Our arts critics have already recommended 34 great things to do this week and our music critics have picked the 30 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 here—from events for Pokémon Go players (like the Seattle Immersive Theatre's Pokémon Go Safari and 107.7 The End Pokémon Hunt) to events for dog-lovers (like Norm's Doggie Pageant and the fifth annual Walk for Old Dogs) to events for your inner child (like Shrinky Dink making and the New Belgium Adult Coloring Book Party). For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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TUESDAY
1. Clarion West presents N.K. Jemisin
N. K. Jemisin (author of the 2010 fantasy novel The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms) will read from her work and answer questions about writing, teaching, and more. DJ Riz will open the event at 6 pm by spinning some tunes.
2. Cow Appreciation Day
Since Chick-fil-A is all about saving cows (or, at least, eating more chicken), they will give away one free entree to anyone who dresses up as a cow today and visits a Chick-fil-A location (there are locations in Bellevue and Lynnwood).
3. Dancing til Dusk 2016
DTD is 14 sweet summer evenings of free live music, dancing, and dance lessons if you're feeling a little rusty, in various parks across town, culminating in a community fundraiser and party on August 30th. This week's event is in Occidental Park.
4. Gayme Night
Tuesday Gayme Nights are the new way to share your geeky gayness with the world, with fun arcade games like pinball and ski-ball, audience participation with your drag queen hosts, and prizes galore. Tonight, hosts Tipsy Rose Lee and Isabella Extynn will host a game of Family Feud.
5. IHOP 58th Anniversary
On July 12, IHOP's 58th anniversary, get a short stack (3) pancakes for just 58 cents, at any IHOP location (Capitol Hill, Northwest Seattle, or Bellevue, in Seattle).
6. Pianos in the Parks
Each day through July 17, a piano will appear in a local park; they'll rotate locations to offer the most chances for impromptu outdoor concerts in a variety of serene natural spaces. (Through Sunday)
7. Pride Film Series
In partnership with the Tacoma Pride Festival, The Grand Cinema presents screenings of films that explore LGBTQA experiences, including two films from 2016: Viva and First Girl I Loved. They'll also have special programming including live performance, discussion, and a queer filmmaker meet up. (Through Wednesday)
8. The Round #134
The 134th edition of The Round features music and performances by Paris Alexa, Arthur James, and Emily Donohue. They'll also have a Youth Speaks slam poet, and live painter Victoriana Dan, if music isn't your thing.
9. Think & Drink: American Rage: Division and Anger in US Politics
Have a drink (you might need it, for this polarizing discussion) and talk about division and anger in U.S. politics. The discussion, presented by Humanities Washington, will be moderated by KUOW's Ross Reynolds, and feature WSU professors Cornell Clayton, co-editor of Civility and Democracy in America, and Travis Ridout, co-author of The Persuasive Power of Campaign Advertising.
WEDNESDAY
10. Above and Below
The Seattle premiere of the documentary Above and Below (about people who are mostly estranged from society, living in "apocalyptic landscapes" (including people taking up residence underneath the Vegas strip), and astronauts) promises an appearance by filmmaker Nicolas Steiner.
11. Flamenco with Melinda Hedgecorth, Jed Miley, and Alfonso Cid
This emotional, syncopated, and well-practiced flamenco performance (with guitar, singing, and dance) features Melinda Hedgecorth, Jed Miley and Alfonso Cid.
12. Hecklevision: Waterworld
This “hecklevision” screening of the strange post-apocalyptic sci-fi/action film starring Kevin Costner encourages the audience to participate in the action and shout snarky commentary.
13. Krispy Kreme's 79th Birthday
If you buy a dozen of any type of doughnuts at Krispy Kreme today (there are locations in Sodo and North Seattle), you'll also get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for 79 cents.
14. Pokemon Go! Safari
The Seattle Immersive Theater will have the city's "first interactive Pokémon Go meetup party," where you can drink Pokémon-themed cocktails, make friends "both digital and analog," and hunt Pokémon in their 15,000 square feet of space. SIT also says they will attach lures to the PokéStop on the side of their building at 5th Ave North and Roy Street, just to make sure you have enough Pokémon to catch.
15. Pundamonium: The Seattle Pun Slam!
Puns are the highest and lowest form of humor: They somehow refresh the materiality of language, reminding you that a word is a figure, a thing that can be looked at from several different angles. So whoever wins the pun competition Pundamonium, hosted by Erika Ellefson, will likely be one of Seattle’s great crafters of language, both in a Renaissance fair kind of way but also in a literary genius kind of way. The contestants will be chosen from the audience on a first-come, first-served basis, so the title could go to anyone. RICH SMITH
16. Woodinville Wine Country “Triathlon”
Over 30 teams of people involved in the alcohol industry (wine, beer, or spirits) will compete in this “triathlon” —a three part relay race—to raise money for The Goodtimes Project, "a pediatric oncology camp for patients, survivors and siblings offered at no-cost to the families."
