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Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!Designing for Connection
On Sunday, I spent several hours in downtown Edmonds listening to a variety of music at Porchfest with my husband and my oldest son. The festival closed down roads to cars and turned porches, patios and storefronts across downtown into performance spaces.
As we wandered from block to block, soaking in the sunshine in the cacophony of live performances, it struck me how lucky I am to live in a town with such pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Most towns don’t have a downtown where you can park once and easily explore on foot for an entire afternoon.
I think about this more than the average person, because infrastructure is literally my day job. I work as a content strategist for Community Transit and spend my workdays thinking and writing about how and why people should consider taking public transit. Recently, I even had the opportunity to research and write an entire video series starring Jeopardy!‘s Ken Jennings, which explores the many ways transit infrastructure shapes our communities and expands people’s opportunities.
I have learned that infrastructure isn’t just how people get from place to place, but how they experience their community and how they connect with others. A bus stop, a sidewalk, a bench — these are quiet design decisions that invite connection. And Edmonds — with its walkable streets, inviting storefronts, colorful murals and many free performances and community events — gets a lot right when it comes to supporting connection.
I have also been reflecting on how I design my own life with that same kind of intention. It’s easy to let a day dissolve into screens and endless online scrolling. So I try to make room for the things that pull me outside and toward people: art, live music, outdoor walks, library trips and the small moments that build genuine connection.
If you want to build a little of that into your own week, so many of our local events make it easy. Come back every Monday for more outing ideas and explore the community resources at the bottom of this column if you’re looking for ways to give back or if you need support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fresh posts and weekend reminders.
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Free Fun
Sea Notes: Free Summer Concert Series at the Marina
Running through Aug. 3 at the Mary Lou Block Public Plaza (458 Admiral Way, Edmonds)
The Port of Edmonds has kicked off its free summer concert series, Sea Notes. Performances happen on most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, featuring a mix of student musicians and professional performers, including jazz combos, jam sessions and guitar showcases, all with Puget Sound views as the backdrop. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic or grab a seat at Anthony’s Beach Café and enjoy it from there.
Performances this week:
- Wednesday, July 15, 6-8 p.m.: EWHS Jazz Combo Jam
- Thursday, July 16, 7:30-9 p.m.: Javatown Swing Orchestra (Sweet Serenades: Free Ice Cream Sundae Bar!)
- Friday, July 17, 6-8 p.m.: Deep Sea Jazz Jam Session
- Sunday, July 19, 2-4 p.m.: Songwriter Sunday with Kyle and Jordan
EAC Summer Concerts in the Park
Bring the whole family for free, family friendly outdoor concerts every Thursday at Hazel Miller Plaza and Sunday at City Park, running through August. Perfect summer vibes under the trees—bring blankets or low chairs.
This week’s concerts:
- Sunday, July 19, 3-4 p.m. at City Park (600 3rd Ave S.)
Sturtz (contemporary folk quartet) - Thursday, July 16, 4:30-6 p.m.
Third Harbour (Celtic) at Hazel Miller Plaza (5th Ave S. & Maple St)
Terrace Summer Nights
Thursday, July 16, 4:30-7 p.m.
Terrace Creek Park (23200 48th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace)
Enjoy a relaxing summer evening with a free, family friendly outdoor concert featuring music with Son Los Que Son. Bring your picnic or grab dinner nearby and enjoy the tunes in a relaxed community atmosphere. Part of the city’s Terrace Summer Nights series, this event provides a perfect midweek local outing. See the list of more upcoming performances at the link.
MLT Community Parade
Friday, July 17 from 6:45–8:30 p.m.
Bring the family downtown for the free, all-ages Mountlake Terrace Community Parade this Friday. Expect a festive procession of floats, community groups, music and hometown pride traveling north along 56th Avenue West.\ from 234th Street Southwest. Grab your chairs and find a curbside spot for this summer celebration.
Shakespeare in the Park
Now through July 19 (select dates and times)
Mathay-Ballinger Park in Edmonds
Enjoy an evening of free outdoor theater as Ballinger Shakespeare Company presents “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Filled with mistaken identities, romance, music and plenty of laughs, this family-friendly production is the company’s second annual Shakespeare in the Park performance. Evening shows begin at 6:30 p.m. on July 16-18, with a 2 p.m. matinee on July 19. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live Shakespeare under the summer sky. Admission is free.
