Our arts critics have already recommended 29 great things to do this week and our music critics have picked the 28 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 Pancakes and Booze Art Show to BubbleFest, and from Moonlight Cinema at Redhook Brewery to The Search For Seattle’s Best Amateur Elvis Impersonator. For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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TUESDAY
1. 10 String Symphony, March to May
Nashville duo 10 String Symphony breaks out not one, but two whole fiddles for ten strings of Americana-pop melodic partnership, with bill support from March to May.
2. Dismantling Racism: A Forum for Southeast Seattle
Local artist Natasha Marin will discuss her “Reparations” project (covered by Rich Smith) in the context of online harassment and racism. After the project garnered widespread attention, it also produced numerous examples of hatred and anger. Marin dealt (and continues to deal) with the vitriol in creative ways; hear her speak about the experience tonight.
3. The Round #135
The 135th edition of The Round features music and performances by Bears & Other Carnivores, Kathleen Murray, and The Native Sibling. They’ll also have poet Steven Wilbur at the helm, and a live painter visually soundtracking the whole set, if music isn’t your thing.
4. Tender Rough Rough Tender
The Flux Salon presents Tender Rough Rough Tender, a modern love story about “the hottest summer ever,” written by Sarah Saltwick, directed by Kelly Kitchens, and with original music composed by Justin Huertas.
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
5. Science and a Movie: Jurassic Park
Does the science in Jurassic Park hold up? Could we really bring back dinosaurs? You might already know the answer, but come to hear the explanation from biologists Lauren Saunders and Bish Paul, who will talk about “gene editing” techniques before a screening of the beloved adventure film Jurassic Park. Afterwards, Dr. Marley Jarvis of Pacific Science Center will moderate a Q&A and discussion.
WEDNESDAY
6. Asperger’s Are Us
In the words of the members of this four-man sketch group, this is “the first comedy troupe consisting of openly autistic people.” According to the organizers, their sketches “often play off the affectlessness associated with their diagnosis, mixing up objects and people in bizarre combinations,” for a result of “smart, weird, deadpan humor at its best.”
7. Breezy Manner with Perpetual Ritual and DJs Traditional Girl 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 Perpetual Ritual, featured DJ Traditional Girl, and resident DJ Veins.
8. Chow Down(town)
This picnic in the park puts your average picnic basket to shame. Food trucks including Ezell’s, Auntie Anne’s, Thai-U-Up, The ultimate Melt, Street Treats, Falafel Salam, and more will all be within your reach, as well as live entertainment from Budapest West and Seattle Kokon Taiko.
9. An Evening with Groucho
For one night only in Seattle, Frank Ferrante will bring back his famous Groucho Marx act with pianist Mark Rabe. In 2014, Paul Constant wrote this about the show: “”As impersonations, the anecdotes and the routines are very successful. Ferrante obviously knows his stuff; he’s got to be the world’s foremost expert on Marx’s mannerisms. But the whole thing about Groucho is that he’s nobody without someone to bounce off of… [and] when Ferrante has someone to react to, he’s at his best. Local pianist Mark Rabe is the straight man and the musical accompaniment, and he acquits himself capably.”
10. For The Love Of Sour Fest
Enjoy live music and a choice of more than 20 sour beers and ciders at this tasting event. Your ticket includes eight pours (4 oz each).
11. The Insinuators CD Release Party with Thom Celica
Celebrate the release of the Insinuators’ new CD with live sets of their improvisational rock with a little help from funky stoner-rockers Thom Celica.
12. Join the Conversation: ARTSaboard
This public community meeting hosted by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture will offer opportunities for discussion and imagination: how would you turn the upper floors of King Street Station into an artistic and cultural hub?
13. Wasted Words
Experience the wonder of a truly dedicated Seattle-based Allman Brothers tribute band, Wasted Words. They’ll be playing a career-spanning buffet of Allman Brothers classic astride a complex blend of styles, covering everything from the Bobby Blue Bland to Miles Davis and anything in between.
THURSDAY
14. All-the-Way-to-11 Birthday Party
Celebrate Central Cinema with clips from “some great movies (and very fun not-so-great ones)” at their birthday party—the dial will be turned up to 11.
15. Monologue and Story-Telling Night
At the first event of its kind at Eclectic Theater, each participant will have a chance to present a 30-minute monologue or story.
16. Moonlight Cinema
Redhook Brewery’s second annual outdoor movie series will have beer, wine, and food available until the movie starts at dusk, plus music from local bands. Tonight, the movie of choice is Tropic Thunder, and those with a military/fire/police ID will get in for free.