THURSDAY
17. ArbFest: A Moveable Feast and Adventure in the Park
Head to the Arboretum to celebrate Bastille Day with French food from St. Clouds and toast the day's 227th anniversary with beverages provided by Batch 206 Distillery and Chateau Ste. Michelle. Corral friends and family for a game of pétanque (traditional French version of bocce ball) or for a not-so-traditionally French round of geocaching. Top off the night by enjoying some live gypsy jazz by Pearl Django under les étoiles (the stars). All proceeds benefit the Arboretum!
18. Beyond Bernie: We Need a Party for the 99%
Bernie supporters will discuss their options moving forward from this point—they ask: "do we fall in line behind Clinton’s corporate campaign, or do we continue the political revolution and build a new party for the 99%?" Hear (via video stream) from Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant, who will lay out "the case against backing Clinton, a strategy to stop Trump’s right-wing agenda, and how we can build a left political alternative to continue the political revolution."
19. Broadway Hill Park Grand Opening
Celebrate the opening of Capitol Hill's newest park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, and light summer refreshments.
20. Deck'd Out #4: KEXP Takeover with Kid Hops and Riz Rollins
Tonight, local KEXP darlings Kid Hops and Riz Rollins, with Shameless resident DJs, take over the Monkey Loft for the fourth iteration of Deck'd Out. Stretch your dance bod out beforehand with Yo Yo Yoga, and get the party started early.
21. The Journal
Seattle Experimental Theater returns with a new version of their improvised romantic comedy The Journal (inspired by the work of super-famous romance writer Nicholas Sparks) with returning cast members including Cheryl Platz, Wayne Pishue, and Daryl Ducharme, and new additions Lauren Bond, Marc Guy, and Aditya Sriram.
22. New Belgium Adult Coloring Book Party
Playdates get an upgrade: alcohol! Enjoy New Belgium beer and adult coloring books at this event sure to bring out the child inside.
23. Phish
Lifelong jammers Phish headline a weekend at the Gorge, as they do every year with little to no fanfare, but thousands of people to tie-dye it up with them for three whole days. If you never got to follow the Dead, this is basically the second coming, at least when it comes to the fervor of dedicated jam band fans. (Through Saturday)
24. Scar Stories
Starting tonight, Unexpected Productions' narrative improv troupe, Improv Anonymous, will put on weekly shows based on your (physical) scars, turning accidents and surgeries and altercations into lighthearted comedic fodder. (Through Sept 8)
25. The Seattle Files Live: Harry and the Hendersons
Chris Allen (host of podcast The Seattle Files, about our local history) will tell "a true tale of the Northwest," then present a screening of Harry and the Hendersons.
26. Summer at SAM: Members Appreciation Night
Everyone is welcome to attend SAM Members Appreciation Night, and non-members will get extra incentives to join at this free event featuring a performance by Grace Love Band, a nature-inspired monoprinting workshop, food trucks, and a My Favorite Things tour.
27. Sundae Flight Date Night
Before the Cookie Counter (a new vegan ice creamery, bakery, and espresso shop) opens their brick-and-mortar store later this month, be one of the first people to see the new location at this event. The ticket price includes a sundae flight for two (with vegan choices like Mint Cookie Sundae and Affogato Sundae), a reserved table, and two bakery treats (like cinnamon rolls or scones) to go.
28. Turn of the Screw
An immersive take on Henry James' gothic ghost story, where you can sip tea or whiskey by the Victorian parlor's roaring fire as creepy things start to happen and the governess descends into madness. You're encouraged to come dressed to impress in black "cocktail finery." (Through Sunday)
29. Women Who Swing
An evening celebration of women jazz musicians and performers, featuring work by artists including Mary Lou Williams, Melba Liston, and Toshiko Akiyoshi. Presented by STG and MoodSwings Jazz Band as part of a free summer series at the Neptune.
FRIDAY
30. The 41st Annual Danny Woo Community Garden Celebration and Ceremonial Pig Roast
Enjoy free beverages, food (including a traditional pig roast), and speeches from local leaders at this celebration of the Danny Woo Community Garden.
31. Beat Masters: 5th Annual Zulu Jam Producer's Edition
Experience a hiphop beat battle for the ages, with the fifth annual Zulu Jam at the Waterfront. Free and all ages, this round pits producers against each other to see which beat maker will emerge triumphant with the hottest sample.
