Panicking because you don’t know what to do this weekend and you're short on cash? Don't worry—below, find all of your options for last-minute entertainment that won't cost more than $10, ranging from a screening of The Matrix at Seattle Outdoor Cinema to the Urban Craft Uprising 2019 Summer Show, and from Optimism Pride to an Asia-themed Seattle Night Market. For even more options, check out our complete Things To Do calendar and our list of cheap & easy things to do in Seattle all year long.
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- Soulstice: Summer Kick-Off at the Mural
Spend all evening basking in the new season with all-ages live music and activities, including sets from KEXP's DJ Riz Rollins, surf-pop band Skates!, neo-soul outfit i///u, and Earth, Wind & Fire tribute Kalimba, plus palm readings, letter-writing, juggling, food, and more.
(Seattle Center, free) FESTIVALS
- Make Music Day Seattle
What began in France as the Fête de la Musique in 1982 is now a worldwide Summer Solstice tradition that spans 120 countries and 800 cities. In Seattle, participating local venues will host music lessons, drum circles, jam sessions, and more music-related activities for all ages and experience levels (not to mention tons of live performances).
(Various locations, free) FILM
- Meaningful Movies: I Am Not Your Negro
An ingeniously constructed documentary about one of the 20th century’s greatest, and more conflicted, artist/polemicists, I Am Not Your Negro is built from the proposal for Remember This House, the book James Baldwin never finished. As Samuel Jackson’s voice-over mingles with archival footage of Baldwin laying waste to his intellectual opposition on TV—and by the way, let’s pause for a moment to consider a time when a figure as radically attuned, and as volcanically erudite, and as sexually nonconforming as James Baldwin could have appeared regularly on network television—director Raoul Peck conveys the sense of a writer who has come to understand an idea that is bigger than he has the mortal strength to convey, which would almost make the film a tragedy within the context of the larger systemic tragedy its subject yearned to articulate. But even a glimpse of Baldwin’s prose is such a feast for mind, body, and soul that a film like I Am Not Your Negro can only be received with joy, humility, and deepest admiration. SEAN NELSON
(Atlantic, free) GEEK & GAMING
- Gayme Night
Play all sorts of games and meet some of the designers at this Pride-themed, family-friendly game night.
(Wallingford, free) MUSIC
- Brothel., Sidewalks and Skeletons
Sink into a night of dark, heavy bass music in celebration of local electronic artists Brothel. and Sidewalks and Skeletons' new albums.
(Ballard, $10) - The Cells, Runaway Satellite, The Owl Heads
Join the Cells, Runaway Satellite, and the Owl Heads for a night of local rock.
(West Seattle, $8) - Christa Says Yay, Furniture Girls, Fynnie's Basement
Local group Christa Says Yay will play soulful tunes for your "blue mood." First, you'll hear from Furniture Girls (a band that takes its name from a 1973 sci-fi flick starring Charlton Heston) and Fynnie's Basement.
(West Seattle, $10) - Glass Frames, Neither Bears Nor Forest, Jake's Meadow, Full Life Crisis
Local shoegaze band Glass Frames will headline after opening sets from indie-pop band Neither Bears Nor Forest, hard rockers Jake's Meadow, and Full Life Crisis.
(University District, $10) - Kaeli Earle Trio
Join local jazz ensemble Kaeli Earle Trio for a night of experimentation and heavy grooves.
(Bellevue, free) - Kraken Prom!
Track down your old prom ensemble (or better yet, sew yourself a new one while listening to a melange of '80s hits) and get dancing with Seattle rockers Ol' Doris, psych-rock stoners Dream Queen, fuzzy power-poppers Jet///Lag, and glam-rockers Jefferson Death Star.
(University District, $7) - Marina Christopher
Seattle jazz bassist and vocalist Marina Christopher will perform live.
(Downtown, free) - Midnight Meal: Kloak, LuckDragon, The Silk Road, Yamanaka
Local DJs Kloak, LuckDragon, the Silk Road, and Yamanaka will bring you into the weekend with a late night of dance beats.
(Downtown, $10) - The Mondegreens, Tango Alpha Tango, The Black Chevys
Sway to the Mondegreens' "new take on California soul" after hearing from other local groups Tango Alpha Tango and the Black Chevys.
