What are your recommendations for places to volunteer on the East side, especially places that are flexible with time of day? Thank you in advance if you have feedback.

Hi all, I live on the Eastside and I'm a high school student. I built a nonpartisan voter guide for the local state congress districts for the 2026 election, and the mods said I could share it here.

Lantern Vote grades the candidates in 16 competitive races in AAPI districts on five issues critical to the AAPI community: immigration and visas, zoning and neighborhoods, education, language access, and hate-crime justice. Ratings are based on each candidate's voting record and stated positions.

The two Washington races that involve the eastside are:
WA-08: https://lanternvote.org/race-wa-08.html
WA SD-30: https://lanternvote.org/race-wa-sd-30.html
Full guide: https://lanternvote.org (also in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog)

Happy to answer questions about how the ratings work. If something looks off, I want to hear it.

Is anyone willing to share daycare/childcare costs? Tentatively planning to conceive in the next year. We are wondering how much to budget for.

Please let me know if your child goes full time vs part time, and if they are in a “home daycare” or more like a daycare center?

I feel weird asking daycare centers when we aren’t pregnant yet… and I heard there are waitlists, so wondering how quickly we should get on the waitlist.

I’ve repeatedly noticed groups of unleashed dogs gathering on the main lawn at Bellevue Downtown Park.

Yesterday, there were approximately ten dogs gathered there, and one unleashed Shiba Inu wandered all the way to the perimeter pathway where I was walking with my one-year-old.

The lawn also has a concerning amount of dog feces, which creates sanitation and public-health concerns, particularly for young children playing on the grass.

Downtown Park is a shared public space, not a designated off-leash area. Families should be able to let their children walk, run, and play without having to accommodate other visitors violating leash rules.
I’ve submitted a report to Bellevue and contacted animal control.

Has anyone else noticed this becoming a recurring issue? I’d encourage anyone experiencing the same problem to report it through the MyBellevue app so the city understands its extent.

Hi everyone!

I recently got a car with a matte finish and am looking for recommendations for a reliable hand car wash in and around Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, or Seattle.

Since matte paint requires special care, I want to avoid regular car washes, abrasive products, waxes, or anything that could affect the matte finish. I'm specifically looking for a place that has experience handling matte-finish cars and offers a proper hand wash.

If you've personally used a place that you trust, could you please share the details. I'd really appreciate recommendations based on personal experience. Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations for catering services or restaurants that cater to 30-40 people. Looking for an average price tag of $20-$25/person. I'm not from Bellevue and will be having an event in West Bellevue.

I see many places using Google and AI searches, but nothing could confirm the actual quality of a service from the people who have tasted the food and can vouch for the service.

Thank you and much appreciation!

Hi! I’m on the student outreach committee for a conference surrounding Early Hearing Intervention and Detection. We are looking for business to sponsor some snacks/food or donate merchandise for students/families coming to our conference events.

Our theme is superheroes, but anything hearing related is welcomed as well :)

Any thoughts on people/businesses to connect with would be appreciated as well

I'm looking for a female roommate to renew the lease for a 2B1B condo, as my current roommate is moving out.

Rent: $2395/month (shared between two roommates)

Location: 12631 NE 9th Pl, Bellevue, WA 98005

Move-in date: November, 2026.

Photos: https://redf.in/FjcIrc

Please reach out if you're interested or would like more details!

Hi folks,

I am renting out my townhouse (in Redmond). Also found a potential renter (via zillow). Now the part that I am not sure of. K was thinking of prepping the lease agreement using zillow only. The is my 1st time and not thinking of going for a property manager. Zillow also allows adding additional addendum. I used Calude and ChatGPT to come up with a decent list of addendums. Now, should I get it reviewed by an attorney?

How folks managing their rental by themselves do it, any help will be much appreciated.

Found this super friendly pibble and trying g to find her people.

edit: posted to nextdoor and Facebook as well

edit2: we just got her to a vet, and are waiting for a chip scan. They’re willing to hold her overnight

edit 3: She doesn’t have a chip. We left her with Bellevue Veterinary Emergency and Specialty on 140th. They’ll hand her off to king county tomorrow.

I hit a cat less than an hour ago. By the time I turned my car around, someone had picked up the cat and taken it (presumably to a vet/animal hospital). If you did or know the good Samaritan can you please contact me? I feel awful and I want to at least reimburse you for something I couldn't do fast enough.

Copy-pasting my original post from r/redmond since this subreddit does not allow crossposting:

Hey! Now that hiking season is winding down, I’m looking to pick up some indoor sports to stay active through the big gray. I'd love to find some folks to play badminton with. I’m a 37-year-old, pretty chill and easygoing guy, and I’d say I’m somewhere around intermediate level. Nothing too intense - just a notch or two above absolute beginner.

I’m fairly flexible wrt timing, but Sunday late mornings (around 10am - noon) would be ideal. Would be great to make this a weekly thing. If there’s enough interest, happy to start a group chat and get something going. Or if you already have a regular group and have room for one more, I’d love to join! Haven’t tried other racquet sports yet, but I’m open to giving them a shot as long as they’re indoors.

