Mercer Island Community & Event Center: Classes, Sports, Weddings and Rentals
The Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC) is a City of Mercer Island recreation and event facility at 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Visitors use the center for fitness, pickleball, basketball, badminton, community classes, senior activities, art exhibits, meetings, weddings and special celebrations.
The modern, two-story, 42,755-square-foot venue overlooks Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, offering a practical recreation center alongside scenic private-event spaces.
Reviewed October 19, 2026. Facility hours, activity schedules and event rental times are separate. Confirm the latest City announcements before visiting.
Quick Guide: What Can You Do Here?
Events & Celebrations
Find City events, holiday activities, art programs and private celebrations.
Upcoming events →Wedding & Room Rentals
Check Mercer Room, meeting room, gym and dance studio rental prices.
Rental guide →Mercer Island Community & Event Center Hours
The City publishes the following regular building operating hours:
| Day | Regular public hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Available for private rentals; no regular public access listed |
Parks & Recreation administrative office: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. These office hours are separate from evening recreation access.
Upcoming 2026 holidays and maintenance
| Date | Facility status |
|---|---|
| November 11, 2026 — Veterans Day | 9 AM–7 PM |
| November 26–27, 2026 — Thanksgiving | Closed |
| December 21, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Closed for annual facility maintenance |
| December 25, 2026 — Christmas | Closed within maintenance period |
Rentals can take place outside normal operating hours when permitted. Separate fees and advance booking requirements may apply.
Verify Current Opening HoursInside the Community & Event Center
The center serves both daily recreational users and groups reserving facilities for special occasions.
Mercer Room
2,940-square-foot banquet and multipurpose venue seating up to approximately 200 people.
Meeting Rooms
Multiple meeting spaces of approximately 860 square feet, with seating up to 49 each.
Gymnasium
10,230-square-foot athletic gym with full- and half-gym layouts for court sports.
Fitness Room
1,385-square-foot workout area with cardio equipment, weights and resistance machines.
Dance Room
1,385-square-foot activity space with mirrors, ballet barre and music equipment.
Catering Kitchen
Event catering facilities for approved renters, subject to the rental agreement and fees.
Outdoor Terrace
Scenic outdoor event space overlooking Lake Washington and nearby parkland.
Art Gallery
Displays and programs highlighting local and regional artists.
Free Parking
More than 200 parking spaces, including designated accessible parking.
Mercer Island Events: What’s Coming Up in Late 2026?
Mercer Island Parks & Recreation coordinates seasonal cultural events, family celebrations and community activities. Not every City event takes place inside the Community & Event Center; check each event’s location.
Officially listed upcoming 2026 events
| Date | Event | Planning detail |
|---|---|---|
| October 30, 2026 | Town Center Trick or Treat | Family event in Town Center; check official event page for participating locations. |
| December 3, 2026 | Holiday Tree Lighting | City community celebration; check posted time and location. |
| December 5, 2026 | Holiday Makers Market | In partnership with the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce. |
| December 11, 2026 | Community Holiday Party | Check the City event page for attendance and registration information. |
Other community activities
The City’s event and recreation pages also highlight outdoor concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, the Mercer Island Visual Arts League’s exhibitions, volunteer restoration projects and seasonal community gatherings.
How to find an event
- Open the official City Special Events page.
- Choose the event or visit the calendar.
- Confirm the date, exact location and start time.
- Check whether the activity is free, ticketed or registration-only.
- Read parking, accessibility and weather instructions.
- Check for updates shortly before the event.
Classes, Recreation Programs & Senior Activities
Mercer Island Parks & Recreation provides recreation activities for different interests and age groups. Some programs are ongoing drop-ins; others require advance registration.
SAIL Senior Fitness
Strength, balance and mobility classes designed for older adults.
Pickleball & Badminton
Scheduled gym drop-ins for recreational sports.
Basketball & Volleyball
Adult and youth sessions when included in the current gym schedule.
Indoor Playground
Family play opportunities when listed in the recreation schedule.
Arts & Culture
Gallery exhibitions, art activities and other cultural programs.
Seasonal Recreation
Other instructor-led programs offered through the City’s recreation department.
