What are you up to this week? I’m going to see Emergence with my daughter, who’s a young dancer. Where should we eat dinner before the show?

Today is Alien Abduction Day, and here’s how to celebrate. Waitress is at Fifth Avenue, and it sounds like a fun one. Ai Weiwei’s biggest U.S. show just opened at SAM — an incredible chance to see the work of one of the most important artists of our time. On a sad note, we’ve had to say goodbye to Barney, the harbor seal who charmed visitors for nearly 40 years. Over at this new gym, hacking and fitness collide, and I’m not entirely sure if that’s thrilling or terrifying. Our designer and publisher are all in, though. And if you need plans for the season, we’ve rounded up the best artsy events.

Freedom Day at NAAM

Friday, March 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
North African American Museum
Free

Recognizing 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final march from Selma to Montgomery, NAAM’s Freedom Day reflects on the fight for voting rights and what it means today. The museum opens its doors for free, with exhibits and events that highlight moments that have shaped history and pushed for equity.

Seattle Jewish Film Festival

March 22-April 6
Various locations
$15+

Thirty years in, the Seattle Jewish Film Festival is still bringing some of the best films about Jewish life, culture, and history to the city. Expect documentaries, dramas, and comedies — some serious, some celebratory, all worth seeing. Go alone, bring a date, or make it a group thing. Film festivals are the best for getting completely immersed.

Holi Celebration – Phinney

Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Phinney Center
$7.50

Holi is all about joy — live music, dancing, food, and, of course, clouds of brightly colored powder flying through the air. Spice Waala and Kathmandu Momocha will be there to keep everyone fed, with family-friendly entertainment rounding out the afternoon. Don’t wear anything you love too much. And yes, there will be chai.

Marty Isenberg’s Wes Anderson Playlist

Sunday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.
The Royal Room
$20+

I truly love some of Wes Anderson’s movies, and the music is a big part of why. Remember the Rushmore soundtrack? So good. Jazz bassist and composer Marty Isenberg gets it. He’s taking Anderson’s mix of ‘60s British rock and soft, moody deep cuts and reworking them into a live jazz set. This will be a perfect night of sipping drinks and hanging out.

Karen Finley

Monday, March 24, 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Elliott Bay Book Co.
Free

Karen Finley has never shied away from hard topics. The artist and poet’s latest collection, COVID Vortex Anxiety Opera Kitty Kaleidoscope Disco, explores the pandemic’s surreal rituals and collective grief. Finley’s work has been internationally recognized for its raw and evocative exploration of contemporary issues. This is an opportunity to engage with an artist who has been compared to Allen Ginsberg.

Jazz Is Dead: Adrian Younge

Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
Tractor Tavern
$20

Adrian Younge used to be a law professor. Then he quit to score Black Dynamite, start a record label, win an Emmy, and work with everyone from Wu-Tang Clan to Kendrick Lamar. He’s obsessed with analog recording and has inspired musicians like Jay-Z and Timbaland. Now he’s bringing a 10-piece orchestra to the Tractor. Get yourself snazzed up and go.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.