Must List: Six Fun Things to Do This Week
Mysterious sharks, flirty stormtroopers, and a sky full of fireworks
By Sarah Stackhouse July 3, 2025
What are you doing for the 4th? I caught some early fireworks after an AquaSox game on Saturday — so pretty. Not everyone loves them, though. My sister’s dog has to be held like a baby all night. Thinking of those who struggle with the noise, and cheering on anyone braving the Seattle crowds.
This week, we’ve got the just-announced Bumbershoot visual arts lineup, which includes a cat circus. We’re also sharing the story of an inclusive new coffee stand in Burien, and 5 Things to Eat in July.
Here’s whats going on this week.
Art For Everybody
July 3-7
SIFF Film Center
$15+
You may know Thomas Kinkade for his glowing cottages and pastel skies. What you may not know is that after his death, a hidden trove of darker, more complex paintings was discovered. A new documentary at SIFF explores the contrast between Kinkade the brand and Kinkade the man. Sounds fascinating. Meet you there?
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
Now-Aug. 24
The Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center
$49+
It’s exactly what it sounds like: Darth Vader in fishnets. Stormtroopers getting flirty. The Star Wars-themed burlesque parody, which originated in Australia, is here through August, and tickets are selling fast. As The Guardian put it, the show is packed with “sexy strip-and-dance numbers, stylishly lit and slickly performed to a banging pop and rock score.”
Seafair 4th of July Fireworks
July 4, 10:20 p.m.
Lake Union
Free
Whether you trek into Gas Works Park, post up on a rooftop in Eastlake, or find a patch of grass along South Lake Union, Seattle’s Fourth of July fireworks are a summer staple. If you lucked into a houseboat invite or booked a spot on one of the party cruises, even better — the reflections over the water are stunning. It’s loud, romantic, and hands-down one of the prettiest nights of the year.
Pioneer Square Fest
July 5-6, 11 a.m.
Pioneer Square
$20+ with free entry to the market
Live music, art installations, open galleries, and more than 100 local vendors take over the streets of Pioneer Square this weekend. With food and drink specials, it’s the best excuse all summer to wander downtown after dark. Get snazzy and go hang with your classy friends in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood.
Shark in the Park
Sunday, July 6, 11 a.m.
Redondo Waterfront and Wooten Park
Free
Des Moines is throwing a party for a very misunderstood local: the bluntnose sixgill shark. They show up off Redondo Beach each summer, and Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium is turning it into a full-on marine science fest. There’ll be food trucks, shark exhibits, crafts, and dive team meetups for those wanting to suit up and jump in.
Spotlight | Black & Loud Fest
Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m.
Pier 62 – Waterfront Park
Free
This free Waterfront Park preview features Seattle’s own King Youngblood — I’ve had the joy of catching them live around the city, and they’re so much fun. The lineup includes more rising local acts. It’s family-friendly, open-air, and sets the stage for the full Black & Loud Fest later this summer.
Visit our events calendar for more ideas.
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