(Ballard, $10) - Outdancing
This night belongs to queer dancers who enjoy salsa, swing, boogie, tango, country, and other partner and sans-partner styles. They claim it's one of the longest-running LGBTQ-focused social dance nights and "the largest floor to spin around on." Come early for a $5 wine or champagne tasting.
(Capitol Hill, $10) - Paul Benoit Trio
Singer-songwriter and composer Benoit has wooed eardrums in five continents, but he lives right here! Come to the MQ Stage for some easygoing, country-inflected tunes.
(Downtown, free) - Pop Secret: DJ Dainjazone
DJ Dainjazone, who's shared the stage with everyone from Steve Aoki to Katy Perry, will come to Seattle for this edition of Pop Secret.
(Capitol Hill, $10) - Ramonda Hammer
Leave it to non-Seattle band Ramonda Hammer to bring back grunge with their modern Los Angeles take on the movement, churning out swift, exciting tracks that both bark and bite. KIM SELLING
(Belltown, $7) - The Resolectrics, Gus Clark, Zack Orion
Portland's the Resolectrics will return to Seattle for a night of grooves with support from Gus Clark and Zack Orion.
(Ballard, $8/$10) - The Scuppermonkeys
Raise a Guinness and sing Irish tunes with local party band the Scuppermonkeys.
(Downtown, free) - Tiger Rider, Always Naked, Fatal Butterfly, Beast Folk
Get your fix of fuzzy local indie-rock from Tiger Rider, Always Naked, Fatal Butterfly, and Beast Folk.
(Shoreline, $8) - Tremulant Pres. MkO
LA-based DJ MkO (aka Mike Batmanian), the founder of SBCLTR LA, will grace Seattle for a live set.
(Downtown, $8) - W Music: James Anaya
Soulful rocker James Anaya will play with his 10-piece band.
(Downtown, free) - Xavier Lecouturier Quintet
Local jazz drummer Xavier Lecouturier and his quintet will celebrate the release of their new album Carrier with a night of live music.
(Columbia City, $8) PARTIES
- Summer Solstice Party
Sip drink specials from CIROC Vodka, pick up some fitness tips from Trufusion, make your own tie-dye, and get your hair braided by Seven Salon at this summer solstice gathering.
(Bellevue, free) PERFORMANCE
- David Rue: A Physical Homage
David Rue, a dancer who "transmits the metaphysical and makes a person want to move" (according to former Stranger writer Jen Graves), has curated an incredible series of outdoor performances dedicated to AIDS activists and those who perished from the disease. The first iteration kicks off on June 21 and features Randy Ford, whose sheer range and talent has moved me to consistently call for someone to award her $100,000 so that she may create work at her leisure. When Ford dances, she uses modern, bounce, vogue, and moves from genres I've never seen before to communicate maximum velocity, sharpness, and strength—all qualities shared by ACT UP and other activist groups fighting against the deafening and deadly silence of the US government. RICH SMITH
(Capitol Hill, free) READINGS & TALKS
- Frederick L. Brown: The City Is More Than Human
Instead of focusing on great men, great women, great artists, or great whomever, UW historian Frederick Brown focuses his history of Seattle on animals. In The City Is More Than Human, Brown looks at the way the relationship between people and animals shaped the city, from the days of livestock and imperialism to the time of pets in grocery stores. As far as I can tell, all other books about Seattle's past focus on brothels and vice lords. Brown's angle should delight old mossbacks who think they've heard it all, but also people who hang with their Shiba Inu at Dogwood Play Park and Bar. RICH SMITH
(Capitol Hill, free) - A Rose by Any Other Name: A Beginner's Guide to Plant Taxonomy
Learn everything you need to know about plants and how they grow from UW Plant Molecular Biologist Orlando de Lange.
(Capitol Hill, $10) SEX
- Strap-Ons and Slices: Strappy Hour Pride Pizza Party
Celebrate Pride with complimentary cocktails and pizza from Hot Mama's while you pick up some strap-on sex tips.
