Our arts critics have already recommended 42 great things to do this week, and our music critics have picked the 25 best concerts, but there are still hundreds more events happening. To prevent some of the quirkier and more extraordinary ones from slipping through the cracks, we've compiled them hereâfrom a John Hughes-themed '80s karaoke party to the Pride Stripper Circus, and from Some Kind of Space Opera to the Anthology of Erotic Esoterica. For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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TUESDAY
1. Father's Day at Naked City
If you missed Father's Day last weekend, bring your pops to Naked City Brewery for a belated celebration, featuring music composed by priests (and a mother superior), including Vivaldiâs La Folia and works by Leonarda, Bonporti, Zipoli, and Nebra. The featured performers include San Francisco-based baroque violinists Aaron Westman and Anna Washburn with harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky. All this olde tyme music is paired with an included house beer, cider, or glass of wine in the admission price.
2. Frolik Rooftop Concert Series: Shaprece
Local trip-hop chanteuse Shaprece graces the rooftop of Frolik with her vocal presence, in Frolik's latest free, all-ages concert series.
3. Little Green Men, Ravages of Time, Zam Trip
Experience the new generation of modern-aspiring metal from a group of dudes who just want to be aliens, the so-called Little Green Men, with Ravages of Time and Zam Trip.
4. Make Music Seattle
Join in with Make Music Seattle, the regional contingent of a free world-wide music celebration always held on Summer Solstice. This festival is now held in more than 700 cities in 103 countries, and is open to anyone who wants to take part. Music makers or musicians of all ages, styles, skill levels, and creeds will pour into public areas to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.
5. Nathanael Johnson: The Hidden Nature of the City
San Francisco writer Nathanael Johnson (All Natural), will speak about his new book of humorous stories from animals' perspectives.
6. Nerd Nite Seattle: Fascinating!
This 21+ event will feature water manager John Chandler speaking about drought in Washington State, Outdoor Trek co-founders Joy Delyria and Pepper Hambrick taking on the science of Star Trek, and "the original co-boss" Julia Maddox.
7. Out & In: Pride Comedy Showcase with Nico Santos
Nico Santos, of Superstore and Chelsea Lately fame, will headline the fourth annual Pride Comedy Showcase, along with hosts Nick Sahoyah and Elicia Sanchez, and special guests Marita De Leon, Finn Cottom, Val Nigro, and Kathleen Nacozy.
8. Paul Park
Paul Park (Soldiers of Paradise, Celestis, and Tourmaline Quartet) will be the first speaker in the Clarion West Summer Reading Series, talking about his work as a science fiction writer and reading from some of his recent or current projects.
9. Seattle Play Series
Eight one-act plays from local playwrights, each set somewhere in Ballard: "mysterious mornings at Cupcake Royale, wakes at Cafe Mox, old fishermen reminiscing at the Locks, the facade of Facebook status updates, young relationships beginning at Golden Gardens, and more."
10. Trivia Tuesday: Parks and Recreation
Drink specials, prizes, and Parks and Recreation factoids will all be part of this free, 21+ night at Moe Bar.
11. We Remain Prepared
The Satori Group presents this original, immersive, site-specific work that will take on themes of capitalist production and efficiency in a post-apocalyptic world. (Through Sunday)
12. Xanadu in Hecklevision
Watch Olivia Newton-John star in this '80s fantasia about roller skates, romance-wonder, and the Electric Light Orchestraâand if that's not enough, it's in hecklevision, meaning your texts "celebrating the moments of triumph and questionable artistic choices" will be displayed on screen.
WEDNESDAY
13. Big Brass Party with Ten Man Brass Band
The members of the Ten Man Brass Band are finally 21, and they're celebrating with a big brass concert. The band has brought their all-acoustic brass music to the streets of Seattle, Oregon, and Northern California for the last five years, and promise to "create a dance party wherever they land."
14. Kitchen Sessions: Inspiring Beauty
An evening of art inspired by beauty, style, and fashion that celebrates black, female-identified artists and the queer community. Look forward to multi-genre performances by The Lady B, Blu the Baqi, Dani Tirrell, Eva Walker, and more.
15. Melt the Fucking Guns: A Campaign for Peace and Equality
Help ban assault weapons at this letter-writing party. They'll have the pens and paper, just bring your opinions.
