For Saturday

Bring on the Tomatoes

This is your chance to set aside all pretenses of adulthood and take part in a full-on food fight—with tomatoes. The event's live entertainment and beer garden will keep you occupied when your arm needs a rest. Open to ages 21+.

Seattle Tomato Battle, Sat, August 17, noon-6pm, Pyramid Alehouse & Restaurant, 1201 1st Ave S, $29.99 for spectators, $49.99 for attendees.

For Friday

Garden Fiesta

It's almost time for the 34th District Democrats' annual garden party fundraiser! Get your fiesta on with a Tex-Mex buffet, flamenco music, and live and silent auctions featuring Seattle city council member Sally Clark as auctioneer.

34th District Democrats' Annual Garden Party—Fiesta!, Fri, August 16, 6pm, West Seattle Nursery, 5275 California Ave SW, $34/person and $60/couple.

Hempfest Kicks Off

Join the world's largest event in support of marijuana reform at the Seattle waterfront—the 22nd annual Hempfest, and the first since recreational marijuana use was legalized in Washington state last year. (The state is still working on rules for growing, selling, and using legal marijuana). The event runs all weekend with six stages of music, speakers, tons of food, and many other activities.

Seattle Hempfest, Fri. August 16 - Sun. August 18, noon-8pm (Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat-Sun), Myrtle Edwards Park, free.

Light Up the Night for Science

For its 50th anniversary, Pacific Science Center is holding the "50 for 50th: Future Ready Campaign," an initiative to raise $50 million for the science center's future expansions, renovations, and technological improvements.

As part of the fundraiser, the iconic white arches outside the center can be lit up with your color of choice for $250 per hour or $1,000 for the entire night. The arch-lighting fundraiser will run through the end of August, and all proceeds will benefit the center.

Light Up the Night, August 1 - August 31, Pacific Science Center.

For Thursday

Pro-Choice Hero Wendy Davis

Come show your support for Senator Wendy Davis, the tenacious Texas state representative who filibustered for 11 hours straight to kill legislation that would restrict abortions in Texas, when she visits Seattle this week. (The legislature ultimately passed the law, which bans all abortions after 20 weeks, in a special session, although opponents have vowed to continue the fight.) The visit is hosted by NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. Purchase a ticket to attend.

An Evening with Wendy Davis, Thurs, August 15, 6-7:30pm, The Hub Seattle, 220 2nd Ave. S, $50-$100.

EOI Celebration

The Economic Opportunity Institute invites you to celebrate the progressive economic organization's 15th birthday at this year's Summer Patio Party. Chow down on all-you-can-eat Latin-inspired dishes to a background of live music. Kids under 12 eat free.

EOI's Summer Patio Party, Thurs, August 14, 6-9pm, The Economic Opportunity Institute, $20.

Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?
Send the details to Shirley Qiu at [email protected]