Feel free to comment or DM me 🙂

I am planning to drive from Bellevue to Glacier National park for a 3 day (weekend+1 day) . Has anyone done that? Does it get too tiring?

I thought of flying but getting to the airport+ wait times etc makes me just want to drive as I will need a car within the park anyway. I would like to do some light hiking . What would be your top 3 picks?

I’m a beginner runner and I was wondering if there was a weekend morning or any running club in downtown Bellevue area!

nothing spectacular, but i really love the contrast between nature and residential. living in florida it's not this refined. bellevue does it very well.

Hey everyone,

I am trying to get some information about a situation I came across this week as I was exiting my community. There was a school bus stopped near the exit with its red lights flashing and stop sign out, so I stopped.

My passenger insisted it was okay to turn, and there is no need to wait.

I have been wondering if that was actually legal?

Based on the road layout in the attached picture, am I allowed to turn right here while the school bus has its stop sign out and red lights flashing?

I'm considering going to the ERC Bellevue residential eating disorder program and am wondering if anyone has any insights or experience with program. Thanks!

Lease transfer available for 1B + den(810 sqft) in Alley111, Downtown Bellevue

* Rent: $3187/month - offering 3 weeks concession

* Lease ends: 13th June 27

* Parking (opt): $175

Please comment for followup. Move-in date negotiable
DM for photos, unable to post them

Any reviews?

Is there an active dog park for small dogs in/near Bellevue? Every small dog area I've found is almost deserted and lacks any consistent dog traffic for small dogs. Where does everyone go around here?

My son is turning 2 in November. We are thinking of booking an indoor play area to celebrate with his friends (kids of our friends, he doesn't understand friendship yet). But I wanted to check what other creative ideas you might have explored for a kids bday event? I think we'll need to be indoors because of the weather. Let the ideas flow please!

You all don't want a KING right?!?! Well while you have been crying about Trump you haven't even notice BOB FERGUSON implementing laws without us the people voting on it such as the billionaires tax that doesn't help us, rather it hurts us because the businesses that have helped build this community are now being pushed out and now we don't have any of their help.

And now he wants to control the POLICE!!!!

He wants to choose the sheriff himself, and if he doesn't get to then he wants his own group OMBUDS that he chooses to be higher than the sheriff so he can still control the sheriff and if you control the sheriff you control the police!!!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! DOES THIS NOT SOUND LIKE A TYRANT KING TO YOU??????

(more added in comments)

For kids and families:

10/23 Pumpkin Racer workshop (slots for the race on 10/24 have a waitlist) at SBCC, 5-6:30pm (link) – tools and parts will be available

10/24 Halloween on the Hill at SBCC, 10am-4pm (link) – costumes, crafts, candy, and pumpkin racing (there is already a waitlist for the pumpkin-racing slots at 10am and noon)

10/24 Eastside Día de los Muertos Celebration at Crossroads Community Center, noon-4pm (link) – live performances, hands-on activities, community ofrendas, food vendors and family-friendly fun (also see 1-3pm celebration by the Crossroads library)

10/24 Trick or Treat with the Farm Animals at Kelsey Creek Farm, ages 2-10, 1-3pm, $30/resident (link) – spots are still available, but register by the morning of 10/23 if possible, since I’m not sure when the registration window will close.

10/24 Fall Festival at the Crossroads Bellevue mall outside Crossroads Library, 1-3pm – touch a truck, live pumpkin carving, face painting, crafts, a balloon artist, and live music (also see noon-4pm celebration at the community center)

10/24 Fall Family Festival at Bellevue Family YMCA, free and open to the community, 6-8pm (link) – candy, crafts, games, trunk or treat, and a wizardly pumpkin pool patch

10/25 Halloween children’s book reading with the author at Toloka, ages 2-8, $5, 10am-noon (link) – costumes are welcome, cocoa will be provided

10/25 Museum of Fright at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, 10am-4pm (link) – free admission for guests 17 and under in costume (see costume policy), enjoy face-painting, photo booth, Seattle Universal Math Museum, giant coloring sheets, Bats Northwest, workshops, a planetarium show, mad science shows, and live music (face painting opens early to members at 9am)

10/25 Family Halloween Party at Forum Social House, noon-3pm (link)

10/26-10/31 Falloween: Bellevue Square Mall has photo backdrops and coloring totes (one per child)

10/26 Spooktacular Family Halloween Party: North Bellevue Community Center Boo Bash!, free to register, all ages, 5-7pm (link) – Games, crafts, tasty treats, music, and festive Halloween activities, 70 spots left as of 10/23

10/29 Trunk or Treat at Spring District Park, free, all ages, 3-5pm (link) – pumpkin decorating station, costume contest and prizes, spooky dog treats, and coffee and chocolate tasting at DOTE

10/30 Trunk or Treat Spooktacular Festival and Open House at the Goddard School of Eastgate, 4-6pm – welcoming friends, family, and neighbors

10/30 Monster Mash Halloween Bash at Northwest Arts Center, 5:30-8pm (link) – this free, indoor celebration invites families and neighbors to wander through a playful trick-or-treat route filled with themed crafts, hands-on activities and plenty of candy to discover. There will be an Indoor Play gym for toddlers. No pre-registration required.

