Mercer Island This Week: Fall Recycle Event Saturday, Halloween Trick-or-Treat and Holiday Makers Market Ahead (October 12–19, 2026)

The Sunday Farmers Market closed out its 2026 season yesterday, so this week's calendar is a quieter one — but there's a useful community event on Saturday and a couple of festive ones to put on your calendar. Here's what's on for October 12–19.

FALL RECYCLE EVENT — Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Mercer Island Boat Launch

The City's Fall Recycle Event accepts confidential document shredding (5 box limit), electronics, scrap metal, household and lead-acid batteries, tires, propane tanks, appliances, mattresses, BBQs, printers and copiers, styrofoam, and more. Some items carry cash-only fees (for example, $35 for a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, or mattress, and $10 for propane tanks). Construction debris, garbage, paint, furniture, and household hazardous waste are not accepted — check the City's flyer before you load the car.

LOOKING AHEAD — TOWN CENTER TRICK-OR-TREAT — Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Mercer Island Town Center

Town Center merchants hand out treats to costumed kids in the City's annual family-friendly Halloween event. It's free and listed on the City's 2026 special events calendar as the island's only official October event after the recycle day.

LOOKING AHEAD — HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET — Saturday, December 5, 2026 | Time and venue to be confirmed

The City lists the Holiday Makers Market, held in partnership with the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, for December 5. Last year's market ran 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Community & Event Center with more than eighty local vendors; 2026 details haven't been posted yet, so check the City or Chamber before you go.

A note on First Friday Art Walk: the monthly Town Center art walk typically falls on the first Friday evening of the month, but a November 2026 date hasn't been confirmed. Check with participating galleries before heading out.

Event details can change, so check with the City of Mercer Island Parks & Recreation or the organizers before heading out. Whether you're a longtime islander or just getting to know Mercer Island, fall is a great time to experience the community. Curious what it's like to live here year-round? I'm always happy to talk.