There is no shortage of critically recommended events this week in Seattle—Stranger arts critics have recommended the 29 best things to do, and Stranger music critics have recommended the 25 best concerts and 15 best bands at Capitol Hill Block Party. But even so, there are still hundreds of other events happening this week that are listed on our complete Things To Do calendar. To prevent some of the quirkier and more extraordinary ones from slipping through the cracks, we’ve compiled them here—from SantaCon in July and the Seattle Retro Gaming Expo to Drunk, High, and Questionable Advice and an encore of the Seattle Immersive Theatre’s Pokemon Go safari.
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TUESDAY
1. Anu Partanen: The Nordic Theory of Everything
Finnish journalist Anu Partanen will read from The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life, the idea for which started with an article in The Atlantic that compared life in Scandinavia and life in the United States.
2. Dancing til Dusk 2016
DTD is fourteen sweet summer evenings of free live music, dancing, and dance lessons (if you’re feeling a little rusty), in various parks across town, culminating in a community fundraiser and party on August 30th. Tonight’s edition will be in Westlake Park.
3. James Durbin
Santa Cruz hometown hero and American Idol contestant James Durbin brings his singer-songwriter vibes and pop rock drive back home, with Dire Fire.
4. Nerd Nite Seattle: Lasers and Labradors
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at this edition of Nerd Nite, which will feature two talks: “Black Hole Collisions with LIGO” by Joey Key, and “See Spot Evolve: How Domestication Made Dogs Homo Sapien’s Best Friend” by Polly Membrino.
5. Safe Shape/KNOW US: Living and Dying with Substance Use
This three-part evening will start with exploring the Safe Shape exhibit, a “mock supervised consumption space,” modeled on the strategy previously discussed in The Stranger, follow with a screening of the short documentary Everywhere But Safe: Public Injecting in New York, and conclude with a panel discussion.
6. SOSea Self Defense Active Shooter Training
Social Outreach Seattle will spread its knowledge of safety, self defense, and de-escalation within the context of active shooter training in a workshop at Neighbors. Show up, and get ready to learn.
7. Trivia Tuesday: The Return of The Office
Dust off your Michael Scott knowledge and compete against The Office experts. This spin on the classic Tuesday night trivia will have you saying “that’s what she said.”
WEDNESDAY
8. Aesthetic Mess
Post-punk synth mutant minimal wave freaks DJ Jermaine and DJ Goo Goo get it going real weird at Chop Suey. This iteration features guest DJs FiFi LaRoux and Squash Blossom (aka Brittnie Fuller, longtime Stranger contributor).
9. BIG BLDG Party: Spirit Award, Happy Times Sad Times, Plum, Antonioni
If a free show won’t get you to West Seattle, what will? Local buds Spirit Award, Happy Times Sad Times, and Antonioni with Denver cuties Plum take the Moon stage at BIG BLDG for a night of raucous, freeway under ramp kind of fun.
10. Celebrity Chef Intergalactic Smackdown!
Nothing like a good competition to work up an appetite! Watch Seattle’s top chefs Ethan Stowell, Maria Hines, Joshua Henderson, and Eric Tanaka whip up some tasty food to be judged by kids.
11. David Lynch Movie Night
To celebrate the 2017 arrival of new episodes of the dark, dramatic, funny series Twin Peaks (set in Washington state), watch Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me: a movie prequel to the acclaimed series.
12. Estranged Sensation
A semi-recent sonic lovechild of resident DJs Degenerate and Veins, Estranged Sensation is a night of alien electronica spiritualism, pulling away your senses to reveal many levels of possibility for multi-media and multi-sensory experimentation. Expect a celebration of all things on the fringe—with an olfactory corona of hovering essential oils. Featured artists at this iteration of Estranged Sensation include Nordra, and Nico Sophiea and Darb Aduor as Father Daughter, providing visuals for the evening.
13. Freeway Park Yoga
Take a free outdoor yoga class at Freeway Park, with instruction by the WAC (Washington Athletic Club). They also offer Zumba on Monday afternoons.
14. Imbalanced, Oxygen Destroyer, Dilapidation
Blistering technical death metal enthusiasts Imbalanced share the Funhouse stage with Oxygen Destroyer and Dilapidation.