(Capitol Hill, free)FRIDAY-SATURDAY
VISUAL ART
- Shawn Huckins: Staring at the Sun
Shawn Huckins is known for his humorous Pop Art and meme-inspired mixed media works that mash together images of early American figures and politicians with contemporary internet speak. Here, he mashes up pieces from the White House Art Collection.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing SaturdayFRIDAY-SUNDAY
VISUAL ART
- 20th Anniversary Exhibit
Columbia City Gallery throws itself a well-deserved party, with art by current and past members, to fete two decades of bringing art, music, and more to South Seattle.
(Columbia City, free)
Closing Sunday - Solstice Goddess Show
Multiple quirky local artists, including Heidi Estey and Braden Duncan, will pay tribute to the Sacred Feminine. There will also be a Summer Solstice Magick circle with Loness Valenna.
(University District, free)
Opening FridaySATURDAY
COMEDY
- Best of NW Peaks Comedy Showcase
See some of the most applauded comics from NW Peaks' series—Chris Rees, Adam Luckey, Jamie Guerriero, Cheri Hardman, and Paul Goodwin.
(Hillman City, $5) COMMUNITY
- 2019 Fremont Solstice Parade
No one nails the spectacle of stilt-walking, nude bicycle-riding, giant-puppet-operating, and twirling around in circles quite like the denizens of Fremont, which is why the Fremont Arts Council hosts a giant costume-filled parade during the Fremont Fair. The procession weaves through the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe all the way to Gas Works Park for even more summer merriment.
(Fremont, free) - Juneteenth Celebration
The Renton African American Pastoral Group will mark Juneteenth with arts activities, a movie and discussion, a poetry reading, and a talent show.
(Renton, free) - More Than Just Trees; Native Tree Ecology and ID
Learn to identify prominent lowland tree species with naturalist Jacob de Guzman.
(West Seattle, free) FESTIVALS
- 14th Annual Morgan Community Festival
Join West Seattle's Morgan Junction community for their annual festival, featuring live music, art, and the Bark of Morgan pet parade.
(West Seattle, free) - Iranian Festival
Learn about Iranian culture through performances and poetry, and enjoy face painting and traditional cuisine.
(Seattle Center, free) FILM
- Seattle Outdoor Cinema
First Tech Federal Credit Union's outdoor movie series (beginning tonight with The Matrix) will also feature a night market, yard games, and beer, and proceeds go to charity. You have to be over 21 to partake.
(South Lake Union, $5 suggested donation) FOOD & DRINK
- Seattle Night Market: Asia
Sample "hyper-local, globally inspired" fare like kimchi-smothered fries and bubble tea at this Asian-themed curbside night market. Plus, enjoy a beer garden and moonlight movie viewing.
(South Lake Union, free) - Solstice 2019
After the Fremont Solstice Parade, head to the bar for food, a beer garden, and live music from DJ Rootsonic, Onion the Man, Casting Shadows, and Keith Wright.
(Fremont, free) - Tea-Infused Ice Cream Pop Up at Friday Afternoon Tea
Get scoops of tea-infused ice cream from the Milk and Leaf Collective in solstice-appropriate flavors like Strawberry Butterfly (a blend of black tea, lemongrass, and strawberries).
(Wallingford, free) GEEK
- Houselpuff
Does your cross-section of interests include Harry Potter, EDM and DNB raves, and college neighborhood dive bars? If so, good news, this Harry Potter-themed dance party at the Blue Moon is perfectly tailored for you.
(University District, $5) - Name That Tune: PRIDE Edition!
Impress glamorous drag host Betty Wetter with your knowledge of Billboard Hot 100 tunes.
(Ballard, free) - Spiel Demo Day
Try out the games nominated for this year's Spiel des Jahres board and card game award, like L.A.M.A. Plus, vote for the winner and you could win a free copy!
(Queen Anne, free) - Summertime Cosplay Picnic 2019
Dress up as your favorite geeky character and bring your favorite dish to this cosplay picnic in the park.
(Capitol Hill, free) MUSIC
- 9th Annual Tribute to Bruce Cockburn - Full Band Show
Local musicians will pay tribute to Canadian recording artist and humanitarian Bruce Cockburn.
(Ballard, $10) - The Black Chevys, Rotgut Whines, Linda From Work
Seattle rockers the Black Chevys will headline after opening sets from finger-picking soul group Rotgut Whines and Linda From Work.
