Our arts critics have already recommended 64 great things to do this week and our music critics have picked the 34 best music show, 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 hereāfrom the Stinky Spoke Bike Race to the Seattle Pop Punk Festival, and from Scream for Zines: A Pop-up Mini-Zine Fair to the closing of Diagon Alley. For even more options this week, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
Get all this and more on the free Stranger Things To Do mobile appāavailable now on the App Store and Google Play.
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TUESDAY
FILM1. Shaken Not Stirred Cinema: From Russia with Love
What better place to take in the spies, glamour, and smoldering stares of a 007 film than Hotel Sorrento's Fireside Room? This time it's From Russia with Love, wherein Bond races to find a Russian decoding machine known as Lektor before the SPECTRE organization can get to it.
2. California Dreamin'
Learn to make floral arrangements with a palette of "California sunshine and desert sunset hues" inspired by three plant-based ice cream flavors from Frankie & Jo's, and finish with an ice cream social with snacks and sparkling wine.
3. Fresh & Featured
Be among the first to try locally sourced bites from Renaissance's newly opening restaurant The Fig and the Judge at this exclusive tasting, and rub elbows with their crew, including Chef Erick Gonzalez, Chef VJ Wijekoon and Chef Lainie Carey.
4. Tuesday Trivia: Rick and Morty
Show off your capacity for retaining Rick and Morty factoids at this trivia night, featuring drink specials and prizes (a bottle of Szechwan sauce, perhaps?).
5. Theremin Workshop & Concert with Carolina Eyck
Learn how to play the theremin from soloist Carolina Eyck at a workshop for interested parties of all skill levels, then stick around to experience her live performance.
6. Alicia Eler: The Selfie Generation
Alicia Eler's The Selfie Generation, an argument/queer memoir, analyzes selfie-taking as a reflection on our society and the larger culture's view of millennials. After the reading, she'll speak with local artist Ellie Dicola.
7. Design in Depth 2018: Hello Seattle
This lecture series on urban planning will offer perspectives on the design of the changing city from architects and other professionals.
8. Epic Reads Tour Featuring Kendare Blake, Maureen Johnson, Sara Holland, and Kasie West
Meet authors Kendare Blake, Maureen Johnson, Sara Holland, and Kasie West, who will discuss their latest works before breaking off into small groups with the audience for 10-minute chats.
9. Matt de la PeƱa and Loren Long: Love
Newbery Medal-winning children's book author Matt de la PeƱa and illustrator Loren Long will co-present their book, Love. Through lyrical text, the book explores the myriad ways in which people experience love, and how the feeling evolves from childhood into adulthood.
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
PERFORMANCE10. Colonize It!
This comedy show written by Allycea Weil and directed by Asa Fager about the cost and consequences of conquest asks: "What happens to the people on Mars if Earth decides to cut them off?"
TUESDAY-FRIDAY
GEEK & GAMING11. Diagon Alley
In October, with the help of his wife and two daughters, Seattle's Jon Chambers constructed a walk-through replica of Diagon Alley, the cobblestoned wizarding hub that snakes behind the Leaky Cauldron pub in Harry Potter. It's gained national attention since then, including from our own Rich Smith, who called it "really cool and sweet and whimsical." It will close up shop after this weekend, after being extended from its original end-of-2017 closing date.
TUESDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS12. Lake Chelan Winterfest
Find kids' activities, an ice bar, horse-drawn carriage rides, apple bin train rides, special deals at shops and wineries around the lake, and more at this mid-winter festival.
WEDNESDAY
ART13. Charles Emerson: Renaissance Painting and the Roots of Abstract Expression
PNW artist Charles Emerson will explain how modern abstract painting drew on Renaissance masterworks such as the paintings of Jacopo Tintoretto.
14. Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Ballard Comedy Hour
Sip a tiki drink as you giggle over comedy sets from Genevieve Ferrari, Kelly Hannah, and Cameron Mazzuca.