16. Ocelot Omelet, The 25th Frame, Tongue Dancer
Celebrate the 383rd anniversary of the day Galileo was forced by the Pope to recant his theory of heliocentrism by attending this free show at Vermillion, featuring Ocelot Omelet, The 25th Frame, and Tongue Dancer.
17. Pride of Arthaus
Wrap up the last two seasons of ArtHaus at this dance party with hostesses Cherry Sur Bete and Shelita Potroast. Enjoy performances by The Amazing Haus of Riverside, Bounce Haus, The Haus of Latter Day Taints, Waffle Haus, The Haus of Tree, and many special guests, a DJ set by Buckmaster (formerly Boy Funk), drink specials, and plenty of brief nudity.
18. SUBstance Wednesdays: Paradiso Pre-Party
Prep yourself for all that bass droppage at Paradiso with this dance-all-night pre-party, featuring Bad Company UK, Bear Grillz, and Audio. Make sure to hydrate.
THURSDAY
19. ACLU Presents: Racial Justice, Accountability, and the Flint Water Crisis
Investigative reporter Curt Guyette will share his story of being at the epicenter of the unfolding water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and will discuss his the part that racism played in this disaster, as well as current efforts to hold government officials accountable.
20. Acoustic Alchemy
In 25 years, Acoustic Alchemy has made critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated music that has established for them a reputation for being one of the most exciting live bands in the business. Though the membership has rotated through the years, the current band lineup consists of Greg Carmichael on nylon guitar, Miles Gilderdale on steel string acoustic and electric guitars, Fred White on keyboards, and the powerhouse rhythm section of Greg Grainger on drums and his brother, Gary Grainger, on bass. (Through Sunday)
21. Bingo with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
This special event during Seattle Pride 2016, BINGO with the The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan, will double as a fundraiser for Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Prizes will be announced soon, with $8 at the door, and all proceeds going to Lifelong.
22. Cathy Disco!
Experience hella queer vibey dance party Cathy Disco! at Chop Suey, with head queens Cucci Binaca and Amoania, DJs Vera Rubin, Stormy Roxx, and Sappho, and visual art installations by Dickey Pete, Katey Pants, and Night Craig.
23. Crafter Hours: Creative Cards
Recapture the magic of summer camp crafting with booze! This 21+ event offers chances to silk-screen, make marbleized paper, carve stamps, and create custom notecards at a kids' museum.
24. Dogs of Peddler Party
This dog party at Peddler Brewing promises fun stuff for you and your pup, including bandanas provided for all the dogs, a photo booth, dog treat truck, pet store booth, and more. You can stick around and enjoy Peddler's Outdoor Movie Night (they will, appropriately, be screening Beethoven) and grab a pretzel from Anchor End between 5 and 9 pm. And drink up, because 10% of the beer sales will be donated to Red Waggin' Rescue.
25. Dream Things True
This retelling of Romeo and Juliet is about "daydreams and nightmares and playing in the backyard," with whimsical transformations and creepy/lighthearted fun.
26. Exposed: A Night of Stand Up Comedy
Stand-up comics and drag queens unite at this benefit for Bailey-Boushay House (the nation's first HIV/AIDS hospice), hosted by Washington's Mr. Leather 2014, Erik Taylor, and presented as part of Seattle Pride festivities.
27. Gay Pride with Drag Race All-Stars
R Place kicks off Pride Weekend with three straight days of performances from Drag Race killers Latrice Royale, Robbie Turner, and JuJuBee. Joining them for a star-studded Lashes revue are former Miss California USA La Saveona Hunt, Seattle's Entertainer of the Year Amora Dior Black, and Seattle drag icon Ladie Chablis. (Through Saturday)
28. Grateful Dead: Europe â72 with Andy Coe and Keith Lowe
Musicians from Cornish's advanced jazz and contemporary songwriting summer program will recreate the Grateful Dead experience of their live album Europe '72. (Through Friday)
29. Nights at the Neptune: Solidaridad!
The Common Ground Music Project presents an artistic exploration of U.S./Cuba relations through "history, music, memory, multi-media and shared cultural stories," in this free summer series at the Neptune.
30. Pilchuck: A Dance with Fire
Catch a free screening of John Forsen's documentary (narrated by Jeff Bridges) Pilchuck: A Dance with Fire, about the history of the Pilchuck Glass School. The screening is free with RSVP and includes admission to SAM's Glass at Pilchuck: Making History exhibition.