(Pioneer Square, $8) - Clyde Petersen: Drone Butch Blues
Drone Butch Blues, the latest release from Your Heart Breaks (a pop project fronted by queer/trans artist Clyde Petersen) takes its inspiration from LGBTQ+ writers from throughout history, from David Wojnarowicz to Joan Nestle. Stretch out on the grass and hear the album in its entirety.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Collaborative Synthesis (Bleeps+Loops:2)
The organizers describe this electronic showcase as a "synth landscape, formed through collective intent." Enjoy performances by Harsh Realm, Ztar Boy, Hannah Carlson, Cindy Reichel, Vawter, and many others.
(University District, free) - Dreadful Children, Bomb Squad, Phantom Racer, Buff Muff
Dreadful Children champion the unlikely equation of Iron Maiden–esque riffery and the Toy Dolls' sense of bouncy, infectious absurdity and somehow create a mad-scientist hybrid that totally kills. BILL BULLOCK
(Tukwila, $7) - Düllhaus, Jurors, Holz
Witchy California house duo Düllhaus claim to provide "mise en scène for the vampire within." Sharpen your fangs and dance to their set after Jurors and Holz.
(Eastlake, $8/$10) - Fremont Solstice Celebration
Sway all day and night to dance tracks by the Cumbieros at this summer solstice party, which will also feature live sets by World's Finest, Cytrus, and Ayo Dot & the Uppercuts. When they're not on stage, DJ Indica Jones will spin '80s and '90s dance party jams and KEXP's DJ Chilly will spin a Latin mix, as y'all help yourselves to the Bloody Mary bar and full views of the Solstice Parade.
(Fremont, free) - Gravy's 50th Bday Disco Dance Party!
Someone named Gravy is turning 50, which calls for an all-night disco dance party with DJs Mega Booty and Taco Supreme.
(Beacon Hill, free) - The Great Gatsby Bollywood Party
1920s glamour and Bollywood glitz will collide at this dance party with DJ Kazan, who'll be spinning Bollywood, Bhangra, and Top 40 all night.
(Downtown, $10/$15) - Haute Sauce: Swervewon, Lourawk, Tony Goods, Henski
DJs Swervewon, Lourawk, Tony Goods, and Henski will be the special guests at this edition of "Seattle's home for hip-hop and dance music."
(Capitol Hill, $10) - Haybaby, Guests
Brooklyn's Haybaby run the gamut from gentle pop to full-on sludge. They'll come through Seattle in support of their second full-length album They Get There.
(Eastlake, $8/$10) - The Jesus Chords, Will Rainier & the Pines
Friday Harbor country-rockers the Jesus Chords will be joined by Will Rainier & the Pines.
(West Seattle, $7) - Joe Brazil Legacy Black Music History Month Celebration
Celebrate Black Music History Month with a full day of live music with Joe Brazil (the founding father of Garfield High School's jazz programs), plus shopping and more entertainment.
(Atlantic, free) - Katie Jane Band
Jig along to a set from Katie Jane Band and their "fiery fiddle."
(Downtown, free) - Last Rockers - Hardcore Havoc!
Noise-rock trio Greenriver Thrillers will get very loud with support from Thee Deception, the Grindylow, and War Puppy.
(Downtown, $7) - Material World - A Night of Madonna & 80’s Pop Divas
Disco Vinnie will do you a favor and play nothing but Madonna and her '80s diva contemporaries.
(Capitol Hill, $5) - Noite Brasilera!
Sip drink specials and dance to Brazilian music Brazilian sertanejo, funk, and samba.
(Sodo, $10) - Queens of Pop Dance Party with DJ Baby Van Beezly
Join DJ Baby Van Beezly for a dance party paying tribute to your favorite female icons of pop music, from Mariah Carey to Robyn.
(Fremont, $10) - Seattle Music Gear Swap & Sale
Whether you're looking for a new pickup or you want to trade your beep-beep-boop machine for something else, this is the spot to buy, swap, and get rid of music gear.
(Beacon Hill, free) - Shady Bottom
Shady Bottom throws back to the '60s and '70s with soulful funk covers and originals. The sextet will play their grooves live.
(Downtown, free) - Solstice Party "Welcome to Summer!"
