Must List: Pathway of Lights, Next Fest NW, Santa Runs Tacoma
Your weekly guide to Seattle's hottest events
By Seattle magazine staff December 12, 2019
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MUST LIGHT THE NIGHT
Pathway of Lights
(12/14) Come see the annual spectacle outlining Seattle’s beloved Green Lake Park, where thousands of candles light the path. The illuminated walk comes complete with complementary refreshments and live holiday music. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lights, as well as a non-perishable food donation for FamilyWorks. 4:30 p.m. Free. Green Lake Park; Facebook: ‘Pathway of Lights 2019’
MUST PROMOTE CHANGE
Amplifier Benefit and Holiday Party
(12/18) Join the conversation about art, democracy and education at this holiday fundraiser that gives you an inside look at public art and social change movements. Light drinks and tapas will be provided, along with a brief presentation by founder and National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey. Tickets are free but required in order to attend. 6 p.m. Free. Amplifier Art Lab, Judkins Park; eventbrite.com
MUST HEAR THE GOSSIP
Watch What Crappens
(12/13) Garnering 2.5 million listens per month, this popular podcast is hitting the stages to bring their comedic critiques to a live setting. Co-hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam cover all things Bravo, the TV network, where they recap and discuss the intricacies of every Bravo show, adding their own insight, muses and flair. 8 p.m. $26. Neptune Theatre, University District; stgpresents.org
MUST INTERPRET
Next Fest NW
(12/12-12/15) Velocity’s annual festival of new dance works always gives applicants an intriguing theme to explore; this year, with “Ritual and Rebellion,” it called for dance artists to question tradition and received wisdom and turn their findings into art. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Velocity Dance Center, Capitol Hill; velocitydancecenter.org
MUST BE IN AWE
Acrobatic Conundrum: Unraveling
(12/13-12/15) The new show from our region’s current alt-circus stars focuses on a single circus art, but it’s one of the most dazzling: the corde lisse, or vertical rope. Unraveling will explore “themes of interdependence, mortality and love” with the help of 12 invited rope artists from Teatro ZinZanni, Cirque du Soleil and elsewhere. Times and prices vary. Broadway Performance Hall, Capitol Hill; theatres.seattlecentral.edu
MUST GET MOVING
Santa Runs Tacoma
(12/14) Grab your festive gear and step into the holidays in 1K, 5K, 10K or half marathon fashion. The 11th annual Tacoma-based race has added on a three-person relay option for the half marathon, so grab a couple friends and get moving—all finishers of all distances will receive a 2019 Santa Runs medal. 8:30 a.m. Prices vary. Downtown Tacoma; santarunstacoma.com
MUST SIP
Holiday Tea
(Through 12/28) Take a break from the holiday shopping and enjoy a quaint afternoon sipping tea in an elegant, 110-year-old hotel. The experience promises locally-sourced tea, tea sandwiches and other treats such as French macarons, lemon scones and chocolate tortes. Times and prices vary. Hotel Sorrento, First Hill; eventbrite.com
Coming up:
These events are weeks away but are bound to sell out—get your tickets now.
MUST FOXTROT
Spectra NYE: Roaring ‘20s
(12/31) Enter the 2020s with a throwback to the Roaring ‘20s, featuring an electro-swing soundtrack and a perfect view of the Space Needle fireworks show. Grab tickets early—this celebration is known to sell out. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Prices vary. Pacific Science Center; pacificsciencecenter.org
MUST BUNDLE UP & BIKE
Chilly Hilly
(2/23/2020) Now in its 48th year, this charity bike ride around Bainbridge Island kicks off cycling season a little early. Catch an early morning ferry or start directly on the island for this 33-mile excursion through the hills. Finish the day off with a post-race chili feed, benefitting a Bainbridge Island nonprofit. 8 a.m. Prices vary. Bainbridge Island; cascade.org
MUST TRY NEW EATS
The Royal Kitchen @ Pomerol
(1/16-1/17/2020, 1/30-1/31/2020) Expand your palate in the new year and enjoy in a five-course contemporary Indian dining experience, courtesy of pop-up notable, Meesha. The night includes champagne and an amuse bouche before moving on to the elaborately curated menu offering modernized renditions of traditional recipes. An optional wine pairing is available as well. 7 p.m. $95. Pomerol, Fremont; exploretock.com
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