Must List: Hugo House Grand Opening, Seattle Children’s Festival, Local Sightings Film Festival

MUST WRITE 

Hugo House Grand Opening 
(9/22) Seattle’s beloved writing center will open the doors to its new 10,000 square foot home in Capitol Hill, and all are invited. Emceed by Seattle Business magazine contributor Nancy Guppy, the celebration will feature special guest Maria Semple along with pop-up readings from writers such as Anastacia-Renee and Amber Flame, a literature-inspired musical performance by The Bushwick Book Club and more. 5–8 p.m. Free. Capitol Hill, 1634 11^th Ave.; hugohouse.org 

Caspar Babypants performing at Seattle Children’s Festival in 2016. Photo via Facebook. 

MUST PLAY 

Seattle Children’s Festival  
(9/22) In this family-friendly event produced by Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center, everyone will have fun at concerts by Caspar Babypants and The Rhapsody Zone, activity-packed discovery zones, dance workshops, multicultural arts and crafts and more. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; nwfolklife.org 

Via SIFF

MUST WATCH 

Local Sightings Film Festival  
(9/21­–9/29) Get your fix of Pacific Northwest films at the 21st edition of one of Seattle’s favorite and most home-grown film festivals. This showcase of Northwest moviemakers and PNW-themed flicks includes Kadazia Allen-Perry’s Chronic Means Forever and a special screening of It Happened at the World’s Fair at The Egyptian. Times and prices vary. Capitol Hill, 1515 12th Ave.; nwfilmforum.org 

Via Fremont Arts Council

MUST LIGHT 

Luminata  
(9/22) Wave goodbye to summer and light the way to fall at Fremont Arts Council’s annual autumnal equinox celebration. Head to Green Lake Park for the illuminated festivities, and feel free to come in costume (as long as it beams or glows). Lanterns made by locals will be available to buy at the Luminata Lantern Shoppe, and the night will also feature art installations, performances, music and a “secret” banquet. 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Free. Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr. N.; fremontartscouncil.org 

MUST DRINK 

Fremont Oktoberfest  
(9/21–9/23) Prost! with your friends at the largest beer garden in the northwest. Taste from a selection of over 100 pours in a 5 ounce mug, or opt for the more traditional (and not-so-mini) steins and boots. Enjoy a chainsaw pumpkin carving, a quirky neighborhood stroll known as the “Fremont Street Scramble” and your choice of football: the Huskies, Cougs and Hawks games will all be screening at the indoor beer hall. This is a 21+ event. Times and prices vary. Fremont, intersection of Phinney Ave N & N 35th St.; fremontoktoberfest.com