32. Brit Floyd: The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show
The self-proclaimed world's finest Pink Floyd cover act, Brit Floyd, comes to Century Link, to prove their '70s psych-rock worth.
33. Chocolate and Sex
As part of Babeland's Customer Appreciation Month, the shop will have chocolate tastings from Chocolopolis, discounts on chocolate, sex tips, goodie bags for the first 20 guests, and a $200 prize package (including "luxury toys" and designer chocolates) for one winner.
34. The Fellowship of the Ring with the Seattle Symphony
Experience The Fellowship of the Ring, the first film of the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy, on the big screen as the Seattle Symphony performs the score live and in sync with the film's progression. This epic score, composed and orchestrated by Academy Award-winner Howard Shore, will be performed live by the orchestras and two full choirs to full emotional, visual, and audial effect. (Through Sunday)
35. Kurt Cobain Days
The town of Aberdeen is throwing their second annual Kurt Cobain Days, a live music and art street festival celebrating the storied musical heritage of the area. Enjoy live sets from bands like Zero Hero, the Deceptives, and Fuzz Bomb, with free attractions for all ages.
36. Seattle Butoh Festival Performance
Celebrate the art of Butoh (a modern Japanese dance, in which the performers are often covered in white body paint) at this two-day performance featuring DAIPAN members and guests from Olympia. (Through Saturday)
37. Seattle Swelter 2K16
Seattle Swelter 2K16 is a two-day, all-ages music festival designed to kick your teeth in, with featured punk, metal, and alt rock groups like Storms and Tributaries, Onesimus, Defenestrator, The Unending Thread, and many more. (Through Saturday)
38. Shrinky Dink
Revert to childhood as you experience the magic of Shrinky Dinks. Entry cost covers a full sheet of Shrink Film, coloring supplies, and snack/refreshments (but BYOB). They'll have a toaster oven handy, so you can walk out with some artistic masterpieces or a brand new box of very classy jewelry.
39. Sloucher, Bod, Guests
Seattle supergroup Sloucher (comprised of members of Makeup Monsters/Hibou, The Globes, and Bod/Telekinesis) releases their debut album with a live, all-ages, and free set on the patio of Rancho Bravo, with support by Bod and guests. Fair warning, this is probably the first and last time a show will ever happen in this spot.
SATURDAY
40. BarkHappy Bar Crawl in Ballard: Supporting Seattle Humane
Drink, spend time with dogs and dog-loving humans, and help raise money for the stellar Seattle Humane Society at this afternoon bar crawl.
41. Bingo or Bust Alleycat Race
Show up to Gas Works on your bike and grab a bingo card, then take off and pedal around as you compete for the most stamps. You might even win some prizes.
42. Capital Indie Book Con
More than 50 authors from all over the Pacific Northwest will participate in this indie book convention, including special guest Jennifer Brozek and authors AJ Downey, Angie Sakai, and Raven Oak.
43. Edible and Medicinal Plants of Magnuson Park
This class on edible and medicinal plants will encourage foraging right in (or close to) your own backyard, specifically focusing on a few harvests: "hawthorn berries (harvested in October-November), cottonwood buds (January-February), and rose hips (August-December)," as well as the identification of poison hemlock.
44. Femme Fatale with Myte, Miss Shelrawka, and Ozma Otacava
Kremwerk hosts Femme Fatale, a night of femme-centric techno centered around the definition of the subject in question, namely "an attractive and seductive woman, especially one who will ultimately bring disaster to any man who becomes involved with her." This night features female, trans, and non-binary DJ talents like Myte, Miss Shelrawka, and Ozma Otacava.
45. The Green Show
Come to the Atlas Theatre in "high spirits" (no smoking or vaping allowed inside) to enjoy this 21+ improv comedy show by, about, and for people who are thoroughly stoned.
46. Hike and Scenic Concert
Level up your oxygen intake with an intimate classical concert in the woods as you hike along the scenic Chirico Trail to the top of Poo Poo Point. Emerald City Music is throwing this charitable (and aerobic) event to raise funds for their upcoming inaugural season, to be presented this fall.
47. Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind, and Fire
Come out to see the unbridled energy of Kalimba, an Earth, Wind, and Fire tribute experience. This ten-piece group will be performing at Triple Door with a full horn section and Sheldon Reynolds.
48. Norm’s Doggie Pageant
Norm's Eatery and Alehouse hosts their second annual Doggie Pageant, presented by Deschutes. (You'll get extra points if you and your pup wear matching outfits.) Registration fees and $1 of every Deschutes beer will go to Motley Zoo.
