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TUESDAY
FESTIVALS1. May Day
Wear white and a head wreath made of flowers to dance around the Maypole for this pagan tradition celebrating spring and fertility. If you like, bring a dish to share in a potluck.
2. Beer Education Night Session 2
In the second installment of this four-part series, brush up on the basics of beer, with a primer on "everything from raw materials to recipe creation and the science behind brewing." Obviously, this involves sampling a few brews for the sake of education.
3. Nana Mouskouri
Hear the soulful vocals of Greek singer Nana Mouskouri (aka IĆĂĄnna MoĂșschouri), who has been making music since the late 1950s.
4. A Violinist and a Cyborg Walk into a Bar
For a unique evening of live violin and technological education, the Seattle Symphony's Mikhail Shmidt will perform as Casey Middaugh discusses what it means to be a cyborg.
5. Grotesque Gorelesque with Rikkha
Creepy-sensual Rikkha from Paris will headline this night of sexy heavy metal and circus burlesque. The venue will be collecting socks for WeCountâbring a pair for $5 off admission.
6. Crypto-Currency 101 and the $200M Pizzas
A Bitcoin tip for two pizzas skyrocketed to $200 million dollars in value several years later. So how did that happen? Daniel Li will explain how cryptocurriences work, how investors evaluate them, and more.
7. Gabi Birkner and Rebecca Soffer: Modern Loss
Join Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner, co-authors of Modern Loss, and Chanel Reynolds, founder of Get Your Shit Together, for a conversation about grief and loss in the age of social media.
8. Kristin Rowe-Finkelbeiner with Rep. Pramila Jayapal
MomsRising founder and Seattle resident Rowe-Finkelbeiner will read from Keep Marching: How Every Woman Can Take Action and Change Our World and discuss how women can keep fighting in a conversation with Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
9. Nordic Literary Series: Ă
sa Avdic
Swedish author and journalist Ă
sa Avdic will be a special guest during Nordic Month. She'll read from The Dying Game, an alternative-future dystopian thriller about a bureaucrat assigned to fake her own death and observe a group of would-be spies trying to solve the "murder." Suspense writer Sara BlĂŠdel will read from her own novel, The Undertaker's Daughter, as well.
10. Sally Kohn with Jessyn Farrell
Sally Kohn used to be the progressive lesbian voice on Fox News; now she writes for the Daily Beast and appears on CNN. Her latest book, The Opposite of Hate, attempts to unveil the origins of hate "from implicit bias to racism to genocide," and profiles people who have left hate groups behind.
11. May Day March for Workers and Immigrant Rights
Every year, El Comité organizes the May Day March for Workers and Immigrant Rights. This year, the 19th annual march, they're focusing their efforts on combatting the "climate of fear" engendered by ICE. Huge crowds of people show up to march in solidarity and support social justice. In the past, the march has also been associated with anarchists and window-smashing, though, on the whole, last year's was reported to be calmer.
TUESDAY-SATURDAY
PERFORMANCE12. Pilgrims
A sci-fi play about "a soldier, a girl, and a robot" from a moribund society who are shut away while on a mission to colonize a planet.
TUESDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE13. Through the Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice in Wonderland
The producers of The Burlesque Nutcracker, Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann, will once again re-imagine Lewis Carroll's classic story as Alice visits Wonderland's hottest nightclub, the Looking Glass.
14. Washington Bike Everywhere Month
Whether you're a longtime cycler or a relative newbie, Bike Everywhere Month invites you to (you guessed it) ditch all other modes of transportation for your faithful two-wheeler for the entire month of May. To keep you motivated, there will be plenty of celebrations, challenges, and group rides throughout the month.
WEDNESDAY
ART15. Happy Accidents: A Bob Ross Painting Party
Pay tribute to the gentlest man on television, the late Bob Ross, with themed drink specials, a photo booth with a life-sized Bob, and a happy tree painting station.
16. Dance Your Story: Movement & Self-Expression Workshop with Sean Dorsey
Trans, non-binary, and queer people are invited to take part in a free workshop with transgender choreographer Sean Dorsey, whose piece The Missing Generation will begin its run the following day. Beginner dancers are encouraged to come.
17. Peaches for Me Release Party
Pay homage to the Presidents of the United States of America song with the release of Brewlab's limited Peaches For Me IPA. Plus, Brewlab will team up with Rachel's Ginger Beer to create a ginger peach shandy, Peaches For Me food pairings will be served, and labels designed by Peaches For Me label artist and Brewlab muralist Sasha Barr will be provided, so guests can fill up crowlers and adorn them with hand-decorated stickers.
