This weekend is looking promising for procrastinators, with lots of entertainment options that don’t require advance planning and won’t cost more than $10. See below for options that are artsy (including the Henry’s Arty Party and the Seattle Erotic Art Festival gallery), foodie-friendly (a raclette tasting and a party celebrating the German beer purity law), cultural (the UW spring powwow and the Japanese cherry blossom festival), geeky (the Best of the Bard and multiple Game of Thrones premiere parties) and more. For even more options, check out our top picks for Earth Day, our list of the best places to celebrate National Karaoke Week, or our complete Things To Do calendar.
FRIDAY
1. Band in Seattle: Hibou and Fauna Shade
Enjoy the free beer at a live television taping of sets by Fauna Shade and Hibou at Victory Studios. Stick around after the performances for interviews with the musicians as well as crowd participation music trivia. (Queen Anne, $5/$10)
2. BBGRL
Resident Pony celeb DJ KKost brings the beat nostalgia with “songs you remember from younger years, songs you don’t know yet but want to, songs you been waiting to hear at the club,” along with a fog machine and gogo babies on the bar. (Capitol Hill, free)
3. The Blush Room Launch
Artist/designer team Katy Lester and Taylor Nelson are about to launch their new online gallery, The Blush Room, that will present the work of “femme” artists from around the world. Everyone is welcome to this celebration co-hosted by Violet Strays, with art by several Blush Room artists on display, as well as a collaborative femme zine available for purchase. (Sodo, free)
4. Charms, Cloud Person, Invisible Hand, Bed
Tender alt rock from Seattle children Charms, Cloud Person, Invisible Hand, and Bed. (Ballard, $8)
5. Chief Seattle Club Poetry Slam/Open Mic
The first poetry slam/open mic at Chief Seattle Club with headliner Gyasi Ross will have performances by a wide variety of artists, including comedian Chad Charlie, poet Kayah George, musicians Becca Lynn and JB The 1st Lady, storyteller Roger Fernandes, author Jeanette Conger, and the Chief Seattle Club Drummers. You can also look forward to door prizes, snacks, beverages, and arts and crafts made by American Indian artists. (Pioneer Square, pay what you can)
6. Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
The Clipper Round the World Race (the world’s longest ocean challenge) will stop in Seattle, bringing a matching fleet of 12 gigantic racing yachts, to rest up before heading down to the Panama Canal. Their stopover events include talks and entertainment, bar outings, performances, and more, with highlights including a Race Village from Apr 20-28 and free open boat tours from Apr 22-26. (Downtown, free, through Sun)
7. David Schmader: The 21st Century Weed Handbook
David Schmader’s new book, Weed: The User’s Guide—A 21st Century Handbook for Enjoying Marijuana, is, in the words of my colleague Tobias Coughlin-Bogue, “indispensable for stoners and novices alike.” The only thing I can really promise is that you will laugh for nearly the entire time Schmader is reading from his book onstage. And when you’re not laughing with Schmader, you’ll be laughing with Sarah Galvin, Dan Savage, Ellen Forney, or DJ Riz Rollins and maybe even Seattle City Council member Nick Licata, all of whom will be joining him. RICH SMITH (First Hill, $5)
8. Earth Day Movie Night and Brewshed Happy Hour
In honor of Earth Day, Peddler Brewing Company will screen Return of the River, a documentary about the removal of the Elwha Dam on the Olympic Peninsula, in its covered beer garden. The program (which includes an introduction by American Whitewater’s Thomas O’Keefe) starts at 7:30, but come early for Peddler beer and food from the Napkin Friends food truck—$1 per pint and per sandwich will be donated to Washington Wild—plus drawings and other surprises. (Ballard, free)
9. Euphoria 6.0: A Dance With Dragons
Before the premiere of season 6 of Game of Thrones, dress in medieval garb for this “dark dance” party at the Mercury. GOT season five will play on the screens, and Sir Mikey Shadow of House Stark and Sir Reptile House of House Lannister will be the “bards” for the evening. (Capitol Hill, free/$5)
