📚 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet

Wednesday night brings a thoughtful bookish meetup with Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club on Wednesday, Feb 11 from 6:30–7:30pm. This month’s pick is Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a deeper, more political look at Wakanda that goes well beyond the movie version. The group reads broadly across sci-fi and fantasy and is friendly to new faces. You don’t need to be a comics expert to join in. If you’ve been craving a book club that actually talks ideas, this is a solid one.

🎷 Open Jazz Night at SoulFood CoffeeHouse

Thursday night has a familiar, comforting option with Open Jazz Night on Thursday, Feb 12 from 6–8pm at SoulFood CoffeeHouse, 15748 Redmond Way. This is a casual, all-ages jazz hang where musicians rotate on and off stage and listeners are just as welcome as players. Expect standards, improvisation, and a relaxed room that doesn’t demand anything from you. Grab a drink, settle in, and stay as long as it feels good. If you want a seat, arriving early helps.

🎶 Sweets & Songs at the Redmond Senior & Community Center

Friday afternoon brings Sweets & Songs on Friday, Feb 13 from 1–3pm at the Redmond Senior & Community Center, 8703 160th Ave NE. This 50+ sing-along leans into classic love songs from Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Elvis, The Beatles, and more. Lyric sheets are provided, refreshments are included, and festive pink or red outfits are encouraged but optional. You don’t need to sing well, just loud enough to enjoy yourself. It’s a warm, social way to spend a winter afternoon.

📚 Galentine’s Book Fair at Big Block Brewing

Friday evening starts early with Galentine’s Book Fair: Literary Love & Libations on Friday, Feb 13 from 5–9pm at Big Block Brewing in Redmond, 14950 NE 95th St. Expect books, drinks, and a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere. This overlaps with other Valentine-adjacent plans, but it’s an easy first stop if you want something cozy and social before committing to a full night out. Go earlier if browsing is your goal; it gets louder as the evening goes on.

🏋️ Big News: Old Fred Meyer Is Becoming a Life Time Gym

A long-standing Redmond question finally has an answer. The former Fred Meyer at 17667 NE 76th St has been purchased by Life Time, the national high-end fitness chain known for massive gyms with pools, classes, and spa-style amenities. The sale recently closed, though there’s no opening timeline yet. Expect a long permitting and construction phase. Still, it’s confirmed the building won’t sit empty forever, and this will be a major change for that part of town.

🔮 Rumor Mill

A beloved Portland-based brunch spot may be eyeing the Eastside for expansion, and Redmond is reportedly on the short list. The place is known for long waits, oversized plates, and cinnamon rolls people won’t stop talking about. No lease signed yet, but the chatter suggests they’re scouting high-foot-traffic locations. If this lands, expect weekend lines and lots of opinions. For now, it’s just a whisper, but a tempting one.

If you’ve got a guess or have heard something, head to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BestOfRedmond

and drop it in the “Redmond Rumor Mill Guesses” post.

Your Picks: Best plumber in Redmond

Alright, that’s it for this week.

Before we go, we want to know — who’s the best plumber in Redmond?

Head to facebook.com/BestOfRedmond, find the post called “Your Picks,” and drop your vote in the comments. Shout out your favorite plumber in Redmond so others can find them too.