31. Pride Stripper Circus with Naomi Smalls
Enjoy the "Dirtiest Show on Earth" with Drag Race Superstar Naomi Smalls, the boys and girls of Stripper Circus, and drink specials from Absolut and Fireball.
32. Punchacop, Junk Food, Golden Alchemy, Tomphonic
High-energy electronica and hiphop fusers Punchacop, Junk Food, Golden Alchemy, and Tomphonic take the stage at Highline.
33. RAW: SEATTLE presents TREND
A multi-disciplinary showcase with fashion, music, performance art, and a pop-up visual art exhibition and photo gallery.
34. Sorry: Post-Play Discussion with Joe McDermott
A post-play discussion of Sorry (one of Richard Nelson's Apple Family plays that explore political themes through nostalgic, frustrating family arguments) with King County Council member and candidate for Congress, Joe McDermott.
35. Stage and Screen: From Appalachian Spring to the Red Violin
The Seattle Symphony brings cinema greats to life, with music from Schindlerâs List, The Red Violin, and Appalachian Spring emerging from stage and screen to envelop the concert hall.
36. Sundown at the Devil's House
Produced as part of Cafe Nordo's new works incubator, The Pressure Cooker, this new immersive theater show written and directed by Eddie DeHais is about the Devil's last night on earth, and will feature live music, Southern-inspired dishes, and "strange goings-on that sinuously interlace a story about the Devil's love for music and mankind." (Through Sunday)
37. Thirty Years of Screaming Hand Art Show
This group show will pay tribute to artist Jim Phillips, creator of the iconic "screaming hand" skateboard design.
38. Twisted Flicks: Brainiac
The comedians at Jet City Improv will perform a "live re-dubbing" of Brainiac, a 1962 Mexican monster movie. (Through Saturday)
FRIDAY
39. BAM Sound and Vision
A new concert series pairing art and music; this month they'll have KBCS DJ Atlee Treasure spinning alongside live video painting by Scott Bennett.
40. Campout Cinema: Sixteen Candles
This screening of John Hughesâ classic high school comedy in EMPâs grand Sky Church offers extras including a Sixteen Candles-inspired photo op, trivia, food, and drinks. You must have at least 21 candles to attend this event, but there will also be an all-ages screening on June 26. After tonight's screening, there will also be an '80s karaoke party.
41. Bowievision
BowieVision pays tribute to the mourned and celebrated Thin White Duke on the Triple Door mainstage.
42. David Daley: Dirty Politics and Gerrymandering in the GOP
David Daley (editor-in-chief of Salon) will speak about his new book Ratf**ked, about what he calls âone of the greatest heists in American political history,â or the actions of a small group of Republicans to revive their party (considered "ratf**king" to insiders) despite pundits considering it dead after Obama's election in 2008, and widespread corruption in politics.
43. Encore!: Celebrating 35 Years With Dennis Coleman
Seattle Men's and Women's Choruses will sing an emotionally inspired sampler of the favorite songs of Dennis Coleman, the Artistic Director for both choruses for 35 years, in addition to some new tunes for the whole family. (Through Saturday)
44. Gender Blender with Christeene and Guests
Youâre not likely to find a Pride weekend event as vulgar and raucous as seeing Christeene Vale headline Nark Magazineâs annual benefit show, Gender Blender. Thereâs plenty of touring drag performers, but not many that hold on to Twitter handles like @fixmydick or perform smeared with dirt while rapping about finding porn in the woods. Christeene does all of that with no fucks given as to what the audience reaction will be. JOSEPH SCHAFER
45. impacttestdummy, PRISONFOOD, Noisegasm
A night of long-form electronic experiments into the sonic abyss, courtesy of impacttestdummy, PRISONFOOD, and Noisegasm.
46. La Petite Mort's Anthology of Erotic Esoterica
See "the darker side of performance art" at this eerie, secretive variety show with circus arts, burlesque, music, and more.
47. Let's Get Weird
Get weird for Pride with a cast of wild burlesque performers, musicians, dancers, and variety enthusiasts like Solange Corbeau, Rian Ryn, Monikkie Shame, and others, with live sets from Butterflies of Death, Little Bear the Bearded Lady, and Jewel LaFarce.
48. Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Dress Casual
Do you like your Emmy- and Tony-winners to have oddly sexy gruff dad vibes and a lifetime of pop culture references and Broadway credits to their name? Great, go see Mandy Patinkin, a human panacea of broad dramatic talents, and the ability to make you feel Jewish guilt for just about anything. He's simultaneously a party-starter and a showstopper.
