Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Cloudbreak Music Festival spreads concert events across Seattle.
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Food and Drink / Visual Arts / Live Music
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Seattleites are spoiled for choice when it comes to spending our leisure time. Just take a look at the sheer variety of options: We have an exceptional array of museums, independent bookstores, restaurants, bars (and bar trivia), record stores, nightlife options, local shops, and a rich music landscape.
And the actual landscape? Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, especially if you subscribe to the “no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” mindset (if you don’t, are you really from Seattle?). From abundant hikes, swimming holes, state parks, and campgrounds just beyond city limits to a voluminous urban trail system, there’s something for the outdoorsperson of every skill and stoke level. Those with little ones (human or furred) can rejoice at a bevy of great playgrounds, spray parks, and zoos.
But if you just want a guide already, we’ve got plenty for food, outdoors, shopping, and entertainment. Plus, a shortlist of what to do in Washington this month. Or find below the best things to do in Seattle, updated weekly.
Food and Drink
Reynvaan Family Vineyards Wine Dinner
november 15, 6:30pm | the butcher’s table, $355
A haute fall menu accompanies expert pairings in the Gold Dust Room above the Denny Regrade steakhouse. Winemaker and vineyard manager Matt Reynvaan shepherds the libations while Chef Morgan Mueller doles out seasonally fitting dishes.
Gobble Up is a craft food wonderland at Magnuson.
Gobble Up Northwest
november 16, 10am–5pm | magnuson park hangar 30, $2
Craft and artisanal foods get a whole fest in Magnuson; over 100 indie makers set up shop in the converted aircraft hangar ahead of holiday parties and gift exchanges. The selection—bespoke spreads, niche kitchen wares, and prepared nosh—is a foodie’s dream.
Hama Hama comes to Seattle by way of Bottlehouse.
Oysters and Bubbly
november 16, 3pm | bottlehouse, menu
No need to travel to Hood Canal for fresh shucking: the pop-up at Madrona’s Bottlehouse pairs fresh Hama Hama bivalves with a curated sparking wine selection.
Visual Arts
Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon
through november 30, 10am–4pm | Seattle Japanese Garden, $10
The sub-garden within the 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum houses new works from local artist Kanako Abe. After browsing the grounds, head inside the community room for rain respite—and to peruse Abe’s delicately-cut, dyed washi paper pieces.
Collage and multimedia art grace the SAM’s ground floor in “Polarity.”
Polarity
through december 1, 10am–5pm | sam gallery, free
An extra gallery hides beneath the Seattle Art Museum’s three exhibition floors, as local artists’ work rotates through the gift shop-adjacent walls. November brings mixed media and collage works from three PNW creatives; the trio will be in attendance at the gallery’s opening reception on November 16.
Dolls act as mirrors of healing at the Frye, the free First Hill art museum.
Dolls of Gratitude
through december 8, 10am–5pm | frye art museum, free
You probably won’t recognize artists’ names among the new Frye exhibition. Ordinary Seattleites created dolls from repurposed fabrics and recycled materials during community art-making parties aimed at bring healing through art. The results are figures that reflect their creators’ most beautiful, best selves—and invite viewers to see those qualities in themselves.
Meot
through march 2, 10AM–5PM | SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM, pay what you can
The Volunteer Park institution has a lot to celebrate: the Seattle Asian Art Museum recently added Wednesdays to their weekly open hours and unveiled an exhibition of Korean art, “Meot.” Over 60 pieces populate the collection, comprising an art history course of sorts through ceramics, paintings, photography, calligraphy, and wooden works.
Live Music
Mark Ambor
november 17, 7pm | neumos, $30+
Fans of Benson Boone and feel-good pop rave over breakout talent Mark Ambor’s upbeat tracks. He stops in Seattle in support of his first full-length album, Rockwood, supported by cry-in-the-car worthy artist kenzie.
Vitamin String Quartet
november 21, 8pm | moore theatre, $35–55
Cloudbreak Music Fest
through november 27, various | various, various
Performance
The Aunties
november 20, 6:30pm | moore theatre, $15–40
A multimedia storytelling evening at The Moore centers three local women from Indigenous communities. The trio lends stories buoyed by photographs, film, and discussion in a living art form that will be filmed for a forthcoming documentary.
Mary Poppins
november 22–december 26, various | 5th Avenue Theatre, $40–150
The classic musical makes its 5th Avenue Theatre debut with huge, stirring dance numbers and all the iconic sing-along songs from the movie rendition. The magic of Mary Poppins extends beyond the stage: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the theater before each show, themed drinks pour at the bar, and a 20-foot-tall Poppins-decorated tree adorns the lobby.
