For Thursday
 

Jack Straw Presents

The Jack Straw writer's program has helped over 200 Pacific Northwest writers find their literary voice since its inception in 1997, and four members of this year's talented crop will be putting their work on display Thursday evening.
 

The group includes poet Raul Sanchez, essayist Margot Kahn, The Artist's Guide to Grant Writing author Gigi Rosenberg, and journalist Kristen Millares Young. Join them at the UW Book Store to hear excerpts from their latest projects—and catch the next wave of Northwest literature first hand. 
 

Civic Boot Camp

Seattle City Club's Civic Boot Camp series will turn its eye toward the Seattle waterfront with a HistoryLink-guided tour of sites in and around Elliot Bay, followed by a luncheon with a panel of city leaders and the chance to create a civic plan in conjunction with fellow participants.

The day's events also include small group discussions of civic issues, a historical overview and tour of Pike Place Market, and a micro-grant writing exercise. Prepare to be better prepared to do your civic duties.

CitySolve: Urban Race Seattle

Think you know your city? Test your Seattle-navigation mettle with your team of two to four during CitySolve's fundraising scavenger hunt downtown. 

Given clues and hurdles, teams will compete for the $300 prize by completing the scavenger hunt and returning to the starting line at 88 Keys the fastest. It's not all fun and games, though; proceeds from entry fees go directly to support One Brick Seattle, an organization that supports local non-profits.

If you've ever dreamed of competing in The Amazing Race, but wished that your efforts would benefit the city of Seattle instead of a television conglomerate, this is the event you've been waiting for. Tickets are $50 online, $60 on August 8, and $65 if purchased the day of.

CitySolve Urban Race Seattle, Sat, Aug 9. 11:30am–4pm, 88 Keys, 315 2nd Ave South, $50–$65. 

Advance Notice For August 13

Seattle has now been home to P-Patch community gardens for four decades, and MOHAI is intrigued by the city's dedication to communal cultivation.
 

The museum has conscribed greenthumb author Bill Thorness to lead a walk through P-Patches new and old, spanning 2 miles starting from the UpGarden P-Patch atop the Mercer Street Parking Garage.