Seattle’s got a lot going on right now. Emerald City Comic Con starts today, and MoPOP is launching a new exhibit on the global influence of Asian comics (yes, it looks amazing). Seafair is switching things up with a new parade route. And Seattle Chocolate’s rebrand is inspired by an Irish pirate queen.

We also wrapped up Most Influential — all the profiles are up, so read them and get inspired. Plus, a new study says Seattle is one of the most likely places for someone to live to 150. It credits our plant-based diets, active lifestyles, and access to health care — though apparently, we could cut back on the booze.

Now, onto this week’s picks.

Emerald City Comic Con

March 6-9
Seattle Convention Center
$57+

Once upon a time, this might’ve gotten you laughed out of the cafeteria. Now it takes over downtown. I love the way the city transforms — stormtroopers in coffee shops and wizards on the light rail. Comics, collectibles, and celebrity panels are great, but the real fun is in the unapologetic joy of people fully embracing what they love.

Mother Russia

March 6-April 6
Seattle Rep
$41+

Moscow, post-Soviet collapse. The old systems are gone, but no one seems to know what comes next. Two men hoping for cushy government jobs end up in retail, fumbling their way through capitalism while a former pop star pulls them into something bigger. Lauren Yee (Cambodian Rock Band) takes on the chaos of a country in freefall, where survival depends on how fast you can adapt — and how much you’re willing to lose.

Power of the Presses

March 7-June 8
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Free

The printing press has always been a tool of revolution. It spreads ideas and fuels movements. This exhibit brings that history into focus, showcasing artist-made books, broadsides, and prints that push back against power. A working press sits in the middle of it all, ready for visitors and special guests to put ink to paper.

Instant Noodles!

March 8-9
Theatre Off Jackson
$11.20+

Fifty Asian artists meet on Friday night, get thrown into random pairs, and have 24 hours to write and perform new plays. No time to overthink, no time to second-guess — just writing, rehearsing, composing music, and hoping it makes sense by showtime. Some of it will be brilliant. Some of it might be a hot mess. Either way, it’s theater in its rawest form, and that’s the fun of it.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Sunday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$52.50+

Born in Nigeria, Adichie writes incredible stories and characters. Purple Hibiscus and Americanah are two of my favorites — layered and impossible to forget. She’s also a compelling speaker who’s willing to go deep and tell the truth. If you’ve never read her, now’s a good time to start.

A Conversation with Natasha Lyonne

Tuesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
Benaroya Hall
$7+

The first time I saw Natasha Lyonne was in Slums of Beverly Hills, which remains one of my favorite movies of all time. Since then, she’s been in approximately everything — Orange Is the New Black, Russian Doll, Poker Face — and she’s always the most interesting person on screen. I expect this chat to be filled with hilarious tangents and unfiltered insights —the best kind of conversation.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.