Sept 14-20
Sweet Week
The second annual Sweet Week hits the streets with unique treats created specifically for the occasion. Shops around town are offering $5 treats like ice cream cookie sandwiches (Hello Robin), mini pies (Pie), and vegan cinnamon rolls (Flying Apron).  Various locations, $5

Sept 15–18
Seattle Symphony Piano Competition 
The Seattle Symphony’s 2015–16 season unofficially starts a bit early this year with the inaugural Seattle Symphony Piano Competition. Pianists from around the world compete for a grand prize that includes $10,000 and a spot performing at the Seattle Symphony Opening Night Gala Concert. The performers will put their fingers to the test by performing American and French piano concertos (the opening round even features an new work by Portland’s Kenji Bunch commissioned specifically for this competition). Unlike most piano competitions of this sort, the first two (of three) rounds are open to the public. Benaroya Hall, Free–$15

Thru Oct 11
American Idiot
The stage adaptation of Green Day’s masterful punk rock opera, American Idiot, moshes its way onto the ArtsWest stage. Apathetic, TV-saturated youth in the George W. Bush era come to life via Johnny (aka the Jesus of Suburbia) and his cronies as they mess up their lives and belt out hits like “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” ArtsWest, $15–$40

Sept 17–24
SIFF Women in Cinema
SIFF’s annual celebration female filmmakers returns with highlights both new and old from around the globe. From American features from Emily Tiny and Catherine Hardwicke to Peruvian and Chinese documentaries, the movies on display showcase the diverse and compelling storytelling being produced by women directors. Penelope Spheeris will also be on hand to screen two disparate cinematic touchstones from her directing filmography: the punk documentary The Decline of Western Civilization and the smash comedy hit Wayne’s World. SIFF Cinema Uptown, $12–$25; Festival pass $60

Sat, Sept 19
Beat Connection 
With its groove-filled electropop tunes, Beat Connection has brought a sophisticated cool to the Seattle rock scene since 2010. Expect a dance floor packed with swooning college kids and scenesters as the band delivers more lush synth-rock tunes at the album release show for Product 3. Neptune Theatre, $19

Want more? Take a look through our events calendar for a full slate of things happening around town this week and beyond.