Welcoming Week

Logo Design by Kai Newton, WWU Student

Overview 

The annual Issaquah Welcomes You event returns Sept. 10-19, 2021! Past years have seen festivities including world dance exhibits, photo booths, educational seminars, book readings and culturally diverse food trucks. This year’s national Welcoming Week theme is “Belonging Begins with Us”. We are honored to elevate community rooted ideas and programs. Join us as we continue to provide virtual events and as we bring back much cherished in-person celebrations that highlight our rich cultures from around the world. Thanks to all those volunteers who helped put this year’s unique event together! 

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.   

2021 Events

Eastside Mayors' Joint Proclamation 

The Mayors of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington, jointly proclaim September 10-19, 2021, 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.

Issaquah Welcomes You In-Person Celebration - Fri., Sept. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @ Issaquah Community Center (301 Rainier Blvd. S) 

Come together for a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community in honor of Welcoming America Week. Festivities will include music, world dances, informational booths and food trucks. Wearing traditional dress is encouraged. Everyone is welcome! 

Cultural Panel via Zoom – Sat., Sept. 18 @ 1-2 p.m. 

Acclaimed author Janet Wong will be moderating the discussion, whose book of poetry A Suitcase of Seaweed, is the inspiration for this program. During this one-hour virtual event, panelists will share their meaningful items either by displaying them or describing them to the audience. Registration coming soon!  

Youth Cultural Panel via Zoom – more information coming soon

Join us as we bring a culturally diverse group of youth panelists to share about their cultures and experiences living as a member of their community in Issaquah. It will be a unique and fun experience as we talk with panelists from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. You will get a chance to ask questions and engage as an audience member while reflecting upon your own culture as well! 

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