The star attraction of Madrona Park—that inviting stretch of grass and sand nestled against Lake Washington at the end of the number 2 bus line—is back up and running for another summer. Mama Williebell’s will thrill lovers of well-sauced meat (chef Artie B offers pulled chicken and ribs), megaburgers (the awe-inspiring Willie Burger is roughly the size of an infant’s head), and Southern food (collard greens and candied yams). Bonus: a one-of-a-kind veggie burger to die for. (853 Lake Washington Blvd. 11 am—9 pm, through Sept.)

David Schmader—former weed columnist and Stranger associate editor—is the author of the solo plays Straight and Letter to Axl, which he’s performed in Seattle and across the US. His latest...