The Weekend Starts… Now.
CONCERTS
Thur & Fri, Aug 7 & 8ChvrchesThe bright soundscapes created by Scottish synthpop trio Chvrches belie their native land’s famously gloomy weather. Singer Lauren Mayberry brings pixie pep to the proceedings on the group’s stellar debut LP The Bones of What You Believe. The songs manage to be both fresh and reverent toward the trailblazing UK synth movement of the ’80s. Showbox SoDo, $30.[1]
Fri, Aug 8Arcade FireArcade Fire’s chamber rock anthems soar in front of majestic backdrops like the Gorge. In its only Washington stop in support of Reflektor, the Canadian band hopes to start a party, asking concertgoers to dress in formal attire or costumes. And while Reflektor is a dud compared to the band’s other albums, its songs are certainly danceable. Gorge Amphitheatre, George, $40–$325.[2]
Sat, Aug 9107.7 The End’s Summer CampForget canoeing or wilderness survival, get your merit badge in rocking out at 107.7 The End’s Summer Camp. The single-day music festival brings up-and-coming acts that dominate airplay on the radio station. Electronic rock duo Phantogram headlines a slate that includes Bleachers, Wild Cub, and Sir Sly. Marymoor Park, sold out.[3]
CLASSICAL & MORE
Sat, Aug 9Speight CelebrationAfter working more than three decades as Seattle opera’s general director, Speight Jenkins deserves a sendoff as grandiose as the hundreds of productions he’s overseen. He’ll receive his own curtain call at Speight Celebration, a one-night special featuring his most adored singers performing some of his favorite works from Wagner, Gershwin, Puccini, Verdi, and more. McCaw Hall, $99–$399.[4]
SPECIAL EVENTS
Aug 7–11Doe Bay FestivalIn some ways, Orcas Island’s Doe Bay Festival is the quintessential modern Northwest music festival. It’s laid back, remote, and feels like a little secret that’s all our own. Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, Orca Island, $310 (2 tickets and camping).[5]
Fri, Aug 8South Lake Union Block PartyGrab burgers, brews, and watch a movie at the South Lake Union Block Party. Past years have had a beer garden, free yoga classes, a burger grilling competition, and plenty of activities for kids. The proceeds will benefit Cornish College of the Arts. South Lake Union Discovery Center Lawn, free.[6]
Aug 8–10Kirkland SummerfestYou needn’t be in the heart of the city to have a great time this weekend. Rock the suburbs at Kirkland Summerfest where there will be performances, family rides, spectator sports, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Kirkland Marina, free.[7]
FOOD & DRINK
Fri & Sat, Aug 8 & 9Seattle Street Food FestivalThe inaugural Seattle Street Food Festival brought over 26,000 patrons to Cal Anderson Park in one day. Now spanning two days, the event offers bites from big-name chefs and street vendors. Cal Anderson Park, free.[8]
THE SPORTING LIFE
Sat, Aug 9Lou Piniella Bobblehead Night: Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox[9]The Mariners are enshrining famously fiery skipper Lou Piniella in their hall of fame and immortalizing him with a bobblehead. Be gentle with it, though; it might head-butt you. Safeco Field, $24–$498.
References
- ^ Chvrches (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ Arcade Fire (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ 107.7 The End’s Summer Camp (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ Speight Celebration (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ Doe Bay Festival (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ South Lake Union Block Party (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ Kirkland Summerfest (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ Seattle Street Food Festival (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ Lou Piniella Bobblehead Night: Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox (www.seattlemet.com)
- ^ See an example! (www.sagacitymedia.com)
