Our arts critics have already recommended 65 great things to do this week, our music critics have picked the 32 best concerts, and we've compiled all of the events happening for Cinco de Mayo, Red May, Seattle Beer Week, and the Kentucky Derby, 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 Obscura Day to Star Wars-themed May the Fourth Be With You events, and from Crypticon to The Sylvan Series' "Efflorescence." For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
Get all this and more on the free Stranger Things To Do mobile appâavailable now on the App Store and Google Play.
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TUESDAY
ART1. Art Neureau
Explore the baffling arterials of neuroscience through the filter of human-driven creation at Fremont Abbey, where artists and scientists alike will be exhibiting art pieces.
2. The Capitol Steps
The Capitol Steps have kept up fresh and informed political satire since 1981, when Senator Charles Percy's staffers cooked up a sketch for their Christmas party. Though not all members are former staffers, the comedians boast "62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience." See contemporary politics get the skewering it deserves.
3. How to Win at Seattle: Part I with Dan Shapiro
In this series meant for Seattle newcomers to find out how to adapt to their home, talk with Glowforge CEO Dan Shapiro. Dan is an inventor and businessman who'll be happy to tell you what Seattle was like when he first got here, how it's changed, and how to thrive and keep thriving.
4. Legal Workshop on Immigration Policies
Cut through the panic of today's anti-foreigner climate and learn about your legal rights as immigrants, employees, and employers. Instawork is offering a free workshop over beer and food. Ask your immigration and DACA-related questions, and attorney Manuel "Manny" Francisco Rios will give you answers.
5. Disturbing the Peace: Film Screening and Discussion
Two liberal Jewish cooperatives, Kavana and Kadima, will screen the film Disturbing the Peace about Israeli ex-soldiers and Palestinian ex-guerrillas who join together to form Combatants for Peace. Watch the film about these nonviolent fighters over dinner, then discuss what you've taken away from their story.
6. Hunting Grounds DVD Release Signing
Pick up a copy of this new Northwest Sasquatch horror film, which after this event will only be printed on demand. In Hunting Grounds, a father and son move into a mountain cabin, only to find they've disturbed a pack of sasquatches who claim the territory as their own. The cast and crew will be on hand for signing and chatting.
7. Industrial Revelation: In Process - New and Unfinished Works
The Stranger Genius Award winners of Industrial RevelationâD'Vonne Lewis, Ahamefule Oluo, Evan Flory-Barnes, and Josh Rawlingsâwill mess around with some new musical ideas for a live audience. Witness the creation process for some of the best jazz in the Northwestâhiphop-influenced, punkish, soulful.
8. Night Shade
Get real dark in the shadows of the Highline with Night Shade, a new DJ night that focuses on goth, industrial, and new wave notes.
9. Alice Rothchild
Activist, filmmaker, and doctor Alice Rothchild will deliver a report on Israeli-Palestinian relations, using on-the-ground observations garnered from her annual trips, in Condition Critical: Life and Death in Israel/Palestine.
10. Cougars in the City: Lessons for Seattle from LA
The young male cougar known as P-22 caused a kerfuffle after crossing two freeways to reach Los Angeles. The poor guy will have some trouble finding a mate, but many people of Los Angeles are doing their best to help him stay alive and wild. Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, California Director for the National Wildlife Foundation, will speak about this conflict of an ace predator and an urban population. You can buy her book When Mountain Lions are Neighbors: People and Wildlife Working It Out in California at the talk, or else just show up and learn how city people can help wild animals.
11. David C. Evans: Bottlenecks
David C. Evans will speak on and sign his book Bottlenecks: Aligning UX Design With User Psychology, aimed at helping digital developers avoid psychology errors that turn off potential users.
