🛋️ IKEA Is Now Open in Redmond

IKEA officially opened its new Plan & Order Point with Pick-up in Redmond Town Center on Wednesday, February 11. This smaller-format store focuses on one-on-one design appointments for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and small-space living, with orders delivered to your home or picked up onsite. You won’t find a showroom maze or Swedish meatballs here — sorry, no lingonberry breaks — but you will get expert help without driving to Renton. It’s located at 7325 166th Ave NE, making it a convenient new option for Redmond residents upgrading their space.

🎤 Open Poetry Night at SoulFood CoffeeHouse

Open Poetry Night happens Thursday, February 19 from 6:00–8:00 PM at SoulFood CoffeeHouse. Curated by longtime host Michael Dylan Welch, this monthly gathering has been running since 2006 and features one invited reader who selects another to share the stage. The atmosphere is welcoming and low-pressure, whether you’re reading or just listening. SoulFood is located at 15748 Redmond Way. Arrive a little early to grab a drink and settle in before the readings begin.

💰 Free Tax Help at the Redmond Library

Free Tax Help by AARP Foundation volunteers takes place Saturday, February 14 from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at the Redmond Library. Trained volunteers provide individualized tax preparation assistance, and there are no age or income limits. This is a walk-in site, with the final appointment beginning at 3:00 PM. The library is located at 15990 NE 85th St. Bring all required documents and arrive earlier in the window to reduce wait time.

🧩 Puzzle Swap at Uncle’s Games

The Puzzle Swap returns Sunday, February 15 from 1:30–5:30 PM at Uncle’s Games in Redmond Town Center. If you’ve finished a puzzle and don’t want to do it again, bring it in and trade it for something new from their collection. It’s an easy way to double or triple your puzzle time without spending extra money. Uncle’s Games is located at 7325 166th Ave NE, Suite F150. Bring puzzles in good condition so everyone gets a quality swap.

🎵 Live Music with John Riziki at SAMĀ Cellars

Live music with solo acoustic artist John Riziki takes place Friday, February 13 from 6:00–8:00 PM at SAMĀ Cellars Wine Lounge. Expect an easygoing evening of acoustic tunes paired with wine in an intimate setting. SAMĀ Cellars is located at 7425 166th Ave NE, Suite C-110. It’s a great option for a relaxed Friday night without leaving town. Seating can fill up, so arriving early is a smart move.

🐾 Valentine’s Pawty at Pickles Playland

The Valentine’s Pawty happens Friday, February 13 from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pickles Playland in Redmond. This special $13 add-on event is available for dogs attending daycare, boarding, or grooming that day. Pups receive a festive bandana, treat bar access, optional massage upgrades, and a photo update sent to owners. Pickles Playland is located at 7330 164th Ave NE, Suite E-165. Reservations are strongly recommended, as event days often fill up.

📚 Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog on Friday, February 13 at 6:30 PM at Brick & Mortar Books. Kids can take photos with Clifford, create Valentine’s cards, enjoy themed activity sheets, and discover the newest book, Love from Clifford the Big Red Dog. This free event requires no tickets, though supplies are first come first served. Brick & Mortar Books is located at 7430 164th Ave NE, Suite B105. Arrive early for the best photo opportunities.

☕🎶 Rumor Mill: Vinyl + Coffee Listening Bar?

We’re hearing that a Portland-style vinyl and coffee listening bar may be eyeing a small space on Leary Way near the new downtown development. Think high-end espresso, analog records, and moody lighting — the kind of place you settle into for an hour without realizing it. What we don’t know yet is who’s behind it or how far along the plans are. Could Redmond be getting its own...

📚 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet

Wednesday night brings a thoughtful bookish meetup with Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club on Wednesday, Feb 11 from 6:30–7:30pm. This month’s pick is Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a deeper, more political look at Wakanda that goes well beyond the movie version. The group reads broadly across sci-fi and fantasy and is friendly to new faces. You don’t need to be a comics expert to join in. If you’ve been craving a book club that actually talks ideas, this is a solid one.

🎷 Open Jazz Night at SoulFood CoffeeHouse

Thursday night has a familiar, comforting option with Open Jazz Night on Thursday, Feb 12 from 6–8pm at SoulFood CoffeeHouse, 15748 Redmond Way. This is a casual, all-ages jazz hang where musicians rotate on and off stage and listeners are just as welcome as players. Expect standards, improvisation, and a relaxed room that doesn’t demand anything from you. Grab a drink, settle in, and stay as long as it feels good. If you want a seat, arriving early helps.

🎶 Sweets & Songs at the Redmond Senior & Community Center

Friday afternoon brings Sweets & Songs on Friday, Feb 13 from 1–3pm at the Redmond Senior & Community Center, 8703 160th Ave NE. This 50+ sing-along leans into classic love songs from Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Elvis, The Beatles, and more. Lyric sheets are provided, refreshments are included, and festive pink or red outfits are encouraged but optional. You don’t need to sing well, just loud enough to enjoy yourself. It’s a warm, social way to spend a winter afternoon.

📚 Galentine’s Book Fair at Big Block Brewing

Friday evening starts early with Galentine’s Book Fair: Literary Love & Libations on Friday, Feb 13 from 5–9pm at Big Block Brewing in Redmond, 14950 NE 95th St. Expect books, drinks, and a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere. This overlaps with other Valentine-adjacent plans, but it’s an easy first stop if you want something cozy and social before committing to a full night out. Go earlier if browsing is your goal; it gets louder as the evening goes on.

🏋️ Big News: Old Fred Meyer Is Becoming a Life Time Gym

A long-standing Redmond question finally has an answer. The former Fred Meyer at 17667 NE 76th St has been purchased by Life Time, the national high-end fitness chain known for massive gyms with pools, classes, and spa-style amenities. The sale recently closed, though there’s no opening timeline yet. Expect a long permitting and construction phase. Still, it’s confirmed the building won’t sit empty forever, and this will be a major change for that part of town.

🔮 Rumor Mill

A beloved Portland-based brunch spot may be eyeing the Eastside for expansion, and Redmond is reportedly on the short list. The place is known for long waits, oversized plates, and cinnamon rolls people won’t stop talking about. No lease signed yet, but the chatter suggests they’re scouting high-foot-traffic locations. If this lands, expect weekend lines and lots of opinions. For now, it’s just a whisper, but a tempting one.

If you’ve got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond

and drop it in the “Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses” post.

Your Picks: Best plumber in Redmond

Alright, that’s it for this week.

Before we go, we want to know — who’s the best plumber in Redmond?

Head to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called “Your Picks,” and drop your vote in the comments. Shout out your favorite plumber in Redmond so others can find them too.