Must List: Six Fun Things to Do This Week
Music, makers, and canoe racing
By Seattle Mag August 14, 2025
Hi! We hope you’re still enjoying the best of summer—whether you’re savoring the last of the sunshine or finding a bit of cool in the summer breeze.
Here’s what’s happening around town this week:
Patrick Dixon
Friday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.
Third Place Books | Ravenna, Seattle
Free
Catch Patrick Dixon at Third Place Books as he reads from his new book Mending Holes. A fisherman and poet, Dixon brings a unique perspective to storytelling that’s rooted in the sea.
Chief Seattle Days
Aug. 15-17
Downtown Suquamish
Free
Head to Suquamish for Chief Seattle Days, an annual event sponsored by the Suquamish Tribe to honor Chief Seattle’s historical legacy and celebrate the revitalization of Coast Salish traditions. This community-driven event features a Gravesite Honoring ceremony, canoe races, a salmon bake, and a variety of sports tournaments, including golf, 5k runs, and softball. You can also enjoy the Powwow and Coastal Jam, where coastal traditions are shared and celebrated. It’s a good way to connect with the region’s culture, history, and community. Find the schedule and sign up for updates.
CHOMP!
Aug. 16, 10 a.m.
Marymoor Park, Redmond
Free
Held at Marymoor Park’s Willowmoor Farm, the event showcases local farms, chefs, and organizations focused on healthy, affordable food and sustainability. This year’s beneficiary, the Washington Hmong Farmers Cooperative, supports Hmong farmers’ traditions and their contributions to the region’s agricultural landscape. Enjoy food trucks, street eats, and artisan vendors while supporting local initiatives.
The music entertainment includes Seattle bands Suzzallo BEARAXE and Rat Queen’s Jeff Tapia.
Africatown Soul on the Water
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2 p.m.
Pier 62, Seattle
Free
Enjoy live music, food kiosks featuring delicious bites, and exclusive products from local Black-owned businesses. With stunning views of the water, mountains, and city skyline, this event is part of Africatown Community Land Trust’s Summer of Soul series, celebrating Black legacy and community power. This is how you soak up good music and great food. RSVP here.
Alabama Shakes
Saturday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
$53+
Known for their electrifying blend of blues rock, southern rock, and soul, the band’s live shows are legendary. With lead singer Brittany Howard’s incredible vocals and the band’s raw energy, this is a performance you won’t want to miss.
Seattle Design Festival
Aug. 16-17
Lake Union Park, Seattle
Free
Discover how design shapes our world at the 15th Annual Seattle Design Festival. For six days, immerse yourself in experiences that explore the power of feedback in design—how it transforms ideas, spaces, and communities. Engage with interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences while diving into meaningful conversations about design’s role in creating inclusive, equitable spaces. There will be talks by Rutwik Karra and Sean Schumacher, students from the Masters in Human Computer Interaction + Design, and a film on Seattle’s renegade architect Robert Reichert. Installations include Seattle/Portland based Mahlum Architects, UW Architecture and Taskar Center -UW.
Visit our events calendar for more ideas.
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