Bellevue Local History Celebration

Discover the stories that shaped Bellevue through local history exhibits, family activities, community organizations, and opportunities to take part in preserving history for the future.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

3:00–6:00 PM

Bellevue Downtown Park

Free Admission

Plan Your Visit

Bellevue Local History Celebration | Youth for History

Celebrate Bellevue’s Past, Present, and Future

The Bellevue Local History Celebration brings together families, students, longtime residents, newcomers, historians, libraries, public agencies, and community organizations for an afternoon centered on the stories of our city.

Visitors can explore Bellevue’s history, meet organizations working in the community, discover resources for learning more, and take part in activities designed for all ages.

What You’ll Experience

Come for one activity or spend the afternoon exploring the entire celebration.

Community History Exhibits

Explore displays, photographs, archives, and stories presented by local organizations and public agencies.

Local History Reading Table

Browse books and resources about Bellevue, the Eastside, and Washington history.

Washington Youth Signature Project

Add your name and message to a youth community tribute recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.

Family Activities

Enjoy history-themed activities designed to help children and families learn together.

Community Photo Opportunities

Stop by our photo area and capture a memory from the celebration.

Meet Local Organizations

Connect with organizations preserving history, serving youth, and strengthening the Bellevue community.

Participating Organizations

We are grateful to the organizations helping bring Bellevue’s history and community stories to life.

Youth for History A youth-led nonprofit connecting young people with history through education, preservation, service, and community programs. ↗ Bellevue Police Department Serving Bellevue through public safety, community partnership, education, and support services. ↗ Eastside Heritage Center Preserving and sharing the history of Bellevue and the Eastside through collections, exhibits, research, and educational programs. ↗ King County Library System Providing free access to books, learning resources, programs, technology, and community services throughout King County. ↗ Bellevue School District Welcome Center Helping students and families connect with Bellevue School District programs, enrollment resources, language access, and community support. ↗ EmP — Emerald Parents Association A community organization supporting families, youth, education, and opportunities for connection and service. ↗ Primrose School of West Bellevue An early education and childcare school serving young children and families in the Bellevue community. ↗ Overlake Medical Center & Clinics A nonprofit healthcare system that has served the Eastside and the broader Puget Sound community for more than six decades. ↗ Bellevue Farmers Market A community farmers market connecting local farms, food producers, and neighbors while supporting a vibrant local food system. ↗ Sound Transit The regional transit agency connecting communities across the Puget Sound through Link light rail, Sounder trains, and express bus service. ↗ Visit Bellevue Washington Bellevue’s official destination organization, sharing local experiences, attractions, events, and resources for visitors and the community. ↗ Bellevue College A public college providing accessible higher education, workforce preparation, and lifelong learning to students from across the region. ↗ City of Bellevue Utilities Providing essential water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services that support Bellevue’s neighborhoods and environment. ↗ City of Bellevue Community Development Helping guide Bellevue’s growth through planning, neighborhood programs, economic development, arts, culture, and community engagement. ↗ City of Bellevue Development Services Supporting safe and responsible development through permitting, review, inspection, and guidance for building projects in Bellevue. ↗ Kelsey Creek Farm A historic Bellevue farm and community destination offering farm experiences, educational programs, and a connection to the city’s agricultural past. ↗ Puget Sound Branch of the Washington State Archives A Washington State Archives branch preserving and providing access to local government records from King, Kitsap, and Pierce counties. ↗

With generous support from EmP

Plan Your Visit

The event is free and open to the public. No history background is needed—just curiosity.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Time: 3:00–6:00 PM

Location: Bellevue Downtown Park

Admission: Free

Audience: Families, students, educators, history enthusiasts, newcomers, longtime residents, and anyone curious about Bellevue.

August 23 · Bellevue Downtown Park

Come discover the stories that connect our community.

Bring your family, meet local organizations, explore Bellevue history, and help preserve community stories for the next generation.

See Event Details