17. Nanami Ozone, DoNormaal, Paranoid Time, Versing
Local weirdo thriller punx come together for one night only in the U-District, with sets by Nanami Ozone (featuring members of Numb Bats out of Phoenix), DoNormaal, Paranoid Time, and Versing.
18. Rave of Thrones: DJ Hodor (Kristian Nairn)
Rave it up with everybody’s favorite medieval manservant, Hodor (or, the actual guy and not George R.R. Martin character, Kristian Nairn), as he spins all night long.
19. Rock ’n’ Roll Happy Hour with The Cheap Cassettes
Enjoy the spirit of summertime with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Happy Hour at Slim’s, with extended happy hour prices, half price Crater Lake Spirits Vodka, and live music from power-pop outfit The Cheap Cassettes.
20. Schilling Luau Potluck
Transport yourself out of gloomy Seattle and into a tropical destination with this communal potluck. Bring a dish for everyone to enjoy, tropical attire, and your appetite. Over seven different kinds of pineapple ciders will be available, as well as some island music.
21. Throwing Shade
Bryan Safi and Erin Gibson, hosts of the “infotainment” Throwing Shade podcast that covers everything from The Bachelor to Hillary Clinton, are on tour, and will do a live taping tonight at Neumos. According to the AV Club, they are “equal opportunity offenders who lack any sort of filter,” and they were featured on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 20 Best Comedy Podcasts in 2014.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY
22. The Crossing
This chamber musical at Theater Schmeater is about Amelia Earheart preparing for her first Trans-Atlantic crossing with troubled meteorologist Ray Spencer.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
23. Summer Meltdown
Nestled in the mountains of central Washington, Summer Meltdown aims to provide a weekend of high energy live music performances in a lush woodland setting. Featured artists include Blue Scholars, Griz, STS9, and many more.
FRIDAY
24. Babyfin: Dead & Breakfast
This one-act comedy show was written, produced, and performed by Randall Cleveland and Zak Nelson, and directed by Clayton Weller, and involves a haunted house, best friends, and a vacation gone wrong.
25. Bootie Seattle: Michael Jackson Mash-Up Night
Seattle’s only all-mashup dance party, featuring rotating guest DJs, will pay tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, by blending his legacy with anybody and everybody all night long.
26. Deeper Roots: Perfect Driver Showcase
Deeper Root presents a showcase of record label Perfect Driver’s jewels in their bass-heavy tech house artist crown, featuring live sets by Matthew Anthony, Dillon Nathaniel, Shaun Witcher, Tait Collins, Brian Lyons, Karl Kamakahi, Eric Allen, Ramiro, and live visuals by Looptid.
27. Dr. Guy McPherson
Dr. Guy McPherson, a University of Arizona Professor Emeritus of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology who has been interviewed by Bill Nye on National Geographic Explorer, will give a free lecture on climate change.
28. EPOCH: Fauna Shade with Guests
Enjoy live music without having to leave your pint glass with this showcase of PNW bands at Bad Jimmy’s, featuring the sun-soaked stoner rock of Fauna Shade, Animal Eyes, Fruit Juice, Neu Yeuth, and Moguls, along with participating food trucks and drink specials all night.
29. The Fellowship of Convenience
Watch five comedians play an epic game of Dungeons and Dragons, with music and sound effects by DJ Ducket Shilling Gold Piece.
30. Hip Hop Artist Residency Showcase
Experience the creative growth of 40 local teens who, having been enrolled in the three-week hiphop artist residency program at EMP, will now showcase their new work in a free live performance open to the public.
31. Jazz in the Garden
The Ten Man Brass Band brings a new definition to “riot jazz” and you might want to witness it. They will be accompanied by the Music Center’s jazz ensemble, Centerpiece, and the Anchor End Pretzel Shoppe will also be on hand.
32. The Mysterious, Magical and the Mundane: The How and Why of Tim Bruckner
This evening with artist Tim Bruckner—best known for his DC Entertainment toy and collectible statues—promises a lecture about industry subjects including how to work with art directors, the difference between digital modeling and traditional sculpture, and how to accept failure. After the lecture, stick around for refreshments and a chance to view work and chat with the artist.
33. Noise Complaint Launch Party with Bones and Guests
The newest monthly dance party jewel in the Kremwerk crown is Noise Complaint, a populist throwdown of all things eclectic and electronic. The launch party features LA DJ Bones, Subset, Mikey Mars, and Meistro.
