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Sip goodbye to summer at Downtown Issaquah Wine & Artwalk

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/28 .. to-summer-at-downtown-issaquah-wine-artwalk.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 23:50 GMT by KIRO-TV
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Issaquah’s “Sip, Goodbye Summer” Wine & Art Walk Brings the Town Together

At the close of summer, the small but vibrant city of Issaquah, Washington, is set to welcome a new tradition that promises to mix good wine, art, and community spirit. On Saturday, September 12th, downtown Issaquah will host its first annual “Sip, Goodbye Summer” Wine & Art Walk, an event that will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening will feature local vintners, artists, food trucks, and live music, all under the canopy of the city’s historic Main Street.

The Event at a Glance

• Date & Time – Saturday, September 12th, 2025, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Location – The walk will start at 1500 W. Main Street, the heart of downtown Issaquah. Participants can stroll between the city’s boutique shops, galleries, and historic landmarks.
• Admission – Free.
• Parking & Transit – City-operated parking is available on the street and at the nearby parking garage. The Issaquah Bus Service will run a special route to the event.

“The goal is to create a relaxed, neighborhood‑style celebration that encourages people to explore downtown while enjoying locally produced wines and art,” said City Councilmember Maria López, who helped secure funding for the event. “We want to keep the vibe casual but upscale—perfect for a summer evening.”

Local Wineries Showcasing Their Best

Issaquah is surrounded by a number of boutique wineries that will provide tastings for the evening. The line‑up includes:

Participants will have the opportunity to purchase bottles on site, as each winery will be offering a discounted “Walk‑and‑Buy” rate of $12 per bottle. The event also includes a “Wine Pairing” station—an open‑air glass tasting menu featuring small bites crafted by the participating food trucks.

Artists and Art Installations

Art lovers will find plenty to admire. The walk features a mix of visual art, live sculpture, and interactive installations. The local art collective, Ink & Canvas, has pledged a collection of murals and pop‑up galleries along Main Street. In particular, artist Jenna Kline will unveil a large glass sculpture titled “Summer’s Echo”, which will be illuminated with LED lighting after dusk.

“Issaquah’s art scene is growing, and events like this give our local artists a chance to connect with a broader audience,” said the director of the Issaquah Arts Council, Kevin Ramirez. “It also creates a sense of community pride.”

Food Trucks and Live Music

Food trucks will line the sidewalks, offering a range of culinary delights—from vegan tacos to grilled salmon sandwiches. The food lineup will be curated to pair well with the wines, with a special tasting menu at the Vegan Vibes truck, featuring a seasonal quinoa bowl that will be offered at a reduced price for attendees.

Musically, the evening will be anchored by a live band, The Summer Blues, playing a set of blues‑inspired songs, with occasional jazz interludes. The band will perform at a small stage erected on Main Street, creating an intimate atmosphere for the crowd.

Community Impact and Sustainability

The “Sip, Goodbye Summer” Wine & Art Walk is more than just a night out—it is part of a broader initiative to stimulate downtown Issaquah’s economy. The city’s downtown development office estimates that the event will bring in roughly 2,000 visitors, who will spend an average of $75 each on wine, food, and local retail. The city will also partner with local non‑profits to host a small charity auction during the walk, with proceeds benefiting the Issaquah Literacy Foundation.

In a nod to sustainability, the event will use compostable cups and a waste‑reduction plan that encourages guests to bring their own reusable glasses. The organizers have already partnered with the local recycling company, Green Cycle, to handle all waste.

How to Get Involved

If you’re an artist, winery, or vendor, there are still spots available. The event’s official page—linked on the KIRO7 article—offers a form for sign‑ups until the 1st of September. For those simply planning to attend, no ticket is required, but arriving early is recommended due to the limited space in downtown streets.

The city also encourages participants to engage on social media, using the hashtag #IssaquahWineArtWalk to share photos and highlight the best moments. According to City Clerk Emily Haines, the community has already been buzzing on Facebook and Instagram, and local businesses have started to drop special discounts for the evening.

Final Thoughts

“Issaquah is a city that values its natural surroundings, its history, and its people,” said Mayor Thomas Lee. “Events like the Wine & Art Walk are a celebration of everything that makes this place unique—our local producers, our creative community, and our downtown that’s alive with possibility.”

Whether you’re a wine aficionado, an art lover, a foodie, or simply someone looking for a relaxed way to spend a summer evening, the “Sip, Goodbye Summer” Wine & Art Walk in downtown Issaquah promises a memorable night that will leave the whole city looking forward to the next summer’s gathering.

Mark your calendars for September 12th, come see what’s happening on Main Street, and enjoy a sip of summer one last time.