12. Nicholas Reynolds in Conversation with Feliks Banel
Nicholas Reynolds has some astounding news for you about Ernest Hemingway. In addition to being a journalist, Nobel Prize-winning author, Spanish Civil War fighter, serial divorcer, cat lover, and tragically heavy drinker, the iconic American may also have been a spy. That's according to this intelligence officer and historian's new book, Writer, Sailor, Soldier, Spy, which presents evidence that Hemingway was recruited to work for the pre-KGB NKVD, then by American intelligence agencies.
TUESDAY-SUNDAY
ART13. FoodArt Invitational Closing Week
See artistic depictions of food in various media and styles from more than a dozen local artists at this inaugural show from the FoodArt Collection.
WEDNESDAY
ART14. Kari Rittenbach Lecture: Why Exhibit?
Critic and curator Kari Rittenbach will talk about artistic projects that push boundaries, whether they're "transgressive," un-commissioned, or occur outside the hallowed halls of traditional art museums and galleries. Look forward to case studies and practical theory.
15. Comic Roulette: May Edition
Throw metaphorical curveballs at these 15 stand-up comics: You can force them to incorporate a weird element in to their sets, like a silly accent, a blindfold, etc. They'll never know what they're going to get, so submit your zaniest suggestions.
16. Dana Gould: Album Recording Show
Comedian Dana Gould (from the Ben Stiller Show, Super Adventure Team, The Simpsons, Seinfeld, Parks and Rec and more) will record his new standup album with a lovely live audience.
17. Without Providence
In a post-apocalyptic future, survivors born in space must land in what was once Colorado to search for parts for their spaceship. But the ruined Earth is still inhabited, and not everyone is friendly. They write that it's "for fans of Mad Max, Fallout, and The 100."
18. Capitol Hill Tool Library Bike Maintenance Workshop
Kick off Bike Month with a refresher or first-time instruction on changing flat tires, adjusting your brakes, lubricating or replacing a chain, and more. It's free; all you have to do is bring food for the potluck, which begins right at 6:30.
19. Rerun Wednesday: Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
Want a decidedly different vision of the first century of the millennium from the chaos we're living through? Revisit the 1999 Disney Channel film Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, in which a 13-year-old on a space station is literally groundedâsent to Earth as punishment for bad behavior. While there, she discovers a nefarious plot to crash the space station and must race to save the lives of those she loves. Watch the space teens on the big screen and enjoy food from Paseo's menu.
20. AM I Normal? French S/T and psych
Dance to snappy and weird all-vinyl French esoterica with the glamorous DJ Emmanuelle and guest DJ ADHD. This is the "soundtracks, psychedelics & synth gurus" edition.
21. Messages of Support
Young people between the ages of 14 and 24, especially queer and trans youth and people of color, are invited to attend this storytelling workshop. Get paid for your performance, if you choose to tell your story, or just show up and support the speakers.
22. Christopher de Bellaigue: The Islamic Enlightenment
Islam's critics denigrate it for failing to change with the times, leaving its practitioners with a "medieval" mindset (we'd cite sources, but they're pretty gross). But this is not the case. Like Christianity, Islam has experienced reform movements over the past two centuries. Learn about the politicians, feminists, journalists, and other agents of change in Christopher de Ballaigue's talk, based on his book The Islamic Enlightenment, which covers Middle Eastern history from the Napoleonic wars onward.
23. Contagious Exchanges: Corinne Manning with Matthew Schnirman
This edition of the monthly series curated and hosted by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore will feature Corinne Manning (who, among other endeavors, founded The James Franco Review: a magazine about literary representation that encourages submitters to cultivate a sense of comfort and entitlement like Franco) and former Made at Hugo House fellow Matthew Schnirman.
24. Deborah Madison Book Talk
Join Book Larder and chef Deborah Madison as she celebrates her newest book release, In My Kitchen. The book features 100 veggie-friendly recipes from Madison's many years of experience and savoir-faire. At the event, which includes a signing, Madison will discuss her recipes and there will be samples from the book for attendees to try.