Hang out on the patio with Seattle blues-rockers Little Hero and other bands at this all-ages solstice party.
(Ballard, $5) - Spellbound: Sanitarium in Post-Punk Alley
Head to this haunted corner of Pike Place for a goth-industrial dance party with DJ voodoo.
(Downtown, free) - To the Left/No Class Zine
Advocates of the far left who love to get down to funky beats can have it all at this disco dance party, complete with plenty of discourse and zines to flip through.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Vertex
This psychedelic Pride dance party is brought to you by Alfonso Tan, DJ Don't, and DJ Later.
(Downtown, $10) SEX
- Queer n’ Kinky: Bondage and Sensation Play 101
This free mini-lesson will teach beginners the ropes of bondage. (We know we use that pun a lot. It never gets old.) Enjoy complimentary sips while you glean new info.
(Capitol Hill, free) PERFORMANCE
- Mind Over Matter: Poems and Monologues About Rediscovering Oneself
Poets and monologuists grapple with understanding the big questions of life in this Golden Nile Productions showcase.
(Central District, $5) - Noir
This POC cabaret celebrates the talents of Londyn Bradshaw, LüChi, Issa Man, and others.
(Downtown, $9) - Optimism Pride
Local drag performers Aria Kan, Dessa Woman, and Portia will put on a show for the whole family. While you're there, try a beer float made with the brewery's Pride saison and Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, knowing that proceeds will benefit Ingersoll Gender Center, Gay City, and Three Dollar Bill Cinema.
(Capitol Hill, free) READINGS & TALKS
- If You Want to See Something: Allen Ginsberg in Art and Action
If you've ever whipped out a copy of Howl from your back pocket, join artists and poets Dorothea Lasky, Rae Armantrout, Ron Silliman, Sadie Dupuis, Ryo Yamaguchi, Laura Da', Andrew Schelling, and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore for a celebration of famous bespectacled beatnik Allen Ginsberg. Expect poetry performances in front of Geoffrey Farmer's photo installation If You Want To See Something Look at Something Else (Allen Ginsberg 1926-1997), consisting of 50 tree-mounted framed portraits of the writer.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Karen Hugg: The Forgetting Flower
Seattle author Karen Hugg will read from her new thriller The Forgetting Flower, about a woman in Paris who hides a dangerous plant whose scent has the power to erase memories.
(Lake Forest Park, free) - Kevan Atteberry: Ghost Cat
A boy is visited by a ghost cat who leads him on all sorts of adventures around the house and reminds him of a cat he used to have—is it the same one? Take your little ones to hear author Kevan Atteberry read his children's book aloud.
(Rainier Valley, free) - Mollie West Duffy and Liz Fosslien: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions At Work
The authors of No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work will give a talk challenging conventional wisdom on bringing your feelings to work.
(First Hill, $5) - Richard Blanco: How to Love a Country
Blanco was the fifth poet to ever read at a presidential inauguration (Obama's), and his new collection addresses hope and struggle for immigrants, queer people, African Americans, and others on the receiving end of American injustice.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Summer Write-In: Write Our Democracy
Writers of all kinds will gather for this quarterly Hugo House/Write Our Democracy event focusing on the power of the word to fight against cynicism and for liberty and justice.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Vinnie Sarrocco: Poems for the Garbage Man
North Carolina poet Vinnie Sarrocco will read at this release party for his first full-length collection, Poems for the Garbage Man, published by Chatwin Books.
(Capitol Hill, free) SHOPPING
- 2019 Kimono & Yukata Sale
Find gently used formal and informal Japanese clothing items, including colorful light cotton kimonos (yukata), silk kimonos, wooden sandals (geta), paper fans (sensu and uchiwa), and more.
(Chinatown-International District, free) - Passiflora Market: Pride Month
Part Pride gathering, part craft fair, the third iteration of the Passiflora Market will feature an all-queer vendor lineup.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Seattle Plant Swap, Cakes & Seconds Sale
Celebrate summer by hitting up a seconds sale from EUNI + CO. and Hemleva, snacking on cakes and cupcakes from Cake Life Everyday, and swapping your (living) plants for ones you want more.
