Our critics have already recommended 43 great things to do this week, but there are hundreds more events happening. To prevent some of the stranger, quirkier, and more extraordinary ones from slipping through the cracks, we've compiled them here—from a blind bourbon tasting to a National Tolkien Reading Day celebration featuring Emmett Montgomery, and from a bring-your-own-cannabis nude painting class to a Sunday metal brunch.
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TUESDAY
1. 4 Hours to Live
Tsurumi Records has curated this listening party of new music from artists who are "breaking the rules," including XURS, The Basement Sessions, and Crystal Beth and The Boom Boom Band. Plus, they'll play "audio-angst-filled" tracks from the last several decades, as well as any new music in any format brought in by the audience.
2. Salon of Shame
Writing that makes you cringe ("middle school diaries, high school poetry, unsent letters") will be displayed with unapologetic hilarity at this Salon of Shame. This event is (as always) sold out, but keep an eye out as March ends and they start selling tickets for their May 17 event.
3. Trivia Tuesday: Star Wars
Test your knowledge of the franchise at this free trivia night at Moe Bar that will also include "Force-inspired" drink specials.
4. Writers Under the Influence: Octavia Butler
In this literary tribute to a science fiction legend, Nisi Shaw, Vonda N McIntyre, Gabriel Teodros, Quenton Baker, and Caren Gussoff will honor Octavia Butler’s influence with readings, discussions, and more.
WEDNESDAY
5. Aesthetic Mess
Tonight at Chop Suey, catch a live set from Depth & Current and music from DJs Degenerate and Jermaine, as part of a "monthly synthy post-punk mutant DIY mess."
6. Blind Bourbon Tasting
Taste bourbon blind (without any preconceptions about brand or age) with the Barrel Thief's tasting flights, each of which will include six quarter-ounce pours. The basic tasting flight (which includes bourbons that normally cost $8-$12 per pour) is $10, and the premium flight is $20, and you'll get to vote on each one as you taste it.
7. Cotton Patch Gospel
A bluegrass musical that tells the story of Jesus' birth, Cotton Patch Gospel is written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, with music and lyrics by Harry Chapin. (Through Sat)
8. The Goodship Academy of Higher Education featuring Phil Swan & C.P. Nickel
Intellectualize pot culture at The Goodship Academy of Higher Education, this time featuring Phil Swan and C.P. Nickel speaking about The Atlantis Project and their goal to create a permanent structure at the limit of Earth's atmosphere. This event is sold out, but keep an eye out so you can snag tickets to their 4/20 event!
9. Karaoke with The Keeblers
Get lowbrow and high-street for the Haus of Keebler's recurring karaoke night at Kremwerk, Karaoke with The Keeblers, hosted by Abbey Roads. This week's theme is "Denim, Diamonds, and Divas," so be sure to represent your number one lady in your glittery, studded best. Drink specials, no cover, and prizes awarded to the best looks all night long!
10. Lois Leveen: Juliet’s Nurse, Shakespeare’s Legacy
Lois Leveen, author of The Secrets of Mary Bowser, delves into the endearingly bizarre character of the nurse from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Leveen's newest book, Juliet's Nurse, paints a detailed backstory for the rambling caretaker.
11. Through the Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice in Wonderland
Through The Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice in Wonderland, presented by Verlaine and McCann, capitalizes on all the insanity of Carroll's tale for an evening of surreal, "mad hatter" burlesque.
12. Worse Than Tigers
Worse Than Tigers is a new play about a tedious dinner party derailed by a hungry tiger, brought to you by new Seattle theatre company RED STAGE. (Through Sat)
THURSDAY
13. Cribbage Tournament
Bring a partner and a cribbage board for Tin Dog Brewing's first-ever cribbage tournament, created by (apparently) popular demand.
14. Family Matters: Works in Progress
Seven local writers—Allison Ellis, Claire Dederer, Jennifer Haupt, Jane Hodges, Darrell Kirk, Kristine Lloyd, and Jennifer Worick—will read candid, shocking, and heartwarming creative nonfiction about their families.
15. Fortune Feimster
Writer and performer Fortune Feimster (a Groundlings member you might recognize from Chelsea Lately, Drunk History, and/or The Mindy Project) presents an evening of comedy on the east side.
16. GeekWire Bash 2016
Play ping pong with some tech bros and gals at the "biggest, geekiest tech party Seattle has ever seen.”
17. Haunted House
Eastern Nights presents this evening of art hosted by Jackie Hell, featuring readings by Adrian Ryan, Sarah Galvin, Jack Bennet, and Paul Rinn, plus music by Must I Mind.
18. Masters of Illusion
Witness the "#1 touring magic show in the world" and "believe the impossible," as the poster promises.
19. Norwescon 39
This science fiction and fantasy convention (with a literary emphasis) features an overwhelming number of events, including 500 hours of panel programming featuring over 200 panelists, workshops on writing and filmmaking, concerts, dances, an art show, a masquerade, a film festival, and, of course, lots of appearances by special guests representing the many aspects of science fiction and fantasy.
