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MUST FEND FOR YOURSELVES

Bliss
(Ends 2/23) Composers/lyricists Emma Lively and Tyler Beattie have taken the classic “princess locked in a tower” trope and twisted it into something new: a story of four princesses who escape an overprotective father only to find themselves in the outside world with its stifling expectations. For its world-premiere production of this musical comedy, The 5th snagged Sex and the City’s Mario Cantone to play the tale’s fairy godfather; Broadway veteran Sheryl Kaller directs. Times and prices vary. 5th Avenue Theatre, downtown; 5thavenue.org

MUST EAT CAKE

Seattle Cake Con
(2/16-2/17) With a bevy of sweets, treats and tasty eats, this convention connects the baking industry with its aficionados. Explore the booths of local bakeries and other treat makers, which will offer samples and items for purchase; or canvass the logistics-focused booths that cater to industry professionals. For an additional cost, attendees can take part in classes hosted by visiting pastry chefs, who will offer lessons in everything from gluten-free baking to sculpting zombie-head-shaped cakes. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $25. Block 41, Belltown; seattlecakecon.com

MUST VISIT THE UNDERBELLY

Noir City Seattle
(2/14-2/20) Perhaps it was to counteract the euphoria and triumphalism of winning World War II that led filmmakers, in the decade that followed, to explore America’s flip side—crime and deception, jazz and gunshots, hardboiled private eyes and untrustworthy femmes fatales—in the genre that became known as film noir. SIFF’s annual festival salutes these classics; Turner Classic Movies host Eddie Muller acts as guide. Times and prices vary. SIFF Cinema Egyptian, Capitol Hill; siff.net

MUST LOVE BURLESQUE

The Atomic Bombshells: J’Adore
(2/13-2/16) It’s the 12th annual “burlesque valentine” from this top-notch local troupe. Expect sensuality, sizzle and sparkle in Seattle’s most sophisticated and romantic venue. Times and prices vary. The Triple Door, downtown; thetripledoor.net

MUST SNIFF AROUND

Seattle Night Market: Lunar New Year
(2/15) Hosting more than 100 local booths and food trucks, Seattle’s largest indoor night market returns this year to celebrate the Year of the Rat. Participating food trucks and vendors will offer featured Asian bites, with drinks supplied by a themed Good Luck Bar, serving cocktails for charity. 12 p.m.-9 p.m. $1 to enter, food available for purchase. Hangar 30, Magnuson Park; Facebook: ‘Seattle Night Market: Lunar New Year’

MUST CHALLENGE THE SENSES

The Blind Café Experience
(2/14-2/15) Held in 100% darkness, this experience helps stimulate your other senses, while also creating awareness and a discussion concerning blindness. The night includes live music, a fixed mystery menu and a Q&A session with blind ambassadors. Times and prices vary. Base: Experimental Arts + Space, Georgetown; brownpapertickets.com

MUST ‘YES, AND…’

Seattle Festival of Improv Theater
(2/12-2/16) Founded in 2002, this annual festival showcases improv groups from cities across the world. The festival will be held at three locations (all in the University District) and features more than 100 performers from 11 different cities this year. Times, prices and locations vary; seattleimprov.com

Coming up: 
These events are weeks away but are bound to sell out—get your tickets now. 

MUST LEARN NEW VITICULTURES

Wines of Germany class
(3/28) When people think of German wines, most think of Riesling. But don’t stop there, warns this taste-based class, which will cover the many wines that comprise Germany’s palette. The class includes multiple pours of wine, bites from the kitchen and an educational experience of wines well beyond the Rhine region. 2:30 p.m. $30. Claret Wine Bar, Wallingford; store.nexternal.com

MUST WITNESS THE HUNT

Seattle Seawolves home opener
(2/22) Back-to-back Major League Rugby Champions, the Seawolves take the field for their first home game of the season. This nationally broadcasted match gives the Seawolves their first taste of international competition this season, facing off against the Toronto Arrows. 7 p.m. $25-$29. Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila; seattleseawolves.showare.com

MUST FORAGE FOR FLAVOR

Truffle Dinner at Lark + Pre-Dinner Truffle Hunt
(2/23) James Beard Award-winning chef John Sundstrom is preparing a six-course meal centered around the catch of the day: Pacific Northwest truffles. A select number of spots will be available the day of the dinner to go out and hunt these truffles with Sundstrom, expert forager Sunny Diaz and her truffle-hunting dog, Stella. 6 p.m. $190. Lark, Capitol Hill; exploretock.com