15. Astrological Insights for 2018
Join wellness astrologer Stephanie Gailing as she shares her insights into the themes and trends of 2018. Attendees will walk away with "insights, key dates, and wellness tips," but not before enjoying a special cocktail made by "spirit master" Jay Kuehner.
16. Girls on the Run Brewery Dash
Girls on the Run is a curriculum-based, experiential learning program that teaches third- through fifth-grade girls the value of body positivity and using their voices through "the power of running." This fundraiser donates $1 from every beer to the organization's spring scholarship programs.
17. Benjamin Franklin for President
Chautauqua actor GregRobin Smith will embody the statesman as he runs for President in...the next election? Drink some beer and ask political questions, and celebrate what would have been Franklin's 312th birthday.
18. Butch Alice's Tea Party: Be Unprepared Pageant
Butch Alice's posh recurring drag show is filled with tea in both the drinkable and truth-telling senses of the word. The theme of this installment is: "I didnāt plan an Act but Iām going to make it up right now and if it fails it's Butch Alice's Fault because this is the theme." As such, there will be a prize for "Seattle's Most Unprepared."
19. Gay Speed Dating and Drag Cabaret
A drag cabaret show will follow this gay speed dating event. Take in the performance with a new cutie.
20. The Flora of Seattle in 1850: Major Species and Landscapes Prior to Urbanization
Get an idea of what the historic flora and landscapes of the Seattle area looked like just before European settlers arrived. Ray Larson will draw from sources such as herbarium specimens, settlersā accounts, survey maps, and photographs that reveal the plants and scenery that made up the local landscape.
21. History CafƩ: Preserving Neighborhood Stories through Oral History
Find out about the history of the Central District, the only part of Seattle where black people could rent or own property, whose residents flourished artistically and socially despite prejudice and institutional disadvantages. The event will also encompass talks by current CD residents and an introduction to two oral history projects that seek to preserve the neighborhood's story.
22. Luke Timmerman: Hood: Trailblazer of the Genomics Age
Join journalist Luke Timmerman as he shares his book about Lee Hood, whose work on automated DNA sequencing gave scientists access to the genome.
23. Pint-Sized Science: Stormwater
This installment of Pint-Sized Science (a panel series where one can learn about science while drinking Ninkasi beer) is all about stormwater. Amanda Bidwell will speak about "pollutants found in moss near traffic corridors," then Sophia Ressler and Alyssa Barton will talk about how administrations can try to limit the pollution reaching waterways. Next, Eli Allison will add thoughts on reducing car pollution. Finally, discover what actions you yourself can take.
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE24. The Gin Game
A game of gin rummy turns tense and nasty in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play directed by Jeff Steitzer and starring Kurt Beattie and Marianne Owen.
THURSDAY
COMEDY25. Roommate Court
Seattle's housing situation is notoriously stressful and leads to some poisonous Craigslist-induced cohabitations, so blow off a little steam at this show pitting real roommates against one another. Taylor Clark will hear the plaintiffs and defendants, prompt live reenactments, and pronounce a sentence on the guilty party. Plus, there will be stand-up comedy of some sort.
26. Gothic Film 201: Roger Corman's Poe Cycle
This class will focus on the immortally campy, often quite unfaithful adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe films by the b-movie maven Roger Corman.
27. Heroes & Horses Presents: 500 Miles
Heroes & Horses, an organization that utilizes expedition-style horse-pack trips to teach "self-reliance, teamwork, and perseverance" to veterans reintegrating into civilian life, will host a screening of their informational film 500 Miles.
28. Radical Films: 15 Movies That Shook The World
Even if you've already been through film school, you may not have seen such masterpieces as the anti-KKK Within Our Gates, made by one of the first African American filmmakers, or The House is Black by one of the first female Iranian directors. John Trafton will introduce you to these and other films whose profound social and artistic impact has been neglected by traditional movie history: Killer of Sheep, Salt of the Earth, Born in Flames, and others. The class lasts for five sessions with suggested readings included.
29. Save the Waves Film Festival
See world premieres of surf, adventure, and documentary films, as well as live music from Trouble in the Wind, at the Save the Waves Film Festival. Proceeds benefit coastal conservation efforts through the Save the Waves Coalition and World Surfing Reserves.
