October 12 – October 18, 2026
🐦 A little Bothell mystery
For years, thousands of crows descended on UW Bothell every evening, sometimes as many as 20,000. Then, almost as mysteriously as they arrived, they moved out.
Researchers say many relocated to the Sammamish Valley, but nobody knows exactly why.
The timing feels particularly appropriate: Bothell is celebrating its feathered former regulars at Crow Fest this Saturday.
📍 Two Things to Know
🚧 New Stride construction brings lane shifts and bus-stop changes
Starts Monday, October 12 · Weekdays, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. · Through summer 2027
Sound Transit says two long-term Stride S3 work zones begin Monday:
On NE 185th Street, between 103rd Avenue NE and Ross Road, traffic shifts and the south sidewalk closes. The Metro stop at the southwest corner of NE 185th Street and 104th Avenue NE is closed; City Hall and Beardslee stops remain open.
On 98th Avenue NE, between Main Street and NE 183rd Street, northbound traffic moves into the center turn lane and the east sidewalk closes. The affected Metro stop at 98th and NE 183rd moves to the northeast corner of 98th and Main.
Both roads, nearby businesses and homes remain accessible. Follow signs and leave extra time: the schedule can change for weather or field conditions.
🎨 Bothell Creative Arts Grant applications close Friday
Friday, October 16 · 2027 Creative Arts Grant Program
Bothell artists and arts organizations have until Friday to apply. Funded projects must culminate in a public performance, exhibition or other community-accessible event.
✨ Worth Doing This Week
THURSDAY . OCTOBER 15
❤️ Shocktober: A Community CPR Class
3-4 p.m. · First & Main Design Market showroom · 10100 Main Street · Open to the public
Learn the basics of responding to a cardiac emergency. An EMT and CPR instructor leads the class; snacks are provided. The listing does not specify cost or registration.
FRIDAY . OCTOBER 16
🎵 Mister Canoe: free live music
7 p.m. · Thorndike Room, Anderson School · Free · All ages
A free, all-ages Friday set of jazzy, folky soft rock from Seattle musician Mister Canoe.
SATURDAY . OCTOBER 17
🎨 Fall Art Fest
11 a.m.-1 p.m. · Bothell Library · Free
Make art inspired by Yayoi Kusama and meet Northshore Visual Art Partners, a group expanding visual-arts education in Northshore schools.
🐦 Crow Fest
11 a.m.-5 p.m. · Main Street and 101st Avenue NE, downtown Bothell
Making Local’s outdoor harvest market brings vendors, food trucks and yard games downtown. Leashed dogs are welcome; free parking and accessible routes are available.
🎲 Glorydays: a tabletop roleplaying afternoon for middle schoolers
2-4 p.m. · Bothell Library · Free · Registration required
Grades 6-8 can try a collaborative, shapeshifting storytelling game. This is the first of four sessions.
SUNDAY . OCTOBER 3
💃 Free beginner swing-dance class
11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. · Bothell United Methodist Church · 18515 92nd Ave NE · Free · Ages 18+
Try East Coast Swing. No experience or partner is needed; advance sign-up is encouraged.
📅 Plan Ahead
🎃 Trick-or-Treat on Main Street
Friday, October 30 · 5-7 p.m. · Main Street and 101st Avenue NE · Free
Bothell’s downtown trick-or-treat trail returns Friday before Halloween. More than 30 businesses and community groups are expected. Use the City Hall garage, street parking or the Bothell Landing gravel lot; a candy-stop map is expected the week before.
🚧 I-405 closure weekends to watch
Southbound I-405 is planned to close October 30-November 2, followed by northbound November 6-9. Times, closure limits and detours are not posted yet.
📬 Before You Go
Know about a Bothell event, local change or neighborhood story we should know about? Reply and send it my way. Corrections are always welcome, too.
If you know one Bothell neighbor who would find this useful, forward this email to them. They can subscribe at bothellbeat.beehiiv.com/subscribe.
Bothell Beat ❤️
*Times, availability, weather and transportation alerts can change. Check the original links before making plans.