Kirkland, WA - Government

08/31/2026

💡Got light bulbs? Recycle them at City Hall!

Starting August 19, the City of Kirkland began accepting mercury-containing light bulbs for recycling at City Hall (123 5th Avenue). The drop-off can be found in the lower lobby, where battery recycling is located. CFL, HID, and fluorescent light bulbs are accepted; however, LED, incandescent, and halogen bulbs are not accepted.

The City is partnering with LightRecycle Washington to safely recycle these bulbs. Collected mercury-containing lights are transported to an authorized recycling facility, where trained workers sort and process the bulbs using specialized equipment. Fluorescent tubes and most other accepted lights are crushed in a machine, allowing the glass, metal, and other components to be separated for recycling.

Find Kirkland’s recycling guidelines here: https://kirklandwa.gov/recycle

08/31/2026

Here's a sneak peek at some of the artists coming to the 2026 Umbrella Fringe Festival!

From September 25 to 27, the Umbrella Fringe Festival will bring an eclectic variety of art to locations across downtown Kirkland and the Village at Totem Lake. Kirkland Arts Center has started announcing this year’s participating creatives and will continue to share names on its website as Umbrella Fringe approaches.

Creatives announced so far include:
• Eva Crystal & Friends (Dance)
• James Grixoni: The Blue Rose (Film)
• Odyama: Apocalypse Songs (Music)
• Bonesly Bookworm & Friends (Lit Reading)
• Disgruntled Bit-Players (Improv)
• Aiswarya Ramakrishnan (Dance)
• Kino B. Demented’s Classic Circus Showcase

Umbrella Fringe is known for showcasing unconventional and experimental art. There’s something for everyone — and you just might discover something entirely new! Learn more on the KAC website: https://kirklandartscenter.org/kirkland-fringe-festival/

08/29/2026

Reminder to plan for traffic in Kirkland this weekend as WSDOT continues their work on the I-405/Northeast 85th Street Interchange and Inline BRT Station Project.

All lanes of northbound I-405 are closed from Northeast 70th Place to Northeast 85th Street as of 11 p.m. Friday, August 28 and will re-open by 5 a.m. Monday, August 31. Up to three lanes of northbound I-405 also will close from the Northeast 85th Street on-ramp to Northeast 100th Street.

The following ramps also are also closed:
• Northeast 70th Place on-ramp to northbound I-405
• Northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street

Detours are in place, and the Northeast 85th Street on-ramp to northbound I-405 will remain open.

WSDOT crews are digging out a section of the freeway to install a concrete culvert to reconnect the fish passage beneath northbound I-405 to the section under southbound I-405 that was built during a full closure in July.

Learn more about the ongoing WSDOT I-405/Northeast 85th Street Interchange and Inline BRT Station Project: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-405-northeast-85th-street-interchange-and-inline-brt-station-project

08/28/2026

Get ready for your dog to make a splash! The City of Kirkland’s sixth annual See Spot Splash returns Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, bringing a day of swimming, zoomies, and dog-friendly fun to Peter Kirk Community Pool and Lee Johnson Field.

“Our parks and public spaces are here for the whole community, and once a year, that includes handing over the pool to the dogs,” said Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. “See Spot Splash has become a fun Kirkland tradition, and we’re excited to welcome dogs and their people back before we close the pool for the winter.”

Read the full news release: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/News/See-Spot-Splash-Returns-for-a-6th-Year-of-Dog-Friendly-Fun-in-Kirkland

08/28/2026

With students heading back to school on August 31, school buses will once again be a regular sight on Kirkland streets. Here’s a quick refresher on when to stop and how to safely share the road with buses and students.

When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop paddle extended, drivers traveling behind the bus must stop and remain stopped until the bus begins moving again or the signals are turned off.

When to stop:
• One-lane road: Traffic in both directions must stop.
• Two-lane road: Traffic in both directions must stop.
• Three or more lanes: Traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Oncoming traffic does not have to stop.
• Road with a center turn lane: Traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Oncoming traffic does not have to stop.

A few other reminders:
• Flashing yellow lights mean prepare to stop. The bus is getting ready to stop and pick up or drop off students. Slow down and be ready for the red lights and stop paddle.
• Give school buses extra following distance. This gives you more time to react when a bus begins slowing or its yellow lights start flashing.
• Give students plenty of space. Children may be entering or exiting the bus or crossing the roadway nearby. Stay stopped and alert until it is safe to proceed.

Learn more: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/drivers-know-laws-about-school-bus-safety

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Kirkland City Council returns from recess on Tuesday, September 1. Here’s a preview of some of the items on the business agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:

• Council will receive a briefing on potential updates to short-term rental regulations.
• Council will hold a public hearing and then consider code amendments related to civil detention centers.
• Council will consider updates to the zoning code related to affordable housing requirements in low-density zones.
• Council will receive updates on the revised parking enforcement code.

Prior to the above Business Agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:

• An update on Sexual Assault/Sexual Motivation and Domestic Violence Support Programs
• A review of the preliminary 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Program

Learn more and find the full meeting agenda here: kirklandwa.gov/council

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

The 8th annual Kirkland Cadet Benefit Car Show is right around the corner, and you can still register your car to participate!

Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for some fun community connection, join us at the Kirkland Justice Center on Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of family-friendly fun while supporting KPD's Cadet Program. Spectator admission is free.

Vehicle registration is open to all makes and models and includes a commemorative 2026 dash plate. The entry fee is $25 through September 1 and increases to $30 beginning September 2, including day-of entries.

Throughout the day, attendees can browse an impressive variety of vehicles, meet fellow enthusiasts, purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, and cheer on their favorites as awards are presented in a variety of categories.

All proceeds benefit the Kirkland Police Cadet Program, which provides leadership development, community service opportunities, and hands-on experience for young adults interested in law enforcement careers.

Learn more and register your ride here: www.kirklandwa.gov/cadetcarshow