KIRO Radio Highlights
KIRO Radio Highlights

KIRO Radio Highlights

Stories and features from the news staff of KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.

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Weekend Events: Monster Trucks, Lunar New Year and Community Service

Weekend Events: Monster Trucks, Lunar New Year and Community Service

It's a long holiday weekend, how are you enjoying it?

 
At the Wing Luke Museum on Saturday, you can celebrate the Lunar New Year with the 2025 Lunar New Year Fair! It's the Year of the Snake this year and you can get in on the celebrations with an outdoor lion dance, indoor craft fair, calligraphy lessons and a new Kidsplace exhibit! There's a mix of free and ticketed events so get details and make your RSVPs at wingluke.org
 
For more Lunar New Year celebrations, There is also a Tết Market at Little Saigon Creative on Saturday from 10:30-3:30. There will be a lion dance, a paper flower workshop and plenty of local business to check out and support! There are more events going on over the weekend, get more information from flsseattle.org
 
The Rabbit Box Theater is putting on a beneift concert for those impacted by the wildfires on Sunday. Some acts include Shaina Shephered and Smokey Brights and plenty more. They are asking for 15 dollar donation to act as your ticket and doors will open at 6. Go check out some great tunes while supporting those experiencing wildfire.
 
In Tacoma, pull out your favorite onesie for the official Onsie Bar Crawl! This is a ticketed event, but your ticket will include a couple of drinks, no cover at the participating bars, drink and food specials and plenty more! What better reason to dress up as a Unicorn than this? It's called Tacoma's coziest night of the year and tickets are available by searching event brite for The Official Onesie Bar Crawl - Tacoma, details are also on Facebook!
 
 SUNDAY, SUNDAY SUNDAY.... as well as tomorrow and Saturday Monster Jam heads to the Tacoma Dome! See the high flying big wheels and cheer along with your fellow motorheads throughout the weekend, a perfect afternoon if you have kids who love cars. Get tickets and more details at monsterjam.com
 
Monday is MLK Day and there are lots of ways to give back to your community through a service day on Monday. United Way of King County has multiple projects to help out with, you can see a huge list and sign up to help at uwkc.org/volunteer/mlk-day-of-service/. In Tacoma, the Tacoma Parks Service is cleaning up three parks, Titlow, Point Defiance, and Swan Creek Park. If you are interested in helping there, visit parkstacoma.gov to sign up! There are also MLK celebrations and presentations at Garfield High School and at the Northwest African American Museum. State and National Parks will also be offering free entrance fees in celebration of the holiday.
 
 
Are you cooking up something cool for 2025 or the weekend? Let me know at paulh@kiroradio.com
Councilmember Maritza Rivera: Taking a look at Seattle's Housing Plans

Councilmember Maritza Rivera: Taking a look at Seattle's Housing Plans

Housing is one of the biggest things on the minds of Seattle residents and it's leaders. Councilmember Maritza Rivera wants to make sure those in her district are being heard. 

Dance parties, table top games, and art, a great early 2025 weekend

Dance parties, table top games, and art, a great early 2025 weekend

2025 is now in full swing and the fun is only just getting started!

Start the year off by enjoying some local art! There are art walks going on throughout the weekend. Today is the Belltown art walk from 6-9, tomorrow you can check out art in Ballard from 6-9 and Georgetown from noon to 10.

OrcaCon is this weekend and no it is not about our beloved aquatic friends, it's all about board games! According to the event's website, OrcaCon is a "cozy inclusive tabletop games convention with a focus in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility". All weekend long you can play tons of games, meet new friends, check out panels and lots more! This is going down at the DoubleTree Sea-Tac today through Sunday, get tickets and details at orcacon.org

The Pop Up or Pop Out Market is going down at the Made Space in Downtown Seattle. This will be your chance to support local creators with offerings of food, fashion, jewelry, books, art, beauty products and plenty more. This event is free and why not start the new year off by finding a new local business to support?

If you are heading up to Crystal Mountain to hit the slopes on Saturday, the Kraken are taking over! There's going to be an on-site scavenger hunt, raffles, games and a watch party as the Kraken battle the Buffalo Sabres! If you wear your Kraken gear, you can get 15% off retail, food and beverage purchases! You can get more details on the Kraken's website.