Movies in the Park – Edmonds
Every Friday evening this summer
Movie starts around 9:15 p.m. (15 minutes after sunset), but arrive early to get your spot.
Seaview Park (north Edmonds)
Enjoy free outdoor movies every Friday evening this summer at local Edmonds parks. Films begin about 15 minutes after sunset, with popcorn and concessions available (cash only). No alcohol or dogs permitted.
This week’s feature on Friday, July 18 is The Little Rascals. Bring blankets and camp chairs, and make it a fun family outing under the stars.
Baby and Toddler Story Times and more at Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno‑Isle Libraries regularly hosts a variety of free, family friendly events — such as baby and toddler story times, book talks, crafts and community gatherings — across its branches and online year-round. Find one at the library near you and check out some books to read while you’re there.
Registration is required for many events, so check out Sno-Isle Libraries’ event calendar link below for more details.
Silver Creek Indoor Playpark
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays
Need to get out of the house? Bring young kids to the free Indoor Playpark at Lynnwood’s Silver Creek Family Church to hang out and play. Parents can enjoy some coffee or tea while kids play with indoor toys.
Cheap Thrills
Seattle & Everett Sports Events this week
The Seattle Sounders return to Lumen Field this week after the World Cup break, taking on rivals the Portland Timbers on Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. It’s the club’s first home match since MLS paused the season back in May.
The Mariners are back home for the weekend, hosting the San Francisco Giants Friday through Sunday at T-Mobile Park.
The Storm and AquaSox are both on the road all week, with no home games scheduled.
See more of the schedule here:
- Seattle Mariners schedule
- Seattle Storm schedule
- Seattle Sounder FC schedule
- Everett AquaSox schedule
- FIFA World Cup
Regal Summer Movie Express — $1 Movies
Monday–Thursday starting at 11 a.m. (June 1 through Aug. 13)
$1 per ticket
Cool off this summer with Regal’s popular movie series — featuring several family friendly films each week for just a buck. Catch G‑ or PG‑rated favorites plus discounted concession options. All attendees of a Summer Movie Express title will receive $3 off a cup of refreshingly cold Dippin’ Dots ice cream and a Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn and fruit gummies. The Regal Alderwood has comfortable, reclining seats and air conditioning, which makes it a perfect option for those unbearably hot summer days or when caregivers need a restful outing.
Edmonds Museum Summer Market
Every Saturday, May-October, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
On 5th Avenue from Main to Bell Street.
Free to attend, but you may want to splurge on something.
Explore over 90 local vendors offering everything from farm-fresh produce and flowers to handmade goods and artisan treats. With live music, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a fun and affordable outing — even if you’re just window shopping and people-watching.
Try local drop-in childcare options
Need a night off from parenting? Several local spots offer childcare with an evening of fun for kids.
- Drop-in childcare at KidsPark in Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Drop-in playcare at Time4Kidz Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Lynnwood Rec Center’s Parent’s Night Out. 6-9:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday every month.
Get your game on at Around the Table Boardgame Pub
Don’t miss out on this lively destination in Lynnwood for families and friends with tons of board games on site that you can play together from classics to new favorites. Enjoy ice cream, treats and a library of games to play.
While the regular calendar lists tabletop‑gaming events, prereleases and league nights, the core appeal is that you can drop in any day to choose from hundreds of games and play at your pace, making it a great hangout for kids, teens and adults alike. It is easy to organize casual meet‑ups (like board game afternoons), and the friendly staff can help you find games that suit your group.
Public swim sessions at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds pools
Schedules vary, see pool sites for details.
Open swim sessions generally charge a fee of less than $10 per person.
We’re lucky to live in a region with multiple indoor and outdoor heated pools to help us get some recreation in during the dark, rainy months. My family has a membership to the Lynnwood Rec Center, and we love attending the open swim sessions for a fun, budget-friendly outing.
- Lynnwood Rec Center Pool: Multiple open swim and rec swim sessions happen each week, featuring a recreation pool with two water slides, a lazy river, water playground, spray features and more. See the pool schedule and register ahead to reserve your spot.
