Merrill Gardens at Kirkland will celebrate the beginning of summer with a food and music festival, California Dreamin’, featuring California-themed cuisine and wine tasting. All ticket proceeds will benefit Hopelink.

The public is invited to enjoy Chef Dana Bietz’s unique California-themed buffet in the Merrill Gardens dining room. Wine tasting, featuring select California wines, will be available in RD’s Bistro, with live music provided by Mary Lord and Dynamite Limbo.

The highlight of the evening will be a performance by the Merrill Gardens Dancers, who will be premiering their new summer dance number. These senior dancers, all residents of Merrill Gardens at Kirkland, received local acclaim and national social media attention for their “Thriller” dance performance and video in 2011.

The event runs from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20 at Merrill Gardens at Kirkland, 201 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Suggested donation for the buffet is $15, with all proceeds going to benefit Hopelink. Wine tasting is limited to guests 21 and over. Seating is limited – reservations are required.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Kirkland to reserve a seat: (425) 828-2570.