34. Parnassus Project
Parnassus Project, a collective featuring the works of John Luther Adams, Lou Harrison, Peter Garland, and Luke Fitzpatrick, strives to explore the wide range of American mysticism within a valiant attempt to present a fresh take on the chamber music experience.
35. Rishloo, Wes Sp8 & The Apollo Proxy, Fires
Heavy psych art rock band Rishloo opens their world to the High Dive, with Wes Sp8 & The Apollo Proxy, and Fires.
36. Seattle Iranian Festival DJ Kick-Off Party
Get an early start on the Seattle Iranian Festival with this kickoff DJ dance party at Trinity. Enjoy three full hours of Persian music from 8pm-11pm, with Top40 from 11pm-2am, featuring DJ Farid all the way from Arizona.
37. South Lake Union Block Party
Art, music, booze, and food, all for the price of $Free. Every year, South Lake Union throws itself a party, featuring diverse musical pleasures from local band talents, as well as food trucks, a grilling competition, beer garden, letterpress salon, and other things that crowds like. This year’s headliner will be Beat Connection (performing live at 9:45pm), with additional sets from Hibou, The True Loves, Lemolo, and Danny Newcomb & The Sugarmakers.
38. Vans Warped Tour
Vans Warped Tour is back again, with more mid-’00s throwbacks than you could shake a longboard at. Experience true Hot Topic-laced nirvana with headliners like Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Less Than Jake, and Sum 41 with a whole day in Auburn at the White River Amphitheater. With seven stages supporting 79 bands for 41 touring dates, Warped Tour promises to be a drawn-out bacchanalia of all the emo-punk, pop-punk, post-punk, and regular punk you could ever want.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
39. 9 Ounces: A One Woman Show
This short run of Anastacia Tolbert’s powerful one-woman show, 9 ounces, is presented as part of her visual art exhibit at Twilight Gallery. The Twilight Gallery describes this show as “an unkempt, de-ribbon- ed, narrative braid dangling with crooked parts and it unofficially yoga’s its way through the unexpected journey of a queer woman of color’s mid-life a-ha moment and extreme case of takotsubo’s cardiomyopathy.”
40. Craig Shoemaker
You may have seen Craig Shoemaker, otherwise known as “The Lovemaster,” in Parks and Recreation or Totally Baked, but now you can see him at the Parlor Live.
41. An Evening of Short Plays
This evening of short plays features Cupid’s Beaux by Barbara Lindsay-Selig, Unthinkable Pings by Paul Mullin, Baby Sitter Needed by Cynthia Clemons, and First, They Come for Me by Paco Jones.
42. 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.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
43. BubbleFest: A Summer Science Celebration
The Pacific Science Center already has some gigantic bubble-blowing machines, but they’re stepping it up this weekend with three days of celebrating pretty bubbles and the science behind them (“elasticity, surface tension, air pressure and more!”). They’ll have a Bubble Laboratory, interactive experiments, arts and crafts, live science shows, and even a liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration.
44. The Gathering, a CSPC Special Event
This weekend-long special event from the Center for Sex Positive Culture offers a “truly unique experience,” including entertainment, workshops, and other activities. Attendees will find out the exact location (about an hour north of Seattle) after registration.
SATURDAY
45. 4-Corners BrewFest
Try beers from over 20 local breweries at the 4-Corners BrewFest, including American Brewing Company, Lucky Envelope, Naked City Brewing, Elysian Brewing, Fremont Brewing, and Elliott Bay Brewing. One ticket will buy you 10 5-oz tastings, food, and live entertainment throughout the night.
46. Blame the Wizards, Mach Society, Thunderhound
Metal magicians Blame the Wizards cast a spell on Substation this August, with support from new heavies Mach Society, and adventure rockers Thunderhound.
47. Bottom Forty Presents La Fraicheur
Dance your way through a late night marathon set from Berlin’s La Fraicheur, known for her patented blend of deep house and techno beats with tropical interludes. Joining La Fraicheur are DJs from Recess and Bottom Forty until the party ends at 5am.
48. Cast of One
One comedian will take the stage and improvise a production (inspired just by a synopsis) all alone, playing every character in every scene.
49. Caturday! — Baturday Edition
Mercury’s annual animal adoption fundraiser has turned its focus on bats this year, with this DJ night raising money to take care of as many as those little winged babies as possible, with spins by DJ Steven Archer of Ego Likeness. Show up in your best cat ears, bat wings, and whatever else gets you in the giving goth mood.
50. Endo Glen, The Forgotten ‘45s, Bob Fossil, Locomotive, The Swangos
Power pop stoner rockers Endo Glen headline this almost-festival-length-bill of alt-psychedelia from across the Northwest, including The Forgotten ’45s, Bob Fossil, Locomotive, and The Swings.
