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Must List: Six Fun Ways to Kick Around Seattle This Week

Jazz Night, The Bite, & Juliet

By Sarah Stackhouse July 24, 2025

Four women sit outdoors at the Bite of Seattle, smiling at the camera and holding plates of food, with people and a fountain visible in the background.

Summer’s flying by — July’s nearly over, can you believe it? The good news is Seattle’s making the most of it, with no shortage of ways to stay busy and get outside. This week, we’ve got a look at a $50 million investment in the city’s art scene, some new places to eat, and a powerful film making the festival rounds after its Tribeca debut. Plus, our social media manager Emma stepped out from behind the camera to share her take on the newly reopened Pier 58.

Here’s what else we’re loving this week.

Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend poster, a Must List pick, features event dates—07-24-2025 to July 27—and bold text with colorful geometric art elements at the bottom.

Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend

July 25-27
Bellevue Square
Free

The Bellevue Arts Fair began under a madrona tree in 1947 and now spans Bellevue Square with more than 350 artists showing and selling their work. Visitors can expect to see glass blowers, printmakers, ceramicists, and a wide range of other artists. The fair also includes live music, food trucks, and hands-on art activities.

 

Two men stand outdoors in front of the Space Needle; one holds a violin and bow, the other wears an apron and holds a frying pan and rolling pin. Don’t miss this Must List moment—save the date: 07-24-2025!.

Tasting Notes II

Friday, July 25, 7 p.m.
Benaroya Hall
$80+

What happens when a chef, a violinist, and a string quartet walk into Benaroya Hall? You get Tasting Notes II, a one-night-only event that combines live chamber music, cooking demonstrations, and curated snacks. Hosted by Seattle Chamber Music Society and James Beard Award-winner J. Kenji López-Alt, the evening brings top Seattle chefs and musicians together on stage for food, music, and conversation. All guests are invited to enjoy a post-show chocolate tasting and Detroit-style pizza.

 

A woman with long curly hair wearing a denim jacket and a black top poses in front of a plain background—a must list look for 07-24-2025.

Kate Berlant Live!

Friday, July 25, 7 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$39+

Kate Berlant is one of those performers who is funny before she even speaks. You may recognize her from The Characters on Netflix, or from Would It Kill You to Laugh? on Peacock. Now she brings her smart, strange, and hilarious comedy to the Neptune Theatre for one night. You’ll laugh a lot — and also probably whisper “what is happening” to the person next to you.

 

Illustration promoting "Bite of Seattle," a Must List event happening July 25-27, 07-24-2025, at Seattle Center, featuring the Space Needle and city buildings against a bright yellow background.

Bite of Seattle

July 25-27
Seattle Center
Free

Bite of Seattle runs for three days and features more than 300 food vendors, five music stages, and several beer and cider gardens. Admission is free, but with more than 350,000 attendees each year, the event can be crowded and chaotic. It’s best approached with either a plan or a willingness to eat pad Thai for dessert and churros for lunch.

 

Promotional poster for Jazz Night in Pioneer Square featuring event details, free admission, 07-24-2025 date, time, and a Must List of participating artists, with a drum set in the background.

Jazz Night

Tuesday, July 29, 6 p.m.
Pioneer Square
Free

After a packed debut in February, the summer edition transforms a Tuesday evening into a jazzy block party. Attendees can enjoy trumpet solos, upright bass, and surprise duets filling the streets. Jazz Night will feature thirteen acts across thirteen venues in Pioneer Square. Organized by the Seattle Jazz Fellowship and the Alliance for Pioneer Square, this is one of the few true jazz events happening in Seattle this summer. Dress up, grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

A performer in a pink dress sings on stage under dramatic lighting, as “& Juliet” and “Paramount Theatre Seattle” Must List appear onscreen. Two actors stand in the background. Don’t miss this show on 07-24-2025!.

& Juliet

July 29-Aug. 3
Paramount Theatre
$63+

What if Juliet broke up with Romeo and went dancing to Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own”? That’s the premise of & Juliet, a pop-fueled remix of Shakespeare’s tragedy. The show features songs by Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin, including hits from Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Celine Dion. Bring your Shakespeare-loving friend — or go solo and dance in your seat.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.

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