25. Islamophobia: Understanding Islam and the Experience of American Muslims
Learn more about Islam and the fight against anti-Muslim prejudice at this discussion by Sahar Education for Afghan Girls. The speakers will be Aneelah Afzali, who oversees the American Muslim Empowerment Network, and Sahar Fellow Malahat Mazaher. Find out what's happening, what you can do, and how Sahar advances the welfare of schoolchildren.
26. Civic Cocktail: Social Justice & Effective Activism
Guardian columnist, This American Life contributor, former Stranger staffer, and extremely funny person Lindy West will discuss politics and pop culture with Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter. Then, Washington's Democratic Party chair Tina Podlodowski and her Republican counterpart Chris Vance will sit down with journalists Phyllis Fletcher (Northwest News Network) and the Stranger's Eli Sanders to talk about influencing politics through grassroots action.
THURSDAY
ART27. Sumi-E Demonstration with Midori Kono Thiel
Midori Kono Thiel will demonstrate sumi-e, or black ink calligraphy, in the lovely Japanese Garden. The garden will be free from 3 pm on, so it's a great time to soak in the natural beauty and culture.
28. Unique Voices
Immerse your senses in visual art by Marilyn Montufar, Kerstin Graudins, and Eric Nell, plus songs by Michael Compton, peppy rock by Cumulus, and tender Latin music by Guayaba.
29. Heather McDonald
Celebrity comic Heather McDonald (All About Sex, I Don't Mean to Brag, a writer on Chelsea Lately), will entertain you at the Triple Door.
30. Matryoshka: Everything is Game
Improv Anonymous is proposing an interesting comedic experiment: Treating each spontaneous character as a set of nesting matryoshka dolls, with the profoundest thoughts, fantasies, and fears hidden in successive layers of outside appearances. The audience will help the improvisers create these deep-seated emotions and motives, then watch the actors gradually reveal their concealed selves.
31. GeekWire Awards 2017
GeekWire will honor champions of the nerdy professions at this boozy awards ceremony for startups and professionals. Enjoy "heavy appetizers" and be the first to discover the winners.
32. Let The Wookie Win: A Star Wars Quiz!
Depending on how many Star Wars nerds show up to this trivia challenge, you may be fighting for a jackpot of hundreds of dollars. The five "good" Star Wars films will be covered, so you don't need to study up on your Jar Jar patois.
33. May The Fourth Be With You Cider Party
Wear your Star Wars costumes to Schilling Cider House to drink selections from Elemental Cider, including their limited Pom-Lavender. They write that, "Whether you are on the dark side or light side of the force, have we got a cider for you!"
34. May The Fourth Be With You: Star Wars Trivia
Use your smarts and the Force to come out on top in this nerdy contest to win prizes for the "inner man/woman/themchild lurking in the basement of your soul."
35. Trivia Night: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Time to rewatch Sarah Michelle Gellar playing your favorite impaler, for GeekGirlCon will test your knowledge of all things Buffy. Form teams of up to six adults and pool your TV vampire factoids. Your donation will benefit GeekGirlCon, which, as you might have gathered, is dedicated to women in science, sci-fi, gaming, and other nerdy pursuits.
36. Chris Tomlin: Worship Night in America
Christian worship artist Chris Tomlin hits the road on his Worship Night in America tour for an evening of contemporary Christian music and celebrating star-spangled what-have-yous, with performances from Tomlin, as well as Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham, Zach Williams, Mosaic MSC, and Jason Barton.
37. Concert for Choice
Rock for bodily autonomy with UW's Huskies for Choice and psychy Pablo's Legs, Cranefield, Abstract Memory, and DON.
38. Eighth Blackbird with Will Oldham
Composer Bryce Dessner (previously the guitarist for indie rock group The National) will lead Grammy-winning sextet Eighth Blackbird in a performance of his work âMurder Ballades,â in an expression of classical, chamber, and folk music.
