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MUST BE MAGIC

Nightmare Meal
(Through 2/2) The Seattle-based gaming brand, Magic: The Gathering is teaming up with local burger joint Zippy’s to promote Magic’s newest card set, Theros Beyond Death. The Nightmare Meal includes a 1/3-pound burger topped with hummus, tots with tzatziki-ranch sauce, cherry soda and a booster pack prize to complement the card set. $15. Zippy’s Giant Burgers, White Center; zippysgiantburgers.com

Knute Berger and Mary Ann Gwinn: “Seattle, Past to Present”
(1/23) Local journalists well-versed in the pulse and history of Seattle come together to discuss a pinnacle work on the city, nearly 45 years after its publication. Roger Sale’s Seattle, Past to Present recalls pivotal moments in Seattle’s history while making predictions about the city’s future envisioned in 1976, the year book was written. With a new introduction by Berger, this edition is full of insight still true to Seattle today, and fodder for conversation about what Seattle’s future holds. 7 p.m. Prices vary. Limited amount of tickets available at the door. Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum, downtown; Facebook: Knute Berger and Mary Ann Gwinn: “Seattle, Past to Present”

MUST LISTEN AND LEARN

Carmen Maria Machado
(1/24) A National Book Award finalist for her debut publication, Her Body and Other Parties, the author and critic brings her insightful writing to the lecture hall, addressing themes related to abuse and womanhood explored in her 2019 memoir, In the Dream House. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Town Hall, First Hill, lectures.org

MUST NOT PASS JUDGEMENT

The Magic Hat presented by Emmett Montgomery and Friends
(1/27) A self-proclaimed “friendship machine,” this forum serves up five performers ranging from storytellers to sketch artists, each with a ten-minute slot to entertain the crowd however they please. Audience members are encouraged to drop their name in a hat that will be drawn from five times throughout the show, giving each person picked a five-minute slot of their own. This is a 21-and-older event. 7 p.m. $5. The Grotto at Rendezvous, Belltown; therendezvous.rocks

MUST SEE SIGHTS AND TASTE CIDER

Cider Pairing Dinner Cruise with Schilling Hard Cider Company
(1/24) Cruise Lake Union and Lake Washington while dipping a toe in the world of cider. This evening cruise includes a three-course meal paired with four Schilling Hard Ciders, guided cider tasting and narrated sightseeing of the lakes and their surroundings. This is a 21-and-older event. 7 p.m. $82. Waterways Cruises HomePort, Northlake; waterwayscruises.com

MUST SEE IMPROVEMENT

Seward Park Resolution Run
(1/26) Set your benchmark in the first race of this series and aim to improve your time or distance over the coming months. This series of runs includes a 2.5k, 5k, 10k and 15k, each on the same flat course; choose one distance for all three races or increase your distance each time. 9 a.m. Prices vary. Seward Park; fitnessforvitality.com

MUST BE MAGIC

Nightmare Meal
(Through 2/2) The Seattle-based gaming brand, Magic: The Gathering is teaming up with local burger joint Zippy’s to promote Magic’s newest card set, Theros Beyond Death. The Nightmare Meal includes a 1/3-pound burger topped with hummus, tots with tzatziki-ranch sauce, cherry soda and a booster pack prize to complement the card set. $15. Zippy’s Giant Burgers, White Center; zippysgiantburgers.com

MUST RELATE TO YOUR RELATED

True West 
(Through 2/16) Set in the suburbs of Los Angeles, this Pulitzer Prize-nominated work by late playwright Sam Shepard follows two brothers from different walks of life as they housesit for their mother. Touching on themes of family, identity and the American dream, this comedy explores the commonality and truth of sibling rivalry. Prices and times vary. Seattle Repertory Theatre, Lower Queen Anne; seattlerep.org

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

MUST MEAT EXPECTATIONS

The Shambles Presents: The Gathering of the Butchers 2.0
(3/29) This local butcher and bar is hosting a nine-course feast prepared by local and international chefs promising no fewer than seven meat-centric courses. Plan for a night filled with goat, lamb, veal, rabbit, Waygu beef, blood sausage and more. 5 p.m. $275. The Shambles, Maple Leaf; delimeatsbar.com

MUST DRESS TO INGEST

Comfort
(2/20) An early kickoff to the weekend, the first night of Seattle Wine & Food Experience promises to deliver bites that embody its namesake: comfort. Beyond mac and cheese, fried chicken and sliders, the night will also bring plenty of craft beers and ciders, along with the joys of a Bloody Mary bar. 6 p.m. $60. Sodo Park, Sodo; seattlewineandfoodexperience.com