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Pool: Warm water, a lazy river, sauna and more. What’s not to love? See the full schedule to plan your visit.
- Yost Pool in Edmonds: Yost makes for a fun outside option for people who want to experience a heated pool outdoors. See the full schedule to plan a visit.
Beginner skate lessons at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Lessons 11 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. Drop-in sessions 11 a.m.-noon Sundays at
6210 200th St. S.W. in Lynnwood.
Sign up for weekly lessons for kids and adults. Lessons include a 30‑minute instruction period followed by 30 minutes of practice, taught by national‑level coach Ezra Thompson. Learn skills like balance, stopping and forward and backward skating, with more advanced skills offered in a Level 2 course.
A four-week session costs $120, including open skate time. There’s also a Sunday drop-in option for $30 that includes a practice session.
Public skate sessions at Lynnwood Ice Center
19803 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood
Whether your family loves skating, hockey or just trying something new, the Lynnwood Ice Center has something for everyone, including open skate sessions and stick-and-puck sessions and even “theater on ice.” It’s a safe and welcoming spot for all ages to enjoy some time on the rink.
Seattle Skating Club offers skate lessons for people ages 3.5 and up and of varying skill levels. Explore their lessons schedule and sign up for future sessions.
Note that all visitors must pay ahead through their digital system. See the full calendar to find a session that works for your schedule this week.
Resources for Families
Snohomish County resource list
Not sure which resources you need? This list can help you see the options. The Snohomish County Community Resource List provides contact information for more than 300 local services, including emergency assistance, legal aid, youth and family support, mental health resources, financial help and immigration services.
211 North Sound – Snohomish County resource line
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Call: 211
Text: 211WAOD to 898211
211 North Sound connects residents of Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties to a comprehensive range of community services. Trained specialists provide free, confidential assistance in over 140 languages, offering referrals for housing, food, healthcare, childcare, crisis support and more.
In Snohomish County, 211 also supports initiatives like the Homeless Coordinated Entry and Emergency Rental Assistance programs. For specialized support, including assistance for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, call 211 and follow the prompts for TBI services.
Family support through Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District offers a dedicated Family Support Resource Line to assist families in need. You can reach them at 425-431-1454 or via email at [email protected]. Family Resource Advocates are available to provide holistic support and help families access community resources. For more information, visit the District’s Family Support page.
Snohomish County Human Services
Snohomish County Human Services offers a wide range of programs to help families in our region meet basic needs and support overall well-being. Services include early childhood programs like Early Head Start and ECEAP, family support resources for caregivers, behavioral health counseling and 24/7 crisis services, housing and energy assistance through the Community Action Partnership and specialized support for veterans and their families.
Edmonds Human Services: Resources for Edmonds residents
Edmonds Human Services is a helpful resource for any Edmonds resident facing financial, mental health, housing or other personal challenges. With a range of supports – including food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access) – this department connects people to local and county resources tailored to improve quality of life.
Local food banks
Families in need can turn to several neighborhood food banks for weekly groceries and fresh produce. Each food bank serves residents in its surrounding area with easy pickup times and volunteer support.
Domestic violence resources
For families experiencing domestic violence, several local organizations offer confidential support and emergency shelter services:
- DVS-SnoCo provides a 24/7 crisis line at 425-252-2873, offering emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning and support for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence.
- YWCA Pathways for Women
Located in Lynnwood, this 45-day emergency shelter offers safe housing and resources for women and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. - If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Youth ride public transit free!
Kids and teens 18 and under can ride buses, ferry and light rail for free. No pass is required. Want tap-and-go convenience? Get a free Youth ORCA card online or at the Ride Store.
Share the fun!
Wherever your adventures take you, I hope this roundup helps you find fun, affordable, and meaningful ways to connect and enjoy the season. Have an event or suggestion? Want to share your reels from a recent outing to be featured here? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below to get in touch. Don’t forget to check back every Monday for fresh ideas.
Rory Graves is a local writer, editor and parent of three teens who loves helping families find fun, meaningful ways to connect with their community. She covers family-friendly events, local resources, and creative outings around South Snohomish County. When she’s not exploring the region, you can find her cheering at one of her kids’ games, thrifting or curled up with a good book and some tea.
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