39. Okilly Dokilly, Beatallica, Breaker Breaker
To our knowledge, Okilly Dokilly is the only Ned Flanders-themed metal band from Phoenix in existence, so get to Eastlake if that's your cross-section of kinks too.
40. Voices Raised: Some Things Gotta Be Said #5
This concertâfeaturing musicians David Guilbault, Natalie Quist, Char Seawell, Dave Gardafee, Carmen Seawell, and Crispin Fagetâwill be a rumination on the state of the world and nation. They write, "Don't agonize. Organize. Be the resistance. In the spirit of Sixties hootenannies, let's raise our voices in song. Come join your neighbors for live local music that lives in the truth."
41. Trans Arts Month: Meet the Authors
It's Trans Arts Month, so don't let it go by without hearing from some creative and thoughtful queer locals. Readers will include Austin Chant reading his new romance Peter Darling, plus Tobi Hill-Meyer and Christopher Hawthorne Moss.
42. Brenda Peterson and Amaroq Weiss
Sadly, it's not a great time to be a wolf. The Trump administration and the Republican congress have introduced measures to remove Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolf. Nature writer Brenda Peterson and West Coast Wolf Organizer Amaroq Weiss from San Franciscoâs Center for Biological Diversity will talk about the situation for American wolves today. Peterson will introduce her book Wolf Nation: The Life, Death, and Return of Wild American Wolves, which uses science, memoir, and natural and social history to advocate for this national treasure.
43. Community Reading Circle of "The Turner House"
Join Seattle Public Library and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State for a community reading of The Turner House, Angela Flournoy's debut novel from 2016. This saga of a large family caught up in Detroit's mortgage crisis was shortlisted for the National Book Awardâpretty damn impressive for a first novel. While you're there, tour the NAAM's exhibit An Elegant Utility for free.
44. Geraldine DeRuiter
Geraldine DeRuiter is quick to distinguish her travel memoir, All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft, from the adventurous works about new romance common in the genre. Instead, this story is about getting lost and completing the journey (from start to finish) with the person she loves.
45. L. Timmel Duchamp and Andrea Hairston
Two science fiction authors will read and discuss intriguing new works. L. Timmel Duchamp's The Waterdancer's World tells the story of the ambitious daughter of a planet-conquering general and her love affair with the ecology and culture of an occupied worldâeven as she dreams of crushing its last vestiges of resistance. Andrea Hairston's Will Do Magic for Small Change adapts West African spirituality to a sci-fi setting, in a which a young actress explores a mysterious story of an extradimensional being. Pick up a book to be signed by these authors and learn about their visions.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY
PERFORMANCE46. ACME
ACME, a play about tech dystopia and belonging to a corporate machine, is perfect for the paranoid Seattleite. See what happens when an eager MIT dropout begins an internship at the famous and vaguely mysterious ACME Corporation ("manufacturer of all things necessary"). Written by Andrew Shanks and directed by Mary Hubert.
47. Dr. Ballard's Vaudeville Players
This vaudeville spectacular ("song, dance, magic and comedy" plus "stupid human tricks") is presented by the Northwest Orca Cannery and directed by Rob Raas-Bergquist. When the vaudevillians find out that Dr. Ballard is planning to sell the show, they're thrown into uncertainty about their futures.
48. Kitten N' Lou: Holier Than Thou
We never expected to write the words "a surreal drag romp through the Old Testament," but that's what queer comic duo Kitten LaRue and Henry Lou Hoover intend to bring usâall the way from Australia's Fringe World festival. They'll answer all your most burning biblical questions, like "Are we really supposed to believe thereâs a God if Donald Trump is president? How can homosexuality be a sin when the Bible is clearly so GAY GAY GAY?!?" See why hilarious Kitten 'N Lou, who have worked with Lady Gaga and BenDeLaCreme, have headlined all over the world.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE49. Skin
In Crystal L.M. Roberts's SKIN, four deaf queer women seek romance, sex, and friendship in a changing Capitol Hill. Alexandria Wailes will direct this ASL, subtitled drama.