18. Less Than Jake, Face to Face, Direct Hit!, The Jukebox Romantics
What is it about third-wave ska that makes it so universally deemed uncool? Is it the horn section? Is it the muttonchops, Hawaiian shirts, and porkpie hats? The gimmicky jokes? Okay, Iâm pretty sure itâs all of the above that keeps the genre pretty widely reviled by cool kidsâbut to middle-school me, this era of ska was everything. Less Than Jake sing about angst and unrequited love in gleeful, super-catchy melodies, enthusiastically proclaiming that everything sucks, belting out odes to selling out and being a misunderstood, dateless loser kid in the world. When I was an awkward just-barely teenager, these bands were a palatable entrance into punk, shows I could get dropped off at with posi vibes and geeky acceptance. Are legions of 13-year-olds still getting into this stuff? Iâm finally no longer embarrassed to admit that it still strikes a totally dorky, precious chord in my heart. ROBIN EDWARDS
19. Patrick Galactic's Lo-Fi All Stars #1: R. Nelson, Intisaar, Spencer Carlson
Mourn the end of Tbasa's old Lo-Fi All Star series and celebrate the creation of Patrick Galactic's new Lo-Fi All Star series with live sets by R. Nelson of Richie Dagger's Crime, Intisaar, and Spencer Carlson.
20. Space Tractor, Teen Cat, Summer Sleeves
Space Tractor pay tribute to entities like Marvel superhero Jessica Jones (in the form of a power-pop anthem), the 32 monkeys who lost their lives in the name of space exploration (in the form of a rock anthem), and more. They'll play their peculiar covers with support from Teen Cat and Summer Sleeves.
21. SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque
SuicideGirls' Blackheart Burlesque show is filled with pop-culture references, a "high-energy indie soundtrack," and sci-fi-themed choreography.
22. Alex Prud'Homme & Katie Pratt: France Is a Feast
Alex Prud'homme, the great nephew of Paul Child and co-author of Julia Child's My Life in France, will present delicious-looking images from his new book, France Is a Feast: the Photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child, which documents his and Julia Childâs years in France together. He'll be joined by the book's photographer, Katie Pratt.
23. Facing the Opioid Epidemic: Taking Action
Local organizations will share resources and action opportunities for anyone interested in making a difference in Seattle's opioid crisis.
24. Nordic Literary Series: Sara BlĂŠdel
Hear excerpts from the latest book by the extremely popular Danish crime author Sara BlĂŠdel, The Undertaker's Daughter. It's about a Danish woman whose estranged father unexpectedly leaves her his funeral home, an inheritance that leads to the discovery of a murder.
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
ART25. Pilchuck Spring Tours
Tour the glass school campus and watch Dante Marioni and Kait Rhoads at work at the furnace.
THURSDAY
COMMUNITY26. South Seattle Emerald 4th Anniversary Party
South Seattle Emerald will mark four years of independent reporting with food, surprises, DJ sets by Paul âCustom Cutsâ Hinton and Gabriel Teodros, and performances by Nikkita Oliver, Rell Be Free, and Julie-C.
27. Ice Cream Thursdae Vol. 16
At the 16th edition of Central District Ice Cream's Ice Cream Thursdae, peruse art from Hoa Hong, Maya Kay, Emma Kg and Natalie Skerlong, listen to tunes from DJ Pho Sho, and try out new May ice cream flavors and Hawaiian-Filipino grub from Big Boys Kainan and Food Truck.
28. RBG Dash
Don a "dissent collar" and robes and bar-hop in honor of the notorious RBG herself at this bar crawl, culminating in a screening of RBG at SIFF Egyptian. Stops along the way include Six Arms, Revolution Wine and Cocktail Lounge, and Capitol Cider.
29. Geek Out Trivia Night: Pre the Fourth Be With You
Geek out with a night of May the Fourth-worthy pop culture trivia (one day early) for the chance to win prizes.
30. HEAT.wav
Enjoy "hardware and chiptune electronic music" by Cosmicosmo, boaconstructorr, SPHYRAMID, and Vanian Bulman.
31. Roots of Creation Performing "Grateful Dub" with Ethan Tucker Band
Reggae rockers Roots of Creation will play a chilled-out set with the Ethan Tucker Band on their "Grateful Dub" tour.
