Our critics have already recommended 52 great things to do this week, but there are 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 themed burlesque shows (the Prohibition Exhibition and a Doctor Who-themed show) to dog celebrations (the 21st Annual Pug Gala and the Vashon Sheepdog Classic) to opportunities to let out your inner child (at Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag or the after-hours, 21+ night at The Art of the Brick LEGO exhibit.) For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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Jump to: Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
TUESDAY
1. Asia Talks: Author Jung Young Moon
Author Jung Young Moon (A Man Who Barely Exists, A Most Ambiguous Sunday and Other Stories, A Chain of Dark Tales, and many more) will speak about his new novel/surreal take on perception and experience—recently translated into English—titled Vaseline Buddha.
2. Gayme Night Opening Show
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, your hosts Ruby Bouche and Abbey Roads will focus on Drag Queen Bingo.
3. Karen Mason-Blair: The Flannel Years
Photographer Karen Mason-Blair keeps the one truly never-going-to-die legacy of Seattle alive (the persistence of grunge, the irresistible comfort and ease of flannel, etc.) with the world premiere of her personal collection of band photos, The Flannel Years, at the Piranha Shop. Having grown up here, Mason-Blair enjoyed exclusive access to the local music scene during the ’90s, fully showcasing moments of fame, private vignettes, and personal stories of big Seattle names like Kurt, Krist, and Eddie. (Through Sunday)
4. Kung Fu Vampire
Hiphop promoter Afton Live presents a night of alt hiphop with Kung Fu Vampire, 4KMG, Dmise, Jay$ilver, Malachi, Soulish, TheKID, Zak Swift, and guests.
5. Made in Seattle Week
Despite the growing sentiment that Seattle is basically Amazon now, there’s a massive amount of amazing stuff being made right in our beautiful city. That’s why the people at Made in Seattle organized a week-long program of events highlighting local leaders in tech, food, music, design, and beer, bringing together people from different sectors to talk about their projects—as well as why Seattle is a great place to live and work. Catch a panel at various locations across the city that include Impact Hub, Hilliard’s Beer and The Vera Project; presented by General Assembly. (Through Saturday)
6. Rev. Starsky Wilson: Advancing Racial Equity & Engaging the Community’s Voice
The shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown exposed (publicized) systemic issues in the Ferguson, Missouri area, including problems with policing, the courts, child well-being and economic mobility. Ferguson Commission Co-Chair Rev. Starsky Wilson visits the Central Library to speak with Karen Toering about the changes that have been made in the wake of Brown’s death, as well as topics like the media’s role in conversations about race.
WEDNESDAY
7. Be Italian!
Teatro Zinzanni’s show features divas, showgirls, rocker chicks, trophy wives with psychic powers, and plenty of lighthearted Italian stereotypes, plus the usual Zinzanni deal (a five-course meal consumed throughout a three-hour show). (Through Sunday)
8. The Complete History of Seattle
This screening of documentary The Complete History of Seattle, about the band Raft of Dead Monkeys, promises the attendance of filmmaker Nick Toti and band members from the film.
9. Go All the Way
Let yourself be rocked by the power pop stylings of DJs Brnt ZZa and Sloppy Jo, with skinny ties very much encouraged.
10. Protecting Yourself and Your Privacy in the Digital Age: A Call to Action
Panelists including Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Washington State Senator Pramila Jayapal will speak at this community forum on digital privacy concerns, emphasizing the potential privacy violations for marginalized and underrepresented populations. Come early for a community resource fair to encourage discussion and new connections.
THURSDAY
11. 3rd Annual Fiddle Showcase
Get ready for the third annual Fiddle Showcase, with the bow-slanging talents of The Ballard Fiddlers, Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, and the Rain City Ramblers. Square dancing starts at 7:30pm — no experience necessary, and all ages and levels of expertise welcome.
12. The Art of the Brick: After Hours
Here’s your chance to see the largest artistic display made of LEGOs ever, The Art of the Brick, with a drink in your hand. No need to feel guilty for pushing a 2-year-old aside to get an eyeful of LEGO recreations of works including Starry Night, Mona Lisa, and The Scream, because this event is entirely 21 and over. Your first drink is included in the admission price, which is cheaper than standard admission to the exhibit.
