Our arts critics have already recommended 49 great things to do this week and our music critics have picked the 26 best concerts, but there are still hundreds more events happening. To prevent some of the quirkier and more extraordinary ones from slipping through the cracks, we’ve compiled them here—from the Seattle Immersive Theatre’s new, diabolical Moriarty Society show to a stoner show in which the performers are in “high spirits,” and from a concert featuring Bob Marley’s son to the reliably weird and wonderful Fremont Solstice Fair. For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
Never miss a post. Sign up for the Stranger Things To Do email newsletter now.
Jump to: Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
TUESDAY
1. The Bacon Brothers
Relive your strange dirty-white-tee attraction to Kevin Bacon 40-plus years in the making when he plays a twofer of gritty blues rock with his composer brother Michael tonight.
2. Hike the State
Six hiking experts will talk about 50 miles of their favorite trails—leave inspired to get outdoors (and with a long to-do list)!
3. John A. Liebert
Psychiatrist Dr. John Liebert (who specializes in complex neuropsychiatric problems) will read from his book, Psychiatric Criminology: A Roadmap for Rapid Assessment, about the need to better understand the psychiatric component behind violent crime.
4. Most Imaginative Bartender
Enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at this competition for “Most Imaginative Bartender” presented by the fancy blue gin Bombay Sapphire. Free with RSVP!
5. Poetry (Lusty)
Within the bones of the old Lusty Lady (now an ongoing art zone called “BrainFreeze”), writers, poets, and performers will expose themselves (figuratively, probably not literally) to you with their works of lust, love, sex, and God knows what else. Featured artists include DoNormaal, Elissa Ball, Leena Joshi, Kim Selling (The Stranger‘s Music Calendar Editor), Lauren Claire Ireland, Mathew Nichols, Katherine K. Ball, and Gabi Page-Fort. Free and BYOB, go get your sin on.
6. The Round #133
The 133rd edition of The Round features music and performances by Ayron Jones, Whitney Lyman, and Lizzie Weber. They’ll also have slam poet Rowen, and live painter Wolff Bowden, if music isn’t your thing.
7. Truman of St. Helens: The Man and His Mountain
Shirley Rosen tells the story of the man who wouldn’t budge during the eruption of Mount St. Helens.
WEDNESDAY
8. Harry Potter Trivia Night with Rainier Roller Girls
Show off your Harry Potter knowledge (the books, not the movies, duh) at this evening of trivia with the Rainier Roller Girls; teams can be up to five witches and wizards.
9. The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human
In conjunction with this multi-venue art exhibit about mental illness, there will be an artist talk featuring Michelle de la Vega.
10. Jared Garrett
Jared Garrett reads from his post-apocalyptic dystopian book Beat, featuring a world in which characters die if their heart rates go over 140 beats per minute.
11. Michelle de la Vega: Artist Talk
Artist Michelle de la Vega will speak about the impact of “social change art,” as part of the exhibit programming for The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human.
12. Seafair Festival Kickoff
Seafair 2016 kicks off with food vendors, knighting ceremonies, hydroplanes, and Seafair clowns and pirates.
13. Twist of Pride Film Festival
The second annual Twist of Pride Film Festival, a five-day festival that’s part of the large and varied Seattle Pride celebrations, presents a selection of queer-oriented films that include campy musicals, complicated dramas, and glamorous classics. See the complete lineup here.
THURSDAY
14. Captain Picard Day Art Show & Festival
In honor of Captain Picard Day (an annual event held aboard the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek that’s celebrated in real life on June 16), Destiny City Comics will have a special art show featuring “sinister art rebels” the C.L.A.W. (Cartoonist League of Absurd Washingtonians). There will be art for sale, contests, meet-and-greets with local artists, and prizes, and costumes are strongly encouraged. The art will be up through the end of the month.
15. Chris Kornelis
Journalist Chris Kornelis reads from his new book Rocking Fatherhood: The Dad-To-Be’s Guide to Staying Cool.
16. The Films of Kahlil Joseph
The Frye Art Museum presents a screening of films by Kahlil Joseph (who is featured in the excellent exhibit Young Blood), starting with his first feature, Reflektor Tapes, made with and about Arcade Fire. Then, after intermission, they’ll show four shorts, including m.A.A.D., Joseph’s video with Kendrick Lamar.
