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

Hey, how’s it going?

We’ve got good stuff this week: Susan Lieu is stepping in as interim director at Theatre Off Jackson (a personal hero of mine), and you can hear about the gig in her own words right here. And have you seen the new cloud installation at the Seattle Art Museum? It’s delightful.

Our new issue is out too! The theme is healthcare, and our 25th annual Top Doctors list is in. Be sure to read our Publisher’s Note, where he shares his full, glorious beauty routine. Pick up a copy wherever you get your magazines — and don’t forget to hydrate.

Here’s what to do this week.

A person in a chicken costume faces a man wearing a cap, both laughing, with red stage curtains in the background—one of the fun things to do in Seattle for those seeking quirky entertainment.

Birds of Play

July 10-19
Seattle Public Theater
$40+

Joy Rides (aka Tanya Gagné) and her chicken Goldie are back from America’s Got Talent and ready to shake things up in this circus cabaret. With aerial acts and magic, it’s strange and beautiful and everything art should be.

Illustrated octopus with intricate patterns holding an anchor, "Ballard SeafoodFest" text above on a blue background, boat and seagulls in the scene—a must list event happening 07-10-2025.

Ballard SeafoodFest

July 11-13
Ballard

Three days of music, craft booths, beer gardens, and the famous alder-smoked salmon BBQ. Ballard turns into a street party, and I think we can all get behind that. Start making room in your stomach now.

Must List: Don’t miss Shakespeare in the Park, featuring "Much Ado About Nothing," "Richard III," "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," and "The Taming of the Shrew," July 11–Aug 16. Free admission. Mark your calendar for 07-10-2025!.

Shakespeare in the Park

July 11-Aug 16
Several Seattle-area parks
Free

It’s not summer in Seattle without GreenStage. This year’s free shows include Much Ado About Nothing and Richard III. The scaled-down Backyard Bard shows are A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Taming of the Shrew, all performed in parks throughout the region. Bring snacks, a blanket, and someone who knows how to shush.

Colorful illustration of animals with floral patterns surrounds bold text that reads “Wild in Wallingford 2025 Parade” on a yellow background. A must list event happening on 07-10-2025!.

Wild in Wallingford Parade

Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m.
Wallingford
Free

Expect costumes, bubbles, bands, dogs, and probably someone on stilts. This fun neighborhood parade has been rolling through Wallingford for more than 70 years, starting as the city’s only kiddie parade. Now produced by the new nonprofit Celebrate Wallingford, it anchors a full day of block parties and community events.

A man in a patterned shirt and beret stands in profile holding a saxophone against a plain background—a true Must List moment for 07-10-2025.

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley

Tuesday, July 15, 8 p.m.
Tractor Tavern
$38.47

A pioneer of Ghanaian highlife and the first artist to fuse it with rap and jazz, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has been making music since the 1970s and shows no signs of slowing down. This will be an incredible show. Don’t miss it.

Book cover of "Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler" by Susana M. Morris, two portraits of women, a "Must List" label, and details for the author event at Lake Forest Park on 07-10-2025.

Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler

Wednesday July 16, 7 p.m.
Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park
Free

Octavia E. Butler fans, this one’s for you. Biographer Susana M. Morris will discuss her new book alongside Afrofuturist and educator Brooke Bosley. And hey, did you know Butler used to live just blocks away from Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park? Incredible.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.