It feels like we’ve been gearing up for the golden anniversary of the 1962 World’s Fair since February (oh wait—we have), but the countdown clock is nearly at zero. Seattle Center’s six-month celebration officially kicks off this Saturday, with a whole day of food truckin’, beer garden(ing?), free zipline rides (UPDATE: the zipline opens May 25), and a number of performances across the 74-acre campus. Even with Husky Fest going on at the same time—um, who planned that?—it’s going to be a busy weekend at Seattle Center.

In addition to the unveiling of six temporary public art installations and Earth Day festivities, Opening Day highlights include:

• an Almost Live! appearance by funnyman and former host John Keister (opening ceremonies, 10:30–noon, Mural Amphitheatre)

• a dramatic reading of excerpts from The Future Remembered about the making (and legacy) of the 1962 World’s Fair, by actor Tom Skerritt. Resist the urge to yell “Viper!” (opening ceremonies, 10:30–noon, Mural Amphitheatre)

• a massive modern dance performance—The Chair Spectacle, rumored to have several hundred dancers dressed in white whirling red chairs—choreographed by local icon Pat Graney (4:30–5, International Fountain)

• the opening of new MOHAI history exhibits that showcase 129 years of U.S. World’s Fairs and artifacts from MOHAI’s Seattle 1962 collection.

• closing weekend for two popular productions: PNB’s double bill of Apollo and Carmina Burana, and Seattle Rep’s Restoration comedy Or,.

And, of course, the aforementioned food trucks (11–6), beer garden (noon–6), and zipline (noon–4:30). Since this event is as much about looking forward as looking back, the Next Fifty events continue through the spring with the arrival of King Tut’s traveling empire and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Stay tuned.

The Next Fifty Opening Day
Apr 21, 10–6, Seattle Center campus (start at the International Fountain)