13. Contact Launch Party with Asa and Sorrow
Kremwerk and Tom Kha present a launch party for the upcoming Contact, featuring Bristol grime, dubstep, and basement sounds from Asa and Sorrow.
14. Cursive: Black Anemones
New ensemble Cursive (Samantha Bosch on flute and Peter Nelson-King as a multi-instrumentalist) performs Black Anemones, a chamber recital featuring individualist masterworks by contemporary American composers Joseph Schwantner and Vivian Fine, all but forgotten Czech composer and pianist Erwin Schulhoff, and others.
15. A Drink For Vera
Support your favorite all-ages music and arts space by drinking a ton and throwing your money around. The Vera Project asks for your best liver, with their annual booze-infused fundraiser that contributes to their venue upkeep and programming. Join them at Linda’s Tavern on the 9th, St. John’s Bar & Eatery on the 10th, and Hilliard’s brewery on the 11th. Linda’s and St. John’s are 21+ but Hilliard’s is all-ages, and all events include live DJ sets and raffles, with live music at the brewery. (Through Saturday)
16. Hookers & Thieves: An Evening of Seattle’s History
Learn about Seattle’s sordid history at this event presented by Writers and Actors Reading and Performing (WARP) Theatre. (Through Saturday)
17. INGS, Ben Zaidi, Honey Noble
Mighty-O Donuts are included in the ticket price for this EP Release party for Seattle “lullaby rock” guitarist INGS’ Afterthought EP.
18. Newaxeyes, Grey Waves, Zen Mother, BOG, Chocolate Chuck, Kblanq
Seattle experimental electronic up-and-comers Newaxeyes blend ambient and alienating sounds to create noisy, grimy-yet-soothing textures. Their offbeat rhythm constructions can at times sound like a darker Oneohtrix Point Never, which is a serious compliment. BRITTNIE FULLER
19. Outdoor Movie Night: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Soak up the warm weather—or hide from the rain—at Peddler’s outdoor yet covered beer garden, where you can watch a movie while enjoying the great outdoors. (You can even bring your dog.) This Thursday, watch Ferris Bueller malinger to secure a day off from high school, which he spends joyriding in his father’s red sports car while taking in the sights and sounds of his hometown, Chicago—but the day must end eventually, and fucking around has its consequences.
20. Queer Fan Nights: A Nightmare on Elm Street 2
This screening of Nightmare on Elm Street 2, in which Freddy Krueger sets about possessing Mark Patton (played by Jesse Walsh), is also Queer Fan Night (part of pride month) with a happy hour before the show.
21. The Seattle FLOW Showcase
Seattle’s prop-based artists, dancers, and performers explore “flow,” using objects like hula hoops, poi, and contact balls.
22. Sorry
Thalia’s Umbrella presents this production of Sorry, one of Richard Nelson’s Apple Family plays that explore political themes through nostalgic, frustrating family arguments. This time, the Apples are up at 5 a.m. on the night of the 2012 general election.
23. Vashon Sheepdog Classic 2016
Join a crowd of thousands at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic, where you’ll have a chance to watch Border collies herd sheep through courses, as their handlers compete for cash and prizes. The Sheepdog Classic also promises diverse offerings like a “Fiber Arts Village,” sheep shearing and lamb butchery demonstrations, and an educational exhibit titled “The Story of Wool.” (Through Sunday)
24. Where No Man Has Gone Before
A fully improvised (and family-appropriate) parody of the Star Trek TV series, presented by Seattle Experimental Theatre in association with Theatre off Jackson. (Through Saturday)
25. Words for Rice: Prose and Poetry
An evening of poetry and storytelling featuring artists including Wancy Young Cho, Ramon Isao, and Arlene Kim, with hosts Martha Reyes, Michelle Peñaloza, and Jane Wong. They’ll provide free light appetizers, but donate as much as you can—their main goal is to raise money for the ACRS Food Bank in order to provide “nutritious, culturally familiar food to thousands in our community.”