FRIDAY
ART50. SAM Teen Night Out
The Seattle Art Museum and friends offer a night of free music, art-making, crafts, and collaboration for high school-aged kids. See dance by the Northwest Tap Connection and shake your booty to music by dj100proof, make a crown or corsage with supercool local artist Tariqa Waters or a felt pin with Wyly Astley, draw live humans in a mock-up of downtown Seattle, add to a big collaborative landscape mural, paint your own landscape, and more.
51. The Living Breath Indigenous Foods and Ecological Knowledge Symposium
The Living Breath Indigenous Foods and Ecological Knowledge Symposium will focus on Native youth this year: How young Native people can make their voices heard, connect with their traditions, and save the planet. All are welcome to learn about tribal food sovereignty and justice, traditional and indigenous foods, and climate change.
52. Andhim's West Side Story
German house/electronica stars Andhim and a host of Seattle talent will deliver happy vibes and sweet samples at Substation. Featuring Kadeejah Streets, Sean Majors, Eric Allen, KINDA , Oki B2B Meistro, FooFou, Eugene Fauntleroy, and Tollefson.
53. Elvis and Storm Rider
Elvis meets The Doors with this rock tribute night featuring sets by Doors cover group Storm Rider, with support from Elvis impersonator Graceland Manila.
54. EPIC with Droog
Los Angeles collective and festival favorite Droog are at the helm of this month's EPIC, which gives a single DJ (or single DJ collective, as the case may be) control of the dance floor for an entire night. Visuals for this iteration of EPIC are by Pixelflip, graphic design is by Hanssen, and stage design by Celeste Cooning.
55. Sazerac Orchestra with Butterflies of Death
Eastern European hardcore folkers Sazerac Orchestra blend genres with the beribboned punk vibes of Butterflies of Death.
56. Seattle Composers' Salon
Enjoy a layered evening of music and discussion with four Seattle-based composers: John Kammerer, Jeremiah Lawson, Patrick OâKeefe, and John Teske. The Seattle Composers' Salon is an ongoing bi-monthly series that seeks to foster the engendering of new works by regional composers and performers.
57. Songs of a Wayfarer
Classical singer Henley Heyn, known for her German art song performances and operatic interpretations in works by Poulenc and Mozart (as well as her contribution to the soundtrack of Battlestar Galactica) will grace this musical salon with songs by Jewish emigrés to Hollywood, folk songs, and a piece by contemporary composer Bear McCreary.
58. Thadayus & the Electrofunks
The Electrofunks' intent is to "keep funk alive through the contemporary style of EDM" with driving dance beats, live covers, and original electronic funk music, with dancers and their drummer and bandleader Thadayus at the helm of all this chaos.
59. Alyssa Explains It All: Friendship!
Get answers to your questions at Alyssa Explains It All, a sci-fi show within a show that will strive to find the meaning of life. This last installment is all about friendship.
60. Christy Mack
Porn actress and nude model Christy Mack will give a sexy performance and sign memorabilia between acts.
61. Mystic's Strip Trip
The Devil's Advocates strip troupe will venture into a psychedelic and very leggy landscape with host Mystic Deflowered.
62. The Vertical Cabaret: Mother's Day Edition
Celebrate mamas' creativity with the Bordeaux Project's showcase of performances by pole dancers, aerial artists, and burlesque mavens, each of whom have created their own pieces. You'll also see a brief documentary about the Mother's Day project.
63. Andrew Fisher
Food security activist Andrew Fisher criticizes the growth of food banks into an industry in Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance Between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups. According to Fisher, who has over 25 years of experience in the field, anti-hunger activists are failing to recognize the role that income inequality has played in keeping people hungry. He'll talk about his new vision for food security advocacy.