30. Wolf Guy: Enraged Lycanthrope
Want to see Sonny Chiba as the scion of a lycanthrope clan versus a supernatural phantom tiger? We don't blame you. This is the first time the film from the infamous Toei Studio will be released outside of Japan.
31. Naughty Bingo
B4 you let your previous connotations of bingo convince you otherwise, head to this this naughty version, which promises "even naughtier prizes."
32. Earthcry, Lapa, Pressha
Hear electronic and "experimental genre mashing" from Anthony of Papadosio's secondary project, EarthCry.
33. Helen Pridmore & Friends
Canadian experimental improv singer Helen Pridmore blends classical style with work in extended vocal techniques.
34. Denise Fairchild
Denise Fairchild, president of Emerald Cities Collaborative and editor of the Energy Democracy anthology, will speak on the importance of fair green solutions and energy management for people of color, workers, and anyone with a low income.
35. Inspired Seattle: Sandy Cioffi
Sandy Cioffi is this month's guest speaker at the Cloud Room's Inspired Seattle Series, which features local leaders across disciplines and backgrounds who are making a difference in the city. Cioffi is a filmmaker, artist, union president, advertising executive, radio pundit, city council candidate, and expert on the Silicon Rainforest.
36. Iris Graville: Hiking Naked: A Quaker Woman's Search for Balance
Iris Graville quit her job of 20 years and convinced her husband and children to move to the remote Cascades village of Stehekin. Join her as she presents from her memoir, Hiking Naked: A Quaker Woman's Search for Balance.
37. Shred Talks
Ingrid Backstrom, Scott Rinckenberger, and Lel Tone are three adventurers whose lives "are defined by the mountains." Join them to hear original short stories they've written about their experiences on peaks near and far.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY
PERFORMANCE38. Bet Ya Ungodly Things
Neve Andromeda Mazique-Bianco's solo dance set is described as "A Black, One Femme, Folk-Science Dance Fable Set Up-South."
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE39. The Little Prince
The touching French children's classic about the Little Prince, a boy from an asteroid, will be adapted for the stage in a tribute to "innocence and boundless love."
FRIDAY
ART40. Bobbin: Break Dancing Translated to a Visual Medium
See visual art by B-boy Bobbin, who uses acrylic sumi ink on wooden media. There will also be dance, music, and drinks for purchase.
41. Shrink Night
Create your own shrinky-dink work of art with the guidance of the shrinky-dink maestros of Push/Pull. The ticket price gets you one sheet of shrinky-dink film and coloring supplies, and you can buy more shrinky-dink sheets for $5 each. We like writing "shrinky-dink" so we're going to do it one more time. Shrinky-dink. Bring snacks to share if you want.
42. Kinkster Gaming Munch
Do you love both gaming and kink? Bring your own card/board games for a night of games and friend-making.
43. Airbnb Concerts
Enjoy a live concert from local musicians on the intimate SS Virginia B steamship. To add a little extra mystique to your life, you won't know who you're seeing until you board.
44. Shout Outs: HOUSE PARTY
Get wild at this free dance party that will spotlight all the best house music from DJs and producers from around town.
45. SoSleepyy's Pajama Party and Midnight Apparel Launch
Tired of sleeping alone? Switch up your nighttime routine and wear your best jammies to dance to bass, trap, dubstep, and EDM from SoSleepyy, Akama, KR, M&M, Floston, Fresh Socks, Nightwatch, and Suited Spade. This evening will double as a launch party for lifestyle brand Midnight Apparel.
46. That 1 Guy
Experimental weirdo Mike Silverman takes the stage as That 1 Guy with a myriad of musical magic and bizarre hand-wrought techniques sure to surprise many.
47. That Totally Tubular 80's Dance Party
Local club DJ Indica Jones will partner up with R&B singer Wanz for a wild dance party full of high-energy '80s hits.