26. Yoga in Westlake Park
Every other Thursday this summer, Hot Feet Fitness will lead free yoga sessions in Westlake Park.
FRIDAY
27. 1820: Virtuoso Guitar & Flute
John Schneiderman and Jeffrey Cohan perform works for acoustic guitar and flute, with the age-appropriate instrumentation of what was en vogue in 1820 among early 19th century flute-guitar duos.
28. Balkan Dance Party with the Bucharest Drinking Team
The Seattle Balkan Dancers host a big Balkan dance party, with live Eastern European music and a chance to throw down with the folk-punks of the Bucharest Drinking Team.
29. Behind the Blue Door
Regardless of who your favorite Doctor is, this Doctor Who-themed cabaret and burlesque performance should be a delight, with performances from Jesus La Pinga, Lady Drew Blood, and more. Just make sure not to blink, and at least consider wearing a bowtie. (Through Saturday)
30. Bootie Seattle: Madonna vs Lady Gaga
Seattle’s only all-mashup dance party, featuring DJs Schmolli and Adrian A, will spend Pride Month paying tribute to the first ladies of pop, Madonna and Lady GaGa.
31. Chantey Sing
Every second Friday, the Northwest Seaport, a maritime heritage preservation organization that has a floating fleet moored in South Lake Union Park, has “chantey sings,” when local groups sing maritime working and leisure songs aboard the ships. Participation in the singing is encouraged (but not required).
32. Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag
Run around Volunteer Park after sunset in this giant, ticketed game of capture the flag—which will include glow sticks!
33. Glazer’s PhotoFest
Get a sneak preview of Glazer’s new space (in their old location, with a shiny new building) at PhotoFest, which boasts a weekend-long bill of photography events including talks, workshops, interactive demonstrations, photo walks, and sales.
34. Jazz Intoxication
The first performance in the newly rehabilitated Washington Hall, Jazz Intoxication invites you to relive the first documented jazz performance in Washington State by local musicians, exactly 98 years later in the place where it all started, with an immersive theatre experience and dance party. Led by music director D’Vonne Lewis and joined by vocalist Josephine Howell, Industrial Revelation will recreate Ms. Lillian Smith’s Jazz Band. The production of Jazz Intoxication is directed by Tyrone Brown, with a script by Rachel Atkins, and produced by Hidmo, 206 Zulu, and HistoryLink in partnership.
35. 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 Saturday)
36. Rainbow Bingo
This event is technically bingo at a Senior Center, but it’s also a blast for queer people and allies of all (adult) ages. Tickets include dinner, 12 bingo games (offering “pandemonium” and some cash prizes), and performances by Stanley Alleyne Steel Drums and celebrated drag performer Sylvia O’Stayformore. They also encourage participants to “bling” it up and enter their costume contest. Proceeds will go towards the Southeast Seattle Senior Center.
37. Reel Queer Youth: Short Film Screenings
A screening of short films created during the Reel Queer Youth video production program for queer youth and allies.
38. School of Rock: Best of the ‘90s
Watch the tiny musical treasures of the future play the rock relics of the past, with School of Rock’s tribute to the best of ’90s music.
39. Sweet & Tender Hooligans
Fronted by Jose Maldonado, “The Mexican Morrissey,” the Sweet & Tender Hooligans have been covering material spanning Morrissey’s entire career, including early to recent solo work and the whole Smiths catalog, since 1992.
40. The Wake with DJs Gene Lee and Julie Herrera
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 6am. 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 at Fred Wildlife before you start your work day, and enjoy the beats from special guest DJs Gene Lee and Julie Herrera.
SATURDAY
41. 21st Annual Pug Gala
A gigantic pug party (you read that right!) with a slobbery kissing booth, vendors, races, contests, a raffle, and even a parade. This year, they’re highlighting adorable senior pugs.