17. Icicle Creek Cultural Festival
This cultural festival’s central event is a naturalization ceremony with music, food, and drinks, which is followed by a concert featuring José Iñiguez and special guests including Opera & Bolero Tenor, the winners of the Wenatchee Multicultural contest, and Village Voices.
18. Margaret Willson: Seawomen of Iceland
Willson reads from her ethnographic narrative about maritime culture, the anthropology of work, Nordic life, and gender studies.
19. Meow Luau: Fine Wines & Felines
MEOW Cat Rescue’s 11th annual auction fundraiser, with a “tropical paradise” theme, offers plenty of alcohol (wine, beer, and a signature cocktail) in addition to games, a silent auction, a vegetarian buffet, and more.
20. The One-Act Fair Play Festival
Watch a series of new, original works (both dramatic and comedic) at the One-Act Fair Play Festival. Repeat attendees are in for a treat—there’s a different line-up of plays at every performance. (Through Saturday)
21. Outdoor Movie Night: Dodgeball
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 Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller deliver thousands of testicle puns in 2004 sports comedy Dodgeball.
22. Prince Memorial Night
Celebrate the legacy and love of Prince, with performances from Fly Moon Royalty, Breaks and Swells, Joe Gregory, The West, Sunder Heed, and more.
23. Seattle’s “Best Damn Happy Hour”
On the third Thursday of the month, “Seattle’s Best Damn Happy Hour” (their title) has live DJs, mini golf, board games, giant Jenga (TIMBERRRRR!), and deals on cocktails and food at the many places inside the Armory. This month, they’ll also have three mini golf holes and music from DJ Sharlese of KEXP.
24. Steve Lemme and Kevin Heffernan
See the comic minds behind films like Super Troopers and Beerfest, Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme, in an evening where “you’re guaranteed to see everything that’s funny about a fat man sharing a stage with a little bitty fella.” (Through Saturday)
25. TAM Art Maker Faire
The Tacoma Art Museum presents an evening of food, music, interactive programming, and “artful experiments” at this hands-on community event.
26. Wayne “The Train” Hancock
Wayne Hancock, who has apparently been called a “master of hillbilly swing” and “Hank Williams meets Gershwin,” will bring his “juke joint swing” to the Funhouse.
27. 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)
FRIDAY
28. Barbers and Brews
Celebrate the opening of a new location of Rudy’s (their first venue to serve beer!!) with—you guessed it—beer, plus convenient haircuts, pizza from Sizzle Pie, and hats and jackets for sale from Ebbets Field Flannels.
29. Cherry Glazerr: Slave to the Glaze Tour
Like their name might suggest, Cherry Glazerr’s music is sweet, but in a slightly cloudy way. The LA trio may be young—guitarist/vocalist Clementine Creevy and drummer Hannah Uribe are 18 and very nearly out of high school, bassist Sean Redman is 24—but there is a refreshing rawness where you may expect cute. Their song “Teenage Girl” nails the female coming-of-age experience with wry critique; “Had Ten Dollaz” is an endlessly catchy, gritty pop jam. Even their early ode to grilled cheese sandwiches is intriguing in its sparse, airy dissonance.
30. Fremont Solstice Fair
Celebrate summer at the Fremont Solstice Fair, an event known primarily for its elaborately painted (and sometimes just wild ‘n’ free) nude bicyclists—but also offering tons of food, crafts, activities, performances, great people-watching, and a beer garden. This year, they’re promising the main Saturday parade, plus a “Dog Day” (with a second parade!) on Sunday. (Through Sunday)
31. Heart Shaped Boxes, Another Perfect Crime, Ira’s Glasses
All-lady Nirvana tribute group Heart Shaped Boxes rocks and rolls with Another Perfect Crime and Ira’s Glasses by their side.
32. Justin Timberlake vs. Justin Bieber
The Justin you choose will say something about you, but what? JT is suave. He’s great. He’s so great that it’s a little suspicious. He’s even almost so great that he’s above suspicion, which is very suspicious, indeed. And then you’ve got the Beeb. The man with no control valve. The man who will say or do just about anything uningratiating any moment. He is so tragic that he’s a little lovable again. We know she’s not really hitting your phone up, Bieberlove. You don’t have to try so hard. And Timberlake, try a little harder. Let the competition begin. JEN GRAVES
33. Mac Sabbath, Toe Tag, Rondle McFondle and the Wreckless Freeks
Inexplicable Ronald McDonald franchise character-shrouds come together with Black Sabbath covers in Mac Sabbath (the members of which are named Ronald Osborne, Slayer Mac Cheeze, Grimalice, and the Cat Burglar, respectively), and they’ll be playing a rowdy metal set with Toe Tag, and Rondle McFondle and the Wreckless Freeks at El Corazon.
