Welcoming Week is a national celebration bringing together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. We celebrate the work to become welcoming places for all, including immigrants.
Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and organizations the opportunity to showcase their values through events and initiatives that foster connections and collaboration between immigrants and non-immigrants, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
East King County has been celebrating Welcoming Week since 2016 with events hosted by local nonprofits, neighborhood associations, the King County Library System and the cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond and Sammamish. Eastside for All is the hub for Eastside Welcoming Week.
City of Bellevue Welcoming Week Events
The City of Bellevue is hosting the following Welcoming Week events in 2026.
Cultural Connections
Sept. 2, 11:45-12:30 p.m., Highland Community Center, Resource Room
Explore cultures from around the world through hands-on crafts, games, music, dance and storytelling in this instructor-led group. Participants will learn about traditions while building connections through shared cultural experiences. $10. Ages 50+
Chinese Dance Demonstrations
Sept. 9, 10-11:30 a.m., North Bellevue Community Center, Free for all ages
Experience traditional Chinese dance presented by the Chinese Information Service Center. Participants can enjoy cultural performances and learn through shared community celebration.
Huayin Performing Arts
Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-noon, Crossroads Community Center, Community Room
Celebrate Chinese traditional and modern arts through a cultural dance performance presented by the Huayin Performing Arts Group. Free for all ages.
World Beats with Ian Dobson
Sept. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., Highland Community Center
Enjoy an inclusive music experience featuring global rhythms, live percussion and interactive elements inspired by Caribbean, jazz and Latin music. This event is designed and adapted for adults with intellectual disabilities. Ages 8+.
Cultural Conversations: Welcoming Neighbors through Stories
Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m., Bellevue City Hall
Help us kick off the 2026-2027 Cultural Conversations season with a session supported by the inaugural class of Cultural Conversations facilitators. Since 2010, Cultural Conversations has fostered diverse community relationships and created a space for mutual understanding through storytelling, curiosity and empathy. The program strives to build community capacity for conversations across differences and increase opportunities to participate in sharing and learning about issues that matter to our community. Free for all ages.
Aztec Dance
Sept. 16, 5-6 p.m., Crossroads Park
Learn about traditional Aztec dance performed by Nahui Ollin Tezcatlipocatl of Bellevue and experience the cultural traditions behind this vibrant art form. Free for all ages
Experience Bellevue
Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bellevue City Hall
Join us for a day of civic celebration where everyone is invited to explore, connect, and feel at home at Bellevue City Hall. Experience this space as your space, a place of belonging, creativity, and community pride. Drop in or stay all day! Coffee and refreshments are on us, and every workshop and activity is free and open to all. Free for all ages. Some events require registration.