At the Fremont Abbey Arts Center tonight it will be a night of yoga and reflection during Inward and Outward. The event's website describes this as a guided experience with meditative yoga, reflective writing, lighthearted embodiment practice with live ambient soundscapes to set the vibe. Everyone is going through those new year feels, so why not connect with yourself and your community through this event! They do say you'll need to bring some cozy support for your knees, like a yoga mat, blanket or pad, a notebook and pencil and easy to move in clothes. Get more details at fremontabbey.org


If you need to put on the dancing shoes and shake off the work week. There's quite a few theme nights. The Nectar Lounge in Fremont is throwing a 90s theme prom party starting at 9 tonight and tomorrow night the theme is a 2010s Tumblr party. The Taylor Swift Tribute band 13 til Midnight is taking the stage on Sunday at the Royal Room. There's a trio of singers and a full band that will take you through Swift's iconic discography and is a perfect night for the Swifties. The early show is sold out, but tickets are still available for the 8 pm show! You can details on the dance parties at nectarlounge.com and more about 13 til Midnight at theroyalroomseattle.com

How are you getting into the groove this new year? Let me know at paulh@kiroradio.com

A hidden struggle faced by our military

A hidden struggle faced by our military

It was a confusing scene on New Year's Day in Las Vegas when an active-duty Green Beret took his own life in an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel. This event has sparked a conversation about the hidden struggles many military personnel face, particularly regarding PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

On Friday morning on KIRO Newsradio's "Seattle's Morning News," host Charlie Harger discussed the circumstances surrounding Livelsberger's death with Dave Phillips, a reporter from The New York Times who has been investigating the challenges faced by veterans like Livelsberger.

Keep your brain sharp: simple lifestyle changes backed by Seattle research

Keep your brain sharp: simple lifestyle changes backed by Seattle research

A recent study from the Allen Institute in Seattle, led by scientist Hongkui Zeng, offers promising insights into how everyday choices can help preserve brain health as we age. Published in the journal Nature, Zeng’s research explores the cellular changes in the brain associated with aging and provides practical advice on how to mitigate these effects through simple lifestyle adjustments.

New Year, New Fun things to do this weekend

New Year, New Fun things to do this weekend

It's the first weekend of the new year and there is plenty of things to do to kick off a new year!


Have you ever wanted to watch a movie but you get so bogged down by the amount of options that you just end up watching nothing or settling for the same movie time and time again? Why not leave your next movie night up to the folks at the Beacon Theater in Columbia City. They run an event called Secret Cinema, and it's TOTALLY FREE, first come first serve. The catch? You won't know what movie you are going to see until the show is about to start. It's not just big blockbusters either, The Beacon's website says movies from all over the world, from different time periods, you never know what you might find. You watch something new tomorrow at 10 pm. Get more details at thebeacon.film         


It's not too late to catch the lights in Tacoma! There are a few places holding their final weekends, including the Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park, the Ice Lights at the Sprinkler Recreation Center and the Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Fantasy Lights is a two mile drive that has over 300 light displays, at Ice Lights you can not only hit the rink for some skating, but there's also ice bumper cars, snow falling in the rink and plenty more! 

The Tacoma Light Trail has just begun and you just missed the kick off party earlier this week, however that doesn't mean you are completely out of luck! There will be a series of events this weekend and throughout next week, including the Illuminated Ballroom event going on tomorrow. According to the event's website, Saturday will be an evening of visual and auditory delight at the Court House Square. The trail itself is open from 5-9, is free and can be walked or drove! Don't miss out on the QR codes at the light locations which will pair music and poetry with the lights! Get more details at tacomalighttrail.org

It's going to be a weekend of laughs at the Crocodile during the Wet City Comedy Festival! There will be three nights of different comedians, including a local and regional comedy showcase and if you want to really enjoy the full experience, check out the dance parties and wine tasting also going down at the Crocodile Complex. Get details and tickets from thecrocodile.com 

It's a weekend full of hockey at Climate Pledge Arena. The Seattle Kraken take on the Edmonton Oilers at 7 PM tomorrow. Head down early and check out all the pre game fun at the Seattle Armory. On Sunday, two teams from the Professional Women's Hockey League will be taking over Climate Pledge as part of the PWHL's Takeover tour! This gives fans an in person look at the world of professional women's hockey with a matchup between the Boston Fleet and the Montréal Victoire. Doors open at 11:30 with puck drop at 1 PM. Get your tickets at climatepledgearena.com 

The New Year is just getting started and I want to know about all the cool things that will be going on this year! Let me know at paulh@kiroradio.com 

 

 

 

Weekend Events Final Push for Holiday Fun

Weekend Events Final Push for Holiday Fun


It's going to be a busy weekend for as everyone is the home stretch of the holidays, that means lots of fun throughout the region. 


