It's June! We know the kids are ready to say goodbye to the school year, but have you thought about how to keep them busy? Summer is officially kicking in, and, if you can believe it, we are halfway through the year 2023.
We've put together a list of 10 events and holidays taking place in June. We will continue to send our weekly newsletter with up to date events but this should get you started! Look forward to a fun month ahead.
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1. LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June is Pride Month! Looking for local festivities? Renton is holding a Pride celebration June 2nd at the Renton Pavilion Events Center and Plateau Pride 2023 will take place June 10th in Bonney Lake. Both celebrations are free and family friendly and will include live music, food vendors, fun, and resources for LGBTQ+ members of our community. June 1-30
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2. National Ocean Month
The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface! If you and the kids are up for a drive you can attend Ocean Fest in Tacoma on June 4th. This FREE festival will allow attendees to learn more about the ocean through hands on activities, speakers, kayak and SUP demos, and more! There will be food trucks and other vendors. Spend the month diving deeper into your ocean knowledge! June 1-30
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3. National Doughnut Day
Do-nut let this day go by without a celebration. Get one ... or a dozen! We recommend Legendary Doughnuts in Covington. They are holding a special giveaway with a chance to win FREE DOUGHNUTS FOR A YEAR! Head in on June 2nd and purchase your favorite doughnut for a chance to win. Friday, June 2
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4. National Cheese Day
What's better than donuts? Cheese! Serve the kids grilled cheese tonight — better yet, teach them to make their own! This sandwich isn't just for kids, either. Check out our 3 delicious twists on the classic sandwich. Sunday, June 4
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5. Maple Valley Days
This annual festival is held at Lake Wilderness Park and features music, vendors, food, kids activities, a carnival, a parade, and so much more! Admission into the festival is free but carnival rides, vendors, etc. are for purchase. Come visit the celebration of our community! Please visit the festivals website for information on parking, shuttles, hours, and more. June 9-11
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6. Flag Day
Everyone knows the story of Betsy Ross, but have you heard the story of Bob Heft? In 1958, shortly after Alaska gained statehood, the 17-year-old from Ohio took apart his family's 48-star flag and added two more in a symmetrical pattern for a class project. He explained to his teacher he believed Hawaii would soon gain statehood status as well.
He sent the flag to his congressman, who, in turn, presented it to then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower selected Heft's design for the 50-star flag after Hawaii became a state, and on July 4, 1960, Eisenhower and Heft raised the 50-star flag together for the first time.
The best part of the story? Heft’s teacher, initially unimpressed with his project, had given him a B-. The teacher later changed his grade to an A. Wednesday, June 14
DIY project: Make your own Flag Day pin!
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7. Eat Your Vegetables Day
Eat your vegetables day can be celebrated with a trip to one of the areas local markets! Enumclaw Plateau Farmers Market opens June 1st and the Maple Valley Farmers Market continues every Saturday. Check out our Market Guide for all the local spots. Saturday, June 17
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8. International Picnic Day
Everyone loves a picnic! We enjoy Lake Wilderness Arboretum for our picnics. The Children's Discovery Forest has a great area with special games and a story walk. Need some help planning? Check out 5 Tips for a Perfect Picnic with the Family from our sister site, Hulafrog. Sunday, June 18
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9. Father's Day
Celebrate all the men in your life who have taken on the role of dad. Looking for a fun activity to do today? AR Workshop Maple Valley is hosting a Father's day workshop. Kids get to make a free project and you can enjoy donuts together. Register here. Sunday, June 18
Sesame Street celebrates Juneteenth!
10. Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the date Texas slaves were told in 1865 that they were free — two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth emphasizes African American education and achievement and is a time marked with everything from family reunions to rodeos. It is now recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. (Find out more: How to Talk to Children about Juneteenth). Monday, June 19
Local Juneteenth celebrations:
Linda Sweezer Memorial Juneteenth Celebration and Festival - Kent, June 17th.
City of Auburn Juneteenth Celebration - Auburn, June 18th.
Reclaiming Our Greatness Juneteenth Celebration - Renton, June 25th.
