The City of Bellevue has awarded $300,000 to 38 organizations through its Community Programming Fund (CPF) to support community events taking place throughout the city this year.
According to the city, the funding will support small-scale events in Downtown Bellevue, Crossroads, BelRed, Factoria, and Wilburton, including music and cultural performances, fitness and dance classes, workshops, night markets, and other family-oriented activities.
The Community Programming Fund launched in 2025. City officials said the program supported nearly 100 events last year, attracting more than 10,000 attendees. This year, the city is expanding the program to include privately owned public plazas through partnerships with local property managers.
Among the events receiving funding are Wildflower Line Dance Lessons at Crossroads Park Plaza, Bellevue Night Market hosted by Peace Peloton, the BelRed Arts District Street Performer Series presented by Evolution Studios, Backyard Beats Sessions organized by Eastside Music Therapy, and BigHug K-Pop at City Hall Plaza.
“As a growing global city, Bellevue is opening its arms to the region and the world—neighbors, workers, students and visitors alike,” said Jesse Canedo, Bellevue’s chief economic development officer. “Our residents and small businesses have asked for smaller, more frequent ways to come together, and this summer we’re delivering.”
The announcement comes as Bellevue prepares for increased visitor activity during the FIFA World Cup, with city officials estimating that approximately 15,000 international visitors will stay in Bellevue hotels and other lodging accommodations while matches are being held in Seattle.
To coincide with the tournament, the city has contracted the Bellevue Downtown Association, the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance, the Spring District Association, and Visit Bellevue to organize World Cup-themed events near Bellevue light rail stations.
“We’re using this opportunity to produce a celebration that highlights what our neighborhood is all about: arts, culture and community,” said Sandy Vo, executive director of the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance. Vo said the organization will host a one-day event on June 26 at the BelRed light rail station featuring arts programming, food vendors, soccer-related activities, and cultural organizations.
In addition to the Community Programming Fund and World Cup-related programming, Bellevue’s annual event schedule includes Bellevue Family 4th at Downtown Park and Arts Fair weekend. According to the city, this year’s Arts Fair weekend will feature live music, food vendors, art activities, and evening dance events.
The city also reported that it is funding more than 70 programs through its Cross-Cultural Center without Walls initiative, as well as providing grants to individuals and organizations through its arts, culture, and heritage funding programs.
Additional information about the Community Programming Fund and participating organizations is available through the City of Bellevue.
