The Stranger

There is a small, moody cabaret in the bowels of ACT Theatre, with mirrors, dark carpets, and a small bar. Tonight the moody cabaret will see the fifth of its eight Roethke-themed readings, with prose from Jonathan Crimmins (shortlisted for a Stranger Genius Award), poetry from local treasures Catherine Wing and Allen Johnson, music by Ken Benshoof (a composer for the Kronos Quartet), and marimba and guitar from Erin Jorgensen and Sara Edwards of the French Project. It's hosted by Brangien Davis of Swivel and The Stranger's Brendan Kiley. (ACT Theatre, 700 Union St, 292-7676. 9 pm, free.) by Claude Souvenir

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In 2003, Redmond resident Steve Wiebe set out to topple the long-standing all-time high-score on Donkey Kong. Little did he know that his assault on the record would spur the ire of the exceedingly arrogant Billy Mitchell, holder of the record for over 20 years. King of Kong, which conquered this year's SIFF, chronicles the scheming, heartbreak, and absurdity that followed. The result is this year's brightest, and most routinely hilarious, documentary. (See Movie Times for info.) by Bradley Steinbacher

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The best thing about Hempfest isn't getting baked in the park—you can get baked in the park anytime you like. The best thing about Hempfest is that it turns getting baked in the park into a political statement. This weekend, the world's largest pot rally features five stages, including lovable locals Rick Steves, Alan White, and DJ Riz. Go, and for the love of God, leave your tie-dye at home. (Myrtle Edwards Park, hempfest.org. 10 am–8 pm, free.) by Dominic Holden

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In the last scene of Buñuel's perverse 1967 classic, Belle de Jour, as tears roll down the husband's face and the wife walks to the window and the city outside has transformed into her horse-drawn-carriage bondage fantasy, you have to wonder what the husband would say if the injuries he sustained from his wife's gun-wielding john hadn't turned him into a mute. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 329-2629. 7 and 9:15 pm, $5–$8.50.) by Jen Graves

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Even though Wilco's latest, Sky Blue Sky, is as stuffed with ideas as the band's best work, it sometimes meanders in an unflattering way. But those same songs will explode onstage, where Wilco shine as one of today's best live bands. They improvise recklessly and sometimes crash spectacularly, which makes their performances a little riskier and a lot more exciting. (Marymoor Park, 6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, 628-0888. 7 pm, $38.50, all ages.) by Jonathan Zwickel

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