10/30 Eastside Día de los Muertos Latino H.E.A.T Ofrenda Contest at Sammamish HS, 6-9pm (link)

10/31 Spooktacular! at KidsQuest, 9am-4pm (link) – Haunted Hoedown theme

10/31 Halloween Harvest Market with Bellevue Farmers Market, 10am-3pm (link) – Live music, fall produce, hot food, face painting, and scavenger hunt. Family-friendly costumes encouraged!

10/31 The Night of Viy Quest: A competitive Ukrainian folklore escape experience, ages 8+, $25 ($120 for a team of six), 11am-1pm (link)

10/31 Trick or Treat at the Library, 11am-6pm (link) – All day on Halloween, stop by the Children’s Desk for a free treat, sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library!

10/31 LWSO’s Annual Halloween Children’s Concert at Hope United Methodist Church, free, performances at 11am and 12:30pm – registration is now open (link)

10/31 Eastside Alchemy Indoor Market at Missiongathering, noon-5pm, (link) – this time in Eastgate, will be at HCC in December. Costumes encouraged, candy giveaway, and food drive.

10/31 Halloween at Bellevue Square Mall, noon-6pm – Halloween treats at Aveda and a Moonbee Matcha pop-up

10/31 Little Monsters Take Over Main Street, 1-3pm (link) – trick-or-treating in Old Bellevue

10/31 Spooktacular Halloween at Samena Swim Club, 1-3pm – haunted trail, ghostly gathering, spooky swim, and costume contest

10/31 Halloween Factoria, 2-4pm (link) – trick-or-treating around the center, live DJ, photo backdrops, games, prizes, and visits from characters like Paw Patrol, Woody & Buzz, and princesses.

10/31 Teen Halloween Party at Toloka, 4-7pm (link)

11/12 Sugar Skulls Calaveritas de Azucar at Lake Hills Library, all ages, 4-5:15pm (link) – decorate a pre-molded skull with icing gel, sequins, tissue paper, and other craft supplies, and learn about Dia de los Muertos

For adults:

10/23 glassybaby x The Mint Gardener votive launch with art, seasonal flavors, fresh florals, women-owned businesses, live harpist and entertainment, and a special raffle. Free to RSVP, 5-8pm (link)

10/23 Sip and Carve at Toloka, 21+, $45, 5pm – pumpkin carving (note: not on the Toloka events page, reach out to confirm if this is still happening)

10/23 Halloween Howl at HCC for individuals with intellectual disabilities, ages 16+, $10 for residents, 6-8:30pm (link) – Witch’s brew, Halloween treats and snacks, a photo booth, dance, crafting corner, and sensory room. Guardians and caregivers are free, registration at the door accepted.

10/23 Con Todo Halloween with DJ Barrera at Mirra, 21+, no cover, 10pm (link)

10/24 Halloween Floral Workshop at Je T’aime Blooms, $118, 1-2:30pm (link)

10/24 Light of the Dark exhibition opening at Leica Bellevue, free to register, 4:30-6:30pm (link) – not exactly a Halloween event, but it looks cool

10/25 Bellevue Symphony Fall Extravaganza: with Totentanz by Liszt at Meydenbauer Center, starting at $30, 3-5pm (link)

10/29 Pumpkin Painting workshop at Toloka, $45, 6-8pm (link)

10/29 Bellevue Women’s Book Club – Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson, 6:30-8pm (link)

10/30 Bollyween party at Mirra, $15, 10:30pm (link)

10/31 Halloween Harvest Market with Bellevue Farmers Market, 10am-3pm (link) – Live music, fall produce, hot food, face painting, and scavenger hunt. Family-friendly costumes encouraged!

10/31 Halloween Dance Party, live music and dancing at Pasifika, no cover, 7-11pm

10/31 Halloween Spooky Vibes at Hye-Life, live performance by Stacee Feeda, costume contest, 7pm (link)

10/31 Civility and Unrest Halloween Party, 21+ – DJ at 7pm, Costume Contest from 9-10pm, masks not permitted

10/31 Halloween Disco Night Party at Teatro Canzoni (Crossroads), $40, 7:30pm (link)

10/31 Halloween: Alter Ego at The W’s Living Room Bar, tickets now available, $79+, 8pm-midnight (link)

10/31 Suite’s Annual Halloween Bash, 21+, 8pm (link) – $1000+ in costume contest prizes

10/31 Masquerade at Central Bar and Lounge, 9pm (link) – DJ Pryme Tyme

10/31 Coven Halloween Lounge Party at Ascend, $95, 9pm-midnight (link) – bewitched specialty cocktails and spiritual readings

10/31 VIY Halloween Party at Toloka with Another Collective, 21+, $40+, 9pm (link)

10/31 Dark Night Halloween party by TUSA at Mirra, 21+, 10pm (link) – costume required

11/3 Corks & Creative Pressed Floral Pumpkin decorating at Suite, 6-8pm (link) – food and drinks available for purchase

11/4 Lichen Walk at Bellevue Botanical Garden, $40 (discount for BBG members), 10am-noon (link) – also 12/4