10. Goddess Aphonic, Solo Organ, Clearinghouse
Heavy psychedelia surges through Hollow Earth with Goddess Aphonic, Solo Organ, and Clearinghouse. (Central District, $5)
11. National Park Week
In honor of the National Park Service Centennial and perfectly timed with Earth Day, all national parks are offering free admission this week. It’s the perfect opportunity to check out Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and more. (Various locations, free)
12. O!FEST 2016
Cornish Theater/Original Works will highlight the up-and-coming talent of their Original Works juniors with its annual O!Fest, featuring The Clown Show, curated by David Taft, the 10 Minute Play Festival, curated by Kathleen Collins and Elizabeth Heffron, and The Winter’s Tale, directed by John Farrage. All performances are free! (Seattle Center, free, through Sun)
13. Prom Queen, The Snakebites, Slutty Hearts, Laura Palmer’s Death Parade
Seduction punks Prom Queen bring their heavy-lidded garage pop to the Snakebites first album release party in ten years. Grab a copy of “Blue Curse #2” and enjoy sets from Prom Queen, the Snakebites, Slutty Hearts, and Laura Palmer’s Death Parade. (Eastlake, $8)
14. Q Dot and Black Magic Noize
A night of thoughtful, heartfelt hip hop from Q Dot and Black Magic Noize at the Central Saloon. (Pioneer Square, $5/$8)
15. Raclette!
Raclette is a rich, nutty, semi-hard cheese that originated in the Valais region of Alpine Switzerland. It tastes especially good melted, which, according to legend, is what shepherds did with it when they’d gather together on cold nights in the fields. They’d build a fire, melt raclette on hot stones, and then scrape the bubbling hot cheese off onto a simple meal of boiled potatoes, cured meats, and pickles. The communal spirit of raclette lives on at Capitol Hill’s Culture Club Cheese Bar, where they’ll be melting a giant wheel of raclette and serving it up with potatoes and cornichons (and probably some very nice wine). The cheese scraping begins at 6 p.m. and continues until it’s gone. You’ll probably want to get there early. ANGELA GARBES (Capitol Hill, $7)
16. Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival
This year, the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival will explore the theme of “American and Japanese milestones in history,” through a series of events and performances spanning genres including visual art, traditional dance, music, games, ceremony, and martial arts. (Seattle Center, free, through Sun)
17. Shaping the Northwest
This fundraiser by Warm Current promises locally shaped surfboards, music, a silent auction and raffle, food, and beer. (Wallingford, $10)
18. Sound and Poetry
This performance event combines sound art by Susie Kozawa and poetry by Alan Lau, set against the backdrop of Lau’s exhibit Beauty in the Decay. (Pioneer Square, free)
19. Squall: Blood Box, Contact Cult, Ox Hunger, DJ Maire
It’s a pity that Blood Box—Seattle synth player Michael Hensley—doesn’t perform much, although it could be said that his profoundly deep and subtly disturbing ambient music works best when heard alone, preferably in a dark room with some illicit substances coursing through your system. He may perhaps be better known as half of dark-ambient illuminati Yen Pox, but the music Hensley creates under his Blood Box handle swirls in similar crepuscular channels. The track title “The Celestial Abyss”—from Blood Box’s brilliant 2011 CD Funeral in an Empty Room—encapsulates the type of paradoxical tension between heavenly and hellish that Hensley attains in every track. For this Squall set, he may go noisier than usual, and that should be interesting, too. DAVE SEGAL (Downtown, $5)
20. Stay Wild Magazine Release Party and Earth Day Celebration
Stay Wild, a free quarterly magazine devoted to adventure, is releasing its summer issue at this Earth Day-themed launch party. There will be special outdoor-centric merchandise (every purchase of which will result in the planting of a tree with the National Forest Foundation), plus drinks from Dr. Kombucha and New Belgium.