20. Outdoor Movie Night: Office Space
Peddler Brewing Company will be screening everyone's favorite satirical office life movie in their covered beer garden (but all ages—and dogs!—are welcome). The Anchor End Pretzel Shoppe food truck will be there to provide snacks from 6:30-9:30 pm.
FRIDAY
21. The Cunning Crow Apothecary: Gala Grand Opening
Celebrate the opening of this "witch-owned herbal apothecary" in Greenwood, and see their supply of "tincture, bulk-herb, personal care, ceremonial and personal magic items and needs.”
22. Drunk vs. High
Decide once and for all which is a better comedic performance enhancer (or destroyer) at this competition that pits booze and weed in the ultimate showdown of the vices. Each team will be limited to a substance; just watch where the rest of the night goes. This event is sold out, but you could always hope someone is too drunk and/or high and forgets to show up.
23. National Tolkien Reading Day
Capitol Hill comedian and "resident wizard" Emmett Montgomery will read his favorite chapters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, followed by a screening of Ralph Bakshi's 1978 The Fellowship of the Rings. Raygun Lounge promises that this will "surely be an exciting confluence of the spoken word, literature, and high magic."
24. Strategy, Timm Mason, and Randy Jones
Further Records presents this show that centers around radio transmissions. As they organizers say, "Dispatch, shortwave and am/fm radio channels will be manipulated, sampled and processed, using reel to reel tape, and user designed hardware into probability derived static ambience.”
SATURDAY
25. Bunny Bounce
This "Bunny Bounce" offers kids activities (egg hunts, crafts, bunny encounters) but the real draw is what's on offer for the critters. Woodland Park Zoo promises "Easter Enrichment for the Animals" and no joke: it's part of their program to enrich the lives of the zoo's animals and "promote natural animal behavior.”
26. Buried Alive: The Architecture of Haunting
Poets and writers will try to fill the emptiness of the space with something, maybe an aura or a ghost, but probably suggestive, atmospheric writing. Featuring Nicelle Davis, Ashley Inguanta, Sierra Nelson, Andrew S. Nicholson, Alexis Vergalla, and Elissa Washuta.
27. Chihuly Through the Lens
Photographers of all levels are invited to this private photo session of Chihuly Garden and Glass. Take pictures of the artwork in a quiet setting with clear views, and get tips and tricks from Chihuly Garden and Glass staff photographers.
28. High Art: Exploring the Male Nude
Learn about painting the male form while enjoying the creative influence of cannabis. They'll provide munchies, beverages, everything you need to paint, and glassware and accessories for weed consumption—but you'll need to BYOC (bring your own cannabis).
29. Made in Seattle: Kate Wallich
Industrial Ballet is a one-night-only show pairing transgressive industrial music from the '80s and '90s with a "glittering" dance production.
30. Maker Day: Craft Stick Bending
Learn make a Flintstones-style toy car or truck with "craft stick bending," taught by inventor Brad Griffith.
31. Mixed Bag
Be a part of the live, studio audience for this variety show filmed for Buddy & Buddy Productions. The show will feature sketch comedy from Hannah Schnabel, Mike Weber, and Chris Walker, music from The Drop Shadows and Mississippi Jones, and stop-motion video from Steve Mauer.
32. Six-Hour Comic
Create a six-page comic in six hours at Push/Pull—they'll provide coffee, tea, pastries, lunch, and limited supplies. Afterwards, you can choose to display it on their wall.
33. Slider Cook-Off
Judge the quality of sliders from Puget Sound restaurants while taking in John Miller's live glassblowing and music from The Dusty 45's. They'll also have games and a silent auction.
34. Twisted Flicks: The She Demons
Watch 1958 thriller The She Demons re-dubbed live by improvisers, with input from the audience.
35. Weirdo Whisperer: Comedy Recording with Ed Hill
Comedian Ed Hill records a live CD, with backup from TJ Wharry, Mona Concepcion, and Jose Bolanos.
36. Zero-G: Tempered Steel, Driftwood Orchestra, and Empty Boat
This Chapel Performance Space show features Tempered Steel, who Dave Segal says "use enhanced thumb pianos to create a strange strain of otherworldly exotica, a metallic-insect symphony of disturbing beauty. This is music that begs to be heard on a continuous loop, like one of those Buddha Machines." Also on the bill are Driftwood Orchestra, a band that aims to "give a voice to the trees – all that they have survived to grow and exist and everything that has happened to a piece of wood before it became an object in Driftwood Orchestra."
SUNDAY
37. Metal Brunch
Listen to DJs Ryan Schutte (of MetalShop) and Joe Grindo (of metal bands THEORIES and Samothrace) spin metal while you enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast for $10. There will also be appropriately named drinks (Mimosadadeth or Metallicarita, anyone?) and a raffle for a THEORIES LP.
38. Pickled Egg Eating Contest
Bar Sue's third annual pickled egg eating contest challenges you to eat more than last year's winner's 16-egg record. They promise, bragging rights, and belly aches.
39. Resurrection Day Market
Macabre artists and crafters will be selling handmade goods, including vintage occult relics, bones, and vinyl. DJ Coldheart will provide the music, and there will be a Bloody Mary bar and mimosas. There are also rumors of vegetarian and vegan food trucks.
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