64. Philip Cafaro: How Many Is Too Many?
Philip Cafaro's opinions about immigration manage to infuriate Republicans and Democrats alike. In his book How Many Is Too Many? the progressive environmentalist and philosophy professor argues that America's economy and environment can no longer support large numbers of new citizens.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
COMEDY65. Andrew Norelli with Simon Kaufman
Join a "free love drunk fest karaoke night" to send off local comedian Simon Kaufman. Featuring stand-up by Kay Harris, Irving Wolf, Kate Carlson, Tyler Searle, Cliff Barnes, and Simon Kaufman himself.
66. Spiritrials
This play adapts Dahlak Brathwaite's Spiritrials, a musical piece about a young black man who is fatefully stopped by the police. Explore issues of faith, addiction, prejudice, and the law through hiphop, poetry, and drama.
67. This That & The Other
Three choreographers will respond to the questions: "What is this? What is that? What is the other?" with new performances. Elby Brosch's Implied Forever is a "solo on two bodies"; Liz Houlton's work takes inspiration from science fiction; and Alyza DelPan-Monley's dance animates the life of words.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
FOOD & DRINK68. Nordic Culinary Conference
Danish chef Claus Meyer will be the star attraction of this weekend for enthusiasts of Nordic culinary history, philosophy, and technique.
69. Crypticon
Crypticon will fill the DoubleTree with hundreds of gorehounds, bloodsluts, zombbros, and creepazoids. This year will feature Matthew Lillard (Scooby-Doo, Scream, and the new Twin Peaks) plus some of the cast members who got their brains eaten in the film that launched a gazillion zombies, Night of the Living Dead. Other special guests will include Doug Bradley (Hellraiser), Judie Aronson (Weird Science), John Amplas (Martin), and other denizens of the B-movie shadow realm. Dress up and enter the cosplay contest, attend the Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadowcast, watch new horror shorts at the film festival, and party on the 13th floor.
70. Seattle Bachata Festival 2017
Dance slinky bachata and kizomba with expert class leaders and performers, like Ruben Ochoa, Cesar Gueretty, and Eduardo Sanchez of Latin Rhapsody. There's even a special tequila tasting on Cinco de Mayo.
71. Macbeth
A gender-neutral cast of eight will tackle all 26 roles of Shakespeare's Macbeth, which, as you no doubt know, is a tightly paced and suspenseful dramatization of the problems of free will, guilt, and power. Join the Fern Shakespeare Company as they embody witches, an ambitious thane, his bloodthirsty wife, and all the unfortunates who get in their way.
72. Transit of Metis
Transit of Metis, choreographed by Natascha Greenwalt, draws inspiration from the decidedly weird Greek myth of Metis. Metis was a Titan and Zeus's first wife. Afraid of a prophecy about Metis's children, Zeus gaslit her into changing into a fly and then swallowed her alive, but she bore the goddess Athena from inside his body. For Greenwalt and her nine classically trained dancers, this is a metaphor for surviving and recovering from abuse. Singer Sarah Davis and violinist Julia Gish-Salerno will accompany the performance.
73. What a Woman!
Don't confuse this theater production with the 1943 film of the same name starring Rosalind Russell. Instead, this show is set in the honey empire of Mississippi, and will offer murderous drama and powerful women (as well as plentiful bee puns).
SATURDAY
ART74. Art Rising
Art will occupy South Lake Union in the form of interactive installations, which visitors will be encouraged to climb, photograph, touch, or even move. Urban Craft Uprising vendors will sell art you can take home.
75. The Sylvan Series Presents "Efflorescence"
A family-friendly, inviting evening of light, art, and sound, featuring multiple light installations, an ambient music showcase, and generally relaxing, immersive experiences among the tropical plants at the Volunteer Park Conservatory.