32. Frederica Bowcutt: Tanoak Tree
Botanist Frederica Bowcutt will explore the cultural, sociopolitical, and economic history of the Notholithocarpus densiflorus tree, otherwise known as the tanoak.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY
ART33. Lunar Forces
The mysteries of the moonâscience and folkloreâinspire this opening night of art, live painting, music, and free drinks, and the monthlong exhibition afterwards.
Opening Thursday
34. Sketch Comedy Month
Nearly 40 comedy troupes from all over town will make you giggle with their scripted sets.
35. Seattle Salsa Bachata Festival 2018
Fill your weekend with salsa workshops, performances, and social dances. Live performers include Jonathan Ibarra and Yared Martinez, Aubrey and Miguel, Cesar and Natasha, Oscar and Jessica, and other partners, with live DJ sets by Xilah, Tumbao, and Amezcua.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE36. Bananas!
Feel fresh as a shot of rum at this Grease-inspired, Parisian-style cabaret show celebrating the hot(tish) Seattle weather.
FRIDAY
FOOD & DRINK37. Classic Dungeness Crab Boil
Get cracking and dig into a three-course feast showcasing the inimitable crab in all of its glory.
38. Disco Cowboys, Banzai Surf
Much like their name says: Disco Cowboys play country music infused with that sweet 4/4 bounce. They'll be joined by Banzai Surf.
39. An Evening with Brooklyn Art Song Society
Michael Brofman, pianist and artistic director of the Brooklyn Art Song Society, will join with tenor Zach Finkelstein for an evening of highlights from BASS's annual programming, including pieces by Franz Schubert, Reynaldo Hahn, Jake Heggie, Othmar Schoeck, and Benjamin Britten.
40. Futurebirds, Whiskerman, Guests
Dance your heart out to twangy southern rock, "reverb-soaked psychedelia," and long-lived guitar solos from Futurebirds, with support from Whiskerman.
41. May the Fourth Be With You Rock Show and Costume Contest
Enjoy a night of rock and pop from local talents Joseph Dane, Mark Brainard, and Bug Hunter amidst a Star Wars-themed party and costume contest.
42. Metamorphosis
Emerald City Music will conclude their second season with an homage to modern composer Leonard Bernstein, in addition to pieces by composers that Bernstein himself championed throughout his career.
43. Papa Roach, Nothing More, Escape The Fate
"Hard rock juggernaut" Papa Roach fuse "electronic flourishes, sweeping hooks, and magnetic melodies." They'll be supported by Nothing More and Escape The Fat.
44. The Ram Rams, Clash Valian, Service Animal, The Square Feet
Join local punk band the Ram Rams for a dose of "nostalgic girl-power punk covers" from the early '90s, as well as a few originals. They'll share the bill with fellow rockers Clash Valian, Service Animal, and the Square Feet.
45. Return to Endor - Rebel Disco Alliance Showcase
Project the force with the pure power of disco by dancing to live sci-fi sets from DJs Erin OâConnor, ShmeeJay, Gene Lee, Wesley Holmes, Christina Wright, and Master Allen Oh.
46. Shagnasty, The Queen Annes, Danny Newcomb & The Sugarmakers, Nurse Ratchett
Aspiring Ken Trader tribute band Shagnasty plays original '70s-styled rock 'n' roll. They'll be joined by the Queen Annes, Danny Newcomb & The Sugarmakers, and Nurse Ratchett for a show in celebration of Star Wars holiday May 4th.
47. TRL: It's Gonna Be May
This traveling throwback dance party features late '90s and early '00s music from DJ NisMode that get you in the mood for some hardcore Tiger Beat crushing, plus a live set from #ALL4DORAS, Seattle's only tribute boy band.
48. WAVES Presents: Static Exhibition
Experience "synthesized glitches" in projected visuals, aerial performances, and underground electronic tunes with special guest LEViTTE, plus local artists.
49. Shady Ladies: Drag Queens of Comedy
Kooky queens Amora Dior Black, Betty Wetter, Cookie Couture, Irene Dubois, and LaSaveona Hunt will spew stand-up, lip-synching, and "total idiocy!"
50. A Conversation with the President of Iceland, GuĂ°ni Th. JĂłhannesson
The World Affairs Council will bring you insights from President JĂłhannesson on areas where Iceland excels: gender equality, economic growth after a terrible recession, and sustainability. Give him a warm velkominn from Seattle.
51. Tara Hardy: Must Have Tasted Salt
Tara Hardy's memoir recounts the sexual abuse she endured from her father, and her contact with him after 20 years of estrangement.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
PERFORMANCE52. Interconnected
CarliAnn Forthun and Ethan Rome will present two works: Rome's Anthetical Duality, inspired by the states of matter and his own Korean-Scandinavian heritage, and Forthun's Rapport, composed of three duets that explore trust and relationships.