21. Steve Smith’s Birthday Show
Both the Seattle Drum School and its founder, Steve Smith, are celebrating milestone birthdays, and their joint party at CCT will feature a set by Steve’s band, the 350s, as well as Danny Godinez and Billy Moon, and birthday cake for everybody. (Columbia City, free)
22. VHS Über Alles Presents: Rocktober Blood
VHS Über Alles brings you their latest odd and creepy flick on VHS, this time combining horror with rock n’ roll for Rocktober Blood. (University District, $2)
SATURDAY
Just announced: Prince Dance Party on Pike/Pine
23. 45th Annual First Nations@UW Spring Powwow
The 45th annual spring powwow hosted by First Nations will have dance, drumming, and much more, with master of ceremonies Grant Timentwa, arena director Anthony Bluehorse, and host drum Rocking Horse. (University District, free)
24. ALIENE.JPG
Saem Fend’s curatorial introduction draws us into the otherworld of extraterrestrial life, featuring a live DJ set by Ozma Otacava, and art by 73421789.000000, Tanner Harlington, Violet “Pip Pip” Nefario, Jordan Rundle, Liam DowneyDowney, J9 Koewler, Daniel Glynn, Silas Callahan, Franky Kind, and Saem Fend. (Capitol Hill, free)
25. Bemis Arts Spring Show
Come to the Bemis Art Show to see a juried exhibition and explore resident artist open studios in Pioneer Square—plus, they offer a wide variety of music and dance performances throughout the weekend. (Beacon Hill, free)
26. Best of the Bard
In honor of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death (on April 23, 1616), recite your favorite sonnet, quote, or line from a play “as long as it’s under a minute!” “Groundlings” are also welcome to observe, and there will be mead for those over 21 and free orange slices while supplies last. (Belltown, free)
27. Commando
Ain’t no party like a DJ Bret Law party because a DJ Bret Law party doesn’t allow panties. No boxers, briefs, or boxer-briefs allowed at this true-to-its-title shindig, as this night is dedicated to those who enjoy going commando and the people who love them. Suggested sans-underwear attire options include basketball shorts, sweatpants, tight jeans, or anything that you think will best showcase your carnal treasure. Gogo Andy Apples will be in the cage shaking his spring harvest for all to enjoy. (Capitol Hill, $5-$7)
28. Crown Larks, Temple Echoes, Marcus Price, Hana and the Goose
Chicago sextet Crown Larks create cerebral rock that your gut tells you to file under “post rock,” even as your head is thinking, “This is too tuneful and interesting for that off-putting descriptor.” Noir jazz feeds into Crown Larks’ math-PhD rock, and unpredictable dynamics and irregular song structures ensue. DAVE SEGAL (Central District, $5)
29. Erin Jorgensen
Taking inspiration from Bach, death metal, Laurie Anderson, and “late-night airwaves,” Jorgensen uses a marimba, electronics, and vocals to craft music that’s part “yoga nidra, part punk rock.” (Wallingford, $5-15 suggested)
30. Ghostblood, Kommand, Hexengeist, Dilapidation
Check your head at the door before queuing up Blood from Beyond the Grave, the decapitation-happy full-length debut from hometown heavy metallers Ghostblood, where lopped-off domes fly through the air like flocks of geese migrating south (of heaven). JASON BRACELIN (Eastlake, $8/$10)
31. Last Call For The Kids
Support the Vera Project, your favorite all-ages music & art venue, by having as many drinks as you want at Redwood this Saturday. This is a free event with live sets by Ghost Soda and Aeon Fux, and proceeds from drink sales go straight to Vera. Event hosts include The Goodship Company, Hardly Art, Nail Polish (Gems David, Aidan Fitzgerald, and Sloane Flashman), Andrea Friedman, Vera Steering Committee, Annie Holden, Rachel Palangio Kramer, Rebecca Zweig, Michael Compton, Kim Berardi, and Ian Imho. (Capitol Hill, free)
32. Lou Watson: 47° 39′ 23″ N, 122° 18′ 44″ W for Piano
Artist Lou Watson will perform a musical composition inspired by the vehicular and pedestrian traffic outside the Henry Art Gallery, in order to reveal “the poetics contained within mundane and everyday experience.” (University District, $10)
33. Moving Truth(s) Anniversary Celebration
Learn more about and listen to readings from Moving Truths, an anthology of queer and transgender South Asian writings about family. (University District, free)
34. No Duh 90’s-ish Dance Party
Wild recurring 90’s dance party featuring DJs JPG, Dewey Decimal, and MG. (Pioneer Square, $5)
35. Open Studio #23
This Open Studio at On the Boards features performances created by Juliet McMains, Kaitlin McCarthy and Jenny Peterson, and Drew Santoro. (Queen Anne, $5)
