The Top Things to Do This Weekend: August 13–16
Part big top, part Broadway, Pippin the Musical takes the stage for a week-long run at the Paramount Theatre.
Image: Photo Courtesy Joan Marcus
THEATER
Aug 16–23
Pippin the Musical
Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin has long been an unusual musical: a story of a prince’s existential journey to find meaning in his life set against a fantastical performance troupe. When the show saw a Tony-winning Broadway revival in 2013, the troupe was reimagined as a spectacular, Cirque du Soleil-inspired ensemble. Catch the high-flying acrobatic antics and soaring songs as Pippin’s national touring company swings through town. Paramount Theatre, $34–$114
FOOD & DRINK
Aug 14–16
Seattle Street Food Festival
Street food has moved past the point of being trendy and transitioned into just another part of urban life. Still, it’s hard not to be excited when all of the city’s best food trucks and street vendors congregate for the Seattle Street Food Festival, which moves this year from Cal Anderson Park to South Lake Union. South Lake Union, Free
Sat, Aug 15
Everett Craft Beer Festival
Head north as 30 of Washington’s finest breweries take over downtown Everett for a day of beer-infused bliss. And if that’s not enough to encourage you to make the trek, many of the brews will be poured though a randall—a special transducing tap that adds even more fresh flavors to the beers. Downtown Everett, $20–$25
THE SPORTING LIFE
Fri, Aug 14
Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos
The Seahawks preseason opener can’t come soon enough. It’ll be great to watch Russell Wilson hand off the ball to Marshawn Lynch once again. And how can you pass up an opportunity to see the newest Seahawks star—tight end Jimmy Graham—take the field for the first time? Run, run, run down to CenturyLink to be part of the 12th Man’s return. CenturyLink Field, $77–$288 (Televised on Fox)
OUT OF TOWN
Fri & Sat, Aug 14 & 15
Stopover Festival
Even if you don’t like Mumford and Sons’ music, it’s impossible to hate the band’s commitment to playing places off the beaten path. This summer, the group brings its Stopover Festival, which only stops places other artists would blow right past, to Walla Walla. Boasting an insane lineup—Mumford and Sons (obviously), Foo Fighters, the Flaming Lips, Jenny Lewis, Tune-Yards, and more—it’s well worth the drive. Whitman College, Walla Walla, $85–$125; Festival pass $200
CONCERTS
Fri, Aug 14
Concerts at the Mural: Natasha Kmeto, Shaprece, Manatee Commune
Lying on the sunny grass right underneath the Space Needle and listening to free live music curated by KEXP? Seattle summers are pretty cool. This week's edition features a night of electronic R&B tunes from Natasha Kmeto and Shaprece, plus the swirling sounds of Manatee Commune. Seattle Center Mural, Free
Sat, Aug 15
Light in the Attic Summer Spectacular
Reisssue record label Light in the Attic has an ear for timeless sounds. For its second annual Summer Spectacular, LitA brings in two impressive headliners: ’60s blues and soul legend Barbara Lynn (of “You’ll Lose A Good Thing” fame) and acclaimed Canadian Inuit singer-songwriter Willie Thrasher. Besides live music, the night will also feature plenty of food trucks and new and used vinyl for sale. Light in the Attic Records, Free
SPECIAL EVENTS
Aug 14–16
Hempfest
While you were munching on Seattle Police Department–approved Doritos, Hempfest got serious. This year’s theme is Cannabis Science Now!. The goal is education about the medicinal benefits of THC and the industrial potential of hemp. And aspiring weed entrepreneurs won’t want to miss the new Hempfest Business Show at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Myrtle Edwards Park, Free
FILM
Thur, Aug 13
Seattle Outdoor Movies: Up
If you’re into crying uncontrollably in public while surrounded by strangers, good news! Magnuson Park screens the Pixar favorite Up. If the movie’s heartwrenching opening montage showing Carl and Ellie’s relationship doesn’t make you well up, you may not have a soul. Take a date to show off your sensitive side. Magnuson Park, $5
Sat, Aug 15
Movies at the Mural: Guardian of the Galaxy
Early in 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy was a punch line. Marvel’s really scraping the bottom of the barrel, huh? But the intergalactic adventure became a smash hit and turned Seattle’s own Chris Pratt into an A-list star. Watch Star-Lord under the stars at Movies at the Mural. Seattle Center Mural, Free
VISUAL ART
Fri, Aug 14
Comic Life
Fringe art gallery Push/Pull celebrates the local comic art scene with Comic Life, featuring work by over 20 Seattle artists. Each creator brings their own unique style and storytelling technique to the medium, making for a rich artistic palatez. Push/Pull Studio & Gallery, Free
