Must List: Seattle Women’s Show, Bunka no Hi, ‘Beyond Bollywood’
Your weekly guide to Seattle's hottest events
By Lauren Alexander & Jorn Peterson October 31, 2019
Love the Must List? Get it right in your inbox. Subscribe.
MUST IMMERSE
Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation
(11/2-1/26/20) This exhibit, which amassed over a year of residency at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, explores the history of Indian-American immigrants and their ancestors. Supplemented by MOHAI’s Northwest-specific addition, the artifacts, photographs and oral histories highlight the struggles and contributions that enmesh the Indian-American community in United States history. Prices and times vary. MOHAI, South Lake Union; mohai.org
MUST SHOP
Seattle Women’s Show
(11/2) Shop from more than 75 local, national and international women-led brands, sip bubbly and attend workshops, including a Coaches Café, where attendees can sign up for 20-minute one-on-one advice sessions with a variety of professional and personal life experts. VIPs can enjoy access to a lounge, sponsored by woman-owned Vintage Ambience, to take a breather. This is a 21-and-older event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. Women’s University Club, downtown; seattlewomensshow.com
MUST CELEBRATE
Bunka no Hi
(11/3) The Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington invites you and everyone you know to take part in a special day of cultural demonstrations, food and celebration. Bunka no Hi is a Japanese national holiday, held in communities throughout the world to celebrate Japanese culture with presentations, storytelling, food vendors and crafts. 11 a.m. Free. Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington, Central District; jcccw.org
MUST SLURP
Oyster New Year
(11/2) Celebrate the peak of oyster season at Pier 56, where more than 30 varieties of local oysters from Hood Canal, Samish Bay, the north coast and beyond will be shucked to order at a 150-foot oyster bar. In addition, enjoy a fresh seafood buffet and sips from 60-plus wineries, all to live music and a Puget Sound backdrop. Advance tickets are required for this event. Times and prices vary. Elliott’s Oyster House, downtown; elliottsoysterhouse.com
MUST BRAVO
Cinderella
(Through 11/1) Catch the final show this season of Rossini’s classic adaptation of Cinderella. Directed by Lindy Hume and starring Ginger Costa-Jackson, the powerful vocals and fanciful characters engage the audience in this Victorian twist of a timeless tale. Plus, begin the night with the pre-performance talk, which will highlight and explain the show’s history, music, story and more. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center; seattleopera.org
MUST TAP DANCE
Savion Glover
(11/4-11/6) Tap dancer, choreographer and actor Savion Glover is in-and-out of town as fast as his feet can move. The legendary performer will be in Seattle for three nights and four shows at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, showing off his self-made “freestyle hard core” dance style. A Tony Award-winning choreographer, Glover has performed in various Broadway shows, as well as choreographed and performed the moves for Mumble, the protagonist in the movie Happy Feet. Times vary. $50. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Belltown; jazzalley.com
Coming up:
These events are weeks away, but are bound to sell out—get your tickets now.
MUST FLY ON FOOT
Wizards 5K
(12/1) Bust out your Merlin, Gandalf and Harry Potter gear and leave the Muggles in the dust. You’ll be in good company at this second annual child- and pup-friendly fun run/walk. Leave the broom at home, but stay for the post-race costume contest. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Prices vary. Green Lake Park, Green Lake; run2befit.com
MUST EAT
Kaiseki Dinner
(11/14) Enjoy a 16 (!!!) course kaiseki dinner at Adana expertly put together by chef Shota Nakajima. The lengthy tasting menu includes egg katsu, crab chawan and wagyu fat oreos. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, so come hungry and thirsty! 6 p.m. $200 per person with an optional $60 drink pairing. Adana, Capitol Hill; exploretock.com
Follow Us
Getting Ghosted
Kim Fu’s latest novel turns a rain-soaked Pacific Northwest winter into the backdrop for a story about grief and loneliness.
In their latest novel, Seattle-based author Kim Fu gets one thing right about the Pacific Northwest: the rain. Set during a particularly bleak winter, The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts tells the story of Eleanor Fan, an online therapist grappling with the recent loss of her mother, Lele. After Lele’s passing, Eleanor inherits money to put…
Go See Diné Artist Eric-Paul Riege’s Largest Show to Date at the Henry Art Gallery
With a mix of mediums, ojo|-|ólǫ́ examines questions surrounding the authenticity and ownership of Indigenous work.
It’s a phrase that’s been drilled into most of us since we were young children: When you’re visiting a gallery, please, do not touch the art. In many cases, it’s with good reason: the pieces on display are fragile, one-of-a-kind, or historic works that cannot be reproduced. It’s such an ingrained approach to the museum-going…
Rearview Mirror: Ballet’s Saddest Story, New Art in the Sculpture Park, and a Home-Grown Wine Label Promoting Social Justice
Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).
Circular Thinking I am very lucky to live just a 12-minute walk away from Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s a regular destination for my weekly walks and, aside from the world-class art, has one of the city’s best views of Puget Sound. Earlier this week, I went on a wet, windy walk and discovered…
Studio Sessions: Gabriel Stromberg
For his current show at studio e gallery, Gabriel Stromberg explores the challenges of working with clay.
Gabriel Stromberg has been a name about town for nearly two decades. As one of the cofounders of design firm Civilization (where he was the creative director and lead designer from 2008 to 2022), Stromberg worked on many award-winning projects, helped produce the wildly popular and always packed Design Lecture Series, and co-created and moderated…