36. The Poets Are In!
At the first reading of “The Poet Is In!” expect a “poetic cartography of Seattle,” with Seattle’s Civic Poet Claudia Castro Luna, Seattle’s Youth Poet Laureate Leija Farr, with Anastacia Rene’e, Alan Chong Lau, Maya Chinen and Max Taylor. (Downtown, free)
37. Price/Nixon Improv Workshop
Nathan Price and Tamara Nixon, who are apparently the Northwest’s “wackaschmackiest” improvisers, will teach a class on the ways of improv comedy. (Greenwood, $10/$14)
38. Reinheitsgebot 500th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the 500th anniversary of Reinheitsgebot, or the German beer purity law, with live music from the Bavarian Village Band, a Masskrugstemmen (beer stein holding contest), and Rhein Haus food and beer specials, including Weinhenstephan’s 1516 Kellerbier. The contest starts at 7 pm and the entry fee is the cost of 1 liter of Weihenstephan for $15. The winner will receive a $50 Rhein Haus gift card, T-shirt and commemorative beer stein. (Capitol Hill, free)
39. Simon Hanselmann presents Megg & Mogg in Amsterdam
Come to Fantagraphics for a show of original drawings from Simon Hanselmann’s Megg & Mogg in Amsterdam and Other Stories, as well as a musical performance by cartoonist/musician HTML Flowers. (Georgetown, free)
40. Spring Clothing Swap
Do some spring cleaning and get new clothes in return at Hillman City Collaboratory. (Hillman City, $5-$10 suggested)
SUNDAY
41. Arty Party
This afternoon celebration is “inspired by artists who bend the rules of time, space, and history”—so go (conceptually) big at Arty Party, and enjoy the performances and activities happening throughout the galleries at the Henry. (University District, free)
42. Christianne Balk and Judith Skillman
In honor of National Poetry Month, Elliott Bay Book Company presents this afternoon reading featuring local poets Christianne Balk (The Holding Hours) and Judith Skillman (House of Burnt Offerings). (Capitol Hill, free)
43. Cloud Studios Launch Party and Open House
The white-collar-tax-bracket with blue-collar-cultural-aspirations Cloud Room is launching Cloud Studios, their new endeavor that aims to “create meaningful spaces and encourage memorable connections between great people; space that acts to amplify the talents and bright ideas of community members.” Within the vein of that spirit, everyone is invited to join them for an open house this Sunday afternoon as they celebrate this new venture. (Capitol Hill, free)
44. Dressy Bessy, The Tripwires, The Moonspinners
Plucky pop meets hearty alt rock with Dressy Bessy, the Tripwires, and the Moonspinners. (Ballard, $8)
45. Earth Day Storytelling with Seattle Storytellers’ Guild
Celebrate Earth Day at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center with the Seattle Storytellers’ Guild, and listen to stories told by Johnny Moses (Tulalip), Rebecca Hom from Shelton, and Blake Shelafoe (Duwamish). (West Seattle, free)
46. Game of Thrones Premiere Party at Moe Bar
Celebrate the beginning of season six at this party featuring Westeros-inspired drink specials. (Capitol Hill, free)
47. Game Of Thrones Premiere Party & Trivia at Therapy Lounge
To celebrate the premiere of season six of Game of Thrones, there will be trivia, themed cocktails, a DJ set by Zoolab, and a screening of the first episode at 9 pm. (Capitol Hill, free)
48. Michael Partington and Marc Teicholz
UW Guitar Program Director Michael Partington and Marc Teicholz of the San Francisco Conservatory will perform works composed for two guitars, by the likes of de Fallo, Fernando Sor, and Brahms. (University District, free)
49. Pony Time, Wimps, and NightBoss