76. The Average Joe Cat Show
Is your cat a gorgeous purebred, a resourceful jack-of-all-breeds, or just an indefinably doofy-looking pointy-eared kitty-critter? All are equal at PurrfectPals' Average Joe Cat Show, a gathering for feline folly and fun. Your tortie-tabby-??? kitty may win in categories like "Most Impressive Ear Hair" or "Loudest Purr." There's a photo show celebrating grumpy cats, box cats, and others; a kitten cam; a silent auction; things to buy; food to eat; and internet celebrity pusses. Your entry money will go toward PurrfectPals and its rescue services.
77. C-ID Spring Clean
Spruce up one of Seattle's most storied districts in teams: Remove graffiti, garden, e-cycle, wash windows, etc. and make the neighborhood's streets beautiful.
78. CRY Holi
CRY, Child Rights and You, will throw a big Holi party to raise funds for its child welfare programs. Hear music by DJ RDX and throw colored powder at your friends.
79. Obscura Day 2017
Obscura Day (a creation of Atlas Obscura, an online magazine devoted to the weird, wondrous, and underappreciated), is a worldwide celebration of unique, offbeat locations and experiences, with events that range from a visit to a miniature city in an Alabaman grotto to a tour of Bulgaria's concrete Communist landmarks. Closer to home, visit the secret Freeway Park, learn of hidden tragedies in the Mount Auburn cemetery, tour Town Hall's concealed organ, call up the Ghosts of Seattle, discover 3 Howls Distillery, and more.
80. Really Big Shindig 2017: A Benefit for Seattle Sound Girls
Help local girls attend audio and music production camp for free with Seattle Sound Girls and buy raffle tickets, drink cocktails, and sing karaoke at this benefit bash.
81. Wildlife in the City Festival
You don't need to trek into the forest to meet your wild neighbors. Dress up as your favorite animal and learn about urban fauna from experts. Meet with local nonprofits and governmental agency representatives, and set the kids to work on educational crafts and activities.
82. DigiPen Digital Audio Symposium
The DigiPen school for computer interactive fields will host a symposium on music, audio, and video games with the Game Audio Network Guild. Talk titles include, among others, "Always Be Composing: The Flexible Music System of Plants vs. Zombies Heroes" and "The State of the Art of Binaural Audio for Loudspeakers and Headphones."
83. Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day is exactly what it sounds likeâhead to local shops to get your geeky/artsy/literary fix (and probably meet some fellow comic enthusiasts). Stores will be giving out the special Free Comic Book Day issues, and some will also have special deals on other comics.
84. iFest
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment's iFest is devoted to indie games of all genres, including video games, board games, and card games. There will be demonstrations, speakers, and a "People's Choice" award given at the end of the day.
85. Zero Quest II
Ryan Casey of RadioLARP will guide you in a live-action DnD adventure, with rolls of the dice determining the direction of your fantastic story. The event description has such a magnificent, deliberate (we assume) train wreck of metaphors that we have to honor it here: "Our story-master Ryan Casey throws down the ties of rule and dice as the tracks before the careening steam locomotive of your imagination! Marvel as it tears a streak of glory across the fabric of the hastily woven balloon of adventure that will carry our audience's players and characters aloft on feathers of sharpied index card and foamy beer!"
86. Brass Monkeys with Alki Jones
Brass Monkeys, are a Beastie Boys tribute group who, Iâve been assured, have a valid license to ill. MIKE NIPPER
87. FilthFest
Bass music DJs will unleash a cataclysm of sound for your dancing/flailing pleasure. Featuring special international guests Dr. Ozi, P0gman, and Ponicz.
88. MVP: Michael Jackson vs. Prince
Now that all our heroes are dead, MVP, a Seattle band that plays both the music of Michael Jackson and Prince, will be bringing all the hits from two of the biggest icons in music history.
89. Point Break Live!
This parody of 1991 surfing/crime thriller Point Break was called "a remake so bad, it's outright homage" by The New York Times. Prepare for some audience involvement and plentiful silliness.