34. Mamma’s Birthday Exxxtravaganza: Purple Mane, Cascade 10, The Ringers
Celebrate local booker Mamma Cave with this birthday extravaganza, featuring Prince tribute band Purple Mane, Cascade 10, and the Ringers.
35. The Moriarty Society
Wear your best villainous costume for this booze-soaked night of theatrical, immersive improvisation, in which teams of super-villains will compete for audience support and votes for their favorite mischievous, diabolical plans. (Through Saturday)
36. Mr. Vegas
International reggae and dancehall artist Mr. Vegas brings his “Real Dancehall Tour” all the way to Seattle from Kingston, Jamaica.
37. Northwest Seafood Fest
An eight-course dinner (heavy on the seafood) by chef Derek Shankland, featuring oyster shooters, sea scallops, smoked mussel salad, and more.
38. Pole Fitness Seattle Student Recital
Students at Pole Fitness Seattle will show off what they’ve learned as they perform on both pole and lyra.
39. Psy Ops: Fractal Fridays
Psy Ops, in its third iteration as Fractal Fridays, provides psychedelic dance music from top artists and DJs for what promises to be an otherworldly experience, with featured sets from Smoke Sign, Brian Enoch, Red Echo, and Dronoid, and visuals by Psychedelic Television.
40. The Seattle Process with Brett Hamil
Described as “Seattle’s only intentionally funny talk show” and “a mudpie lobbed into the halls of power,” The Seattle Process with Brett Hamil offers politics, exasperation, information, and comedy.
41. SIN: Daniel Graves of Aesthetic Perfection
Kremwerk’s recurring DJ night SIN features fetish performances, drinks, and dancing. Tonight’s edition features the talents of Daniel Graves from Aesthetic Perfection.
42. Stephen “Ragga” Marley
The winding road of musical history is paved with the sons and daughters of icons, who (often through nepotism, sometimes with talent) gave a shot at their own careers, never to step out from the shadow of their legendary parents (see: Sean Lennon, that poor so-and-so). What sets reggae icon Bob Marley’s brood apart is their undeniable hit-making abilities: Damian’s blistering ‘Welcome to Jamrock’ was pretty much inescapable the summer it was released, and Stephen’s a Grammy-winning, critically lauded artist in his own right. His is a dressed-up, omnivorous take on reggae, incorporating hiphop drum breaks, record scratches, and pop-leaning female backup singers, along with the requisite mentions of Jah. It’s sort of a globalized, millennial take on reggae, and while it lacks the rootsy charm of his father’s classic records, it’s nice to see the Marley clan doing their own thing and doing it well. KYLE FLECK
43. Tuning Up!: Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue
Experience the full musical spectrum of true American rhapsody as star-spangled composers work to capture the essence of their homeland: jazz and ragtime, patriotic songs and quirky tunes, and stolen sounds from urban environments.
44. Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival
Bluegrass is still a thing and people seem to really get into it, so every third weekend in June the good people of the Wenatchee River Valley throw their annual Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival. What started as a local event is now a regional attraction, with some of the PNW’s finest bluegrass musicians headlining, and a beautiful woodland campground to play around in for the weekend. (Through Sunday)
45. Zorch Radio’s Psychobilly Brawl
Zorch Radio’s annual Psychobilly Brawl is a complete free-for-all every year, with guitars shrieking, drums thumping, and high-energy weirdos dancing to the tunes provided by the stacked line-up of The Rocketz, The Quaranteds, Hard Money Saints, Steady Teddy and the K-Train Babies, The Reopen, Raw Dogs, Tin Foil Cat, and Mean Street Meanie.
SATURDAY
46. ‘80s Invasion!
Take off your Clubmasters and get a good look at the biggest ’80s music fanatics in town: 80’s Invasion. They’re an ’80s cover band, and they’re not afraid to tell you all about it, or sing a few songs to describe their constant nostalgia.
