Redmond’s getting into the Halloween spirit, starting this weekend with a “Thriller” dance workshop and a kid-friendly craft event — and continuing with free or cheap fun for the rest of the month.
Here’s a potpourri of ways to celebrate the spooky season.
• Saturday, Oct. 17, learn Michael Jackson’s famous “Thriller” dance so you can participate in the “Thrill the World” extravaganza at Redmond Town Center on Saturday, Oct. 24. Keep reading to learn more about that special event. But in the meantime, the free “Thriller” dance lesson, coordinated by Redmond Parks and Recreation, starts at 10 a.m. this Saturday in the multipurpose room at the Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. NE. For information, contact dance instructor Teresa Osborn at teresa@teresaosborn.com or visit the Redmond Zombies Web site, www.redmondzombies.com.
• Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1-3 p.m., Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame, 15756 Redmond Way, hosts a $1 Halloween Kids’ Craft Extravaganza. Featured crafts include a Halloween bookmark, a pom-pom spider, an acrylic frame kit and more. For information, call (425) 883-2050.
• Friday, Oct. 23, the RYPAC (Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee) Halloween dance will benefit Friends of Youth. The event includes a costume contest, music and treats and runs from 7-10 p.m. at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St. Admission is $5 and all Redmond youth are welcome. Call (425) 556-2358 for details.
Also on Oct. 23, SecondStory Repertory will bring a free, informal presentation of “Rocky Horror Show” to SoulFood Books and Cafe, 15748 Redmond Way. Call (425) 881-5309 for details.
• Saturday, Oct. 24, the Zombie Block Party starts at 4 p.m. at Redmond Town Center and culminates in a mass performance of the “Thriller” dance at 5:30 p.m. in the Center Street Plaza. The worldwide charity event will attempt to break a Guinness World Record. Suggested donation to participate in the dance is $10 and Redmond proceeds will support SecondStory Repertory’s educational programs.
Also included at the Zombie Block Party will be horror-themed entertainment by members of SecondStory Repertory, in conjunction with Redmond Town Center food outlets and businesses. Folks from SecondStory Rep will do improv performances and a special rendition of “The Time Warp” from “Rocky Horror Show.” Uncle’s Games is sponsoring a zombie version of a scavenger hunt and the Town Center will award prizes for best zombie costumes.
For more information, call Redmond Town Center at (425) 867-0808 or visit www.redmondzombies.com.
• Friday, Oct. 30, the Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th St., features live music by New Faces, Kung Foo Grip, Seahouse and Shotty, beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $6. All ages are welcome. For information, call (425) 556-2370.
And Oct. 30 at Oddfellow’s Grill, 7979 Leary Way NE, The American Night, led by Redmond resident Nate Christian, performs its tribute to The Doors, with a rock star costume contest, psychedelic light show, go-go dancers and more. The show starts at 9 p.m. and all ages are admitted until 11 p.m., after which Oddfellow’s becomes a 21-and-older venue. No cover charge.
• Saturday, Oct. 31, celebrate “Howl-o-Ween” at the Redmond Saturday Market, 7730 Leary Way. This is the market’s final day of the 2009 season — and they’re going out in style. A pet costume parade happens at noon and the Seattle Humane Society’s Max Mobile (mobile pet adoption and education center) will visit the market from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, call (425) 556-0636.
Plus, safe Trick-or-Treating is offered at participating Redmond Town Center stores from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Also that night, a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) party at the Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th St., begins at 7 p.m. It’s free and includes crafts and refreshments. For information, call (425) 556-2370 or e-mail rshmait@redmond.gov.