48. Tropical Takeover
Break apart your winter gloom with Tropical Takeover, a night of house, techno, and everything in between thanks to sets by DJs like Limbo, Dowsk, ļæ¦ā¬$ŠĆoĪ¼nĢĆ, Mike Devlin, micks&match, and Sikora. Tropical attire is strongly recommended to keep these island vibes going.
49. That Was the Year That Was
Jeffrey Robert, Matt Price, David Fewster, Arni Adler, Lydia Swartz, David Brody, Clara Pluton, Karena Forbes, and others will sum up 2017 in a variety show. Expect songs, comedy, dance, stories, and poems.
50. Jefferson Pinder
Internationally exhibited artist Jefferson Pinder uses photomontage, "neon, found objects, and video" to explore identity and race struggle. Come hear an artist whose work has featured at the Shanghai Biennale and been shown at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.
51. Pierce Brown in Conversation with Terry Brooks
Pierce Brown will present his latest book, Iron Gold, the fourth installment of the Red Rising space opera in which the hero "must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission." See the author in conversation with the famed Terry Brooks.
52. Daybreaker: Space Jam
Roll out of bed for Daybreaker's first solar-themed party of 2018. Start off the morning with a yoga session led by Morgan Zion, then shake it off in a dance party with DJ Kryspin.
53. NETFLEX
Get motivated by watching fitness icons on screen while participating in a 30-minute "high-energy, low-impact sweat sesh" for all fitness levels. Jazzercise attire is highly encouraged.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
MUSIC54. Seattle Pop Punk Festival
Shake off that winter chill and get your energy levels up for two days of double digits worth of pop punk bands, including the reunion of Sicko and a sonic tribute to the Fastbacks.
55. Thorgy Thor
Catch a performance by RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 contestant Thorgy Thor before she makes her way to All Stars Season 3. She'll be joined by local favorites Robbie Turner, Abbey Roads, Lucy Paradisco, and Stacey Starstruck.
56. Gary Quinn
Life coach and television host Gary Quinn will give two presentations from his book The YES Frequency. On Friday, he'll give an introduction to the benefits of saying "yes" more. On Saturday, he'll share his insights into "[restarting] your life, and [letting] go of the past."
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCE57. Bohemia
This "macabre and mystical" cabaret-style musical from Mark Siano and Opal Peachey, set in 1890s Prague, features the music of DvoÅĆ”k and Chopin and art nouveau by Alphonse Muchaāplus "beautiful green fairies, aerial numbers, dance, burlesque, classical piano battles, comedy, and original songs." If that's not enough, there will also be "absinthe service" (complete with spoons, sugar, and ice fountains) at intermission in the front-row VIP sections.
SATURDAY
ART58. Anatomy Fashion Show 2018
Join Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity: WA Alpha Chapter for their first annual Anatomy Fashion Show, featuring wearable painted designs of different anatomical structures.
59. Dr. Sketchy's Fairies
In Dr. Sketchy's "Anti-Art school," artists draw underground performers in a boozy atmosphere. The models this time are Sara Dipity, Apollo Vidra, and Briq House.
60. Scream for Zines: A Pop-up Mini-Zine Fair
Buy an armful of self-published art, cartoons, and writing. Have a drink and browse work by Archive Six, Kate Berwange, ButchValley Mysteries, Victor Devlin, Free Association Magazine, Rachel Comics, kindergarten thoughts, Take.Care Mag, and Women.Weed.WiFi.
61. Alphabet Soup Jam!
If you're queer and love improv, take advantage of this PWYW jam and make some fun.
62. The Comedy Get Down
Cedric "The Entertainer," Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, and George Lopez will unite for an evening of big-name comedy.
63. Dubious Advice
Why get advice from your dumb friends when you can benefit from the thoughtful words of "inebriated experts"? Once you've heard the panel's council on your problem, a group of improvisers will act out the possible consequences of the advice.
64. Green Lake Star Party
Learn about the constellations, the moon, and other planets at Green Lake's public star party.
65. In Their Shoes: An Empathy Workshop
Join AIGA Seattleās Women Lead Initiative for a roundtable and panel discussions on gender equity in the workplace.