Who doesn't love a cool model train? the 28th annual Model Train show has returned and runs through January 1st. The show is at the Washington State History museum in Tacoma and according to the event's website there will be room sized layouts throughout the museum, family areas with trains and legos, and even some films about toy trains. You can get more information at washingtonhistory.org

There will be lots of holiday fun going on at the Ballard Community Center today. From 6-8 tonight it's the Gingerbread Jubilee! There will be winter theme crafts, music, a hot chocolate bar and of course the plenty of Gingerbread houses to make in the construction zone and snowballs to throw in the snowball zone! You can get more details and register at the Seattle Parks website

If you still need to get some holiday shopping done, Fremont will be the place to be tomorrow. The Trollstice Holiday Night Market returns and will have plenty of local creators selling their goods, as well as a holiday photo booth, food trucks and so much more! This is going under the Fremont Bridge from 3-8 PM tomorrow. 

You can celebrate the solstice in Snohomish. On Saturday, the shortest night of the year, you can walk along the River Front Trail for an evening described as the  "a tranquil evening of reflection and gratitude." This event is free and there will be lights along the trail to help guide you as well. More details are available at historicdowntownsnohomish.org 

Head over to the Eastside for Snowflake Lane and “experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats,” the Snowflake Lane website reads. Yup, it’s another free Christmas event Puget Sound community members can enjoy. You can just head to your favorite spot on the sidewalk between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th Street to NE 8th Street every night at 7 p.m. to see the show. Take note that traffic picks up considerably for the weekend performances. The nightly parades continue through Dec. 24.

The final Santa Con of the season is this Saturday! Santa Con is a perfect way to spread holiday cheer while enjoying some holiday spirits! The website describes Santa Con as more than a pub crawl, it's more of a parade of holiday cheer with live entertainment, costume contests, professional photography and plenty more. Get tickets and details at seattlesantacon.org


If you need more ideas for holiday fun, we have a full rundown on Mynorthwest.com

Paul Holden KIRO News Radio

Leah Rudick: What makes something funny?

Leah Rudick: What makes something funny?

Just how much do comedians use Tik Tok and what exactly makes things funny?

KIRO News Radio's Paul Holden got some insights from Leah Rudick 

Weekend revelry roundup: Free Holiday Fun!

Weekend revelry roundup: Free Holiday Fun!

A wintery weekend full of things to do lies ahead, just hang in there and finish the work day strong!

There's free ice skating at Occidental Square this weekend, and that includes skates to borrow. From noon to six today, tomorrow and Sunday, skaters of all levels can hit the ice and enjoy a classic wintertime activity. The Seattle Kraken are taking over the rink on Sunday with giveaways, selfies with Buoy the Troll and more. Skating isn't the only this thing going on in Occidental Square, the Holiday Bazaar is today and tomorrow. There will be over 40 local vendors so plenty of options for holiday gift shopping!

There's more free fun this weekend at Green Lake. The Pathway of Lights at Green Lake is tomorrow from 4:30 t0 7:30. The paths will be lit by thousand of luminaries, all placed by hard working volunteers! In addition there will be warm drinks, tasty treats, music, lights and lots more. The fun is going on rain or shine so dress accordingly! 

This one was sent to me by a listener! The Monroe Community Band is putting on a free concert at the Wagner Performance Center tomorrow at 2 pm. According to the band's website there will be classic carols, festive tunes and a couple of surprises! The event is family friendly and a reminder, free! More details are available at monroecommunityband.org

Candy Cane Lane is having one of it's pedestrian only nights this weekend on Sunday. The legendary light display off of 20th and Ravenna near Ravenna park will have live music to accompany you as you check out the display on foot. If you are going to check out Candy Cane lane, be sure to bring a donation for the University District Food Bank! 

In Downtown Snohomish this weekend it is Winterfest! This holiday market will have all the things you need for a weekend this time of year. There will be lights and live music, as well as ice sculpting, crafts, gingerbread houses and of course visits from Santa! There's also the Winterfest Market, that will have everything you need for holiday shopping and something tasty to warm you up. A couple of events are sold out, so plan ahead by visiting historicdowntownsnohomish.org

This weekend is the perfect chance to go check out the Pacific Bonsai Museum for the Winter Bonsai Solstice. The collection of Bonsai will be lit up with holiday lights and will offer free hot chocolate while you take in all the sights! There will also be a holiday market for shopping and this event is family friendly! Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of 12 dollars. Get more details pacificbonsaimuseum.org

Still need a wreath for your house? Well make your own in Tacoma this weekend! At Windmill Gardens you will be able to choose from a variety of greens and customize your own 24" wreath. The website says to dress to get messy! Get tickets and details at windmillgardens.com

There's even MORE fun stuff going on this weekend, we got a huge list of events going on throughout the season at mynorthwest.com

As always, if you know of cool things going on let me know paulh@kiroradio.com 

A Washington actor comes home to play Marty McFly in 'Back to the Future'

A Washington actor comes home to play Marty McFly in 'Back to the Future'

Western Washington native Caden Brauch is stepping into the role of Marty McFly, in the stage version of "Back to the Future."

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