90. Stupid and Self-Indulgent!
A night of "ecdysiastical idiocy" with Sailor St. Claire, Scarlett O'Hairdye, and Bolt Action as their respective alter egos Showgirl Scholar, Superhero of Sparkle, and the Man with the Electric Moves. Join this trio of naughty knicker-droppers and Sin de la Rosa, Maggie McMuffin, and Tout d'Lou for erotic silliness.
91. Ken Waldman: Trump Sonnets
Very dedicated, politically incensed poet Ken Waldman wrote 71 sonnets addressed to or in the voice of Donald Trump in the 50 days after the presidential election, starting on November 9. Join Waldman for a reading of some selections from Trump Sonnets: Volume 1. It may help you to do some processing of your own.
92. Community Power Summit: Building People-Power in Seattle
Join Got Green, 350 Seattle, Puget Sound SAGE and the Tenants Union, OneAmerica, the Transit Riders Union and Seattle Neighborhood Greenway, and the Economic Opportunity Institute and Seattle Education Association to get informed and take action on a variety of social values that are under threat by the federal government.
93. Global 6K for Water
Walk or run 6K to support the highly rated charity World Vision's clean water initiatives around the world. You'll receive a bib with the picture and name of a child in a water-poor community you're sponsoring. If you're extra ambitious, take the "jerrycan challenge"âdrag a full jerrycan along with you, imitating the long and arduous trek many people have to make to bring water back to their families.
94. Seattle Cannabis Freedom March
March for legal access to marijuana, in light of the Trump administration's stance on recreational weed, and of the continued suppression of cannabis in countries around the world.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
ART95. Sam Gilliam
At this exhibit of work by Color Field abstractionist Sam Gilliam, revel in deep, rich colors layered onto canvases that are stretched tight, creatively hung, and carefully scrunched and draped, with hues that often emanate from a central point, like a sunset. This show will also feature some of Gilliam's "Black Paintings": darker, highly contrasted works that muddy the vibrant explosions.
96. Tilth Alliance's May Edible Plant Sale
Join Seattle Tilth for its May Edible Plant Sale and choose from an impressive selection of organic plant starts (including 70 varieties of organic tomatoes and 30 different types of peppers) while learning from on-site produce educators about which plants are the best fit for your garden. There will also be live music aplenty. All the proceeds from this event support Tilth Alliance's organic garden and farm education programs for all ages in the region.
SUNDAY
MUSIC97. A'Choir-ed Taste: UW Chorale Cabaret Night!
Help the University of Washington Chorale raise money for future concerts and see recitals and showcases from its talented members. Buy raffle tickets for some sweet prizes, like MoPOP or Seattle Symphony tickets, restaurant gift cards, a free voice lesson, and more.
98. Horror Vacui, Countdown to Armageddon, Arcane
Italian hardcore goth punks Horror Vacui, comprised of past members of Giuda and Kontatto, spread their DIY darkwave death rock vibes with opening support form Countdown to Armageddon and Arcane.
99. Intersections: Music, Words, and Pictures
In this iteration of Intersections, a quarterly series that highlights music inspired by great works of literature, UW piano professor Robin McCabe will produce a program spotlighting top UW music students and special guests.
100. 2017 LightReal Music Festival
The University of Washington Chinese Students and Scholars Association brings you music from pop star Jason Chen, local dreamy rockers Lemolo, and two UW performers, Mushroom Bunnies and Yuli Huang.
101. Alice in Lubeland
W.S. and Company will put on a kinky Alice in Wonderland-based burlesque show, no doubt with a few Ă propos jokes about rabbit holes. With Morgue Anne Morrighan, Sophie B. Fawkins, and Velvet Revulva, among others.
102. Seattle Bike-n-Brews
It's almost as if they were competing in a "Most Northwest Fundraiser Ever" contest. You bike from Georgetown to Tukwila and back again along Duwamish and Green River trails, about 33 miles round trip (or 43, if you choose), then push down your kickstand for microbrews and food. Oh, and you're rising money for the Cascade Bicycle Club's access programs. Bike, so that others may bike.
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