Welcoming Week 2026 Event Calendar

Welcoming Week is a national movement that celebrates the power of inclusion and belonging. Across the country, Ys and community partners bring neighbors together to share cultures, traditions, and stories that connect us. From September 10–19, join us at YMCA of Greater Seattle locations for events featuring food, dance, games, art, storytelling, and more.

Week-Long Events, September 10–19

Links of Belonging | Downtown Y | Open to the Public

Share what makes you feel welcome and add your story to our community chain.

Cultural Coloring | Bellevue Family Y | Open to the Public

Celebrate culture through creativity during Welcoming Week! Join us for a fun Cultural Coloring Activity. Grab a blank piece of cardstock and some crayons or coloring supplies of your choice, then create a self-portrait that represents you. Once you’re finished, place your artwork in our entryway so we can celebrate the unique individuals who make up our YMCA community. Let’s fill our space with creativity, culture, and you!

Member Engagement Activity - Recipe Book | University Family Y | Members only

The Book of Cultures: 30 Stories to Discover the World | Snoqualmie Valley Y | Youth Members only

Every day in Kids Zone, there will be a story time with The Book of Cultures: 30 Stories to Discover the World. Each story follows a buddy from a different country, followed by a snapshot of each culture, with fun facts and an activity that brings the country to life. 

Thursday, September 10

Where are we from? Community Map | Matt Griffin Y | 6:00 am–8:45 pm | Members only

Help us celebrate the diversity that makes our YMCA community special! Members and staff are invited to place a sticker on the map showing the country they or their family are from. Find your country, add your sticker, and celebrate our community! 

Cultural Kickoff Social | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y | 9:30–10:30 am | Open to the Public - Volunteers Needed

Join us as we kick off Welcome Week by celebrating the diverse cultures and backgrounds that make our YMCA community special! Enjoy a continental breakfast featuring delicious breakfast items inspired by different cultures, connect with fellow members and staff, and add a push pin to our world map to show where you’re from or where your roots are. Come share, celebrate, and learn more about the cultures that make our community unique! 

Friday, September 11

Wishing Tree Craft with Postmark Center for the Arts | Auburn Valley Y | 12:00–2:00 pm | Open to the Public

In partnership with the Postmark Center for the Arts. Join us for a fun Wishing Tree craft led by the Postmark Center for the Arts – Auburn Arts & Culture Center! Stop by their table in our lobby to learn more about their programs and events and create your very own wish tag. Write down a hope or intention, then tie it to our indoor decorative wishing tree with a ribbon. Let’s fill our tree with hopes, dreams, and wishes from our community! 

Culturally Relevant Snacks | University Family Y | All Day | Members Only

Saturday, September 12

Origami Craft | Auburn Valley Y | 12:30–1:30 pm | Open to the Public

Fold, create, connect! Join us for Origami Craft, led by our very own member, Linda Peterson. Learn the art of origami, make something beautiful, and take your creation home. 

Snoqualmie Street Fair | Snoqualmie Valley Y | 11:00 am–4:00 pm | Open to the Public

In partnership with the City of Snoqualmie and the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce. Come to the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA and enjoy the annual Snoqualmie Street Fair, previously known as the International Block Party. 

Bilingual Storytime with Friends | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y | 10:00–10:30 am | Open to the Public

Join us in the lobby for a fun and engaging Bilingual Storytime! Children and families will enjoy stories shared in two languages while celebrating the beauty of language, culture, and community. Come listen, learn, and enjoy a story together! 

Square Crows - Square Dancing | Northshore Y | 1:00–3:00 pm | Open to the Public

No experience is needed for this free lesson and demonstration from the Square Crows modern square dance club. 

Aegis Gardens Community Tai Chi Class | Coal Creek Family Y | 11:00 am | Open to the Public

In partnership with the Stan Head Cultural Center Aegis Gardens. Join our knowledgeable instructor as they guide you through a beginner’s tai chi class, open to the community for all. The class will be located at the Stan Head Cultural Center at Aegis Gardens.