51. Film Screening of Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train a Coming
View a film that tells the story of Jimi Hendrix’s life journey, from his Seattle roots to his experience in the army, and his launch into stardom. The Experience Hendrix Foundation will be at the Library to sell merchandise and give information about the forthcoming Jimi Hendrix Park set to open in 2017.
52. Hard Love: Summer Heat
Stripped Screw Burlesque presents a night of both sex and comedy (though, aren’t they always inextricably linked) with Hard Love: Summer Heat. This evening of slow burns and fast strips features the talents of special guests Jamie Von Stratton (Rose Queen of the Oregon Burlesque Festival 2015) and Pixie Parcelle, with entre artists Kiki Mustang and Minxie Martini.
53. Hip Hop On The Water 2016
Celebrate six years running of Hip Hop On The Water, an annual festival of performances by local and touring hiphop acts, breakdancers, DJs, and a lingerie fashion show. This year features live sets from DJ Mo, Otamp, J-Key, Toney Martell, Dough, Kidd Karma, Trevionne, JReis, Foongizzle, Von Spriggs, and MO$, all aboard the Islander Yacht.
54. In The Spirit Native Arts Market & Festival
In its eleventh year, the In The Spirit Native Arts Market and Festival will host live musical and dance performances and an art gallery with art on display and live carving demonstrations. There will also be live art talks with artists Lillian Pitt, Linley B Logan, an Charles W Bloomfield. Take home a bit of the experience with art from the various vendors on hand.
55. Kurly Somthing, Caustic Casanova, Pink Muscles
Experimental electronica visualists Kurly Somthing lash their sense of neon across the Blue Moon Stage with Caustic Casanova and Pink Muscles.
56. Madness: Darker Seuss
Q Nightclub’s Madness dance party will take on a Dr. Seuss theme this week, which they describe in Seussical language, like, “There’s dancers & revelers & performers galore / fire-breathers, trapeezers, stilt-walkers & more! / Every night a surprise, never know what’s in store / all walks of life there to share the dance floor.”
57. A Microscope and Curtis Dahl
Kris Wettstein, under the moniker “A Microscope” and with Seattle musician Curtis Dahl, will present two sets of exploratory and contemplative piano pieces. The improvisations within the pieces are inspired by spiritual searching, biblical anecdotes, and feature “clouds of sound.”
58. Night Nation Run
Lovers of athletic EDM lifestyles, rejoice: there is a new festival catering just to you. Night Nation Run is a 5k run with every foot of it laden with live music, lights, lasers, and general celebration of all things EDM; there will be DJ stages staggered throughout an illuminated racecourse, each with their own party zone, and a final main stage after party extravaganza at the end, featuring top EDM DJs and celebrity performers.
59. NITE WAVE with DJ Baby Van Beezly
In a turn towards the past, NITE WAVE performs Duran Duran’s Rio from start to finish, with ’80s flash support from DJ Baby Van Beezly.
60. The Pancakes and Booze Art Show
Check out painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, drawing, and graffiti by over 60 artists at the Pancakes & Booze Art Show, which yes, will have both pancakes and booze on offer, as well as draws including audio and visual performances and live body painting.
61. Parlour Tricks
This evening of magic and comedy by Aaron Wheeler promises “a world of laughter and amazement.”
62. Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser, “the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer,” will feature an opening ceremony, survivors lap, luminaria ceremony, and closing ceremony on Capitol Hill.
63. The Search For Seattle’s Best Amateur Elvis Impersonator
There is only one place in Seattle each year where you can see a truly outrageous amount of fried chicken, hairspray, and loose gyration co-existing in one room, and it’s the invitationals for the Search for Seattle’s Best Amateur Elvis Impersonator at the Croc. Enjoy performances from a range of suitors, all vying for your burnin’ love. The winner gets crowned the King of Kings, naturally.
64. Seattle Code Rush
Developers and developers-in-training are invited to this day-long workshop/competition featuring a number of “code challenges” (including iOS development)—if you complete them quickly and well, you might win some prizes. For lunch, everyone will enjoy BBQ from “Pitmaster” Ray Walters, and towards the end of the day you can unwind with craft beer.
65. Somnium: Ice Cream Island
Remember that one summer when you got mono, and all that happened was that you ate ice cream on the couch for a month? Well Somnium is promising to take you back to that place, or at least a place called “Ice Cream Island,” with their latest warehouse rave. Enjoy a stacked trance and house line-up of Johnny Monsoon, LÖSH, DJ it me, DJ Flow, Geezus, and Captain Folley.