49. Navigating Your First Poly Relationship
Learn about the "wild and wooly world of non-monogamy" at this workshop from Cunning Minx and LustyGuy, co-hosts of the Polyamory Weekly podcast.
50. Olympia Experimental Music Festival
This three-day event in our stateâs capital can be viewed as a counterpart to Seattleâs Debacle Fest: Both boast variety, excellence, and reasonably priced tickets. If youâre into the outer reaches of jazz, Bad Luck and Shoup/Horist/Kikuchi Trio should set your world on fire. Drone lovers will elevate to higher planes of consciousness with L.A. Lungs. Four Dimensional Nightmare lives up to his name with chaotic experimental electronic music, while Dead Air Fresheners taps into a dadaistic vein of sonic subversion. Malaikat dan Singa fuse Indonesian music with rock with raucous, chakra-opening power. All this plus the surprise return of Unwound side project Replikants and their avant-electro-rock. DAVE SEGAL (Through Sunday)
51. Paradiso Festival
Paradiso is the PNW's premier festival of WUB-WUB-WUB, colloquially known as brostep, also called EDM, which is short for "electronic dance music" (you're welcome, grandpa). Basssnectar, Dillon Francis, and the Chainsmokers will be there. Glow sticks will be wielded. Hearts broken. Vape pens smoked. (Through Saturday)
52. The Pink Party with Jordin Sparks
Get real wild femme-style at the Pink Party with soul-pop babe Jordin Sparks, hosts Gaysha Starr and Aleksa Manila, the gogo boys of Neighbors, and a beer garden in the alleyway.
53. Seattle Women's Armwrestling Tournament
Break out those shiny biceps for the annual Pride Seattle Women's Armwrestling Tournament, which is a completely women-run event in a SODO warehouse for a real Flashdance vibe. Post-tournament, Marina Garza will DJ a killer dance party with a full bar (yes, there will be gluten-free cider and beer options).
54. Some Kind of Space Opera
Expect madcap comedy, striptease, political statements (lesbians who don't die in the course of the show!) and more at Some Kind of Space Opera: a burlesque sci-fi experience! produced by Scarlett O'Hairdye and Maggie McMuffin. Starring Sin de la Rosa, Apollo Vidra, Maggie McMuffin, Evilyn Sin Claire, Sara Dipity and Lowa de Boom Boom.
55. Superscene
The Pocket Theater promises five stories directed by five improvisors in five different genres, at this night of improv comedy where the improvisors are also directors and the audience votes for which stories they want to see continue. "You will see the opposite of men. You will feel the opposite of anger." Featuring fabulous improvisors Maria Dogero, Shara Tonn, Mona Thompson, Brittany Beavers, and Jessia Hoffman.
56. TRL: Summer Lovin Edition
Nectar's throwback dance party features late '90s and early '00s music from DJs Indica Jones and Pryme that get you in the mood for some hardcore Tiger Beat crushing, plus a live set from #ALL4DORAS, Seattle's only tribute boy band.
57. The Untuning of the Sky
This evening of poetry hosted by Jim Demetre will have serene outdoor readings by Natasha Marin and Chelsea Werner-Jatzke, accompanied by baroque-inspired compositions by Nat Evans.
58. Victoria International JazzFest 2016
Victoria is certainly worth the drive, or boat journey, this time of year if you find yourself in need of some excellent live jazz. This yearâs Jazzfest lineup includes super(babe)group case/lang/veirs, million-member-heavy Tedeschi Trucks Band, deeply charismatic vocalist Gregory Strong, and many more. (Through July 3)
SATURDAY
59. Cosplay Pride Party
Join the Raygun community for a night of cosplaying with the best geeks in town, with snacks, drinks, a raffle, contests, and prizes. Gender bend your way with Gamma Ray.
60. Edible Garden Tour
Tour more than a dozen local gardens and be inspired by how local gardeners have grown their own food, while embracing the use of "parking strips, containers, raised beds, bee houses, chicken coops, goats, fruit trees, berries and more!"
61. HELLA BENT
Alright, sweet freaks: it's time to dance. Find your way to the dark side of the rainbow at Mercury's HELLA BENT, a chance to party with DJs Hana Solo and Nightray, who will be spinning all your favorite dark alternative tunes. A portion of the event's proceeds will go to Seattle's Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Services.
