Best Outdoor Dining in Downtown Bellevue

Nothing says 'summer' quite like sipping a fruity cocktail, grabbing a beer, or sharing a pitcher of sangria while sitting on a patio soaking up the afternoon rays during happy hour. When it comes to combining drinks, bites, and great patios, Downtown Bellevue has many options to choose from.

Plan Your Visit to Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend

From Friday July 27 to Sunday July 29, over 600 vendors will showcase their work at three different art fairs in Downtown Bellevue. Keep reading for more information about each fair, and details about what to bring, how to get here, and how to avoid road closures. We hope to see you there!

Downtown Bellevue Long Term Road Construction & Closures

Bellevue and our region continue to make huge progress on projects to improve access and travel times. However, this progress also means a busy summer construction season and some delays. For anyone looking for a quick guide to the longer-term construction-related closure in and around Downtown Bellevue, look no further!

East Link Tunnel Excavation Nears Completion

If you haven't noticed the construction for Sound Transit's East Link light rail around Downtown Bellevue...you probably haven't been spending that much time in Downtown Bellevue. But, did you know that the tunnel is more than 90% complete?

EnviroStars Helps Businesses Grow Greener

Are you an owner of a business that is looking for ways to cut your costs and to do more for the environment? Maybe you want to make a difference but have no idea where to start. If so, EnviroStars might be the program for you.

Bellevue Commercial Real Estate Market Watch

Yesterday morning at our June BDA Breakfast, our expert panel gave us an inside look at market trends driving real estate decisions in and around Downtown Bellevue. Read our recap of the event for more details.

The Scoop on Dog Poop

Our annual Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk is just around the corner and this is the perfect opportunity to talk about a sometimes hairy, always smelly issue....dog poop!

3 Easy Ways Businesses Can (and Should!) Support Their Community

Supporting local charities, participating in community events, and volunteering time and resources fosters a healthier, happier neighborhood environment. After all, this is the place your business—and likely your family—calls home. Making an effort to connect locally also builds goodwill that can translate to more paying customers.

Opening Soon: Downtown Demonstration Bikeway

Whether or not you're an avid bike rider, you might have noticed some fresh paint on 108th Avenue NE. If you're wondering 'what's happening,' look no further! Starting June 10, the City of Bellevue began installation of a protected bike lane - the Demonstration Bikeway - along 108th Avenue NE.

BDA Welcomes Newest Members!

The Bellevue Downtown Association is thrilled to welcome six new members this month, and one member under new ownership! The BDA supports over 260 members through advocacy, member events and marketing. Thank you to our loyal BDA members!

Bald for Babies!

The Eastside Baby Corner Diaper Derby ended last week with SAP Concur crushing the competition. True to her word, Hansman got her head shaved this morning at EBC...and SAP Concur President Mike Eberhard was the one who did it!

Patriotic Pups Raise Their Paws for Seattle Humane

This Independence Day, dogs of all sizes and breeds will be flocking to Downtown Bellevue for the 6th annual Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk, to kick off the Fourth of July and to show their support for local animal shelter Seattle Humane.

Exploring FEMAIL's New Exhibit at the Bellevue Arts Museum

We had a chance to sit down with Camilla Carper and Janelle Abbott, the genius behind AMPM (2.0) – an exhibit which opened at the Bellevue Arts Museum last week. Learn more about these creative geniuses (who work together by mailing garments back and forth between Seattle and Los Angeles).

Calling All Dogs! Grand Doggie Marshal Contest

The Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk is looking for this year’s Grand Doggie Marshal to join us for this furrtastic Independence Day celebration benefiting Seattle Humane in Bellevue.

Newest Elementary School Set to Open This Fall!

Did you know that the Bellevue School District is set to open a brand new elementary school just outside the heart of Downtown? The District is on schedule to open its 18th elementary school - Wilburton Elementary - this August.

Why Kids Are Key for a Strong Downtown

We hear many of our families saying they want to move to Bellevue specifically – not Seattle, but Bellevue – and we need to rise to meet their needs. Yesterday morning at our May BDA Breakfast, our expert panel led the discussion and explored links between business, kids and building amazing places to play, learn and grow up.

