DOWNTOWN KIRKLAND!
Kirkland's downtown is beautifully situated on the eastern shores of Lake
Washington. Very few communities can boast having a waterfront access and a
vibrant and pedestrian-friendly downtown. The downtown Kirkland experience
includes lakefront dining with romantic sunset views, lakeside walking paths
with scenic glimpses of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains, and a diverse
array of upscale art galleries, boutique shops and salons. Strolling the streets
past eclectic storefronts is a favourite past-time activity and outdoor cafes
provide plenty of people-watching opportunities.
Marina Park is situated on the waterfront providing public access to a sandy
beach, marina, and tour dock. 'Music in the Park' concert series are held during
July and August; the Holiday Christmas Ship Tour and Parade originate here
during the month of December.
Kirkland is located 10 miles east of Seattle and easily accessible by car, bus,
or boat. Complimentary covered parking of four hours is available at the
library. Metered and some free street parking are conveniently located near
storefronts.
ACCOMMODATIONS KIRKLAND
For the overnight visitor, the Woodmark Hotel at
Carillon Point is located a short walk away from downtown.
THE ARTS AND KIRKLAND
Kirkland is a community dedicated to the arts. Located in the heart of downtown
Kirkland is a performing arts center, more than a dozen public art exhibits, and
upscale galleries.
KIRKLAND Performing Arts
The Kirkland Performance Center is a 400-seat theatre offering a variety of
music, dance, theatre and family programs. Nearby on 6th Street are a children's
theatre Studio East and the International School of Classical Ballet.
Art in Public Places
There are more than a dozen public art sculptures placed throughout the downtown
area for all to enjoy. Locations of these sculptures can be found on the
Business Directory and Map. Time permitting, plan on a self guided walking tour
to check out an additional 45 art pieces located within a mile radius from
downtown.
GALLERIES IN KIRKLAND
Downtown Kirkland boasts more than 18 galleries offering the best in original
art including glass, painting, sculpture, mixed media, bronze, wood, fiber,
ceramics and collectable prints. Gallery owners host monthly art walks and
artist receptions the second Thursday of every month.
KIRKLAND NIGHTLIFE
Yes, Virginia --there is a nightlife in downtown Kirkland. Enjoy 'Wednesday
Night Live' entertainment the first Wednesday of each month beginning in May at
various downtown bars, pubs, and taverns. The Wilde Rover Irish Pub invites you
to have fun, meet people, dance, and listen to some great music performed by
professional entertainers several nights a week.
Kirkland has its own independently owned movie theatre located in the Parkplace
Mall. The Kirkland Parkplace Cinemas recently renovated its 15,000 square foot
theater and shows first run films on six screens.
KIRKLAND PARKS & RECREATION
Downtown Marina Park encircling Moss Bay features sandy beaches for children to
wade in Lake Washington. This park includes a pavilion and grassy amphitheater
where entertainment is provided during July and August on Tuesday and Thursday
nights and Wednesday morning. (See Events Calendar for more information.)
Marina Park is also home to the downtown Public Marina, the only public marina
on Lake Washington where pleasure craft can moor overnight. The M.V. Kirkland, a
historic Lake Washington ferry, also departs for tours of Lake Washington every
two hours during the summer. This park hosts the Christmas Ships and features a
bonfire and community caroling in December.
Peter Kirk Park is located in the heart of downtown, two blocks from the
waterfront. Kirkland is a baseball town and hosts teams of all ages in the
region. Baseball games are held daily and you can join in at any hour for free.
This park also hosts free public tennis courts, a public basketball court,
skateboard park, the only eastside outdoor public swimming pool, the library,
Performance Center, and senior center.
Walkers, joggers, and cyclists enjoy the scenic surroundings of downtown
Kirkland. Heading south on Lake Washington Blvd, you will encounter waterfront
parks, public art sculptures, mansions, and multimillion-dollar condominiums. At
1.2 miles, you will arrive at Carillon Point, which is rich in Kirkland history
and home to a four-star hotel and several great restaurants. Heading north on
Market Street, you will pass by historic homes of Kirkland and public art
statues and arrive at Juanita Bay Park. a unique 144-acre urban wildlife
preserve complete with historic markers.
Other 'must-see' parks include Houghton Beach, Yarrow Bay Wetlands, and Juanita
Bay Park - all within a few miles of downtown Kirkland.
Houghton Beach features sandy beaches, play equipment, volleyball, public
sculpture and a lifeguard-protected swimming area. It is also the home of
Cascade Canoe and Kayak rentals.
KIRKLAND WATER ACTIVITIES
Argosy Cruises offers a chance to cruise Lake Washington and experience the
breathtaking scenery of the Northwest. View multi-million dollar mansions while
cruising, including Bill Gates' home. Cross Lake Washington and cruise past the
Husky Stadium. Departures are from Kirkland's Marina Park. Free parking is
available in the municipal garage two blocks east of the dock.
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