42. Ball of Wax Vol. 44 Release Show
Celebrate the release of the 44th volume of the Ball of Wax Audio Quarterly, an “astoundingly diverse collection of tracks made exclusively with the human voice,” at this show that will feature performances (some of which are a cappella) from contributors including Mountains and Tunnels, Heather Duby, and Colin Isler.
43. Bollywood Beach Party
DJ RDX will be breaking out all their best Bollywood beats as you shake your bikini’d bod around the Contour dance floor. Beach Party theme encouraged, with drink specials and low-key summer vibes all night long.
44. Cairo: Last Daze
Little music & arts venue that could, Cairo, is finally closing its doors with their final event this Saturday. Stop by for a minute or stay all day, with live sets and visuals by Vats, Dude York, Gazebos, Great Spiders, Leena Joshi, Elissa Ball, USF, Luxserene, Grey Ellis, Raica, and Pamela Santiago, with a miraculous reunion of local favorites Wet Paint DMM, and a Free Witch Quarterly pop-up spot.
45. The Clown Show
Curated by Celeste Kean and Larry Reid in association with the Georgetown Carnival, The Clown Show offers magic, a clown bar, burlesque, a drag show, and art (both displayed and “interactive”) all rolled into one day of artsy weirdness, featuring local stars including Ron English, Marian Peck, Owen Smith, Kelly O, Extremo, and Doug Parry.
46. Dapper Down’s Pre-After Party
Celebrate Pride early with this after party for the Volunteer Park Pride Festival, thus making this the pre-after party for the actual Pride Parade. Enjoy a drag performance from Dapper Down, with beats by DJs Fred Eddison and Mixx America, and a discounted ticket (only $5) if you stop by Dapper Down’s booth during the festival.
47. Emblem3 with The Ready Set
Bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and musically inclined teenage trio Emblem3 takes the Neptune stage with The Ready Set.
48. Melanie Noel
This artist talk/lecture series organized by Hami Bohadori and Matt Bell promises a take on the intersection of commercial and academic art through a variety of forms of communication, from performances and presentations to lectures and “beneficial experiences.” This time, hear from Melanie Noel (The Monarchs) who “sometimes leads experiential workshops meant to invoke synesthesia and an altered sense of scale.”
49. National Marina Day
The National Marina Day celebration at Shilshole promises free water-based (or beach-based) activities including boat rides and kids’ sailing lessons, live music, a beer and wine garden, and kids’ activities.
50. NEON Art Party Fundraiser
See the large body of extremely varied work produced by Spaceworks Tacoma artists at this giant showcase (featuring music, dance, theater, art installations, a runway show, and readings) that also offers a silent auction, VIP perks, and food and drinks.
51. Prohibition Exhibition Burlesque Revue
Hosted by EmpeROAR Fabulous, Prohibition Exhibition promises to showcase the scantily-clad double-jointed talents of performers Coco Lectric, Zyra Lee Vanity, Lilith Moon, Bella Jovan, SpICE, Cheeky Diamondz, and The Lady B. Live music is provided by The Black Tones, featuring rapper Shakim and soloist Moonyeka. Shine up your pearls and go enjoy the cash bar.
52. Sexual Identity
Learn about sexual identities and how to live with yours in a world that isn’t always accepting at this workshop from the Center for Sex Positive Culture, which will be followed by a mixer.
53. Sisters and Brothers All-Day Show and BBQ
A full day of sloppy fun at Sisters and Brothers in Georgetown with the outdoor grill fired up all day and night, indoor brunch 11am-2pm, happy hour 2pm-4pm, normal restaurant dinner service 4pm-10pm, outside beer garden, and live music from Bread and Butter, Brain Drain, The Knast, and Stallion.
54. Slipknot with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice & Men
Relive your strange metalhead teen dreams by donning your best tongue piercing and heading down to White River Amphitheater for what will probably be a complete melee, with Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, and Of Mice & Men.
55. UW Botanic Gardens: Park in the Dark
Appreciate the beauty of the arboretum at night while also learning about nocturnal animals on this evening hike. (It’s designed for families with kids age 6-12, but everyone’s invited.)