(Capitol Hill, $5) SPORTS & RECREATION
- Pride All Gender Swim
Aquatic enthusiasts of all gender identities can take an evening dip at this Pride swim, where both dressing rooms will be changed to gender neutral.
(Rainier Valley, $2) WEED
- Canna West Summer BBQ
Feast on smoked meats (or vegan and vegetarian options) from Girls Gone BBQ and party tailgate style with Canna West Seattle.
(West Seattle, free) VISUAL ART
- Artists' Studio Sale
Buy work by the studio artists and support their livelihoods.
(Columbia City, free) - Steve Kado: Yet I, a Corpse, Drive
Writer, musician, and artist Kado has been featured at LA's Museum of Contemporary Art, Tate Britain, and more. Check out his web design images.
(Mount Baker, free) - Studio Sale
Browse works by South Seattle studio artists and buy their works at good prices, and/or enjoy demos and snack on food truck fare.
(Columbia City, free)SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS
- Fremont Fair
Fremont loves its weird celebrations, and this two-day outdoor urban festival following the Summer Solstice is arguably its biggest event of the year. From its gigantic parade composed of elaborately painted (and sometimes just wild and free) nude bicyclists and inventive costumes (Sat) to its parade for dogs (Sun) to its craft market and live music events (the lineup this year includes acts like the Black Tones and DJ Indica Jones), the tradition has something for hippies, families, foodies, and artists alike. Be sure to pick up a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich while you’re there.
(Fremont, free) - Urban Craft Uprising 2019 Summer Show
Urban Craft Uprising at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall bills itself as "Seattle's largest indie craft show," and judging from the consistently strong turnouts over the course of its 15-year history, it ain't lying. The summer edition of the two-day bi-annual show boasts a wide variety of handcrafted goods from over 150 local indie vendors, from jewelry to clothing to housewares to food. It’s a solid way to hide from the sun for a few hours, and we have no doubt you’ll leave with new inspiration and knowledge about crafting (and hopefully an armful of nifty new wares).
(Seattle Center, free) MUSIC
- 2019 Chittenden Locks Summer Concert Series
June through September, enjoy live music performances from symphonic bands, show choirs, jazz trios, and more in the gardens by the Ballard Locks. This weekend's acts are Eastside Modern Jazz (Sat) and Cascadia Big Band (Sun).
(Ballard, free)
- The Primrose Players presents Measure for Measure
The Primrose Players present Measure for Measure, a modern take on Shakespeare’s problem play about the corrupt nature of power. Sofia Rybin directs these outside performances.
(Various locations, free)SUNDAY
COMMUNITY
- Celebrate North Seattle
Hang out in this North Seattle parking lot for food, carnival games and bounce houses, live music, and local vendors.
(North Seattle, free)- Lumberjacque & Gil - A Day at Camp for All!
Wear something "glamping chic" at this benefit for Camp Ten Trees, a summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth. There will be camp-themed drink specials, throwbacks from DJ MIXX America, and fun activities.
(University District, free-$5) FESTIVALS
- Bainbridge Pride Festival at the Waterfront
Hop a ferry to the Bainbridge waterfront for food and craft vendors, speakers, live bands, and more Pride-themed fun.
(Bainbridge Island, free) FOOD & DRINK
- Author Jill Lightner Cooks At The West Seattle Farmers Market
Learn thrifty and resourceful methods for maximizing your kitchen scraps, like regrowing leftover veggie odds and ends and quick-pickling stems, from local author Jill Lightner. Even better, snack on meringue cookies and mixed berry freezer jam snacks from her book.
(West Seattle, free)- Author Talk: Bottom of the Pot by Naz Deravian
Author Naz Deravian was just eight when she left Iran with her family during the Iranian Revolution. In the process of bouncing from Rome to Vancouver over the following decade, the family sought comfort in Persian meals that conjured memories of home, including aash (a soul-warming soup made with herbs, legumes, and grains), pomegranate and walnut chicken, and tahdig (the prized crunchy crust that forms on the bottom of the rice pot). Later, as an aspiring actress in Los Angeles, Deravian would call her mother to walk her through re-creating the dishes at home. Deravian went on to create an award-winning Persian cooking blog called Bottom of the Pot and recently published her debut cookbook of the same name. She’ll share stories and cooking secrets (perhaps how to achieve that perfectly crisp rice crust?) at Book Larder. JULIANNE BELL
(Fremont, free)- Pints On The Patio
Sip brews in the Canal's open-air beer garden for the last time this June.