Monday, September 14

Connect with Community Barbecue and Resources | Dale Turner Family Y | 4:30–6:30 pm | Open to the Public

In partnership with Rosangel Ozuna. Join us for our Welcoming Week community barbecue on the back lawn at the Y. Enjoy a hot dog off the grill, lawn games, crafts, music, community resources, and Y program information. Free for Y members and community members! 

Cultural Community Connections | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y  | 3:30–6:30 pm | Open to the Public

Connect with local organizations and discover valuable community resources all in one place! Learn about services, programs, and opportunities available to support individuals and families in our community. Come meet community partners, ask questions, and find resources that can help you and your family thrive. 

Regularly Scheduled Zumba Class | University Family Y  | 5:15–6:15 pm | Members only

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony | Matt Griffin Y | 4:00–6:00 pm | Open to the Public

In partnership with the Ethiopian Community Center. Join us for cultural sharing, coffee, conversation, and learning about the tradition. 

"Where are you from?" Community Map | Downtown Y | 6:00 am–8:00 pm | Members only

Join us for Welcoming Week at the Downtown Seattle YMCA! Add a sticker to our lobby or pool deck maps to show where you’re from and help us build a visual celebration of the diverse community that makes our Y a place of belonging for everyone.

Tuesday, September 15

Civic Engagement Day: Voter Registration | Snoqualmie Valley Y | 9:30 am–6:00 pm | Open to the Public

In honor of Civic Engagement Day, the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA will be hosting a voter registration table. 

Civic Engagement Day: Voter Registration | Northshore Y | 4:00–6:00 pm | Open to the Public

In honor of Civic Engagement Day, the Northshore YMCA will be hosting a voter registration table. 

Bollywood EX | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y | 5:00–6:00 pm | Open to the Public

Get moving and have fun with a high-energy Bollywood-inspired workout! Enjoy upbeat music, easy-to-follow dance moves, and a fun fitness experience while celebrating Indian culture. All fitness levels are welcome. Come ready to move, groove, and have a great time! All community guests must check in at the Front Desk prior to attending the class. Guests are required to present a valid photo ID and register for a day guest pass before being allowed to participate in the class. 

AOA Potluck | Kent Y | 11:30 am–1:30 pm | Open to the Public - Adults and Older Adults/Seniors (Ages 55+)

Older adults are invited to a community potluck at the Kent YMCA. Bring a dish to share and a friend! 

Civic Engagement Day: Voter Registration | Matt Griffin Y | All Day | Open to the Public - Volunteers Needed

In honor of Civic Engagement Day, the Matt Griffin YMCA will be hosting a voter registration table. 

Kids Zone Welcome Party | Matt Griffin Y | 4:30–6:30 pm | Youth Members only

Join us for crafts, games, friendship bracelets, and “Everyone Belongs” activities.

Civic Engagement Day: Voter Registration | Coal Creek Family Y | 10:00 am–2:00 pm | Open to the Public

In honor of Civic Engagement Day, the Coal Creek Family YMCA will be hosting a voter registration table.

Civic Engagement Day: Voter Registration | Bellevue Family Y | All Day | Open to the Public

Learn about the importance of voting and civic engagement while getting connected with voter registration resources. 

Wednesday, September 16

Dandia & Bollywood Dance Demonstration | Snoqualmie Valley Y | 5:15–5:45 pm | Open to the Public

In partnership with the SnoValley Cultural and Sports Club. Please join the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA and SnoValley Cultural and Sports Club as we host a Dandia Dance and Bollywood Dance demonstration. Everyone is welcome, and there will be a chance to practice the moves that are shown. Fun for all ages.

The Art of the Fold | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y  | 4:00–4:45 pm | Open to the Public

Get creative and explore the art of origami! Learn simple folding techniques while creating beautiful paper designs and discovering how this traditional art form connects to culture and creativity. All skill levels are welcome. Come fold, create, and have fun! 