66. Cinema Dissection: Bamboozled
Lovers of meticulous film analysis can participate in a six-hour, scene-by-scene, and sometimes shot-by-shot deconstruction of a featured film. This time, it's Spike Lee's controversial commentary on the historical and modern implications of minstrelsy, Bamboozled. Filmmaker/scholar Sharon Williams will facilitate.
67. Neighborhood Voices
Hear longtime Chinatown-International District residents share their stories about the immigrant experience in this documentary mini series. All videos were created by English Innovations students from the Chinese Information and Service Center.
68. Saturday Morning Kung Fu Theater
Early risers can spend their Saturday mornings watching classic martial arts cinema (courtesy of Push/Pull film archivists) over coffee and donuts.
69. Bobby Burns Night
In honor of Scottish national poet Robert Burns, partake in a traditional Burns Night meal of "haggis, neeps, and tatties" (turnips and potatoes) and a rousing recitation of the poem "Ode to A Haggis," as well as more "food and cocktail fun."
70. Butchery 101: Whole Pig and Lunch
Learn how to source and butcher a whole sustainably raised pig from butcher and chef Kristina Glinoga of Matt's in the Market and Bateau, and enjoy a lunch made from the animal butchered in class. You'll get to take home a few pounds of meat for later.
71. Dark Beer & Chili Competition
Washington craft brewers, including Lazy Boy Brewing Company, SnoTown Brewery, Outlander Brewery and Pub, and Airways Brewing Company, will duke it out for the title and honor of having the best dark beer and chili.
72. Pints for Pets in Hillman City
Meet adorable, adoptable dogs and cats ready to find their forever homesāmaybe yours?āand swig quality brews for a good cause: All sales from NW Peaks' Cask IPA will benefit Seattle Humane.
73. Bass Wars ā The Last DJ
If your three favorite things are lasers, bass music, and Star Wars, your life is about to get a whole lot better. Bass Wars will tie all three together for a dance party soundtracked by DJs like No-Bull, Dylan C, GunnyT, JĆ¼s'T, and Fresher.
74. Dolly & the DJ
Local drag favorite Dolly Madison will take her recurring show to the White Center's new lumber-themed bar.
75. Electric Circus
Electric Circus "remixes classic soul and rock for the 21st century" with sampled tracks, improvisation, and light projections.
76. NUMUS Northwest 2018
NUMUS (literally noo-ew moo-usic) is a day-long event dedicated to the creation, performance, and experience of new music. There will be showcases of experimental works and features by local composers, with input by artists, critics, and audience members alike.
77. Rise Up and Hilary Scott
Rise Up, an ensemble of top Seattle vocalists and musicians, will perform songs from the award-winning musical that various members of your extended family have seen four times, Hamilton! Hilary Scott will open.
78. Schism
Experience "New York City's premier TOOL tribute band."
79. School of Rock Issaquah: Goth Rock
Watch the tiny musical treasures of the future play pieces by the goth rock relics of the past, with School of Rock Issaquah's tribute to iconic genre moments.
80. Emerald City Trapeze Arts Student Show
See aerial choreography and daring tricks by trapeze students of all ages at this semester's show.
81. Fairy Tales and Fantastic Beasts
This concert uses fantastical creatures to illustrate the power that comes from "those very things that make us queer."
82. The God File
K. Brian Neel presents the first workshop reading of THE GOD FILE, a three-act play in which missing research from a conservative think tank leaves a trail of death in its wake.
83. Intro to Stage Puppeteering
Learn the foundations of stage puppetry (including focus, physical commitment, and basic puppet operation) from Seattle-based puppeteer Rachel Jackson.
84. Living Voices: Hear My Voice
Follow the history of the women's rights movement and learn about current equality movements in this installment of Living Voices.
85. Solidarity Salon
As a post-Women's March 2.0 event, see spoken-word artists and performers of the new company Play Your Part pay tribute to the activists and marchers. There will also be an open mic.
86. Fremont Fireside Chat
The Fremocentrist blog and the library will present a history of the Troll-ruled neighborhood, including its industrial period and its current businesses (like Theo Chocolate and the tech companies).
