It’s winter solstice this Sunday, which means we’re turning a corner into gradually longer days. ‘Til then, we’re keeping things merry and bright with weekend picks from the 12th Annual Dark Beer Fest to the Eleventh Hour Makers Market and from Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk to the Fremont Winter Solstice Bike Ride. Check out our weekly top picks guide for more ideas.
FRIDAY
LIVE MUSIC
Rat City Brass Holiday Blow-Out
Followers of the Vanishing Seattle Instagram account will have seen the heartfelt post about the closing of the Shanty Tavern, the “last roadhouse in Seattle.” Built in 1932, the Lake City spot offered a place to drink and dance outside the city limits during Prohibition and came under the ownership of Giovanni “John” Spaccarotelli over six decades ago. At 94, John is arguably the oldest bartender in the state and he’s finally choosing to retire. Stop by the tavern this Friday to catch a final show with local band Rat City Brass, whose horn-filled, ’60s-inspired sound makes it impossible not to get up and groove. If we’re lucky, John will come out for a spin on the mirrored dance floor. SHANNON LUBETICH
(Shanty Tavern, Northeast Seattle, free)
