Must List: Six Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week

We have exciting news — our new issue is making its way to mailboxes and newsstands, and for the first time ever, Melinda French Gates is on the cover of a Seattle publication! She’s part of our Trailblazing Women issue, featuring 10 incredible women telling their stories in their own words. You don’t want to miss this issue.

Online this week, we’ve got a win for Pioneer Square’s small businesses and a great new podcast episode with Microsoft’s Laura Hoffman that makes us wish we were BFFs with her.

And here’s a few things to do around town.

A group of six people poses closely together and smiles above a "The Wedding Banquet" banner, with festive lion dancers and decorations below—truly a Must List moment for 05-01-2025.

The Wedding Banquet

Now-May 11
SIFF Cinema Uptown
$18+

Director Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet is a funny reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 film. This updated version explores themes of love, identity, and family within the LGBTQ+ community, and it features hometown hero Lily Gladstone. I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s at the top of my list. Bring someone who’ll laugh and swoon with you, or maybe just hold your hand.

The Princess Diana Collection Pop-Up

Now-May 13
Museum of Pop Culture

I’ve been watching The Crown and can’t wait to get to the Princess Diana parts. She’s just so compelling. The new fashion pop-up at MoPOP includes 14 of her most iconic looks, on view in Seattle for the first time. Designed by Catherine Walker and others, these gowns show how Diana used clothing to express herself. Every detail tells a story.

A woman in a dark red dress sits on a couch holding a dagger, with "Seattle Opera" and "Tosca" in bold yellow text beside her—catch this Must List event on 05-01-2025.

Tosca

May 3-17
Seattle Opera
$99+

Puccini’s beloved melodrama returns to McCaw Hall in a classic production featuring betrayal, doomed lovers, and a villain so despicable you’ll forget you’re at the opera. If you’ve never been, this one’s easy to get swept up in.

A man in a white shirt and dark jacket stands in front of a blue corrugated background, touching his temple with one hand and looking directly at the camera—an image worthy of any Must List for 05-01-2025.

Jason Cheny

Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$35+

Taiwanese American comic Jason Cheny, based in Los Angeles, has toured everywhere from Singapore to New York City and featured for Ronny Chieng and Iliza Shlesinger. If you’re into smart, self-deprecating storytelling, this is your night. The jokes go down easy with a drink in hand at one of Seattle’s oldest venues — a former silent film house that still oozes vintage charm.

Two children in costumes stand near an R2-D2 replica at a "May the Fourth" event—an absolute must list for fans ahead of 05-01-2025, with bold yellow letters shining above them.

May the Fourth

Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Museum of Flight

It lands on a Saturday this year, and the Museum of Flight is going all in with lightsaber training and a performance by the 8-Bit Brass Band. Come in costume for discounted admission and spend the day nerding out. Jedi mind tricks won’t get you in free, but they can’t hurt.

Must List: Don’t miss Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s "Heavier Yet Tour" poster, featuring an illustrated portrait of a saxophonist against a blue-green backdrop. Save the date—05-01-2025!.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80: Heavier Yet US Tour

May 6-7, 7:30 p.m.
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
$52.50

Fela Kuti’s son brings his father’s legendary Afrobeat band to Jazz Alley. Expect high-energy horns and political fire. Jazz Alley shows are so dreamy. I always end up hanging out with those seated around me, and everyone is there to enjoy great food and music. This is your chance to see a global icon.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.