15. MovieCat Trivia Night
Complete challenges based on audio clips, “cleverly edited movie clips,” and more at this trivia night organized by MovieCat. “Meowvies Meowvies Meowvies!”
16. Pokemon Go! Safari Encore
Stay safe in your Pokemon Go-ing with this Pokemon Go meet up. If you haven’t already engulfed yourself in the Pokemon world, do so here with Pokemon-themed cocktails, live music from the Seattle Video Game Orchestra and Choir, cosplay, and plenty of Pokemon to catch.
17. Screenagers
Rainier Arts Center and Magic Lantern Montessori will show the documentary Screenagers: a personal and cultural take on kids’ relationships with technology.
18. Two Joke Minimum
At this comedy showcase that exists in order to “protest weekdays and celebrate laughter,” local comedians Scott Losse, Lisa Wallen, Josh Firestine, and Patrick Higgins will perform part of a set, then drink a few beers, and then continue their set.
THURSDAY
19. Architecture 101 Tour: Windows on Seattle’s Style
Tour downtown with the Seattle Architecture Foundation, and learn about the design elements of buildings like the Financial Center, the Plymouth Congregational Church, and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
20. Cocktail Culture: the center of the room
Northwest Woodworkers Gallery presents this exhibit featuring inventive cocktail tables; the opening reception offers special hand-crafted cocktails to go with the furniture.
21. Damon Wayans Jr
Movie and television star Damon Wayans Jr. (Let’s Be Cops, New Girl, Happy Endings, and much more) will spew funny words from his dashing face. (Through Saturday)
22. Debauchery
Debauchery is all about queers stripping for queers, but open to interpretation. Support sweaty, anti-oppression spaces and raise money for organizations that serve the queer community by showing up and getting ready to whip out your singles.
23. Earshot Series: Jazz, The 2nd Century
Jazz: The 2nd Century is a long-standing program by Earshot Jazz that invites Seattle musicians to creatively consider the future of jazz, and what that could look like, in resulting performative interpretations. Each night showcases original compositions by Seattle artists, and is curated by different peer groups within our local music community through a blind jury process from responses to a general call for submissions. Tonight, the third in the series, will feature ACMD and Hunter Gather.
24. Golden Silence: The Score Feels
This screening of a film by Astro King Phoenix about young creatives in Seattle will be accompanied by a live score performed by artists including Astro King Phoenix, DoNormaal, Sendai Mike, Dex Amora, J-Nasty, and Hansmjustin.
25. History Café with Judy Bentley
Judy Bentley, author of Walking Washington’s History: Ten Cities and Hiking Washington’s History, will talk about her book, which showcases the state’s history though guided walks in cities including Seattle, Vancouver, and Bellevue.
26. The Journal
Seattle Experimental Theater returns with a new version of their improvised romantic comedy The Journal (inspired by the work of super-famous romance writer Nicholas Sparks) with returning cast members including Cheryl Platz, Wayne Pishue, and Daryl Ducharme, and new additions Lauren Bond, Marc Guy, and Aditya Sriram. (Through Saturday)
27. Night Blow
Music, food, and glass blowing. What more could you want? Watch an enthralling glassmaking demonstration while listening to music by Soundabout DJ. There will also be a live performance by IGNITION fire troupe.
28. Summer at SAM: Dog Night
Take your dog to enjoy art on a Thursday evening in summer—or just spend quality time with the pooch while you enjoy outdoor art tours, nosh on fare from food trucks, listen to the band Ephrata, and work on art projects including DIY denim dog toys and block print bandanas.
29. Summer Formal
Dance out your overcast Seattle summer blues at Lo-Fi’s Summer Formal, with live sets by Prom Queen, Normandie Wilson & The Joyelles, and The Gin Joints to get you moving. Don’t be afraid to break out your formal wear—there will be copious photo backdrops for you to choose from.
30. Yo Yo Yoga: Thursdays on the Deck with Audrey Dohm and Recess
Yo Yo Yoga is back and better than ever, with a special event on the roof deck of the Monkey Loft every Thursday night til September. Join instructor Audrey Dohm for a 90-minute yoga flow with a live DJ set by Recess. The unofficial series theme is “Summertime” so get ready to emerge from your apartment hibernation and stretch out into this season’s sunshine.
