It may be cold, wet and windy outside, but Crossroads Bellevue has a solution for that!

Known by many in the community as “The Eastside’s Living Room,” guests love the inviting setting and mix of shops, services and attractions, but also the various events and family-friendly activities planned throughout the year – events designed to bring the community together, explains Crossroads’ Sue Popma.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up over the next few months:

1. Northwest Folklife Cultural Arts Series: Back by popular demand, this seventh annual series of curated, family-friendly cultural arts performances comes to Crossroads’ Market Stage on the third Saturday of every month. Free and open to all, performances run from from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. First up is Brazilian social dance band En Canto, performing on Jan. 19, but check out the full schedule here!

   An independent arts organization that celebrates multigenerational arts, cultures and traditions of a global Pacific Northwest, Northwest Folklife offers year-round programming produced in collaboration with more than 120 different cultural partners and powered by contributions from community, corporations, foundations, and public sector.

2. 2nd Saturday Family Nights: Head to the Crossroads Shopping Center Market Stage on the second Saturday of the month for family-friendly, interactive live music performances with Bach to Rock Music School. Starting at 5:30 p.m., 2nd Saturday Family Nights feature discounts on food and entertainment at participating Crossroads stores and restaurants, plus music, fun and the chance for young listeners to try their hand at some of the instruments.

   Located in Redmond, Bach to Rock works with students of all ages and skill levels, offering lessons on guitar, piano, drums, voice, violin, trumpet and more, plus opportunities to perform in venues around Seattle and King County.

3. Take the Park Connection Survey: With its prime East Bellevue location and reputation as a community gathering place, Crossroads Bellevue, in cooperation with the City of Bellevue, would like your feedback on how to create a stronger connection between neighboring Crossroads Park and the shopping center. Central to overall efforts to enhance the “Crossroads Experience,” the Park Connection Survey will help gather ideas for amenities and elements from those who’ll use them most. By contributing, you’ll help make this neighborhood more vibrant, more enjoyable and more livable. Share your input by Jan. 5, or stop by in person at the Crossroads Mini City Hall.

Making the holiday season merry & bright

The holiday season has been busy at Crossroads Bellevue, and guests have helped the center make a big difference for the local community:

• More than 700 pounds of food to Hopelink.
• 250 pounds of pet food to Seattle Humane.
• 10 shopping carts full of gifts donated to children in need who submitted wish lists through Bellevue Lifespring and the City of Bellevue.

Stay up to date with all the happenings at Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Centre at crossroadsbellevue.com, and be sure to follow them on Facebook!

Brazilian social dance band En Canto performs on Crossroads’ Market Stage Jan. 19 as part of the free Northwest Folklife Cultural Arts Series, which runs on the third Saturday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Head to the Crossroads Shopping Center Market Stage on the second Saturday of the month for family-friendly, interactive live music performances with Bach to Rock Music School.

Head to the Crossroads Shopping Center Market Stage on the second Saturday of the month for family-friendly, interactive live music performances with Bach to Rock Music School.