SAIL Fitness: 2026 schedule and fees
Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) is an exercise program focused on improving strength, balance and fitness for adults age 65 and older.
| Item | Official program information |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday, Wednesday and Friday |
| First session | 10:00–11:00 AM |
| Second session | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Mercer Island resident | $5 per drop-in |
| Nonresident | $7 per drop-in |
| Pass option | Punch pass available |
The City’s SAIL program is intended to help older adults remain active, improve balance and maintain functional strength. Participants should select an appropriate activity level and ask staff about class accessibility.
How to sign up for a recreation class
Visit the official recreation page
Find the latest list of City programs, activity announcements and recreation registration links.
Select an activity
Check age eligibility, location, date, session length and whether registration is required.
Confirm the participation cost
Compare resident and nonresident fees and ask whether a pass can be used.
Register or prepare for drop-in
Follow the published registration link or the center’s front-desk check-in instructions.
Check the building calendar
Ensure the session is not affected by an event reservation or seasonal closure.
Drop-In Sports: Pickleball, Basketball, Volleyball & Badminton
MICEC provides scheduled gym recreation for adults and youth. Its published drop-in activities include pickleball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, indoor playground sessions and designated youth sports.
Fall 2026 drop-in season
The official fall schedule covers September 1–October 31, 2026. Because activity times vary by day and court availability, use the current official schedule rather than assuming every sport runs throughout the center’s opening hours.
Drop-in sports pricing
| Pass | Mercer Island resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Daily pass | $5 | $8 |
| 10-visit pass | $45 | $72 |
| 20-visit pass | $80 | $128 |
| 30-visit pass | $105 | $168 |
Punch passes are valid for three years after purchase. Daily and punch-pass purchases are nonrefundable under the City’s posted policy.
Youth participation
- Participants age 11 and older may join eligible scheduled sports activities.
- Participants younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the Minor Drop-In Waiver before participation.
- Some sports are designated for specific ages or groups.
- Children should follow staff-supervised activity and gym safety rules.
How to attend
- Check the official fall or current-season gym schedule.
- Find the sport and participant age category.
- Verify that the session is not canceled.
- Complete the minor waiver if applicable.
- Purchase a daily admission or use a valid punch pass.
- Check in and follow the gym’s participant limits and activity rules.
Fitness Room: Equipment, Hours & Passes
The MICEC Fitness Room is approximately 1,385 square feet and is available during normal center operating hours.
Equipment includes
Cardio
- Three treadmills
- Two elliptical trainers
- Recumbent exercise bike
- Spin bike
- Rowing machine
Strength & Conditioning
- Free weights
- Benches
- Bench press
- Precor circuit training equipment
- Mirrors and televisions
Age requirements and access
Visitors must be at least 13 years old to use the fitness room. Those under 18 require the signed parental waiver.
The resident and nonresident daily and punch-pass rates are the same as the drop-in sports rates listed above. These passes also include access to applicable drop-in sports and locker/shower facilities.
For specific equipment questions or current restrictions, call 206-275-7609.
Official Fitness Room & Admission PricesMercer Island Event Center Rentals: 2026 Room Fees
The center rents indoor spaces for meetings, weddings, conferences, parties, banquets, nonprofit events, sports and other approved activities.
Rental inquiries are handled by the City’s team at rentals@mercerisland.gov.
What spaces are available?
| Facility | Size or capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer Room | 2,940 sq ft; up to 200 seated | Weddings, receptions, large celebrations and conferences |
| Meeting Rooms | About 860 sq ft each; up to 49 | Meetings, classes and small celebrations |
| Gymnasium | 10,230 sq ft | Sports, practices and approved gatherings |
| Multi-Purpose/Dance Room | 1,385 sq ft | Dance, exercise, classes and workshops |
| Catering Kitchen | Additional rented space | Approved food preparation and event support |
| Outdoor Terrace | Event-dependent configuration | Receptions and scenic outdoor gatherings |
Official 2026 hourly rental rates
| Rental option | Published 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Meeting Room | $60/hour |
| Mercer Room — 1 section | $75/hour |
| Mercer Room — 2 sections, Mon–Thu | $150/hour |
| Mercer Room — all 3 sections, Mon–Thu | $180/hour |
| Multi-Purpose/Dance Room | $75/hour |
| Half Gym | $75/hour |
| Full Gym | $130/hour |
| Catering Kitchen | $100/hour |
| Outdoor Terrace | $100/hour |
| Outdoor Lawn | $60/hour |
| Game Room | $100/hour |
The full Mercer Room and two-section Mercer Room bookings have a three-hour weekday minimum under the City’s fee schedule.
