Must List: Six Things to Do This Week
Breakdance legends and vineyard folk
By Sarah Stackhouse May 22, 2025
Hey, have you heard? We’re in for some warmer weather this weekend, which is good because there’s a lot going on.
SIFF is wrapping up, and we’ve been covering it from all angles, including a look at the many women behind the camera and the design work that keeps the festival fun, inclusive, and engaging. And have you been following along with our Trailblazing Women series? Now’s a good time to catch up.
Here’s what to do this week.
Folklife Festival
May 23-26
Seattle Center
Free
I don’t make it to Folklife every year, but every time I do, I swear I’ll never miss it again. You can wander through the crowds, catch a surprise set, eat a corn dog on the grass, then stumble into a contra dance. You can map out every band and make a plan. Either way, the weather’s looking good for the weekend.
Mandela: The Official Exhibition
May 24-Sept. 7
MOHAI
$19+
This traveling exhibit tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s life through photos, films, and personal artifacts — from letters he wrote in prison to the suit he wore when he was freed. It looks so powerful and moving. A good reason to get yourself to MOHAI.
Massive Monkees Day
May 25, 6 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$37.60
Don’t ever miss a party Massive Monkees is putting on. The group has been repping Seattle breakdancing for more than two decades and this annual event is one of the best things this city has going. Here’s to 26 years and counting!
James Taylor and His All-Star Band
May 25-26, 7 p.m.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
$89.50+
James Taylor is one of the greats, and it’s worth catching these legends while they’re still touring. The winery shows are always a good time. Bring a blanket or a few chairs and settle in. Let the wine and good music do their thing.
A Conversation with Kevin Kwan
Thursday, May 29, 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Seattle
$7+
See Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians, talk about his new novel Lies and Weddings, where secrets and scandal swirl around an extravagant wedding. Or as author Plum Sykes put it: “Imagine Crazy Rich Asians mated with Saltburn and you’ve got Lies and Weddings — a heavenly summertime read.”
Duel Reality
May 29-June 22
Seattle Rep
$25+
I saw Passengers last year and left the theater stunned. It was beautiful and dramatic, and the acrobatics were so intense I forgot to breathe a few times. Same troupe (The 7 Fingers), new story: Duel Reality takes on Romeo and Juliet with doomed lovers and feuding families. I’ve already got my tickets.
Visit our events calendar for more ideas.
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