From hops producer to lettuce hub to the place that made the moon buggy, Kent’s history is long and storied.
This summer you can get an up-close look at what this vibrant city was (and is) all about. Experience Historical Kent spotlights the city’s bygone days with a plethora of events across the city. View historical exhibits and take a walking tour. Visit one-of-a-kind museums, an old-style distillery, historic churches and more. Check out a vintage car show or reserve your spot for a bus excursion to the city’s historic cemeteries. There’s a lot of history to uncover in Kent, and it’s all free. (Now, that’s a blast from the past.)
Saturday, Aug. 11
Historical Information Booth at Kent Farmers Market
(2nd Ave. N. and W. Meeker St.), 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Trace Kent’s history through photos and talk with local historians.
Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center
(29308 132nd Ave. SE), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Watch historical re-enactments and view hundreds of objects and photos marking the 100th anniversary of World War I.
Historical Downtown Walking Tour
(Corner of 2nd Ave. N. and W. Meeker St.), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Stroll Kent’s historic downtown streets. Limited to 25 walkers.
Unity Church of Kent Open House
(218 State Ave. S.), Noon-4 p.m.
Learn about this local church and history of the labyrinth.
Sunday, Aug. 12
Lazy River Farm/Sidetrack Distillery
(27010 78th Ave. S.), 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tour a replicated historic barn, farm grounds and old-world distillery that produces award-winning liqueurs from farm-grown produce.
Mary Olson Farm
(28728 Green River Rd.), Noon-5 p.m.
Tour the restored barn and ponder rural farm life in the early 1900s
Carriage Barn Antique Quilt Show
(855 E. Smith St.), Noon-4 p.m.
Kent’s historic Bereiter House’s carriage house opens its door for one day to display the Greater Kent Historical Museum’s collection of 19th and mid-20th century quilts.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Pacific Cascade Mustang Car Show
(accesso ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St.), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Check out more than 40 classic models at one the Northwest’s premier car shows.
Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum
(5917 S. 196th St.), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Enjoy once-a-year free admission to the only museum dedicated to hydroplane’s and race boats.
Sunday, Aug. 19
Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour
(Departs from Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St.), 1:30-5 p.m.
This docent-led tour offers insight to the resting places of some of Kent’s early pioneers, along with other interesting facts about the city’s historic cemeteries. Registration is required.
Saturday, Aug. 25
St. Anthony Chapel Open House
(304 3rd Ave. S.), 2-5 p.m.
Take a self-guided tour to learn the stories behind each piece of original stained glass.
Kent Lutheran Church Open House
(336 2nd Ave. S.), 2-5 p.m.
Visit a spot that’s been part of the Kent landscape since 1889. Hear stories from locals, taste Scandinavian treats and peruse an historical photo display
You can also explore Kent’s past on your own by foot, bike or car. The Experience Historical Kent brochure will help guide your adventure. There are plenty of eateries, bars and pubs where you can refresh and refuel along the way. And while you’re out and about, check out other things to do in Kent.