Published May 27 2026
Community-led, cross-cultural and World Cup-themed events on calendar
Continuing its evolution as a destination city in the Northwest, Bellevue will host more events this year than it ever has before. In addition to World Cup-themed events during the soccer tournament, the city is supporting community-led, cross-cultural and arts events.
“As a growing global city, Bellevue is opening its arms to the region and the world—neighbors, workers, students and visitors alike,” said Jesse Canedo, chief economic development officer. “Our residents and small businesses have asked for smaller, more frequent ways to come together, and this summer we’re delivering. Whether you're from Lake Hills, Laurelhurst or London—welcome!”
The city announced this week that it is awarding $300,000 from its Community Programming Fund to 38 organizations to host small-scale events including music and cultural performances, fitness and dance classes, night markets, workshops and other family-friendly events across downtown, Crossroads, BelRed, Factoria and Wilburton.
This is the second year for the CPF, which supported almost 100 events drawing more than 10,000 people in 2025, reflecting Bellevue’s diversity while encouraging people to support local businesses and activate public spaces. The program is expanding into privately owned, publicly accessible plazas in partnership with local property managers.
Events include:
- Wildflower Line Dance Lessons: All-ages, beginner-friendly line dancing at Crossroads Park Plaza
- Bellevue Night Market: Hosted by Peace Peloton with a curated mix of local vendors, food, live performances and interactive experiences.
- BelRed Arts District Street Performer Series: Lively, curated musical performances by Evolution Studios.
- Backyard Beats Sessions: Outdoor, sensory-friendly tunes with Eastside Music Therapy, an inclusive music therapy group for school-aged children.
- BigHug K-Pop: An all-day event infusing live K-pop dance, youth participation, food and small-business vendors at City Hall Plaza.
More information about the grantees and the CPF program is available at Community Programming Fund.
With 15,000 international visitors expected to stay in Bellevue lodgings this summer while World Cup games are in Seattle, the city has contracted the Bellevue Downtown Association, the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance, the Spring District Association and Visit Bellevue to host World Cup-themed activations near Bellevue’s light rail stations.
“We’re using this opportunity to produce a celebration that highlights what our neighborhood is all about: arts, culture and community,” said Sandy Vo, executive director of the BelRed arts alliance. “On June 26, we're bringing together artist-made activations, food, soccer and cultural partners for a single-day celebration at the BelRed light rail station for all to enjoy."
In addition to CPF and World Cup-related events, Bellevue is home to popular, long-standing annual events, including the Bellevue Family 4th at Downtown Park and Arts Fair weekend, which will include live music, food trucks, art activations and after-hours dance parties.
The city is also funding more than 70 Cross-Cultural Center without Walls programs and nearly that many individuals and organizations through its grants for arts, culture and heritage.
If you have a bucket list of summer experiences, this would be the year to pull it out and start checking off boxes in Bellevue. To keep people informed of the many Bellevue happenings, most of which are listed on the city calendar, the city will post periodically on social media with the hashtag #bellevuebucketlist.