Music Takeover in Downtown Issaquah

ISSAQUAH, Wash., June 9, 2025 – Music and magic hit the streets with vocals and brass, percussion and strings, throughout the Summer of 2025 in Downtown Issaquah.

Here’s the lineup: From the ArtWalk & Music Stroll to Make Music Day on June 21, to Gas Station Blues throughout July and August, to the Confluence Music Festival August 31, musical artists of all ages take the stages throughout Olde Town. The Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) makes professional music available for free through the generosity of the City of Issaquah’s Arts Commission.

“We create economic vitality by attracting people through the arts,” said DIA President Christina Bruning. “Music is a large component of most of our programming, but Make Music Day, Gas Station Blues and Confluence Music Festival draw people from all over the Pacific Northwest.”

DIA also supports the summer’s Open Mic Al Fresco outside of Historic Shell, where attendees shed their inhibitions and belt out up to two songs each. The next event is June 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. Open Mic also takes place inside the Issaquah Train Depot the first Wednesday of every month throughout the year.

DIA’s musical programming is among its most popular among residents, businesses, and visitors. It’s an art form that is clearly linked to Issaquah’s historically hip brand and attracts congregation throughout downtown. Because of its popularity as an economic and artistic draw, DIA includes performance and musical components in all of its market programming, including: Farm Fresh in the Spring & Fall; Fenders on Front Street June 15; Issaquah Goes Apples & Winter Markets; Shop Small Saturday; and Artist Sunday. While small cities compete with more urban musical destinations such as Seattle, DIA strives to strengthen Issaquah’s music culture while encouraging pedestrian traffic to its family-owned small businesses.

“We have so much artistic talent in this community,” Bruning said. “Not only do we provide a stage for artistry, we help people experience the distinctive, creative vibe that is purely Issaquah.”
Olde Town is the heart of the state-designated Creative District because of its strong arts presence in the downtown corridor.

Music Around the Bend

• ArtWalk & Music Stroll – Step out in Historically Hip Downtown Issaquah June 14, July 12 and August 9 to discover local treasures, shop artisan gifts and listen to live music as Front Street is transformed into an avenue of outdoor performances.
• Make Music Day -- A free community event that celebrates the Summer Solstice and music from around the world. As Issaquah celebrates its 12th Anniversary of Make Music Day, multiple music stages and interactive elements will be set up all around Downtown Issaquah June 21st from 4 to 8 p.m. Local musicians of all ages are welcome to try out their musical talents. Plan to stroll around and listen to the music!
• Gas Station Blues -- In partnership with the Washington Blues Society, DIA offers its Thursday night Gas Station Blues series July 10– August 28. Gas Station Blues will feature talented blues artists every Thursday night from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Historic Shell Station located at 232 Front Street North. Come early and picnic on the grass or enjoy one of the fantastic art galleries or restaurants along Front Street before the show. Bring a chair and/or blanket and enjoy the summers night blues. This is a free, all ages event open to the public.
• Confluence Music Festival, Sunday, August 31 from 2 to 7 p.m. -- The Downtown Issaquah Association reprises the Confluence Music Festival for the seventh year. This five-hour music and art festival will feature local and internationally renowned musicians, bringing together a diverse audience at Confluence Park in beautiful downtown Issaquah. This event is free. Live Music, Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Garden, Artisans, and a Plein Air Community Art Program.