Must List: ‘Carmen,’ Crosscut Festival, Translations Seattle Transgender Film Festival

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MUST SING

Seattle Opera’s Carmen
(5/4–5/19) It’s on the long side (three and a half hours), but otherwise Bizet’s earthy melodrama is the ideal opera for the novice. No matter how inexperienced you are, you probably already know at least three of the tunes, and the push-pull romance between the title character and Don José, the soldier she dangles on a string, will hold you in its grip just as he’s held in hers, leading to a punch-in-the-gut (or knife, to be exact) tragic climax. Times and prices vary. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 321 Mercer St.; 206.389.7676; seattleopera.org 

MUST DISCUSS 

Crosscut Festival
(5/3-5/4) More than 60 speakers and 40 events are on tap for this year’s Crosscut Festival, the second such gathering of some of America’s leaders in politics, business and social justice for conversations exploring important issues of our time. Former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, U.S Representative Pramila Jayapal and Valerie Jarrett, former senior adviser to President Obama, are among those scheduled to attend. Times and prices vary. Seattle University, First Hill, 901 12th Ave.; 206.296.6000; festival.crosscut.com

MUST RIDE 

Seattle Bike-n-Brews
(5/5) As many as 1,000 bicycle and beer enthusiasts will embark on a 27-mile route along some of Seattle’s most picturesque, protected and flat trails. Departing from Georgetown and arriving in Tukwila, participants are treated to lunch, a beer at both the midway point and the finish line, and finish line festivities. Registration fees assist in the protection and expansion of the Pacific Northwest’s cycle routes. 9 a.m. Prices vary. Georgetown Brewing Company, Georgetown, 5200 Denver Ave. S; 206.766.8055; casecade.org

MUST ROW 

Penn Cove Water Festival
(5/4) Rooted in a rich history of tribal canoe racing, the annual Penn Cove Water Festival celebrates Native American traditions of storytelling, food and arts. Start your day cheering on canoe race participants, some who have been racing since childhood, or make your way to the main stage and enjoy storytelling and music performances. Plus, stop by the Island County Museum and check out the “Native People – Native Places” exhibit, showcasing Native American dugout canoes and early Water Festival memorabilia. Times vary. Entry fees vary, observation free. Penn Cove, Front Street boat launch. 206.464.6400; penncovewaterfestival.com

MUST WATCH 

Translations Seattle Transgender Film Festival 
(5/2–5/5) Now 14 years strong and produced by local nonprofit Three Dollar Bill Cinema, Translations Festival’s mission is to “strengthen, connect and reflect diverse communities through queer film and media.” See feature length films including “The Garden Left Behind” and “Transfinite” as well as several short films, along with a panel discussion with trans and gender diverse community members. Times, prices and locations vary. threedollarbillcinema.org