Our critics have already recommended 45 great things to do this week, but there are hundreds more events happening. To prevent some of the quirkier and more off-the-beaten-path ones from slipping through the cracks, we’ve compiled them here—from Seattle Immersive Theater’s new “after-dark spectacular” to a tribute to the fallen idols of 2016. Plus, there are chances to geek out at Seattle Beer Week events (like the Beer Can Derby or a bluegrass and beer festival), or, if you’re feeling the need to watch footage of presidential candidates mashed up with heavy metal music, check out Electonomicon. And, if you want even more options this week, don’t forget to check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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TUESDAY
1. Ask the Oracle
Presented by Hugo House, this mystic event about precognition features Anastacia Tolbert, Kate Lebo, and Domingo Martinez, and is hosted by Johnny Horton. Before the show, audience members will write down questions about their futures, and Horton (in a velvet tuxedo) will pose them to the “writer-oracles,” who will answer by reading a random passage from a book.
2. The Enematic Cinematic Lives!!: Pocket Ninjas
Comedian Elicia Sanchez hosts this live taping of The Enematic Cinematic Podcast, during which local comedians and performers will provide commentary of “really bad movies.” Tonight features a screening of Pocket Ninjas, a film featuring three young teenagers with ninja powers trying to defeat the Cobra Khan. Doors open at 7:30 for pre-show screenings of “terrible B-movie trailers,” and your ticket price will also get you a raffle ticket for special Scarecrow Video and Ugly Baby Shower Art prizes.
3. Epic Movie Night: Mary Poppins Sing-Along
Relive your childhood and watch the classic on the big screen, where singing along is highly encouraged.
4. Six Pack Series: Ex-Boyfriends; Or Art By My (Non-Gender Specific) Ex
Washington Ensemble Theatre hosts a tipsy and raucous literary reading/party featuring work by playwrights, poets, and fiction writers. At the “Ex-Boyfriends; Or Art By My (Non-Gender Specific) Ex” edition this month, six writers (including our own Rich Smith, Sean Nelson, and Devin Bannon) will perform work created or inspired by their exes.
5. Trivia Tuesday: Seinfeld Edition
If you’re one of those people that always references Seinfeld episodes, now’s your chance to prove your devotion. Moe Bar will have free trivia, drink specials, screenings, and prizes.
WEDNESDAY
6. Aaron Carter
Experience the true glory of Trump-celebrating, candy-desiring national pop culture treasure Aaron Carter, with bill support from (of course) boy band cover band ALL4DORAS, Chloe Hendrickson, Amanda Markley, and Nelson.
7. Ballard Jazz Festival 2016
The 14th Annual Ballard Jazz Festival is happening again this year at various locations around the neighborhood, including New York Fashion Academy, Conor Byrne Pub, and the Nordic Heritage Museum. Enjoy live sets from local and national acts like the Hal Galper Trio and Mike Stern with the George Colligan Trio, a jazz walk down Ballard Avenue, and colloquial treats like the Swedish Pancake Jazz Brunch on the last day.
8. Black Sabbitch with Pistol Ready
All-lady Ozzy-era Black Sabbath cover band Black Sabbitch will slap you around and then some at the Funhouse, with Pistol Ready.
9. Grateful Dead Meet-Up 2016
A Grateful Dead meet-up at the movies, featuring a screening of a previously unreleased 1989 Grateful Dead concert from Sullivan Stadium, Foxboro, MA, as well as extras from Dead & Co: footage from the fall tour, behind the scenes clips, and interviews.
10. Inspiración del Perú
This event promises Peruvian fashion, fine art, and performances, all to support Hoja Nueva’s efforts to support conservation, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture in the Peruvian Amazon.
THURSDAY
11. Denim ’80s Dance Party
Ex-strip club DJs and hair metal groupies gather for a night of the best (or loudest) of ’80s rock and dance hits.
12. Electonomicon
Engage politically and artistically at Northwest Film Forum with Electonomicon: “footage of our 2016 presidential candidates” (and ghosts of candidates from the very recent past) “mashed with agit-prop films, heavy-metal music videos, surrealist movies, and the occult with psychedelic musical undertones.” Curated by Amber Cortes with live video mixing by Edward Wolcher.
13. Eric Jay Dolin
Historian Eric Jay Dolin will give an “illuminating” (their pun) book talk on Brilliant Beacons: A History of the American Lighthouse.