53. Undresseded Development
See the plot of Arrested Development interpreted by near-naked dancers. Because everything can be sexy if you make it into a pun!
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
COMEDY54. Earthquake
Do we dare welcome the comedian Earthquake to this seismically unstable region? He didn't do too much damage when acting in Clerks II or Everybody Hates Chris, so, sure.
55. Sequim Irrigation Festival
Every year, Sequim celebrates the initiation, development, and support of the irrigation ditches that brought water to its once-dry prairies with a royalty pageant, a carnival, a fireworks show, and a grand parade.
SATURDAY
ART56. Here We Are
Young Seattle immigrants will share art and poetry, with a podcast recording and a gallery.
57. Seattle Metropolitan Fashion Week 2018
See exclusive work from fashion and costume designers at this glitzy runway show. The lineup so far includes "Corazon de Mexico" costume designer Ricado Soltero, fashion designer Diego Medel, "#GettyInspired masterpieces," ADICORA swimwear, and presentations by Port Townsend Wearable Art and designer Douglas Tapia.
58. South Lake Union Redux: Tech, and more Tech
The high-tech architecture in South Lake Union isn't limited to the Amazon campusâthe once-quiet neighborhood has transformed into a den of futuristic-looking buildings and fixtures. Learn about the history of SLU and how it has changed over time from the Seattle Architecture Foundation.
59. YidLife Crisis: YidLive! Comedy Show & DJ Dance Party
You may have seen Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman's comedic web series YidLife Crisis, about two 30-something, Yiddish-speaking liberal Jews, at the Jewish Film Festival earlier this year. See the two best friends tackle "life, love, and lactose intolerance" at this screening. Show up early for mingling, drinks, and a live DJ.
60. Feminism and Pop Culture
Drawing on TV and film from the last 40 years, media scholar Amy Peloff will give an introduction to the principles of feminist thought, and ask why people should care about pop cultureâs presentation of these concepts.
61. 8th Annual Savor Seabrook Seafood & Wine Festival
Abscond to laidback beach resort town Seabrook and partake in the felicitous pairing of seafood and wine.
62. Big Brew Day 2018
All home brewers are summoned to submit their original brews at this annual competition in its second year. The winner will be brewed on Lowercase's system and be available in their taproom this summer.
63. iFEST
Spend an afternoon testing out indie games you might not otherwise discover at iFest, hosted by the Academy of Interactive Entertainment. From tabletop games to video games, geeks are bound to find something that strikes their fancy.
64. Balkan Funk Bash
Get down to high-energy funk and brass jams with the Braxmatics, the M9, and "the word's first and only" Panos Gavalas tribute band, the Fetatones.
65. Cinco de Mayo with Best of the NW Music Tribute
Local groups Outshined (Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog tribute band), Jar of Flies (Alice in Chains), Washed In Black (Pearl Jam), and Stargazer (Mother Love Bone) will all pay homage to years of classically Seattle music on Cinco de Mayo.
66. Early Music Youth Academy: Daphne Replies
Witness the younger generations playing ye olde Shakespearean compositions with this program of authentic Elizabethan music with a "present-day twist." The Early Music Youth Academy's precocious teens will utilize period instruments including viola da gamba, harp, violins, and lute, and will be led by director Shulamit Kleinerman on Renaissance violin.
67. FilthFest 8
Dance sweatily to underground low-end bass at this dance night that emphasizes the "un-commercialized side of dubstep." The lineup includes Oolacile, Blankface, BloodThinnerz, Codd Dubz, CHMST, Akronym, INNIT, and Rattrix.
68. Froggy Fresh, Money Maker Mike, Pine Box Drive
The artist formerly known as Krispy Kreme, Froggy Fresh, will hit Eastlake with his joke raps, preceded by Money Maker Mike and Pine Box Drive.
69. Pink Talking Fish, Swindler
Pink Talking Fish refuse to compartmentalize their love for their favorite psych rockers, so the band pays tribute to Pink Floyd, the Talking Heads, and Phish.
70. The Fool
Mickey Rowe was the first openly autistic actor to star in A Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time onstage, and he's advocated for opportunities for other performers on the spectrum. Now, see him in a one-man variety and clown show.
