Downtown streets will be buzzing with music, parades, Criterium bicycle races and more at the 76th Annual Redmond Derby Days Summer Festival on July 8-9 at the Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 N.E. 85th St.
The event will culminate with a fireworks display on July 9.
“Redmond Derby Days is a cherished event. It brings our community together to celebrate our small-town roots and innovative spirit,” said Mayor John Marchione. “I invite residents of all ages to join me in the festivities and celebrate our thriving and diverse community.”
Festival hours are from 4-11 p.m. July 8 and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 9. The Northwest Carnival runs both days at Redmond City Hall Campus along 160th Avenue Northeast. Families with kids will enjoy the free activities, Redmond Toddler Group Diaper Derby, Cadman Sand Box, Interactive Sidewalk Chalk Art, games, face painting, henna, photo booth, crafts and more.
• Friday Night Live starts off the event at 4 p.m. Go Redmond sponsors the evening first with a performance from Austin Jenckes, a songwriter with lyrical roots in folk and country — and previous “Voice” contestant. The headliner will be Kalimba, a band that echoes the spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire. Also, the Derby Dash 5K begins at 6 p.m.
• On Saturday, start the day off with the Derby Days Kids Parade — the longest-running kids’ parade in the nation. Since 1940, it has been a family tradition for Redmond’s children decorate their wheels as part of participating in the parade. Parade sign-in begins at 9 a.m. in the Opportunity Building parking lot, 8383 158th Ave. N.E. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m.
The Grand Parade immediately follows the Kids Parade with a “Ready, Set, GO” theme and surprise grand marshals. Free community races for all ages will follow the Grand Parade. They feature 75 yards of tricycle riding, costume races, a youth bike race and more.
“Last year kids and parents loved the community races and contests. The watermelon eating contest, youth bike race and more will be back this year. It really highlights the historical roots of Derby Days encouraging friendly competition,” states Rachel Van Winkle, event manager.
The Criterium, the nation’s longest running bicycle race, starts at 2 p.m., and the last race is at 7:15 p.m. Other festival elements include: Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, free kids’ activities and Redmond Arts Festival at the Redmond Town Center.
Attendees can bring a blanket or beach chair, settle in on the grass and enjoy entertainment all day and night from the main stage. Locomotive, an alternative rock band, will kick things off at noon, followed by Board of Education, a nationally acclaimed kids’ rock band, at 1:30 p.m. Brotha Groove, Michaela Fuller and Paris Alexa will round out the afternoon. Alec Shaw, pop singer and songwriter with multi-meter syncopated rhythms and harmonic melodies, plays at 6 p.m., and the evening headliner, Hit Explosion, plays at 8 p.m. Hit Explosion will move and groove the crowd with authentic ’70s and ’80s songs with power and precision.
The Redmond Craft Breweries Beer Garden opens at noon and is located close to the stage. Grab a snack or dinner from Derby Days food vendors and enjoy the music from the beer and wine garden, sponsored by all five Redmond craft breweries and Vortex Winery.
At 10 p.m., a fireworks display will finish off the evening and Derby Days festivities.
Ample parking is available at the City Hall Parking Garage, Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center and Redmond Town Center. A free shuttle will run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 9 between parking sites. For additional information, including the festival schedule or to register for activities, visit www.RedmondDerbyDays.com
