CONCERTS

Sat, Aug 22
Seattle Acoustic Festival
Unplug for the day at the second annual Seattle Acoustic Festival, where over 30 bands will be performing a variety of acoustic styles across three stages. Stop by to listen to established Pacific Northwest acts like Star Anna and Tomo Nakayama, or to discover new favorites. It’s guaranteed to be a day full intimate performances. All Pilgrims Church, $8–$10

THEATER

Thru Sept 6
Matilda the Musical
Roald Dahl's classic tale of a precious 5-year-old bookworm who strives to overcome the oppressive nature of her parents and school comes to life on stage in Matlida the Musical. While the story may seem kid-focused, music and lyrics by brilliant comedian Tim Minchin make Matilda the Musical an exhilarating and hilarious show the whole family can appreciate. 5th Avenue Theatre, $29–$135

Thru Sept 27
John Baxter Is a Switch Hitter
Controversy fuels sports discussion, but sometimes the most socially relevant sporting controversies fall outside of the mainstream's purview. Such was the case of the 2008 Gay World Series of Softball in Seattle. Before the championship game, a team from San Francisco was accused of having too many heterosexual players on its roster. The players in question were bisexual, but after an impromptu inquisition, the squad was disqualified. The incident serves an the inspiration for the new comedy John Baxter Is a Switch Hitter, which premieres as part of this year's Intiman Theatre Festival. Cornish Playhouse, $25–$60

Thru Aug 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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fri, Aug 21
SAM Remix
Celebrate summer with an eclectic evening brought to you by the Seattle Art Museum. This year's SAM Remix will include dance performances, local DJs, interactive art making, and the Walker Art Center's Internet Cat Video Festival. Explore Olympic Sculpture Park during this hyper-creative social event while listening to live music from OCnotes and two surprise bands brought to you by Seattle Secret Shows. One thing's for sure—this isn't your ordinary art mixer. Olympic Scultpure Park, Advanced Tickets Sold Out

Sat, Aug 22
Summit Block Party
While not bearing its name, Capitol Hill gets a summer block party that better reflects the actual culture of the neighborhood as Summit Block Party hosts a day of free local music, arts, crafts, and general revelry. With a live lineup that includes Tangerine, Iji, Tomo Nakayama, RA Scion and Indica Jones, and Sick Sad World, there are plenty of reasons to swing by the shindig. 1722 Summit Avenue, Free

CLASSICAL & MORE

Fri & Sun, Aug 21 & 23
An American Dream
As strange as it sounds, Seattle Opera rarely gets to perform a Seattle opera. It turns out the Italian and German operatic master composers weren't writing that much about the Pacific Northwest (or cities that hadn't been founded yet at the time). But with its world premiere commission An American Dream, Seattle Opera taps into the local spirit as it tells the story of two Puget Sound women dealing with the horrors of World War II: a Japenese American who might be sent to an internment camp and a German Jewish immigrant who can't let her mind escape thoughts of the tragedies occurring in her homeland. McCaw Hall $80–$125

THE SPORTING LIFE

Fri, Aug 21
Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: Fireworks Night
There have been few on-field fireworks for the Mariners this season (Iwakuma's no-hitter aside), so the team will fire actual one into the sky after the game to attempt to make up for the lineup's lack of offensive firepower. But before explosions take the sky, fans will get to see one of the best pitching matchups of the year as two baseball's best aces—Felix Hernandez and Chris Sale of the White Sox—take the mound. Safeco Field, $19–$558

FILM

Thur, Aug 20
Redhook Moonlight Cinema: Lone Survivor
There are few easier ways to capture a guy’s attention than with a well-told war story. Among modern war stories it’s hard to top Lone Survivor’s depiction of the harrowing battle Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg) waged against Taliban forces in June 2005. Active military and vets get in free to this special outdoor screening. Redhook Brewery, $5

COMEDY

Fri & Sat, Aug 21 & 22
Sean Kent
As one of only three comics ever to win both the Seattle and San Francisco International Comedy Competitions, standup comedian Sean Kent has the type of critically-acclaimed resume that’s no laughing matter. You might recognize him from his starring role on A&E’sModern Dads, his recent Showtime special, or his regular appearances on Last Comic Standing. As a returning SICC champ,  Kent’s Seattle stop on his world tour could be considered a victory lap or a trip down memory lane... either way, we’re happy to have him. Comedy Underground, $15