One Week Countdown to Live Music in Downtown Bellevue

The countdown for the 11th annual Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival has begun, with only one week until the event kicks off! Over 40 live free and ticketed performances will be happening throughout downtown Bellevue May 30 – June 3.

Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio - A Living Music Icon

Whether you’ve known it or not, you have likely heard the work of Dr. Lonnie Smith. Hailed as a “Legend” and a “Living Music Icon” is he an authentic master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ for over five decades, and has been featured on over seventy albums. Learn more about this legendary Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival headliner!

BDA Welcomes Newest Members!

The Bellevue Downtown Association is thrilled to welcome 5 new members this month! Interested in becoming a new member? Learn more or contact us!

City of Bellevue Welcomes New Fire Chief

The BDA offers its congratulations to incoming Bellevue Fire Chief Jerome 'Jay' Hagen and to the City of Bellevue!

Deva Mahal - A Legend in Her Own Making

Deva Mahal is one of the artists headlining this year's Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival. Growing from her blues roots, Deva Mahal crosses generational boundaries with a blend of modern R&B, indie-pop, soul rock and gospel - learn more about this incredible talent before you see her perform live!

Make Bellevue a Safe Place with the Bellevue Police Department

Embracing, celebrating, and protecting our diversity is incredibly important. To this end, if you've ever wondered what you or your place of work can do to be an ally, you should check out the Bellevue Police Department's "Safe Place" Initiative.

Gear Up For Bike Everywhere Month!

Today is the first day of May - while today might be "May Day" for some of you, for us, it's the start of Bike Everywhere Month! The sun is starting to shine and we're starting to see more bikers around - why not join their ranks and see what all the fuss is about?

Imagining Bellevue's Tomorrow

Yesterday morning, at the April BDA Breakfast, we were joined by Bellevue Mayor John Chelminiak and Deputy Mayor Lynne Robinson who shared insights into the strategic plans for Bellevue's future. The Breakfast was divided into two segments - a State of the City address by the Mayor and a follow-up Q&A period with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Read our recap now!

For Downtown Bellevue's Night Owls

Downtown Bellevue has endless options for both work and play. If you're looking for some of the best ways to entertain yourself "after hours," read on!

BDA Welcomes Newest Members!

The Bellevue Downtown Association is thrilled to welcome 4 new members this month! Interested in becoming a new member? Learn more or contact us!

Bellevue’s Tomorrow: Mayor and Deputy Mayor To Share Council’s Vision

Mayor John Chelminiak and Deputy Mayor Lynne Robinson will share insights into the strategic plans for Bellevue's future. They'll dive into the state of the city and explore the city's approach to advancing Bellevue as a global destination.

Trying the Collection Eats App

In case you weren't already aware, a few months ago The Bellevue Collection released a new free app - Collection Eats - which serves as a directory/search for all the food spots within their locations. I was intrigued by the concept of a Bellevue collection specific food app and decided to check it out. Read on for some of the elements I enjoyed and to see pictures of what the app looks like!

Why Bellevue is Next for Vulcan

Why Bellevue? This was the focus of our March BDA Breakfast featuring Vulcan Real Estate. Read on for more insight into Vulcan's history in this area and its planned expansion to the Eastside.

The Bellevue Downtown Association Comments on the Wilburton DEIS

The Bellevue Downtown Association made the first step in its advocacy work on the Wilburton land use code update. Initiated by the BDA Land Use and Livability Committee, members convened to review Wilburton Draft Environmental Impact Statement and submitted a letter representing member feedback. Click the link to read the letter and learn more about Wilburton.

Welcome to our Newest BDA Members!

The BDA is thrilled to welcome four new members in March!

Stay Safe Outdoors!

With adventures in the great outdoors come sprains, strains, broken bones, pneumonia, and more. While this shouldn't discourage you from enjoying the best of our region, it’s always a great idea to be prepared.

Making the Most of My Morning Commute

"When you're sitting in your car complaining about traffic, remember - you are traffic." There are so many great reasons to take public transit - learn more about them!

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Downtown Bellevue

Grab a drinking buddy, brush off your suspenders and come on out to Downtown Bellevue where the Guinness is flowing and the company is good.

Stay Connected