Must List: This Week’s Top 6 Picks

Fireworks, pirates, and Missy Elliott

Collage of events: fireworks over water, "Missy Elliott: Out of This World" music event, "Clue" theatrical lineup, and Columbia City Neighborhood Farmers Market—this week’s top picks!

Image by Vivian Lai

The heat is rolling in over the next few days, and today, the Fourth of July promises to be beautiful.

As you plan your holiday, check out our story on tasty food options if you’re headed to the airport. We also get into one advocate’s hope for the recent Supreme Court ruling and its potential impact on Seattle’s unhoused population. Don’t miss StoryWalks, which starts this Friday and runs through August in Magnolia.

Plus, our July/August issue is on the stands, featuring in-depth stories on Seattle’s evolving drug landscape and mental health challenges. And of course, we’ve rounded up some great events to keep you busy and having fun.

Seafair Summer Fourth

Thursday, July 4

3 p.m.-11 p.m., Gas Works Park, Free

After spending the Fourth celebrating however you choose, pack a picnic dinner and head over to Gas Works Park to hang with friends, people-watch, lay in the sun, or toss a frisbee on the hills — all before the stunning fireworks show lights up the Seattle skyline.

Pirates Landing

Saturday, July 6

1 p.m., Alki Beach, Free

If you haven’t seen the Seafair Pirates, you should get to it. This 70-year Seattle tradition, where pirates storm the beach to steal the key to the city, means summer’s finally here. With festivities beforehand, once they land, the pirates will be waving their swords, hunting for treasure, and bringing a whirlwind of mayhem.

Missy Elliott

Saturday, July 6

7 p.m., Climate Pledge Arena, $64+

Missy Elliott is rolling into town, ready to blow the roof off with her iconic tracks and energy. She’s not coming alone — Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Timbaland are joining her for what promises to be an unforgettable night. This is the show you don’t want to miss.

Middle Kids

Tuesday, July 9

7 p.m., Neumos, $27.50

Ever since “Questions” dropped a few years ago, it’s been on our Spotify top-played list every year. This Aussie trio has captivated audiences with their mix of yearning, angst, pop, and really good lyrics. Their amazing live shows have earned them spots on major festival stages and tours with big names.

Poster for comedy "Clue: Live on Stage!"

Clue

July 9-21

1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., The 5th Avenue Theatre, $49+

Inspired by the 1985 movie and the board game, this whodunit brings six quirky, hilarious guests together for a dinner party that spirals into a mystery filled with murder and blackmail. Each character is a suspect, keeping you guessing — and laughing — right up to the end. It’s a night of pure, chaotic fun.

Columbia City Farmers Market

Wednesday, July 10

3 p.m.-7 p.m., 37th Avenue South, between South Hudson Street and South Edmonds Street, Free

Head to the Columbia City Farmers Market for all your barbecue essentials. Wander the booths under the sun, tote in one hand, iced coffee in the other. Fresh produce, local treats, and a laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect spot to stock up and enjoy summer in Seattle.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.