47. Alaska Airlines Rock ‘N’ Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
Tackle an 8k run, half marathon, or marathon, accompanied by the sounds of motivating rock n’ roll, played live by bands at a variety of stages at various points on the course—including headliner The New Pornographers at the finish line.
48. The Amazing Tour is Not On Fire
This theatrical stage show, featuring Dan Howell and Phil Lester of hit BBC 1 show Dan and Phil, promises “hilarious anecdotes, sketches, lots of audience interaction we’ll probably regret, a loose story tying it all together and some surprises you’ll never see coming.”
49. Another Big Day: Rare Images from the George Gulacsik Space Needle Collection
Esteemed Seattle editor, writer, and journalist Knute Berger will speak about the highlights of the George Gulacsik Space Needle Photograph Collection, a series of previously undisplayed historical photographs of the construction of the Space Needle that can now be seen at the Needle and online.
50. Charity of Love Concert
As a fundraiser for the Kin On Health Care Center Expansion Project, MeydenBauer Center will host the Charity of Love Concert, which features the Seattle Luck Ngi Musical Club and Seattle Ensemble of Songs and Dances in live performance. Enjoy a display of traditional Chinese music and dance ensemble pieces, including Cantonese opera classics.
51. Desiree Siegfried-Hartsock: My Fairytale Wedding
Meet Desiree Siegfried-Hartsock, star of ABC’s The Bachelorette, at this ticketed signing event about amazing weddings on a budget.
52. Destiny City Freakycon 2
Head to Tacoma for this second annual convention for local games, comics, and horror. The “ghastly group of guests” includes game developer October Games, ghost experts from Tacoma Ghost Tours, vampire and zombie fiction creators Alucard Press, and Bellingham comics company Space Goat Publishing.
53. Everett Punk Ska Luau
In what will surely be a total free-for-all, nine ska and punk bands are getting together at Tony V’s in Everett for a Punk Ska Luau, featuring the Georgetown Orbits, 13 Scars, Skablins, The Omega Moo, Raw Dogs, Monobosco, Bad Kaola, Echo Shot, and Kendra Carson.
54. The Green Show
Come to the Atlas Theatre in “high spirits” (no smoking or vaping allowed inside) to enjoy this 21+ improv comedy show by, about, and for people who are thoroughly stoned.
55. HONK! Fest West
HONK! Fest West is the annual festival of 25+ street bands that migrate together around the city for a few days in a family-friendly manner. (Through Sunday)
56. Living Voices: Klondike
A live theatrical performance coupled with archival film, depicting one woman’s experience as she embarks on the Klondike Gold Rush.
57. LUCO: Season Finale Concert
Lake Union Civic Orchestra presents the big blowout for their 2015/2016 season with Circus Polka by Igor Stravinsky (apparently a ballet ode to dancing elephants), and Cello Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 8 by Dmitri Shostakovich. Christophe Chagnard is at the helm as conductor, with featured cellist Michael Center.
58. Matinee Cabaret
In the newest show from Can Can, which starts today, you’ll get a taste of the Pike Place Market from a comfortable seat in Can Can, where they’ll bring entertainment (dance, camp, high-kicks), seedy stories, and delicious food right to you. (Through Oct 10)
59. Moira Weigel
Moira Weigel reads from Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating, about modern romance, “sexual freelancers,” and the constant “death of dating.”
60. Next Step
A one-night-only Pacific Northwest Ballet performance featuring six collaborative works by Kyle Davis, Stephen Loch, Sarah Pasch, Miles Pertl, Matthew Renko and Ezra Thomson and the Professional Division students.
61. Olympic Airshow
During the 18th annual Olympic Airshow, hosted by the Olympic Flight Museum, there will be performances from a variety of aircraft (including Vietnam helicopters, an AH-1 Cobra, and an F8F-2A Bearcat), heritage aircraft from the museum’s collection on display, and opening ceremonies at noon. (Through Sunday)
62. Patrick Sexton: Some Things
Patrick Sexton will tape “posters & illustrations & graphics & things” to the walls of Jigsaw Records, accompanied by music from pitschouse, plus snacks and soda.
