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The Must List: Smith Tower Grand Reopening, Tall Ships Drop Anchor

What to do this weekend in Seattle

By Seattle magazine staff August 25, 2016

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Must Ooh and Ahh
Smith Tower Grand Reopening

Thursday (8/25, times vary) After a few nips and tucks, the historic 1914 Smith Tower officially reopens its 35th-floor observation deck today! Expect a new Prohibition era-inspired bar, a new general store and two ongoing tour options: the 40-minute self-guided “Legends of Smith Tower” and the “Straight Up,” which zips you directly to the Observatory.

Must Walk the Plank
Set Sail Aboard a Tall Ship in Kirkland

(8/26 to 8/28, times vary) Calling all potential sea captains: The Lady Washington, an Aberdeen-based tall ship that starred alongside Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, makes a pit stop in Kirkland with sister ship the Hawaiian Chieftain. Opt to tour the ships or set out for a battle sail, wherein you’ll experience an 18th century naval skirmish with real cannons and gunpowder and perhaps sing a sea shanty or two.

Must See
14/48: The World’s Quickest Theater Festival

(8/26 and 8/27, 8 and 10:30 p.m.) What happens when you take some of Seattle’s best and boldest thespians, put them outside, and tell them to write, cast, direct, rehearse, score and design a play in just 48 hours? The World’s Quickest Theater Festival! This time around, it’s breaking even more boundaries: the plays will be completely acoustic, and for the first time ever, will take place in an intimate neighborhood setting in Frelard. Bonus: There will be a beer garden.

Must Push It Real Good
We Love the ’90s

Saturday (8/27, 7 p.m.) Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Young MC—and a few of the others on that mixtape labeled “My Jamz” that you probably had floating around in your car back in the day—will take the stage during this all-star open-air concert at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. Pack a picnic and a blanket and be prepared to bust a move.

Must Fly
Wings Over Washington Flying Theater Now Open

(Dates and times vary) Soar over the great state of Washington aboard the new, state-of-the-art Wings Over Washington ride. The “flying theater” attraction takes flight at Miners Landing on Pier 57.

 

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