Must List: Six Things to Do in Seattle This Week

Phish, foodies, freedom

A crowd of people at a concert or music event, raising their hands and phones, with bright stage lights and colorful beams shining over them.

Photo by A J. / Unsplash

Hey, how’s it going? There’s a lot happening right now, nationally and here in Seattle, and not all of it’s easy to watch.

Humanities Washington is fighting through federal budget cuts, trying to protect the kind of community programs we usually take for granted. Earth Day is coming up, but this year it feels heavier. The signs of climate change are piling up close to home, and the work ahead isn’t abstract anymore.

On the bright side, there are things to look forward to. PCC is opening downtown this summer, and Taproot Theatre is pulling off quite a comeback after a major financial scare. And if you’ve got a teen — or just remember being one — you’ll want to read this story on how Seattle’s free therapy program is reaching teens through texting. They even made a teen-approved emoji guide for parents and caregivers. I love it.

Here’s what else to check out this week.

A man wearing a striped sweater and red watch sits at a table, smiling with his hand under his chin. A "The Splendid Table 30 Years" badge and "Must List 04-17-2025" appear in the corner.

KUOW Presents: The Splendid Table Live in Seattle

Thursday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall
$25+

Join host Francis Lam for a live taping of the loved culinary radio show. I always appreciate when I stumble onto this show on KUOW. Never once have I not picked up at least a couple tips.

Event poster for Freedom Day at NAAM on April 18, 10AM-5PM, with free admission; a Must List pick featuring a quote from Nelson Mandela and an image of a man sitting by a window. Don't miss this event before 04-17-2025!.

Freedom Day at NAAM

Friday, April 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Northwest African American Museum
Free

NAAM honors The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, with a full day of activities marking its 121st anniversary. The book remains one of the most important works of American literature, and NAAM’s programming explores its lasting impact on conversations about race, identity, and freedom.

Phish

April 18-19, 7:30 p.m.
Climate Pledge Arena
$95.76+

The jam band returns with two nights of trippy lights and a famously devoted crowd. Two of my college roommates were full-on Phishheads — think Deadhead-level devotion with maybe even more pot. They couldn’t even begin to explain the deep love they had for this band. I stopped trying to understand and just started appreciating it. The show sounds fun, if for no other reason than to be surrounded by people completely blissed out over a band that clearly crawled into their souls and set up camp.

Sakura-Con 2025

April 18-20
Seattle Convention Center
$70+

The city’s biggest anime convention is back with cosplay, panels, gaming, performances, and beautiful art. The whole thing is wildly joyful and extremely Seattle. Yes, always go. Whether you’re in full costume or just down to people-watch and appreciate art, you’ll have a great time.

Earth Day Run

Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.
Magnuson Park
$32+

Pick your distance (5K, 10K, 15K, or kids dash) and run for the planet. Stick around to plant a tree or donate your old running shoes. It’s a good way to feel sweaty and slightly smug before noon.

Promotional poster for "Scott Thompson is Buddy Cole in The Last Glory Hole," featuring Scott Thompson, the Seattle Theatre Group logo, and 04-17-2025—an event featured on this week's Must List.

Scott Thompson is Buddy Cole

Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$35+

A cult comedy icon returns. Scott Thompson revives his hilarious Kids in the Hall character, Buddy Cole. I remember growing up watching this because my big sister was a theatre kid, but later in life I realized everyone who actually knew their stuff was onto just how funny and smart Kids in the Hall was. This show’s a rare one. Go.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.