FRIDAY
31. Bat City Anti-Block Party
The Anti-Block Party is here and ready to peel back your ear drums. Consider this the darker, cheaper, more Eastlake-y alternative to the Capitol Hill Block Party. Expect a buckwild lineup of live acts and DJs spanning over three days at both LoFi and Victory Lounge. (Through Sunday)
32. Buck Naked: The Buckaroos at the Triple Door
Celebrate “National Day of the Cowboy” with The Buckaroos, who’ll present a funny, sexy male revue teeming with machismo. (Through Saturday)
33. Capitol Hill Sebastian Bach Party
Escape the specific fervor of Capitol Hill Block Party with this tribute to Sebastian Bach that has nothing to do with Sebastian Bach, a block away from the Pike/Pine Hellmouth. Enjoy three free days of local bands thrashing out their overcast summer energies, with sets by Beverly Crusher, Weeed, Ramona, Gang Cult, and many more, with DJ sets in the evening. If you really want to help, bring a few canned food donations. (Through Sunday)
34. Colombia: Rumbon de Independencia
Celebrate the many years of Colombia’s independence with a night of dancing to Colombian music, with DJs Biaco, Maki, and guests at the helm. Also, empanadas are on the menu, so get there early for the good stuff.
35. CompArte
Join together with CompArte as they sustain an entire day of acts of resistance and solidarity through creative works at the Station, with DJs, food, graffiti and live painting, visual narratives, a video booth with vignettes by aboriginal peoples, and performances from many community members.
36. Desert Hearts with Guests
Desert Hearts presents the Endless Summer Tour of their festival-collective-deep-house ideals, featuring Deep Jesus, Lee Reynolds, Mikey Lion, Marbs, and Porkchop.
37. Gotta Catch Em All
This rave offers a Pokémon cosplay costume contest. Party and geek your brains out.
38. Moonshine Bandits, Justice Creek, Bobby Evens
In a rare Northwest appearance, Moonshine Bandits will take over Uncle Sam’s, with Justice Creek and Bobby Evens, in a virulent display of patriotic country rap.
39. Post Rapture Party: Second Halloween
Post Rapture Party has a new album to release, so in celebration they’ll be throwing a second Halloween (or, Halloween in July). They’re going to play two live sets out of the goodness of their spooky hearts, and Morgue Anne will present some staged burlesque, with what is sure to be a very competitive costume contest, so show up in your goriest, most psychologically thrilling best.
40. Rave Cave
Rave Cave started as a small house party collective and has grown into a massive who-knows-what that will feature Lomaximus, Sudosin, El Jefe, DMISE, and LØSH for a night of dancing, sweating, and blinking at strobe lights.
41. R.O.L.L.
Slim’s is hosting a fundraiser to Rock Out (Against) Lukemia and Lymphoma, with a whole night of rock and roll, featuring Demolition Kings, Anti-Hero, Los Morries, Nurse Ratchet, Baby & the Nobodies, and Severhead.
42. Seattle Secrets
Improvisers explore anonymously submitted audience secrets in this comedy/drama amalgam.
43. SIN: DJs Shane and Eyktan
This recurring DJ will feature fetish performances, drink specials, dancing, and the talents of DJs Shane and Eyktan, spinning the best of EBM and Industrial.
44. Sin in Linen Pillow Party
As part of Babeland’s Customer Appreciation Month, they’ll have complimentary bubbly and sex tips, and local linen business Sin In Linen will have discounts on their products so you can create the “ultimate sex sanctuary in your boudoir.” Plus, one winner will go home with a vulva print pillowcase.
45. Sinner Saint Burlesque’s 10th Anniversary Reunion Spectacular
Over the last 10 years, burlesque troupe (or, as they’d prefer to be called, institution) Sinner Saint has performed in every major venue in Seattle, toured the country and the world, and included on its roster most of the city’s burlesque performers. For their anniversary, Sinner Saint will have an anniversary show featuring past co-stars, memories, and “fabulous, glittery strip-tease.”
46. Spring Awakening
Basement Theatrics presents this production of Spring Awakening, the intense (and intensely catchy) rock musical that impressed and scandalized Broadway. (Through July 31)
47. Squall — Noise Happy Hour
Enjoy your post-work pre-social life cocktails with a backdrop of noise and drone music in the sonic dungeons of Kremwerk, with music by Red Alder, Rainbow Wolves, Abraham Moses, and DJ Maire.