Change might be inevitable, but Seattle Rep’s new play makes it comedic and heartwarming too.
Primary Trust
through november 24, 2 and 7:30pm | leo k. Theater, $54–82
The Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy from Seattle Rep centers change: Kenneth has a dialed routine of work, drinks with an imaginary friend, and going home to the same small town of his youth. What happens when all that changes? Comedy, introspection, and friendship enter the stage.
Wicked
through december 10, various | paramount theatre, $39–189
The Broadway classic brings dueling witches and the quintessential “Defying Gravity” number to the historic Paramount. It’s finally the villain’s chance to speak her piece, and she’s going to tell the full story.
FILM
The Art of Studio Ghibli
through november 14, various | siff cinema downtown, $19.50
SIFF goes full Ghibli for a series honoring the enduring creativity and all-ages films of the influential animation house. SIFF’s downtown cinema will screen the classics—Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro—and hawk Ghibli-inspired concessions.
The Nightmares of Justin Robert Vinall
November 14, 7pm | northwest film forum, $15
Halloween doesn’t have to be over just yet: Seattle horror filmmaker Justin Robert Vinall’s three shorts screen in succession at Northwest Film Forum. After the final credits, he’ll take the stage for a conversation about all things horror.
Shrek Week
november 15–19, various | siff cinema downtown, $19.50
Forget Shark Week…SIFF screens a different captivating and misunderstood species during Shrek Week. All four films in the ogre franchise—plus the pair of Puss in Boots spin-offs—take up residence at the independent theater for an animated marathon.
The Wizard of Oz
november 20, 7pm | majestic bay theatre, $13
Prep for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked film premiering on November 21 (or a Paramount Wicked trip) with the story that started it all. On the eve of the highly-anticipated release, Ballard’s independent theater screens the classic 1939 fantasy adventure story, Wizard of Oz.
SPECIAL EVENTS
‘Tis the season all month long at the Seattle Center with the Seattle Christmas Market.
Seattle Christmas Market
november 21–december 24, various | seattle center, $21.63
From a double-decker carousel to a whimsical 50-foot-tall walk-through Christmas tree, Seattle Center dials up the magic ahead of Christmas. Local vendors set up shop in an artisan village, German-inspired food and drinks fuel festivities, and live performances lend caroling cheer.
Skål: it’s how to say “cheers to the holiday season” at Julefest.
Julefest
november 22–24, various | national nordic museum, $10–20
Marrying the tradition of Nordic outdoor Christmas markets with a touch of PNW flair, Ballard’s museum hosts over 40 merchants, a cozy indoor beer hall, and live music. New this year, an adults-only Friday night market kicks off the weekend.
Live laser artists act like DJs at PacSci’s laser shows.
Laser Billie Eilish
through november 28, 9pm | pacific science center, $15
Billie Eilish’s two-night run in Seattle may be sold out, but Pacific Science Center has a solution for empty-handed fans: her Grammy-nominated catalog will play with the Laser Dome’s 10,000 watts of concert sound. Rumor has it, the best seat in the house is a floor spot, laying down to catch the laser show in its full glory.
READINGS AND LECTUREs
Amorina Kingdon: Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water
november 15, 7:30pm | town hall seattle, $10–35
Science journalist Amorina Kingdon debunks myths about the ocean, revealing new evidence of complex ocean soundscapes. Her lecture covers why sound research is imperative to ocean ecosystem health and dives into the ways humans impact a delicate underwater playlist.
Opening Doors to the Outdoors
november 21, 7:30pm | the great hall, $0–35
Outdoor hobbies and communities suffer from the same systemic oppression and lack of inclusion found elsewhere; Trust for Public Land’s Northwest Director moderates a panel comprised of three Asian American climbers—Cody Kaemmerlen, Kathy Karlo, and Nina Williams—as they discuss their personal stories, specific equity obstacles within the climbing world, and strategies to crafting level playing fields in the sport and beyond.
Hendrix: Bold As Love Birthday Bash
november 23, 10am–5pm | museum of pop culture, $27.75–28.50
In honor of Seattle-raised Jimi Hendrix’s birthday, MoPop throws a bash centering the rock star’s legacy. The day includes a screening of the new documentary Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, a conversation with the star’s sister Janie Hendrix, a guitar-centered art activation, and DIY Hendrix riffs in the museum’s Sound Lab.
On sale now
Cyndi Lauper
december 1, 8pm | climate pledge arena, $34–455
The “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” star dubs her first major run in a decade a gift to her fans—and a farewell to the shlepping of tours. Ever-interested in performance art, the show promises punk glamor and beloved tracks from the groundbreaking artist.