63. School of Rock: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Watch the tiny musical treasures of the future play the confusingly pop-ska-rock relics of the past, with School of Rock’s tribute to the hard living Californicators, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
64. Seattle Works Day
More than 1,000 people will fill nonprofits, schools, and parks to help out and show their gratitude on Seattle Works Day, a community effort that promises good deeds and good karma at a variety of local venues.
65. Solstice All-Day Party with Marmalade and DBST
Start partying early (11 am!) before the Solstice parade, with music by Marmalade and DBST, and dance vibes curated by DJs Indica Jones and Chilly for the Fremont Solstice Parade. Good news: there will be a Bloody Mary bar.
66. Wild Nearby Opening Day Trails and Camping Expo
Aspiring/active adventurers and mountaineers, check out Wild Nearby (an exhibit highlighting the beauty of the North Cascades), hear talks about hiking and navigation, and participate in activities ranging from tent expos to walking up to (mounted) bears at this day-long celebration of the wilderness close to home.
SUNDAY
67. All Around You: 20th Seattle International Festival of Improv
Improvisors from around the world will come to Seattle to participate in the 20th Seattle International Festival of Improv, with more than 10 themed performances throughout the week featuring both locals and guests. (Through June 28)
68. The Ballard Boyz Present: Variety Hour!
A very silly variety hour (spoofs, goofs, and shenanigans) with The Ballard Boyz, featuring performers including Maddie Downes, The Seattleites (Natalie Holt and Timmy Booth), SNAX, Henry Russell Stoddard, and Hunter Hill.
69. Daddy Issues: A Night To Forget
Work through your issues with your dad without your dad, but with a lot of booze, non-father-approved tunes, and the smiling faces of DJs RightTernes and Chambur$$ this Father’s Day.
70. Early Music Underground: Father’s Day Music By Priests and a Mother Superior
It’s a proven fact that dads love religious traditions and drinking, so bring your pops to Northwest Cellars this Father’s Day for a production of music composed by priests (and a mother superior), including Vivaldi’s La Folia and works by Leonarda, Bonporti, Zipoli, and Nebra. The featured performers include San Francisco-based baroque violinists Aaron Westman and Anna Washburn with harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky. All this olde tyme music is paired with a tasting of five of Northwest Cellars’ wines — you get both the concert and the wine tasting for $20.
71. Father’s Day German Feast
A german feast with Eisbein (“Dad’s own personal ham!”), smashed potatoes, sauerkraut and mustards, plus a special cocktail (Weissen-sauer) and beer flights. The background: “Traditionally, in German villages, fathers were carried in wooden carts to the village’s plaza where the mayor would award a big piece of ham to the father who had the most children.”
72. A Grand Little Festival in Celebration of: Summer Solstice, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day
Somehow managing to celebrate Juneteenth, Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice all in one festival, the Dragon’s Egg Inn is throwing a free all-ages bacchanalia at Lincoln Park. All day you’ll have access to a BBQ, DJs and live music, art performances, a Juneteenth-themed Afrofuturist space jam, pop-up artisan market, intergenerational theatre games, face painting, balloon creation, an open mic, and more, all in a magical forested setting.
73. Match Game: Oh Daddy!
Match Game unleashes Oh Daddy!, their pre-Pride extravaganza show, featuring performances by Gaydolf Hitler, Skipper Period, Monikkie Shame, Nelson Heston Riley, Buck Reynolds Chippendale, Vincent Drambuie, and Waxie Moon.
74. Pride Prefunk
Poco is cracking open the bottles for their annual pre-Pride Prefunk celebration with live music from DJ Skiddle, a summer tasting menu for $20, and some new cocktail concoctions just for this occasion.
75. Ten Tiny Dances
Be impressed by smallness and restraint at Ten Tiny Dances, which features a line-up of performers each dancing on a stage no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet. They’ll also have a raffle and silent auction; all proceeds from the event will go towards MLKBallet’s scholarship fund at Tacoma City Ballet.
76. The Wild Geese Players Present Readings from James Joyce’s Ulysses
In honor of Bloomsday, a celebration of the life of James Joyce that takes its name from Ulysses protagonist Leopold Bloom and is officially held on June 16, The Wild Geese Players (who have been staging readings of Irish literature in Seattle since 1998) will read parts of Ulysses. As they say, “Chapters 3 (‘Proteus’) and 6 (‘Hades’) will be interwoven to highlight the parallel journeys of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Daedalus during the novel’s eleven o’clock hour.”
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