(Ballard, free) MUSIC
- Anoche - A Night of Latino Hits
Dance until late to your favorite Latin artists, including Shakira, Captain Planet, and Bomba Estereo.
(Ballard, $5)- Garden Party, Dravus, Pom Pom
Local pop-rock bands Garden Party, Dravus, and Pom Pom (who are all in high school!) will share a bill.
(Belltown, $10)- In Motion Quartet
Dance to lively experimental jazz from the In Motion Quartet.
(Columbia City, free)- Olden Yolk, Mega Bog, Zach Burba
New York folk duo Olden Yolk (composed of singer-songwriters Shane Butler and Caity Shaffer) will be joined by Mega Bog (the psych-pop project songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Erin Birgy) and Zach Burba.
(Ballard, $10)- Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival Preview: Music from the Heart of Europe: Enescu, Dvořák, & Kodály
Witness the beginning of Seattle Chamber Music Society's new season with a performance preview including sample pieces by Enescu, Dvořák, and Kodály.
(First Hill, $5)- The Tea, Ep1 - An Afternoon Tea Dance Presented by Loosely Based
Get down while the sun's still out at this rooftop dance party and Pride celebration with the Loosely Based DJ crew.
(Downtown, $5/$10)- The Upside of Down by Y York & Amanda Jacobs, A Concert Reading
This family-friendly musical by Y York and Amanda Jacobs is inspired by Eleanor H. Porter's novel Pollyanna, a story of a young bi-racial orphan who returns to her white family's hometown after her parents' death.
(Columbia City, free) READINGS & TALKS
- Norman Fischer: The World Could Be Otherwise
Zen teacher Norman Fischer offers a reframe of a classic Buddhist teaching in his book The World Could Be Otherwise.
(Capitol Hill, free)- Rae Armantrout and Ron Silliman
Don't miss Rae Armantrout; she's won a goddamn Pulitzer (for her 2010 poetry book Versed). Her other recent work includes Wobble, Money Shot, Just Saying, Itself, Partly: New and Selected Poems, and Entanglements. According to Rich Smith, "Ron Silliman is a big-time thinker and important member of a large poetry movement that started in the 1970s called, annoyingly, L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E."
(Wallingford, free)- Sam Wineburg: Why Learn History (When It’s Already on Your Phone)
With memorizable facts available at our fingertips via our smartphones, standard textbook teaching doesn't cut it anymore. Sam Wineburg, the Margaret Jacks Professor of Education and History at Stanford, will talk about the importance of teaching critical thinking to young students.
(Ravenna, free)- Shalini Shankar: Beeline
Spelling bees have their obvious advantages (people who compete in them become... good at spelling), but anthropologist Shalini Shankar argues that today's young competitive spellers are setting themselves up for success in many realms of life. Join the author for a reading.
(Capitol Hill, free)- Susan Welch: A Thread So Fine
Susan Welch's A Thread So Fine introduces us to Eliza and Shannon Malone, two sisters who fall victim to illness and assault.
(Rainier Valley, free)- Thom Hartmann: The Hidden History of Guns and the Second Amendment
Guns and their lobbyists in America have never been politically neutral. Thom Hartmann, billed as "the most popular progressive radio host in America," will speak about how they were used in Native American genocide and ethnic cleansing, slavery, and Jim Crow society. He'll go on to address the current uptick in mass shootings and the (he says) specious arguments used by Supreme Court justices to justify widespread access to firearms.
(First Hill, $5) VISUAL ART
- Ace of Wands Launch Party
Fête the opening of the new esoterica/art boutique Ace of Wands, run by Kate Berwanger of Surreal Storytelling with Strange Women and Assembly Open Mic plus artist Amelia Le. Sip some free drinks, get an "art roulette" piece by Amelia, and chill out with a couple of cool femmes.
(Georgetown, free)- Travel Photography
Learn tips for capturing great photos on your next escapade.
(Downtown, free) - The Primrose Players presents Measure for Measure