2026 Mercer Room event packages
| Package | Published rate |
|---|---|
| Saturday, peak season June–September; 12 hours | $4,500 |
| Weekend package, Friday–Sunday; 12 hours | $3,800 |
| Weekday package, Monday–Thursday; 8 hours | $2,000 |
| Extended package time | $100/hour |
Deposits and other charges
| Charge | 2026 listed amount |
|---|---|
| Meeting Room security deposit | $60 |
| Meeting Room staff setup/cleanup | $75 |
| Mercer Room, one section deposit | $75 |
| Mercer Room, two or three sections deposit | $500 |
| Mercer Room package deposit | $500 |
| Mercer Room setup/cleanup, per section | $100 |
| Mercer Room food/beverage/alcohol charge | $200 |
| Dance Room non-athletic deposit | $75 |
| Full gym non-athletic deposit | $1,000 |
| Gym carpet squares, half gym | $400 |
| Gym carpet squares, full gym | $800 |
These amounts are drawn from the City’s official 2026 fee schedule. Event permits, insurance, special staffing, cleaning, catering arrangements or additional equipment may create other charges.
How to Book a Meeting, Wedding or Sports Rental
Decide on your event
Estimate guest count, preferred date, room layout, budget and any food or equipment requirements.
Select your rental space
Choose the Mercer Room, a smaller meeting room, the dance room or the gym based on the approved event purpose.
Check calendar availability
The City’s MICEC homepage links to meeting room, Mercer Room and gym availability calendars. Check the appropriate calendar before preparing a request.
Submit the rental request form
Use the official MICEC Rental Request Form linked on the City website. Include your phone number and email address.
Contact the rentals team
Send questions to rentals@mercerisland.gov or call the center at 206-275-7609.
Review the full agreement
Confirm the 2026 rate, minimum rental hours, security deposit, food and alcohol restrictions, setup time, cleaning and cancellation conditions.
Complete payment and obtain confirmation
Only treat the event as booked after receiving written City approval and meeting the required payment conditions.
After-hours rentals
The City allows approved extended-hours rentals between 7 AM and midnight. Its Mercer Room page lists an additional $50 per hour for extended hours and requires requests involving time outside normal operating hours at least three weeks in advance.
Planning a Wedding or Reception at MICEC
The Mercer Room is the center’s primary large event venue. It features modern presentation equipment, event lighting, a catering kitchen and access to outdoor areas with views of Lake Washington.
Why couples consider this venue
- Flexible room divisions for smaller and larger celebrations.
- Seating for approximately 200 guests in the full Mercer Room.
- Outdoor terrace access when included in the rental.
- Commercial catering facilities available under approved arrangements.
- Modern audio and video equipment.
- Free onsite parking for guests.
- Central Mercer Island location between Seattle and Bellevue.
Questions to ask before reserving
- Does the package include all three Mercer Room sections?
- Is the catering kitchen included or billed separately?
- What is the maximum seated capacity for our room layout?
- Are tables, chairs and audiovisual systems included?
- What alcohol licenses or permits are required?
- Are wedding rehearsals and early decorating permitted?
- Does outdoor terrace access require an extra booking?
- What are the cancellation and refundable-deposit rules?
The City indicates that outside caterers may be used, subject to the event agreement and applicable rules. Alcohol service requires appropriate licensing and permits.
Meeting Room, Gym and Dance Room Options
Business Meetings
Meeting rooms include modern audiovisual equipment such as projectors, televisions and whiteboards.
Corporate Events
The Mercer Room can support larger presentations, banquets and conferences.