87. Lois V. Harris: Lotta Crabtree: Gold Rush Fairy Star
With the California Gold Rush reaching its peak, it was up to child performers called "Fairy Stars" to keep the miners entertained. One of them was Lotta Crabtree, whose career lasted for decades. Join Lois V. Harris as she shares her biography for young readers, Lotta Crabtree: Gold Rush Fairy Star.
88. When Disaster Strikes: Civil Aviation to the Rescue
Members of Washington Stateās Disaster Airlift Response Team will discuss how local aviation groups, volunteer pilots, and aircraft owners help with relief efforts during natural disasters. In light of the looming mega quake, they'll no doubt provide some peace of mind.
89. Beyond Rollerdome
The Rainier Roller Girls will take on the Whidbey Island Roller Girls for their first bout of 2018.
90. Lucha VolcƔnica
Start off the new year with your favorite Lucha Libre light weights as they duke it out in the Sonico Open Challenge wrestling match.
91. Stinky Spoke Bike Race
This annual 18-mile mountain bike "poker ride" is held on a day that is statistically very bad, weather-wise. The riders start at Redhook Brewery and follow a route along the Tolt Pipeline, Trilogy, Redmond Watershed, Powerline, and Sammamish River trails. They collect playing cards along the way, and if a rider has a good enough hand at the end of the race, they win a prize.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS92. Great Train Show
This model train show is for hobbyists and the general public alike. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more.
SUNDAY
ART93. Resist: A Pop-Up Exhibition and Artist Book Launch
Ellen Sollod's projectsāRibbons of Resistance, I Resist/I Embrace, and 100 Days/100Post Cardsāaim to stoke resistance and spread empathy on the anniversary of the Womxn's March. Pick up a Ribbon and buy photos, prints, and artist books.
94. January Plant Walk
Go on a walk through West Seattle's Lincoln Park to learn about all the coastal and forest plants that can be found in the city, like Pacific madrone, gumweed, willow, and black cottonwood.
95. Lid I-5 Collaborative
The Lid I-5 movement aims to "help erase the boundaries between Downtown, Capitol Hill, First Hill, and Denny Triangle." This event is the first in a series of "collaboratives," which will occur every two months throughout the year.
96. Parke Ave Launch Party
Celebrate the launch of Parke Ave, a new app that allows musicians' fans to find articles on their favorite artists, get social media tips, discuss festival logistics, coordinate gear swaps, and create their own subgroups to discover other artists with similar interests. Every month, they'll host a social mixer so artists can meet their online connections in real life.
97. Jack Straw Artist Showcase Open House
Jack Straw resident artists Concert Imaginaire, Different Drummer, Srivani Jade, Leilani Lewis, Michael Owcharuk, Tai Shan, Ilvs Strauss, and others will perform in various genres.
98. Opera on Tap
Enjoy an evening of operatic "art songs" over a beer.
99. Petty Thief, Jealous Dogs
Petty Thief, a tribute band active since 2007, will cover hits by the late and great Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in an intimate set with Pretenders cover group Jealous Dogs.
100. Pin-Ups in Seattle
This pin-up show aims to recreate the atmosphere of a 1940s Hollywood Canteen. The evening will feature dancing pin-ups, comedy, variety acts, lounge singers, a raffle, and more.
101. A Strip in Time
Hot Fawking Productions will take you on a time travel tour of tease.
102. Theatre of Inquiry / Seattle Theatre Works
Inspired by Augusto Boalās Theatre of the Oppressed as well as "ethnodramatic" theater practices, Seattle Theatre Works will present a show in which audience members are active participants.
103. Seat at the Table
Luzviminda Uzuri āLuluā Carpenter has created an interactive talk show about "politics, media, pop culture, music, and food." That's pretty wide open, but to give you an idea, the first edition (hosted by Lulu and Mr. B) is all about cuddling: "To fight the struggle, we need to snuggle." They also promise snacks.
104. Story Time for Grown Ups
Give your eyes a rest and revert back to childhood with this monthly story session.