Seattle bass-and-drums duo Pony Time have an album out on the respected S-S label (home to those classic A Frames LPs) called Rumours 2: The Rumours Are True, whose cover parodies the billion-selling Fleetwood Mac album from 1977 that you know by heart. If you’ve loved Pony Time members Stacy Peck and Luke Beetham’s instantly engaging and artfully ramshackle garage rock and low-end-intensive power pop up to now, you’ll dig Rumours 2. … Still, Pony Time’s scrappy, gritty garage rock will never be mistaken for the output of the Mac, although their tight songs satisfy a similar desire for familiar thrills in concise packages. DAVE SEGAL (Capitol Hill, $10)
50. Reanu Keeves and the Funky Falcons, Woodshed, Alcojuana
Reanu Keeves and the Funky Falcons bring the powerhouse funk-punk party to High Dive, with Alcojuana and Woodshed. (Fremont, $6/$8)
51. Schempp Fest
Seattle improviser Ian Schempp will star in this one-day festival of 10 improvised duos and one roast. The Pocket Theater has this to say about the show: “Most of the shows have never been performed before. Some of the shows will almost definitely never be performed again. At least one of the shows will be magical.” (Greenwood, $10)
52. Seattle Erotic Art Festival
The Seattle Erotic Art Festival is a venerable tradition in these parts. It does involve the showing of parts. You don’t have to show yours. But you can (yes we can). If you’ve ever been before, you know whether you should go again. If you haven’t had the pleasure, you realize you are not a Seattleite yet, right? It’s a gigantic exhibitionist exhibition—of erotic art with tons of events from poetry readings to pantomime, acrobatic displays to parties. JEN GRAVES (Seattle Center, gallery admission is $10 today)
53. Seattle Makers Market
The Seattle Makers Market will be holding a special event at the Great Hall in Greenlake featuring local artists, artisans, and makers selling hand crafted products and goods. Doors open from 11am-4pm with free admission to the public. (Greenlake, free)
54. Stiffed! Sunday Tea Dance
Stiffed! moves from its traditional Saturday time slot to a special Sunday afternoon tea party event, with DJs Dana Dub and Pavone on the disco spins, and $1 draft beers. (Downtown, free)
55. U.S. Bastards, The Sawyer Family, Piston Ready, The Demolition Kings
Trench rock mixes with a little pent-up-feelings metal at the Highline, with U.S. Bastards, The Sawyer Family, Piston Ready, and the Demolition Kings. (Capitol Hill, $8)
56. Yanis Varoufakis: Europe’s Crisis, America’s Economic Future
Varoufakis is an economist, and despite what many say, not a Marxist or even a radical. He is a European social democrat to the bone. The English-speaking world would call him a post-Keynesian. He and the thinking of Joan Robinson are tight. Varoufakis believes that there are obvious solutions to the European crisis that began in 2010 with Greece and then spread to Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. But these solutions, which are fundamentally rational, cannot be activated or even considered as policy because those making major economic decisions in Europe are not elected, often hold secret meetings, and automatically side with policies that favor Europe’s banking community. Varoufakis describes and explains all of this in lively detail in his new book, And The Weak Suffer What They Must: Europe’s Crisis and America’s Economic Future, which he’ll discuss tonight at Town Hall. CHARLES MUDEDE (First Hill, $5)
After this article was published, The Royal Room announced a (free) Bring Your Own Prince vinyl night on Sunday.
