Mercer Island This Week: First Friday Art Walk Returns, Farmers Market Enters Its Final Weeks (September 28–October 5, 2026)

Last weekend's Mid-Autumn Festival Carnival at the Community & Event Center drew a big crowd for cultural performances, carnival games, and the Community Resource Fair. With that behind us, the calendar settles back into its early-fall rhythm — a Town Center art walk on Friday and the Farmers Market's countdown to its season finale. Here's what's on for September 28–October 5.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK — Friday, October 2, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Downtown Mercer Island Town Center | Free

Local galleries and businesses throw open their doors for the monthly art walk, with new work from island and regional artists on display at stops including MIVAL, Barrels Wine Bar, Coldwell Banker Bain, John L. Scott, Clarke and Clarke, Sotheby's, Suzanne Zahr Gallery, and Aljoya. It's a self-guided, free, family-friendly evening — grab a map at any participating venue and wander Town Center at your own pace.

MERCER ISLAND FARMERS MARKET — Sunday, October 5, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 7700 SE 32nd Street

The market runs rain or shine, with certified organic produce, artisan food vendors, handcrafted goods, and a different live performer every week. This is the second-to-last Sunday of the 2026 season — only one more market remains after this week.

LOOKING AHEAD — The Farmers Market wraps its 2026 season on Sunday, October 11. The City's Fall Recycle Event follows on Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, for safe disposal of old appliances, electronics, and household hardware. And mark the calendar for Friday, October 30, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, when Town Center hosts its annual Trick-or-Treat event for families.

Whether you're a longtime islander or just getting to know Mercer Island, early fall is a great stretch to see Town Center at its liveliest before the holiday season takes over. Curious what it's like to live here year-round? I'm always happy to talk.