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.  

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. 

2021 Virtual Events

In-person events for Welcoming Week, including the Sept. 17 evening event at the Community Center, have been postponed due to the wet weather forecast. Please join us for one of the following virtual events, which celebrate our City's rich diversity!

Equitable Economic Development: Exploring Opportunities in Our Region - Fri., Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join Eastside For All, the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, King County Library System, Enterprise Welcoming Group, and OneEastside for a virtual Welcoming Week event for community leaders, elected officials, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and others interested in advancing racial equity and inclusion in our local economy. This event is intended to share information and spark action within participants' circles of interest and influence.

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

The acclaimed author of A Suitcase Full of Seaweed, Janet Wong will moderate a discussion with a diverse panel of local residents who will share personal objects that are important to their cultural heritage. This one-hour virtual event will reflect the Welcoming Week theme “Belonging Begins With Us” through sharing and reflection. Register Online

Youth Cultural Panel via Zoom – Sat., Sept. 18 @ 3-4 p.m. 

Join us as we bring a culturally diverse group of youth panelists to share 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! Register Online

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