!–paging_filter–pstrongMust Paddle/stronga href=” http://bit.ly/14NyPcd” target=”_blank”strongbrKayak Rentals at Golden Gardens/strong/abrBallard Kayak, a new rental and tour company, has hoisted its big blue tent on the south end of Golden Gardens Park to help you quench your thirst for recreation and Vitamin D. Outdoorsy types can stop by the beach outpost, rent a kayak ($25 per hour; all double-seaters) and head out for an independent exploration of the Puget Sound. Less experienced kayakers can sign up for guided tours (starting at $35 per hour) of various watery destinations including the Ballard Locks and Discovery Park./p
pstrongMust Wave a Flag/stronga href=”http://bit.ly/11XW8BW” target=”_blank”strongbrFreedom Fantasia/strong/abrThrough 7/6 — Subtitled “A Liberty-encrusted, Justice-soaked, Apple-pie-scented Pageant of Patriotism,” this flag-wavin’ (and costume-droppin’) extravaganza pairs strip-tease talent with high comedy. Starring local faves Cherdonna and Lou and Kitten LaRue, this year’s night of nudie nationalism boasts a guest appearance by Seattle’s own Jinkx Monsoon—who recently won RuPaul’s Drag Race./p
pstrongMust Explore/strongstronga href=”http://bit.ly/18ubkKV” target=”_blank”brClimb the Art at Olympic Sculpture Park/a/strongbrThrough 10/13 — SAM celebrates summer with a new, interactive installation at the Olympic Sculpture Park: Heather Hart’s “Western Oracle: We Will Tear the Roof Off the Mother,” which looks a bit like Dorothy Gale’s house crash-landed in Oz. The best part? Unlike other sculptures in the park, this one welcomes a hands-on approach—visitors are encouraged to climb all over and inside the life-sized piece. Dawn to dusk. Free. Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Ave.; 206.654.3100; seattleartmuseum.org/p
pstrongMust Sip/stronga href=”http://bit.ly/17FaXKD” target=”_blank”strongbrBrewery Night at Safeco Field/strong/abr(7/10, 7:10 p.m.) — Our dear Mariners may not be number one in the American League West division (or number two, or even number three), but that’s no reason to abandon all trips SoDo just yet. Safeco Field will host Brewery Night during Wednesday’s game, which will feature beers from five Washington Breweries, including 7 Seas, Silver City, Diamond Knot, Schooner Exact and Fremont Brewing. While you’re there, cheer on the M’s against the Boston Red Sox./p
pstrongMust Shop/stronga href=” http://bit.ly/11eh09o” target=”_blank”strongbrBarneys New York Remodel Celebration/strong/abr(7/10, 5 to 8 p.m.) — Even though it moved into its Pacific Place digs just a few years ago (from its first location at City Centre), the Seattle Barneys has just undergone a refresh. The New York-based department store has expanded its leather goods section by 100 percent and combined men’s and women’s ready-to-wear on the second floor. The store, from fixtures to fitting rooms, has been revamped into a brighter, more cohesive shopping experience. To celebrate, Simon Doonan, Barneys creative ambassador-at-large and fashion director, Tomoko Ogura, will be in town for a big-time party benefitting the Parkinson’s Project./p