MUST LOVE JAZZ
Earshot Jazz Festival
(Now through 11/12) No, Ryan Gosling did not save jazz. But this local fest has helped keep the uniquely American genre alive in Seattle for decades. The 29th annual jazz expo, which kicked off earlier this month, celebrates the genre’s many expressions and features more than 50 concerts, panels and workshops, including a commemoration of Thelonious Monk’s would-be 100th birthday. Times, prices and venues vary. 206.547.6763; earshot.org

MUST BE POSITIVE
Dan Savage’s HUMP! Film Festival
(10/26-11/12) Created by sex columnist Dan Savage, this film fest is built around the spirit of sex-positivity, an inclusive event meant to bring an awareness and lightheartedness to the subject. The 13th annual HUMP! Film Festival features five-minute films with new-to-the scene amateur porn stars showcasing a variety of body types, ages, colors, genders and sexualities. Times vary. $25; On the Boards Theater, Lower Queen Anne, 100 W. Roy St.; 206.217.9886; humpfilmfest.com -Alexandra Haupt

MUST GET POETIC
Sherman Alexie Loves: Nikki Giovanni
(10/27) Author Sherman Alexie sits down with activist, educator and poet Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni as part of the Sherman Alexie Loves series. Dubbed the “Poet of the Black Revolution” in the ’60s, Giovanni is one of the few poets to be awarded a record seven NAACP Image Awards, along with a Grammy nomination (The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection for Best Spoken Word Album) and has gathered numerous New York Times and Los Angeles Times best-sellers to her name. Her latest work is her memoir, a poetry collection called A Good Cry: What We Learn from Tears and Laughter. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Benaroya Hall, downtown, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; lectures.org

MUST BREWS CRUISE
Flatstick Halloween Cruise
(10/31) There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween around Seattle (as our handy Halloween guide shows), but you could do worse than sipping beer on a boat. This spooky boat bash, put on by Flatstick Pub and Argosy Cruises, is a beery costume party setting sail from Pier 55. Don your Halloween best for a costume contest or compete in a “Monster Mash” dance-off and other games while sipping brews from Silver City Brewery. Check in at Flatstick’s Pioneer Square location (4-5:30 p.m.) before the boat casts off at 6:30 p.m. for the three-hour tour. 6:30-9:30 p.m.; $20-$25; Flatstick Pub, 240 2nd Ave. S.; Pioneer Square; 206.682.0608; flatstickpub.com -A.H.

MUST GET LOST
Bob’s Corn Maze
(Now through 10/31) Summer’s sweet yellow corn isn’t just for eating—come autumn, dash your way through a nearly 10-acre maze guided by the light of the moon. Bob’s Corn Maze, which has been owned by Bob Ricci’s family since 1888, opens after dusk this month. Bring your friends, or brave the labyrinth alone, if you dare. 6–10 p.m., or 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for the daytime maze. Prices vary. Snohomish, 10917 Elliott Road; 360.668.2506; bobscorn.com