Light Up Bellevue!

It’s time for some holiday cheer and merriment! Each December, Bona Fide Bellevue presents Light Up Bellevue!, a holiday celebration that brings our neighborhood together for fun, festive cheer. The event includes an outdoor holiday market, activities for children, tree lighting, a visit from Santa, live music, and more!

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 7 all along Lincoln Avenue. 

If you’d like to participate as a business or organization, check out the opportunities for sponsorship.
If you are looking for vendor space in the Holiday Night Market, please reach out to Bryan@BellevueMarket.org.
If you or your group want to be considered for our entertainment lineup, email info@bonafidebellevue.com.
If you are looking to volunteer as an individual, please complete our volunteer signup form and select Light Up Bellevue.

Below are some initial details that we are able to provide at this time. Check back closer to the event for more information as additional details are finalized!

When and where is the event?
Light Up Bellevue! will take place on Saturday, December 7th from 5-9pm on Lincoln Avenue. Roads will be closed between Balph Avenue and Jackson Avenue, with additional events taking place at Bellevue Elementary School and at 202 Tacos on the corner of Lincoln and Freemont. Streets will be closed from 4-10pm, so be sure to let your patrons know in advance. Set up will be from 4:00-4:45pm, and tear down from 9:00-10:00pm.

What if it rains?
The event will be held rain or shine, so consider how inclement weather may impact your participation and have a plan!

Will there be a program?
We’re going old-school this year! We’ll have fold-out maps along Lincoln Avenue so you know where to find the free activities, entertainment, food, drink, etc. The event schedule will tell you when and where to be for the fun!

Where will my brand be featured if I participate?
All participating businesses and organizations will be featured on the Bona Fide Bellevue website and map relevant to your level of participation. We also encourage you to feature prominent branding on your tent or storefront. Financial event sponsors will be recognized in the ‘Light Up Bellevue!’ event map. For anyone offering a free activity for attendees, you will also be offered the opportunity to be featured in a video Reel on Bona Fide Bellevue’s Instagram page as part of a collaboration post. There will also be additional social media support leading up to the event where your business may receive additional visibility.

What will I need to participate?
If you sign up to host an activity or food/drink station (and you do not have your own storefront), you must ensure that you have a tent, lighting, extension cords with a reliable power source, branding on the tent or with signs, and any tables/chairs that might be necessary. Bona Fide Bellevue can assist with power supply if necessary, but we will assume that everyone is self-sufficient unless you reach out directly to ask for support.

Who will provide power for our area?
The outlets along Lincoln Avenue can supply power to lights, but are not designed for anything requiring high power needs, such as heaters and appliances. The outlets will be reserved for holiday decorations and inflatables, and lights for children’s activity tents. Businesses and restaurants must provide their own power sources for any outside needs.

How many people are expected to attend?
Rough estimates from years past totaled about 2,500 adults and 500 children over the course of the evening.

How many children should I plan for if I am sponsoring an activity?
We recommend having sufficient supplies for 300-350 children to participate in any activities. Businesses are encouraged to partner and share the costs of hosting an activity.

Where can I find information and ideas about what I could do to participate?
Visit our event sponsorship page for a list of options to consider – or, if you have a specific idea, share it with us for consideration by emailing info@bonafidebellevue.com.

If I am serving food and/or drinks, should I be conscious of allergies
Yes! Please include a sign advising patrons about common allergies included in your offerings if relevant (peanuts, mushrooms, shellfish, etc)

Will the Cheer Garden return this year?
This area was designed with adults in mind, but children are welcome. Alcoholic drinks will be available as well as food. It will be located in the parking lot across from Scoops at the corner of Lincoln and Jackson as well as a second location at 202 Tacos.

Can I bring my pet?
Of course! Well-behaved pets are welcome and will add to the festivities – especially if they have on their holiday garb! However, pets are only allowed in storefronts at the discretion of the business owners. Be sure to pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please feel free to reach out to info@bonafidebellevue.com.