July 14th through July 16th is Summerfest this year at Marina Park in Kirkland.  Friday 2-9, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-6.  This event is sponsored by the Kirkland Arts Center and features 120 artists (ceramics, glass, wood, painting, you name it!) complimented by local food, wine and music down by the waterfront.  Over 40,000 visitors typically swarm in for this one, so you might want to think about your parking strategy ahead of time. 

The wine tasting garden has free admission, and for $15-20 you can purchase a 'tasting package.'  Couldn't they have thought of a more delicious name for it?  This gives me a visual of licking stamps for some reason.  I guess that would be a tasty package. Nevertheless, I'm sure you'll find me hanging out sipping wine there.  There will be 10 local wineries that will each feature up to 3 varietals.  Of course, there will be experts there to answer all of your worldly questions and help you stock up your wine cellar.

There will be some food samplings from local faves such as Mixtura, The Sake House, Marina Park Grill and the Waters Lakeside Bistro. Check here for specific times to catch these yummies. The weather is supposed to shape up by the weekend, so get yourself ready for some culture down on the waterfront. ~Janis