66. Vera at the Waterfront
Friends of Waterfront Seattle and the Vera Project bring you Vera at the Waterfront, a free, all ages, all-afternoon mini-fest of local musicians like Briana Marela, Dude York, Wild Powwers, CHARMS, Youryoungbody, and Nightspace, performing live at Waterfront Park, alongside an installation by Vera’s screen printing collective.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
67. 107.7 The End Summer Camp 2016
Summer Camp is 107.7 The End’s version of Warped Tour: all the bands you hear on your favorite Seattle rock station, but actually in the flesh on stage at Marymoor Park, playing all the hits. This year’s lineup features The Dandy Warhols, AWOL Nation, Young The Giant, and many more.
68. 2016 Elysian Games
This two-day event displays and tests fitness at the highest level. The first day includes individual events, such as pull-ups, barbells, and walking lunges, while the second day will test teamwork. Deadlifts, burpees, toes to bar, and more will push you to your limit.
69. FELT-A-CON
Learn about a variety of aspects of puppeteering (including sketch writing, tabletop puppetry, and stop motion animation) at this two-day workshop open to everyone from beginners to experts.
70. 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.
71. Seattle Polo Party
When the sports and social worlds collide you get a polo party. Come dressed to impress in full “garden party attire.” Saturday will be more lax with the semifinal qualification polo matches. Things amp up on Sunday with the Championship Cup final match as well as a fancy hat parade, divot stomp, and live entertainment throughout the day.
SUNDAY
72. Amplify Love
Amplify Love will feature live music and drag performances from performers all across Seattle, with the express purpose of bringing joy to our homegrown queer community suffering from the weight of the Pulse shooting in Orlando. The evening showcases work by Flawless Shade, Pablo Gonzalez, Darrius, ASW, Ajax, Audioh, and Akira.
73. Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day
Garage sales will take over Capitol Hill (and their home base, Cal Anderson Park) at this day-long community event.
74. Cherry-Picked! Burlesque
The third annual Cherry-Picked features up and coming performers of the stage and pole for a showcase of brand new acts “ripe for the picking.” Hosted by Cherry Manhattan, this evening boasts sets by Lulu LaLune, Mystic Deflowered, Kat Gotchurtung, and more.
75. Dirtybird BBQ
For over 10 years now, Dirtybird has been breaking out the grill and the speakers for a hybrid BBQ and DJ battle with a basic formula for success every time: good food, good people, and good music. The 2016 BBQ features some “county fair flair,” with activities like Best in Show contests, carnival games, and a meal upgrade. The DJs going head to head this year include Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, Shiba San, Kill Frenzy, and Christian Martin.
76. Fucked & Bound, Brain Drain, Bloom Offering
Seattle hardcore supergroup Fucked & Bound celebrate the release of their 7″ with a matinee show at Black Lodge, supported by local noise-makers Brain Drain and Bloom Offering.
77. LEO Party 2016
Get wild at the 13th Annual LEO Party at Neighbours with appearances by Drag Race Superstars Manila Luzon and Phi Phi O’Hara, and performances by Atasha Manila, the Markos Sisters, Monikkie Shame, and many more.
78. Tom Douglas Lawn Party & Croquet Tournament
The Dahlia Lounge and Tom Douglas are teaming up with the Food Lifeline to bring food to those in need in a fun and unique way—playing croquet. There will also be food from Dahlia Lounge, a cocktail and beer garden, music, prizes, and a costume contest. Plus, the winner of the tournament gets a tasting tour of Tom Douglas’s restaurants and a giant trophy.
79. Tropicolor Color Run
Enter paradise during this 5k run. Come ready to leave looking like the tropics, with tropical colors being thrown at you, a Rainbow Beach Finish Festival, on course Tropical Zone, and a tropical themed participant kit.
80. Wine Shots: Comedy’s Happiest Hour
This monthly all-female comedy variety show comes complete with an all-female Michael Bolton cover band, Lightning Bolton, and a free shot of wine for every audience member. Today is Wine Shots’ third anniversary celebration, and regular performers Bettina McKelvey, Sarah Skilling, and Elicia Sanchez, alongside special guests Anica Cihla and Deep Lez, will be celebrating with wedding-themed comedy (including dramatic readings of “scenes from your favorite terrible wedding moves”) and cake and karaoke after the show.
Stranger (Than Usual) Things To Do comes out every week on Tuesday. To submit events to be considered, email us at calendar@thestranger.com.
