9 a.m.: Ribbon-cutting and street fair at Sam Smith Park
Attendees will experience a street fair in partnership with the Northwest African American Museum featuring live music and performances, food trucks, community partners and kids activities as well as speeches from community leaders. Sam Smith Park is just across the street from the Judkins Park Station East entrance.
Getting to the event is easy. Shuttles from Mount Baker and South Bellevue stations will be running every 15 minutes from 7-10 a.m.
10 a.m.: First train leaves Judkins Park Station
Following the speaking program, we’ll welcome the public on board for a world first, a light rail passenger service across a floating bridge. We anticipate the first train will leave Judkins Park Station and head across Lake Washington around 10 a.m.
Afterwards, passengers will be welcomed on board the 2 Line in both directions between International District/Chinatown, Judkins Park, Mercer Island and South Bellevue Stations for the first time!
10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Community events
Join us along the new alignment at International District/Chinatown, Judkins Park, Mercer Island and South Bellevue stations where you’ll find everything from food trucks, giveaways, live performances, community resources and children’s programming.
Don’t miss our Discover.Stamp.Win! activity. Everyone who participates will be entered to win cool prizes, including round trip tickets on Alaska Airlines, with special gifts for the first 1,000 finishers. Learn how to play.
Station-by-station events
Judkins Park Station hosted by the Northwest African American Museum
This celebration will offer free, family-friendly activities designed to create an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for riders of all ages. Spaces for gathering, entertainment, and informal learning will encourage community pride and shared celebration.
Mercer Island Station hosted by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce
An engaging community celebration to welcome the arrival of light rail service to Mercer Island! This special event will feature activities, vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and opportunities to explore Mercer Island businesses. It’s a fun, family‑friendly way to experience all that the community has to offer. Come be part of this milestone moment for Mercer Island!
International District/Chinatown Station
Live entertainment, children’s activities and community booths.
South Bellevue Station
Live entertainment, food, touch-a-firetruck, children’s activities and community booths.
But wait, there's more!
No matter where you get onboard opening day, you may find special events at your station. Here’s a guide to more of Saturday’s events.
Lynnwood City Center Station hosted by Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno-Isle Libraries is activating the “Book Stop”, with their Bookmobile, giant games, face-painting, story time readings, giveaways, and more.
Symphony Station hosted by the Seattle Symphony
Hear a live performance from Symphony musicians.
Bellevue Downtown Station hosted by Bellevue Downtown Association
Live music, food trucks, and Bellevue community organization booths.
Spring District Station hosted by Wright Runstad
2 to the zoo! A petting zoo, food trucks, vendor booths, and Meta’s Market Hall.
Redmond Technology Station hosted by Microsoft
Free food and coffee from Dote.
Marymoor Village Station hosted by Seattle Orcas
Learn about playing cricket and enjoy a photobooth with the Seattle Orcas mascot, a DJ and a chai drink truck.
Can’t make it on opening day?
The excitement at the new stations continues for two months afterwards. Discover portraits of people who live, work and play along the new alignment and explore the colorful installations at each station. Perfect for capturing your next selfie! Be sure to tag @SoundTransit for a chance to be featured on Sound Transit’s Instagram page.
Don’t miss out on discovering all the 1 & 2 Line fun beginning March 28!