Regularly Scheduled Zumba Class | University Family Y | 5:15–6:15 pm | Members only

African Dance & Urban Line Dancing | Sammamish Community Y | 10:00–11:00 am | Open to the Public

Celebrate Welcoming Week with Rahel as she leads an energetic African Dance and Urban Line Dancing class, bringing together vibrant rhythms, joyful movement, and community through dance. 

Thursday, September 17

Brazilian Zumba | Sammamish Community Y | 6:45–7:45 pm | Open to the Public

Celebrate Welcoming Week with a high-energy Brazilian Zumba class led by our Brazilian Y staff, featuring vibrant music, movement, and rhythms that bring the joy of Brazilian culture to our community. 

Music Around the World | Matt Griffin Y | All Day | Members only

All classes on this day will feature music from different countries. 

Around the World Potluck | Bellevue Family Y | 11:45 am–1:00 pm | Open to the Public

Join us for an Around the World Potluck! Come celebrate the diversity of our community through food, culture, and connection. We’ll be enjoying delicious dishes inspired by cultures from around the world—and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a meal together with our community? Bring your favorite dish, come hungry, and let’s enjoy a little taste of the world together! 

Friday, September 18

AOA Multicultural Potluck | Auburn Valley Y | 12:15–2:00 pm | Members only

Join us for our Welcoming Week Multicultural Potluck—a chance to share delicious dishes, stories, and traditions from cultures near and far. Let’s gather around the table and celebrate what makes our community so wonderfully diverse! 

Family Movie Night | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y  | 6:00–8:00 pm | Open to the Public

Join us for Disney’s Moana! Follow Moana, a young Polynesian girl, as she sets out on an adventure across the ocean to save her island and reconnect with her ancestors and cultural heritage. Enjoy this inspiring story while celebrating Polynesian culture, traditions, family, and community! All community guests must check in at the Front Desk prior to attending the event. Guests are required to present a valid photo ID and register for a day guest pass before being allowed to participate. 

Culturally Relevant Snacks | University Family Y | All Day | Members only

Saturday, September 19

Welcoming Festival | Northshore Y | 11:00 am–1:00 pm | Open to the Public - Volunteers Needed

Join us for our annual Welcoming Festival in the Northshore YMCA parking lot! Watch or participate in cultural dances, eat delicious food, and let your children jump, bounce, or climb for a fun day celebrating our diverse community.

Taste Around the World | Meredith Mathews East Madison Y | 10:00–11:00 am | Open to the Public - Volunteers Needed

Bring your favorite dish and join us for a delicious celebration of culture and community! Enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by different cultures while connecting with members, sharing traditions, and discovering new flavors. Want to bring a dish? Please sign up by emailing Tia Cotten at tianniahcotten@seattleymca.org and let us know what you’ll be bringing so we can plan accordingly. All community guests must check in at the Front Desk prior to attending the event. Guests are required to present a valid photo ID and register for a day guest pass before being allowed to participate. 

Refugee and Immigrants Festival and Kent Y Community Day | Kent Y | 12:00–3:00 pm | Open to the Public

In partnership with Wide World for Refugees. Gather with your neighbors and community for a celebration at Morrill Meadows Park and the Kent Y. Festivities and resource booths for refugees and immigrants will be happening throughout the park beginning at 11:00 a.m., brought to you by Wide World for Refugees. Outdoor games will be available on the Kent Y patio from 12:00–3:00 p.m., along with free Community Swim in the pool. Note that the Kent Y and Morrill Meadows Park are located on the same property. 

Women's Self Defense | Bellevue Family Y | 12:00–2:00 pm | Open to the Public - Women only

In partnership with the Bellevue Police Department. Led by Officer Craig, this workshop is based on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques. No experience is required. 

Youth Injury Prevention Workshop | Bellevue Family Y | 1:00–1:45 pm | Open to the Public

This interactive workshop will teach young athletes strategies to reduce injury, including stretching, nutrition, and recovery methods. Participants will receive a free recovery kit to take home.