62. Hit Explosionâs Boogie Wonderland 2
Get real down (like, all the way down) to the sounds of the '70s and '80s, with the most influential dance hits of those decades played live and loud, star-studded by a special tribute to Prince.
63. Influencers Concert Series: Jeremy Enigk and Tomo Nakayama
The EMP's Influencers Concert Series brings together up-and-coming artists (in this case, Seattle singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Tomo Nakayama) with the artists that inspired them (in this case, Seattle legend Jeremy Enigk, '90s frontman of the emo band Sunny Day Real Estate) for a show that also serves as commentary about how creativity is often sparked by others' creativity.
64. Maker Day: DIY Camera Projects
Learn fun photography tricks (including pinhole filters, DIY tripods, and long exposure techniques) that can be used on your cell phone or camera.
65. Midsomer Festival
Visit Chaucer's England of 1376 (or the Camlann Medieval Village) for this summer festival, featuring summer games, a St. George and the Dragon play, a crowning of the king and queen of summer, puppets, magic, archery, sheep petting, and more. (Through Sunday)
66. My Story is a Wonder
An evening of storytelling about redemption and liberation, presented by the Wonder of Women, and featuring performances including live painting, poetry, and singing.
67. NorthWest Flow Fest
Flow arts are forms of movement that use props like hoops and staffs to enter a state of "flow," and, for two days, the NorthWest Flow Fest will bring together local and regional circus and yoga instructors for workshops during the day and flow parties with live music at night. If you're not a professional flow artist, it's free to watch the music and dancing during the day, there will be free beginner workshops at 6:30 pm on both days (including face balancing and hoop dancing), and there will also be craft vendors selling hand-crafted flow props.
68. Pride Underwear Party Playhouse with DJ Max Bruce
Shake and shimmy to DJ Max Bruce in your best panties at the Eagle, with gogos Colin and Shane on the bar serving up some booty inspo. There will be a clothes check, so go as ham as you want.
69. Slug Fest
The few people in this area that grew up in the Pacific Northwest (or Northern California transplants) will appreciate the wonder and mystery of the banana slug: a slimy, oozing, slowly scooting representation of childhood. (Fun fact: if you lick them, your tongue will feel funny! You probably shouldn't lick them.) Instead of making out with the creatures, celebrate their awesomeness at Slug Fest with a day of games, crafts, human slug races, talks and more. (Through Sunday)
70. Write-O-Rama
Go back to school for a day, but do it better this time. Take classes on topics spanning memoir to writing screw-ups to comics with instructors Alma Garcia, Nicholas OâConnell, Nicole Hardy, Carolyne Wright, Litsa Dremousis, Joan Fiset, David Lasky, and Greg Stump. You get to set your schedule and choose your classes, and the entire ordeal is over in a day; it's perfect for writers looking to improve their craft without a large commitment.
SUNDAY
71. Beers Against Slavery
Your ticket to Beers Against Slavery will get you tastes of three craft beers, food, and best of all, will go towards Seattle Against Slavery's work to combat local human trafficking.
72. The Dog Film Festival
Show off your dogs as you walk them down Green Carpet, then watch a 90-minute program of short films about humankindâs best friend. If youâre dogless, Seattle Humane will be in attendance, trying their best to correct thatâand if you just canât take home a pooch, sleep well knowing 50% of ticket proceeds went towards finding some sweet pups a home.
73. Fundraiser for Bodies of Water
This fundraiser for Bodies of Water (a five-hour durational, site-specific performance by Alice Gosti about our city and its waters) will feature performancesâ"some from Bodies of water, some from artists involved in Bodies of water, some from artists we love in this city."
74. Gayzer Laser
Envelop yourself in the love and literal light of the Laser Dome, with hits from LGBT artists projected from the rafters, and a smoke screen of dance club fog all over.
75. The Seattle Symphony Plays Gershwin
City life musical translator and prolific composer George Gershwin gets center stage as Seattle Symphony plays his greatest hits, like Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F, while you relax and enjoy a picnic under summer skies at the lush woodland of Marymoor Park.
76. School of Rock: A Tribute to Queen
Watch the tiny musical treasures of the future play the rock relics of the past, with School of Rock's tribute to glam rock pioneers Queen.
77. Uncle Ike's Pride Block Party with Mariah Balenciaga
Enjoy a meet and greet with Mariah Balenciaga of RuPaul's Drag Race, amidst a whole parking lot of music, food trucks, prize giveaways, and weed specials at Uncle Ike's.
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