14. An Evening on the Elwha River
A series of speakers will discuss the ecology of the Elwha River, which, after the nation’s largest dam removal project was completed there in 2013, has sprung back to life, with impressive recovery of salmon, otters, vegetation, and more.
15. Movie Night: Johnny Mnemonic
Explore the art and concepts featured in Pivot’s Imagined Futures exhibit through this weekly movie series (this time, featuring Robert Longo’s Johnny Mnemonic from 1995) introduced by Ben Heywood.
16. NXT Live
Thanks to WWE, a bunch of wrestlers are going to fight each other or whatever they do in the ring on this latest stop of #NXTRoadTrip. See NXT Champion Finn Balor, Women’s Champion Bayley, “The Samoan Submission Specialist” Samoa Joe, Baron Corbin, and many more battle it out between the ropes.
17. The Source: Martha Rosler
The Source, a trio of springtime waterfront talks on art, ecology, and history, (re)-presents Martha Rosler’s Seattle: Hidden Histories (1991): a series of short public service announcements created with local indigenous leaders, linguists, historians, and community members.
18. The Things Are Against Us
Washington Ensemble Theatre will present the world premiere of Susan Soon He Stanton’s The Things Are Against Us, a surreal comedy/horror/romance about two sisters trying find each other and, in a larger way, a sense of home. The problem: the home is haunted. The other problem: the sisters’ romantic entanglements with men extend across at least three time periods and different planes of existence, and all of that ends up slowing down and derailing the familial reunion. Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca figures heavily, as does Yusef, a Lebanese man who believes his life is fated by the writings of his grandfather. RICH SMITH (Through Monday)
19. Very Special Episode
Jet City Improv presents a “very special episode” (just like the classic TV introductions to potentially disconcerting life events) but for an alarmist in the modern age. (Through Friday)
20. Walk With a Gardener
A garden tour and Q&A with the Chihuly Garden and Glass gardening team, where you’ll learn about the way Chihuly’s work plays off of and incorporates aspects of fauna. In addition, you’ll hear about their planting list and the methods they use when creating the garden—and even tips for your plants at home.
21. Way Elsewhere: Words and Music
Celebrate the release of the book Way Elsewhere by Julie Trimingham with an evening of music by EntreMundos Quarteto and words/readings by Michelle Peñaloza, Quenton Baker, Chelsea Werner-Jatzke, Nahaan, and of course, Julie Trimingham. This event is also the opening reception for multidisciplinary gallery show Women on the Brink, curated by Tracy Rector.
FRIDAY
22. Bootie Seattle: Boy Bands vs Girl Groups
Seattle’s only all-mashup dance party, featuring DJs Axel, Freddy, King of Pants, and Destrukt, will pay tribute to Backstreet Boys, TLC, and other groups from across the decades.
23. Brown Derby Series: Weird Science
The Brown Derby Series is known for putting on “ridiculously staged readings of your favorite screenplays,” and have thusly moved on to present Weird Science, one of those classic teen movies you somehow forget is super problematic over the years, but good news, now you can drink a lot and remember how bizarre the ’80s were.
24. The Bushwick Book Club Seattle: Kim Gordon’s Girl in a Band
Local performers showcase music they’ve written in response to Kim Gordon’s book Girl in a Band in an effort to shed light on the importance of literacy and creative expression.
25. Go Fuck Yourself, 2016
Get some collective mourning, fist-shaking, and deity-threatening in at Chop Suey with Go Fuck Yourself, 2016 — a tribute show to some of the legends we’ve lost over the last year. Despite Lemmy dying in 2015, he deserves some recognition, so Wild Powwers and The Chasers will be throwing down some Motorhead, with Purple Mane repping Prince, multiple bands gunning for Bowie, and other musicians for sweet old Merle Haggard.
26. Goth Prom VII — The Prom You Always Wanted
Goth Prom is back to fix your high school experience for the seventh year running. Dress for your dream prom, grab a date (or go stag, it’s up to you, big boy), and dance the night away in the arms of our ever-loving goth-industrial community.
27. Medusa’s Maidens
Medusa’s Maidens brings their burlesque sideshow act to the Funhouse on the luckiest day of the year, Friday the 13th. They’ve got conjoined twins (not real, but very convincing), play piercings, and everything you want to freak you out and turn you on.