48. West Seattle Rock Party
For three years running, Skylark hosts the West Seattle Rock Party. This year features Stereo Creeps, Infinite Flux, In The Valley, Das Vulture, We Are Not Mel Torme, The Grindylow, The Deadrones, The Finger Guns, Mulder, It’s Me, and This Definite Sky.
49. Zoobilee Gala & Twilight Stroll
Take a stroll in the zoo to support the conservation of your favorite creatures. Those who buy tickets to the Gala Reception can enjoy a delicious dinner and participate in a fun auction. All proceeds go to the animals!
SATURDAY
50. ‘80s vs ‘90s with DJ Indica Jones
Celebrate the music from two great decades with local talent DJ Indica Jones, and six secret special guests.
51. Beer + Yoga
Lizzie Braicks of Breathe Hot Yoga will lead an hour-long, all-levels yoga practice, which will be followed by socializing with your peers over a 12-ounce pour of an Optimism beer.
52. Celebrating Peru with Cambalache 2016
Celebrate the many years of Peru’s independence with live music from two Peruvian bands, dance performances, and specially prepared Peruvian food and drinks.
53. CitySolve Urban Race
Looking to exercise your body and mind? Enlist your squad for this citywide scavenger hunt. This event is the love child of the Amazing Race and your favorite pub trivia night. Grab your running shoes and your knowledge of pop culture and hit the town.
54. Drunk, High and Questionable Advice
You will ask questions and seek advice for problems. A group of drunk, high and questionable people (Ian Schuelke, Jennifer Cargill, Phoebe Amanda Richards and Weedini – The Marijuana Magician) will dole out their opinions, then a team of improvisers (Cory Guebels, Samantha Demboski, Gregor S Hartley II, Randall Cleveland and Erin Plischke) will act out the potential consequences of that dubious advice. Hosted by Anthony Apodaca.
55. Float Dodger 5K
Run down a car-free West Seattle’s main California Ave SW, cheered on by thousands of people while trying to outrun the parade floats from the West Seattle Grand Parade.
56. The Gay Uncle presents The Good Life
Jeffrey Robert from The Gay Uncle Time hosts this evening celebrating all of the good things in life; look forward to songs, stories, poems, and tips performed by David Johnson, Kent L. Whipple, Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor, Rick R. Reed, Ron Bryan, Jianda Monique, and Lori A. May.
57. The Great Inflatable Race
This fun run in Issaquah is billed as the “wackiest, craziest and bounciest obstacle fun run to hit the nation,” and will have giant, inflatable obstacles and slides spread throughout the course. For an extra $5, you can also attempt to take on the “big red balls” obstacle (as seen on the TV show Wipeout).
58. Grunge Bob
Experience grunge a second time around with this tribute to all things unwashed and reeking of the ’90s. Musicians Lynn Sorensen, Manuel Morais, Jeff Mills, and Jon Memolo will give it up to the most high: Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and, of course, Nirvana.
59. Museum of Special Art Grand Opening
Celebrate the opening of the brand-new Museum of Special Art, whose premiere exhibit, Heartfelt Possibilities, features artwork made by people with disabilities.
60. NW SolarFest Sustainable Living Fair
Free entry and free parking are offered at NW SolarFest, a day-long celebration of solar power with highlights including workshops, a trash fashion show, the Seattle Barter Fair, a raffle fundraiser, food, and live music.
61. Outdoor Trek: Space Seed
This outdoor theater performance, presented by Outdoor Trek, revolves around the discovery of a race of frozen superhumans floating in space. (Through Sunday)
62. Project 42 Presents: Pro Wrestling and Live Music
Celebrate the resurgence of pro wrestling as a viable form of adult entertainment, with performances from artists to be announced (but probably somebody wild).
63. Puget Soundtrack: Lazer Kitty presents Legend
Puget Soundtrack, presented by Northwest Film Forum, invites musicians to create a live score for a film of their own choosing. This time, the band Lazer Kitty will perform an original soundtrack to Ridley Scott’s classic children’s fable Legend.
64. Red Rubber Showdown Kickball Tournament
The Underdog Sports Leagues present their annual Kickball tournament, the Red Rubber Showdown, promising “50+ kickball teams, multiple party buses, several sponsor bars, modified team t-shirts, boomboxes, people dressed as robots/pandas/gorillas/aliens, 3 divisions, countless stories.”