Dance Practice
The dance room features mirrors, a barre and music equipment.
Basketball Rentals
The gym has basketball markings, including a full NBA-sized court configuration.
Pickleball Rentals
The full-gym configuration can accommodate up to six pickleball courts, subject to equipment and setup.
Volleyball & Badminton
The gym supports multiple court layouts for approved athletic bookings.
Gym capacity and layouts
| Sport | Full gym configuration | Half gym configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball | Up to 6 courts | Up to 3 courts |
| Badminton | Up to 6 courts | Up to 3 courts |
| Volleyball | Up to 3 courts | 1 court |
| Amateur basketball | 2 courts | 1 court |
| NBA-sized basketball | 1 court | Confirm if available |
Mercer Island Community & Event Center Map and Parking
MICEC is located at 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040, near Luther Burbank Park and Interstate 90.
Driving and Parking
The City lists 211 general parking stalls plus accessible parking. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Large events may fill nearby spaces.
Transit and Walking
The venue is near Mercer Island’s I-90 corridor and within reach of transit connections. Check current transit schedules and the walking route from your stop before traveling.
Accessible visits
The City’s event brochure identifies the facility as ADA accessible. If you need a specific accessible entrance, event seating arrangement or assistance with equipment, contact staff ahead of time.
Nearby Luther Burbank Park and Outdoor Activities
The Community & Event Center is close to Luther Burbank Park, one of Mercer Island’s best-known outdoor destinations. Visitors may combine a class or event with time outdoors.
The park offers views of Lake Washington and spaces for walking, nature observation and recreation. Park amenities and any waterfront access rules are managed separately from MICEC.
If you are attending a private event at MICEC, do not assume use of nearby park facilities or waterfront areas is included in your building rental.
Visitor Checklist Before You Go
For sports and fitness visitors
- Check the current drop-in sports timetable.
- Confirm the age rules and youth waiver.
- Bring your pass or payment method.
- Wear suitable athletic shoes.
- Confirm holiday and maintenance closures.
- Allow time for parking and front-desk check-in.
For meetings and private events
- Confirm the booked room and layout.
- Bring the rental confirmation.
- Review setup and cleanup time.
- Confirm catering and alcohol approvals.
- Check parking needs for guests.
- Coordinate accessibility requirements.
Official Mercer Island Resources
Internal community-center.org links are not added here because their live WordPress URLs have not been independently verified. Link only to confirmed published articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mercer Island Community and Event Center located?
Mercer Island Community & Event Center is located at 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040, near Luther Burbank Park.
What are Mercer Island Community and Event Center hours?
The regular hours are Monday through Thursday 9 AM–7 PM and Friday through Saturday 9 AM–5 PM. Sunday is available for approved private rentals rather than regular public visits.
What is the Mercer Island Community and Event Center phone number?
The main telephone number is 206-275-7609. For private rental inquiries, email rentals@mercerisland.gov.
What classes are offered at Mercer Island Community and Event Center?
Programs include SAIL senior fitness, scheduled drop-in sports, youth recreation and seasonal arts and cultural activities. Specific class availability changes by session.
Does the center offer pickleball and basketball?
Yes. The gym accommodates pickleball, basketball, badminton and volleyball. Drop-in access follows posted schedules, while private court use requires an approved rental.
How much does a fitness room day pass cost?
The City’s published daily pass costs $5 for Mercer Island residents and $8 for nonresidents. Punch passes are available for 10, 20 or 30 visits.
Can I rent Mercer Island Community and Event Center for a wedding?
Yes. The Mercer Room and associated event facilities may be booked for weddings, receptions, parties and other approved gatherings. Rental costs depend on event date, room configuration and the applicable package.
How much is a meeting room or full gym rental?
The official 2026 fee schedule lists standard meeting room rental at $60 per hour and full gym rental at $130 per hour. Deposits and other fees may apply.
Is parking free at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center?
Yes. The City lists 211 general parking stalls plus accessible spaces. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
When is Mercer Island Community and Event Center closed for maintenance?
The official 2026 schedule lists an annual maintenance closure from December 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Contact the center to confirm any special access arrangements.