28. The Mystery of Edwin Drood
The musical theater adaptation of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel takes advantage of the lack of finality with interactive elements and multiple endings. (Through May 22)
29. Party Against Patriarchy #3: Acapulco Lips, Party Shark, Mombutt
The Itchy B’s, an intersectional feminist club out of The Center School, are throwing an all ages show featuring Acapulco Lips, Mombutt, and Party Shark, along with poetry, art, zines, merch and more. The evening’s theme is “Safety For Women” so all door proceeds will be donated to New Beginnings. Bring packages of pads, tampons, or diapers to donate for $2 off the door.
30. The Place Between
A mysterious “after-dark spectacular” whose title describes both a secret turn-of-the-century Parisian cabaret, and the mystical/spiritual place between life and death. This creepy, immersive theatre (and food and drink) experience promises “fortune-tellers, a shadowy chanteuse accompanied by a (once) live band, and a grotesque, Butoh-inspired performance that threatens to take more than just your breath away.” (Through June 12)
31. The Return of… Urban Tanuki Samurai
It’s a garbage world, and we’re just living in it. Two friends live in a make-believe world filled with literal garbage. This show is usually a “comedic romp for all ages,” but, on May 6 and May 13, there will be special “blue shows,” or “totally adult versions of what we make for your kids!”
32. Sonic Evolution: This is Indie!
Sonic Evolution combines extravagantly rendered visual and audio art for a unique performance event, featuring work by indie filmmaker Bill Morrison, composer Michael Gordon, pianist and multimedia artist Tomoko Mukaiyama, composer William Brittelle, and musicians Fly Moon Royalty. Co-presented with SIFF.
33. Sound Opinions Live
Sound Opinions, a public radio show out of WBEZ Chicago (the station that also produces This American Life and Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!), comes to Neptune with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a discussion of pop music news, trends, and history, plus a live performance with Seattle band Mudhoney.
SATURDAY
34. 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.
35. Electric Circus: Sly Sun Sivad
Electric Circus remixes the timeless classics of Sly & The Family Stone, Sun Ra, and Miles Davis for a night of blues, funk, and good old rock n’ soul, replete with mashed-up psychedelia and light projections.
36. Erik and Rob’s Fourth Annual Bluegrass and Beer Festival
Sample lots of brews (collaborations and one-offs) from breweries both near and far, while enjoying the music of local bluegrass bands. Proceeds will benefit fantastic community organization Northwest Harvest.
37. Hello Kitty Supercute Farewell Weekend
To mark the closing weekend of the EMP’s exhibit Hello! Exploring The Supercute World of Hello Kitty, the museum will be covered in Hello Kitty: Hello Kitty merchandise, Hello Kitty-themed specials in their POP Kitchen + Bar, friendship bracelet making, retro Hello Kitty stop motion video screenings, and a Hello Kitty photo op. Plus, the “mobile vehicle of cuteness” that is the Hello Kitty cafe truck will be selling macarons, mini cakes, and other “supercute goodies,” and you can even bring something to add to the Hello Kitty-shaped time capsule that will be displayed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
38. iFEST 2016
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment’s iFEST is devoted to indie games of all genres, including video games, board games, and card games. There will be demonstrations, speakers, and a “People’s Choice” award given at the end of the day.
39. Native Art Market
More than a dozen Native American artists will demonstrate and sell their work at this art market, 100% of the proceeds from which will go directly to the artists. You’ll find art including woodcarvings, baskets, and jewelry, and there will also be Indian tacos, frybread, chili, and other food from the Off the Rez food truck.
40. Nowhere
New DJ-centered club night “Nowhere” aims to incorporate the sister genres of shoe gaze, ambient, dream pop, and soft psych-industrial tones into one giant pit of fuzzy despair. The event is free, and stars resident local DJ talents Jermaine Blair and Retina Burn, who will be ready and waiting to provide you with a warm bath of soothing emotional apathy courtesy of your most discordant dreamscapes.
41. Party in the Wings
The Seattle Repertory Theatre is having a special party just for theatre-goers in their 20s and 30s. The ticket price includes pre-show cocktails, exclusive balcony seating for the 7:30 pm performance of Sherlock Holmes and The American Problem, a behind-the-scenes tour of the production, a chance to meet the cast and crew, and an after-party in the stage wings that includes beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing.