56. Vaisakhi Mela 2016
Yes, technically Vaisakhi is a Punjabi harvest festival celebrating preparation of the field for the wheat crop, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be a massive live performance set and dance party. Vaisakhi 2016 at the Moore will have top Punjabi and Bollywood performers like Ammy Virk, Kulwinder Billa, Amrit Maan, Anmol Gagan Maan, and Baljit Kaur Johal.
57. World Ocean Weekend
Explore (and learn how to help preserve) the ocean at this weekend-long celebration at the Seattle Aquarium featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations, and performances about critters, creatures, conservation, and exploration. (Through Sunday)
58. Your Majesty, RLC, L Dot Hammond
Local lady MC and battle rapper Your MAGesty headlines a night of Seattle hop, including RLC and L Dot Hammond.
SUNDAY
59. Black Moon Market
A Pagan Marketplace featuring crystals, divination tools, jewelry, pottery, art, wearables, books, candles, body products, services, and more.
60. BobbyRock, Distant Station, and Guests
Following a successful career getting filmed to do nothing, Justin “Bobby” Brescia has taken on the next entertainment industry hurdle: professional musicianship. His new alt-punk outfit BobbyRock takes on Studio Seven this June with Distant Station, and guests.
61. BPA Chamber Series: Atmospheres & Carnivals
As the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center’s Chamber Series comes to a close, a program featuring Erik Satie’s Gymnopedies 1-3, Franz Liszt’s Nuages Gris and Die Trauergondel, and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals will be performed, with an additional surprise operatic aria, to be announced. This session shines a light on talented local musicians.
62. Breezy Manner with Scriptures and DJs Garrett Moors and Veins
Breezy Manner, a night of “psychedelic rock and electric funk from the far-flung corners of the world,” promises a live performance from Scriptures, featured DJ Garrett Moore of Midday Veil and Brain Fruit, and resident DJ Veins.
63. CBEAM Open House/Animal Expo 2016
Learn about exotic pets at this open house/animal expo, where you can tour the facility of The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine, attend presentations, meet unusual animals, and learn about specialty veterinary care. (Kids can even practice “Teddy Bear surgery.”)
64. The Freeze! Improv! Comedy!
The Ballard Underground’s monthly improv show brings together three local improv groups: Human Resources, Death & Taxes, and Fifty Percent Less Bear.
65. Furry 5K
Bring your furry friends to the Seattle Animal Shelter’s 17th Annual Furry 5K fun run and walk. After the race, stick around for “Pet-a-Palooza,” which will have vendor booths and “pet entertainment.”
66. Libation Foundations
Cast and style a set of cement coasters at this workshop, where you’ll also get a three-beer tasting flight and a tour of Counterbalance Brewing Company. All tools and materials (plus drinks) included in the ticket price.
67. Luna Park Street Market
Come to the Luna Park Street Market for food, drinks (cash bar), live art and music, and more, benefiting Seattle Pridefest.org and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – Abbey of St Joan.
68. Open Space Edition 6
A brief evening interlude of laying on the floor to contemplative music by candlelight, thanks to the dulcet tones of The Opiate Mass. BYOCushionsPillows&Blankets, doors are at 8pm, and be sure to silence your phones, shut your mouths, and take off those loud shoes you’re always wearing.
69. Opera on Tap: Game Night
Professional opera singers performing in one of Seattle’s most interesting tiki karaoke bars with a full set of improv games on deck: sounds like a recipe for entertainment.
70. Sunday Patio Party Series
Experience the new Timbre Room (adjacent to Kremwerk) at their new summer-exclusive Sunday afternoon dance party series with $1 beer specials, and sets by some of Seattle’s favorites, like De La Creme, Lady Miss Kier, and TUF. Today’s opening party will feature De La Creme.
71. Sunday Supper: Overcoming Seattle’s Fractured Geography
Over dinner, discuss Seattle’s geographic challenges and how they influence the city’s social/political organization. Also read Heidi Groover’s take on “Homelessness: The Solutions Dinner,” an earlier installment of The Cloud Room’s #GoldenRepair series.
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