49. Provoke
Enjoy a truly provocative fashion show on the Trinity stage featuring some of Seattle's most edgy, risque, and sexually charged designs, with designers like Viva Lu Chi, Cannaflage Designs, Raveology 101, Lumen Legacy, and more.
50. Seafair Derby Day
Get competitive and vaguely sport-y at Seafair Derby Day, which includes a Milk Carton Derby, with opportunities for crafting and racing, as well as a stand up paddleboard competition at Green Lake. Bring the family!
51. The Seattle Summer Love Fest
Daviis1entertainment presents the Seattle Summer Love Fest, a "family affair" of R&B, soul, and gospel artists, featuring the vocal talents of Avery Sunshine, Anita Wilson, Jon B, Case, Conya Doss, and Danell Daymon.
52. Seattle Tilth’s Chicken Coop & Urban Farm Tour
This self-guided tour offers the chance to peek inside a variety of urban farms and chicken coops across Seattle—and check out what people have built for keeping more unusual animals including "miniature goats, ducks, mason bees, honey bees and bunnies."
53. SpaceRock Saturdays Patio Pop-Up
Expect lots of techno music at this revived pop-up on Kremwerk's back patio, featuring Eugene Fauntleroy and Ctrl_Alt_Dlt.
54. This Is Not a Peepshow
See video, poetry, sculpture, painting, chocolate and floral design at this one night only show featuring artists Indira Allegra, Devon Doughman, Seth Friedman, Saya Moriyasu, Michael Ottersen, Sarada Rauch, Bridget Stixrood, and Julie Torres.
55. The Wake: Rooftop Weekend Edition
If you're not like us, then you'll definitely want to be dancing in a room full of coconut water and house music at 7:30am. The Wake is an early morning dance party for everyone and anyone who likes sunshine and aerobics at the crack of dawn. Go get a workout on the rooftop deck of Frolik before you start your work day, and enjoy the beats from special guest DJs Kristin and Rise Over Run. Pre-dance yoga starts at 7:30am, with the dance party itself to follow from 8:30am to 10:30am, with breakfast snacks after.
56. West Side Glory: In Heat!
The Quarterly Somewhat Queer Variety Show returns with a lineup of comedy, drag, burlesque, music, GoGo Bears, and more, with special guests including Arson Nicki, Miss Honey Bucket, and Yogi Palatal. The show is 21+ because "we get a little bit naughty," so be forewarned.
SUNDAY
57. 5th Annual Walk for Old Dogs
Celebrate some senior pets at the 5th annual Walk for Old Dogs, which also includes an Old Dog Pageant (with prizes like Best Costume and Best 30 Yard Lollygag), food trucks, pet-related vendors, and more.
58. 6th Annual Garden Party Extravaganza
Celebrate Seattle staple Serafina's 25th anniversary with a garden party, where they'll have draws including "whole roasted animals, paella, patio grilling, rosé garden, photo booth, seasonal cocktails, live music, and an 'Iron Bartender' competition." Entrance is free, and food and drink will be available for purchase.
59. 107.7 The End Pokemon Hunt
Grab your phone and catch some Pokémon with fellow nerds in Volunteer Park!
60. Day Shift: Daytime Dance Party
Day Shift turns up a whole afternoon of partying, dancing, and day drinking with DJ sets from PDot, Sean G, Beeba, Hotep, and more, outside in the sunshine at Bar Ciudad.
61. Dolan Twins
They can't legally vote or drink yet, but the Dolan Twins happen to have a massive Vine and Youtube following, so they're taking their digital prevalence show on the road.
62. Gay Day at Wild Waves
Wild Waves is "one of the greatest places in Seattle," says a friend who just went. The usual crowd is tattooed country folk, but today the water park will be overrun with queers and their allies (and ticket proceeds will benefit Camp Ten Trees and LGBT homeless youth). According to my source, there are legitimately thrilling slides, aquatic play areas, a wave pool, a beer garden, and lots of kinds of carnival food, including elephant ears. "And there's not a lot of supervision, because children are the authority," my source says, referring to the teen lifeguards. This Gay Day Picnic Party Fundraiser also has entertainment and raffles. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE
63. SH*T GOLD: The Deep End
On first and third Mondays, Velocity Dance Center invites artists from all media and genres to contribute up to five minutes of risky material to this very supportive open mic night. Tonight is a special marathon edition, and will give participants a chance to contribute up to 20 minutes of live performance in any genre/medium.
64. Writing Scripts for Erotic Hypnosis
Get hands-on experience as both a subject and a hypnotist at this class from the Center for Sex Positive Culture.