42. Pine Box Beer Can Derby
Build and race beer can cars at this derby hosted by The Pine Box! Build time is 2-4 pm and then they’ll race “cub scout style” from 4-6 pm.
43. Poetry/Comics: Mount Analogue Group Show
New kid in town Mount Analogue will be unleashing their specific brand of creative genius in a series all over Seattle this summer, kicking off with POETRY / COMICS, a reading, art show, and live piece (with beer) hybrid reception event this Saturday in Georgetown. Comics-related art on display by local and national talents Aidan Fitzgerald, Bianca Stone, Ted Powers, Catherine Bresner, and Gabrielle Bates, with poetry performances from Willie Fitzgerald and Amaranth Borsuk.
44. Seattle Afterglow
Spend your Saturday afternoon drinking and making art at Seattle Afterglow/Paint Nite; they’ll provide arts supplies, and you can purchase food and drink at the event. Must be 21+ to attend!
45. Sushi Making & Sake Tasting
Learn to roll five different types of sushi at this tasting event with Chiso Sushi owner Hirohiko Kirita. You’ll also get three different sake tastes, a full pour of your favorite one, a prize for the best sushi maker team, and a take-home sushi-making guide.
46. Ten Grands
What could be a mind-blowing battle royale between world-renowned pianists is actually a delightful event to raise money for children’s music education, as ten performers astride a baby grand apiece play selections from every genre.
47. Vigor Seattle Maritime Festival 2016
The Vigor Seattle Maritime Festival includes free harbor tours at the downtown waterfront, a water vessel open house at the Bell Street Pier, kids’ crafts and boat building, and a chowder cook-off, featuring $5 samples of chowder from restaurants like Elliott’s Oyster House and Ivar’s.
SUNDAY
48. 34th Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge 8K
At this 8K race and fundraiser for diabetes research, you’ll have to run fast over the University Bridge before it’s raised at 8:50 am, or you’ll get stuck on the other side and have to wait for the bridge to come back down. But don’t worry—there will be a live band and entertainment while you wait, and there will be a post-race celebration on the field that also includes an awards ceremony and a Diaper Derby for toddlers.
49. Boys on the Inside
The Seattle Documentary Association presents a free, work-in-progress screening of the current state of Boys on the Inside, a feature documentary about “boy” culture in women’s prisons in Washington State. There will be a Q&A after the screening with director/producer Elliat Graney-Saucke and the main character and co-producer Sebastian Raine.
50. Chef Einat Admony: Balaboosta Way
Israeli restauranteur Einat Admony, owner of the highly regarded NYC restaurant Balaboosta, will stop by Stroum to demonstrate her favorite cauliflower recipe.
51. An Improvised Hip Hopera
Trapped in a Black Box: An Improvised Hip Hopera is a show that claims to marry the best of improv comedy and freestyle rap to tell a hopefully funny narrative, typically featuring the greatest hits of a Joseph Campbell-style hero’s journey. It’s written on the spot thanks to audience suggestions, which positively keeps it from being the same show twice, but negatively leads to more opportunities to choke, as experienced by Stranger Film Editor Charles Mudede in 2014.
52. PNW-X: Discovery Park Hike & Sound Bath
Lululemon is hosting their first community hike in Discovery Park, which will include a sound bath and group meditation on the beach with mystic healer Kate Ryan.
53. Rory Scovel Attempts Stand-Up Comedy
LA comedian Rory Scovel, who has performed on Comedy Central and Conan, will perform a three-night run of shows that largely consist of “Rory attempting to make up his set on the spot.”
54. SCUFF: The Seattle College and University Film Festival
90 minutes of student-made films from Seattle colleges, judged by a panel that will include critics and filmmakers.
55. Seattle Mom Prom
Fremont Abbey Arts Center will play host to this ladies-only evening of drinks, desserts, and dancing created to celebrate and honor moms. Non-moms are welcome, too.
56. TedxUofW 2016: InMotion
This independently organized TED event will feature talks on the theme of “In Motion,” or the ever-changing nature of human activity in Seattle.
57. The Variety Shit Show
Look forward to drinks, dancing, and merriment at this collaborative variety show featuring performance by Christin Call and Natacsha Greenwalt, sounds by Zac Greenberg, and “enveloping music” by Benjamin Marx and Will Smith; presented by Cainan Martens Film.
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