71. Poetry Pole Dedication Ceremony with Claudia Castro Luna
Washington State Poet Laureate Claudio Castro Luna will help dedicate the Black Dog Arts Coalition's "Poetry Pole," presiding over an open mic and "stories of poetry poles from around the world." (If you google Poetry Pole, you find a lot of stuff that has nothing to do with this kind of Poetry Pole, just so you know. You pin poetry to this kind of Poetry Pole.)
72. TEDxUofW 2018: Moonshot
This student-run, TedX-style event has invited speakers to expound on themes related to "thinking big, taking risks, and shooting for the moon."
73. Kentucky Derby Day at Emerald Downs
If you're bummed about missing the most prestigious horse race of the year in person, the next best thing is this annual gathering at Seattle's own race track. Watch the event as it's broadcasted live (and guess who you think will win), enter a hat contest, feast on buffet food, and listen to live music.
74. Opening Day
On the first Saturday of May for the past 97 years, hundreds of recreational boats have paraded from Portage Bay through the Montlake Cut for Seattle Yacht Club's Opening Day to celebrate the official opening of Seattle's boating season. Watch from the shore as adorned vessels boast live bands and giant floatsâand watch out for water balloons. The official parade will be preceded by the Windermere Cup crew regatta.
75. Urban-X
Run around Seattle with a team to win points and learn about the city in a scavenger hunt.
76. Yoga for Gardeners
Learn to "enhance your gardening experience" through yoga in this free class.
77. Cannabis Freedom Day
Join local cannabis purveyors in discussing weed laws around the country and what they mean for Seattle.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS78. Festival for May
At this Medieval festival of merriment, enjoy maypole dancing, crafts, craft shops, and a special feast.
79. Amazing Bubble Man
Internationally performing Louis Pearl will make magic with every variety of bubbleâ"square bubbles, fog and helium bubbles, giant bubbles," and moreâ while revealing the science behind them.
SUNDAY
ART80. Photo Fest
While you peruse the new exhibition Captive Light: The Life and Photography of Ella E. McBride, engage in photography activities for all ages.
81. Nick Swardson: Too Many Smells Tour
Swardson, who started his career as a writer on Malibu's Most Wanted and Reno 911, has co-starred in movies with Adam Sandler and David Spade. He'll try to get some giggles out of Seattle on this tour.
82. Kayaktivism Training
Join the Salish Sea on-water fossil fuel resistance movement by learning the basics of rafting, banner deployments, and rescue techniques.
83. Seattle Fishermenâs Memorial Service
Take a couple hours to honor Seattle-based fishermen and fisherwomen who have lost their lives on the job.
84. Veg Speed Date Seattle
Avoid restaurant-bickering on the first date by meeting likeminded vegetarian and vegan singles.
85. Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
Kick off Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month by seeing lion dances, youth drill teams, drumming, martial arts, and work by Asian Pacific Islander artists from around the state.
86. Kodomo no Hi
This Children's Day festival features Japanese dance performances, Yukata dress-up, taiko drumming, martial arts, a tea ceremony, games, food, and more.
87. addo:Incubator AbbaShack
At this fast-casual pop-up dinner from addo's culinary incubator program, munch on chef Erik Abdelbari's "rustic and robustly marinated and potato battered fried chicken," using Algerian spices and techniques.
88. TavolĂ ta Sunday Feast: Heritage Pig
Chef Joel DeBilzan will transform an entire roasted heritage pig into a multi-course, family-style supper, with house-made salumi, bucatini carbonara with pancetta, and whole roasted pig served with freshly made condiments.
89. New York Nights: From Broadway to Birdland
In a sparkling jazz performance by ChoralSounds Northwest, VocalSounds Northwest, and the Smamblettes, the sights and sounds of the Great White Way and the classic jazz age of New York will be displayed in full.
90. Book-It Repertory 29th Season Announcement Party
Find out what theater adaptations are in store from the important Seattle company at this announcement party.
91. Dixie's Tupperware Party
Join the "#1 Tupperware Seller in the World," Dixie Longate, as she tells the theatrical story of her journey from an Alabama trailer park to Off-Broadway stages. There will be free giveaways, a fine assortment of the latest Tupperware, and plenty of audience participation.
92. I Can Get It For You Wholesale
Arthur Feinglass and Sunga Rose will direct this musical about New York's Jewish garment sellers during the Depression and a young social climber who betrays his friends and family in his quest for success.
93. Kevin Kwan: Rich People Problems
The third in the Crazy Rich Asians series (which will soon be made into a movie), this novel by Kevin Kwan pits members of a super-wealthy Asian family embroiled in dynastic struggles.
