Welcoming Week

Logo Design by Kai Newton, WWU Student

Overview 

The annual Issaquah Welcomes You event returns in-person on September 9, 2022! This year’s national Welcoming Week theme is “Where We Belong.” We are honored to elevate community-rooted ideas and programs. Join us as we bring back much cherished in-person celebrations that highlight our rich cultures from around the world. 

Background 

Welcoming Week is a national event when a chorus of thousands—in communities large and small, rural and urban—celebrate the benefits of an inclusive society and deepen their commitment to creating places that are welcoming to everyone, including immigrants, refugees and those who have been systemically excluded.  

Eastside Mayors' Joint Proclamation

The Mayors of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish jointly proclaimed September 9-18, 2022 as Eastside Welcoming Week and invite the community to engage in opportunities during Eastside Welcoming Week and beyond to learn; connect across differences; take joint action to achieve a welcoming, equitable and inclusive community; and reaffirm their commitment to continue to examine and adopt programs, policies and practices that improve our efforts towards achieving equity for all now and in the future. 

2022 Welcome Week Events

Issaquah Welcomes You, Friday, September 9, 5-8 p.m. at the Issaquah Community Center

Come together for a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community. Festivities include music, world dances, an art exposition, informational booths and food trucks. Wearing traditional clothing is encouraged. Everyone is welcome!

Story Stroll

September 9 - 27 is a creative way for children and adults to enjoy reading while spending time outdoors hosted by the King County Public Library.


Downtown Issaquah

This year will feature Peace Train by Cat Stevens & Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator). This Story Stroll starts at the Issaquah library and heads north along Front Street.

"Readers are invited to hop on the Peace Train and join its growing group of passengers who are all ready to unite the world in peace and harmony. Featuring the timeless lyrics of Cat Stevens's legendary song and illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Peter H. Reynolds, this hopeful picture book inspires tolerance and love for people of all cultures and identities."

Issaquah Highlands

This year will feature Be Who You Are by Todd Parr. This Story Stroll will be hosted at the Grand Ridge Plaza.

"Be who you are!
 Be proud of where you're from.
 Be a different color. Speak your language.
 Wear everything you need to be you.
 
Who better than Todd Parr to remind kids that their unique traits are what makes them so special? With his signature silly and accessible style, Parr encourages readers to embrace all their unique qualities."

Welcoming Economies

Belonging Begins with Us - Are You on the Map? 

Welcoming Economies is one way to ensure that Issaquah businesses are connected and thriving in Issaquah. Our diverse businesses make our community more vibrant by expanding cultural offerings, creating jobs, and attracting new customers to our community. Are you an Issaquah business owners and employees? Add a pin to the “Belonging Begins with Us” map to showcase where you grew up. Whether it’s Iowa or India, we value your contribution to our community. Please contact Jen Davis Hayes with any questions.

Past Events

  • 2020 Issaquah Welcomes You (Virtual Events)
    • Mariachi, Dance & Margaritas Watch Party via Zoom

    • Cultural Panel via Zoom 


    • Explore Issaquah's past and present through the eyes of people of color and immigrants in our community. Join us as we hear how Issaquah’s history has impacted the present and share ideas for working together as a community to make everyone feel welcome.

    • Youth Cultural Panel via Zoom 
      • Hear the experience of local youth who have immigrated to Issaquah – their backgrounds, challenges and perspectives on what we all can do to be welcoming.
  • 2019 Issaquah Welcomes You
  • 2018 Issaquah Welcomes You