65. Renegade Craft Fair
Renegade Craft Fair returns to Magnuson Park for the second year, bringing along more than 150 makers selling their wares, DIY workshops, food and drinks, a raffle for a goodie bag full of $1000 worth RCF goods, and more special events. (Through Sunday)
66. SantaCon in July
Dust off your Santa beards and fully embrace the not-so-summery weather. The gathering starts in the Baltic Room at noon, and Santas will continue through locations like Fadó and Kells. Not dressing up puts you on the naughty list, so come prepared.
67. Seattle Opera Summer Fest
Join Seattle Opera for their free all-ages Summer Fest, a preview event of their upcoming season at McCaw Hall. This community open house includes live music, interactive demonstrations, costume displays, and more.
68. Seattle Retro Gaming Expo
The Northwest Classic Gaming Enthusiasts are bringing the Seattle Retro Gaming Expo back with a variety of vendors (The Bit Planes, Retro Game and Toy Exchange, Super Smash Games, and many, many more!), panels, and guest speakers. Join a network of gamers and classics lovers in this two-day expo. (Through Sunday)
69. Sexy Stich N’ Bitch with Urban Craft Uprising
Bring materials to craft at this workshop (with free bubbly and treats by Hello Robin) then enjoy 10% off shopping at Babeland. The first five attendees will get “goodies to try at home.”
70. Shame Spiral
DJs Witchell Smell and Mixed Feelings provide musical catharsis for all that shame weighing you down with plenty of moody goth vibes.
71. Summer at SAM: Family Field Day
Bring the kiddos for a day of outdoor yoga, performances (including family band Pig Snout), and workshops where you can make items from “communal hive quilts” to environmentally conscious necklaces. There will also be food trucks, and many activities (including “make your own jet grout columns” and “color your own mini paper skateboard deck”) presented by community partners.
72. Summer Beer Taste Olympics
Try ten samples from more than 20 local microbreweries at the “Beer Olympics,” which (as you’d expect) promises games, as well as pub snacks and brats.
73. Vampire Club Helsing
Vampire Club Helsing (“an evening of darkness and decadence”) features DJs Hana Solo and Reptile House, as well as a vampire horror reading with author Michael Montoure. “Humans are permitted to attend, but at their own risk.”
74. Wine on the Rock
Spend the weekend on Bainbridge Island and indulge in two days of wine, music, and food. One $30 ticket gets you wine tastings in seven local wineries, delicious bites that complement the wine, and live music at each winery. (Through Sunday)
SUNDAY
75. Burning Beast 2016
About this annual whole-animal feast/bacchanal, Angela Garbes writes: “The event, which pairs a number of local chefs with large amounts of an animal’s meat to cook over open flames, culminates in a large wooden beast being set aflame in a field….A few of the meat-and-chef pairings that look particularly good this year: beef tongue cooked by Miles James (formerly of Dot’s), goat cooked by Jason Stoneburner (Stoneburner, Bastille), pig by (James Beard Best Chef Northwest nominee) Mike Easton of Il Corvo, lamb by Stateside’s Eric Johnson, and giant octopus (!!) by Piatti’s Dylan Giordan.”
76. Charred Block Life: Burn a Design onto a Cutting Board
Modern Whichcraft hosts this workshop at Urban Family Brewing, where you’ll learn how to create pretty patterns in a cutting board with wood burning tools. Your ticket also includes a tour of the brewery and a three beer tasting flight!
77. Opera on Tap: All American
Professional opera singers performing in one of Seattle’s most entertainment-centric breweries with a full set of the most American songs you can think of on deck, featuring the talents of Kristin Vogel Lindenmuth, Lucy Campbell Weber, Sarah Davis, Andrew Richard Barringer, Mike Heitmann, Robert McPherson, and Glenda Williams on piano.
78. Paisley Devil, The Dancing Plague of 1518, Technological Taxidermy
Enjoy a night of dark pulsations and electronic experimentation from Paisley Devil, The Dancing Plague of 1518, and Technological Taxidermy at Vermillion.
79. Slim’s Fest
Slim’s is throwing a matinee rock n’ roll show on the outdoor flatbed truck stage, featuring Dusty 45’s, Redneck Girlfriend, The Dee Dees, and Blackheart Honeymoon.
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
