Meet Modern Women of the Middle East, Hear Rock at the Symphony and Other Weekend Musts

MUST SEE
Women at Work
Opens Friday (10/26-12/15) –  Photo Center Northwest’s new exhibit, Social Order: Women Photographers from Iran, India and Afghanistan features the work of five contemporary artists, including Iran’s Shadi Ghadirian who poses friends in traditional garb while holding mundane items (see above). The show offers a fresh look at women’s roles in Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures—and the way traditions affect modern life, and vice versa.
10/26–12/15. Times vary. Free. Photo Center Northwest, 900 12th Ave.; 206.720.7222; pcnw.org

MUST HEAR
Sonic Evolution
Friday (10/26) – One of our favorite Seattle Symphony programs from last year is back! Invited composers create brand new symphonic works based on music by local rockers, including Alice in Chains, Blue Scholars and Yes. Also on deck is alt-country crooner (and Ellensburg native) Star Anna with her band, The Laughing Dogs.
10/26 – 8:00pm. $31-$51 Benaroya Hall, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; seattlesymphony.org

MUST SHOP
Our Favorite Online Stores of Late
Maybe it’s the recent influx of rain influencing us, but we’re really into online shopping this week–especially at these stores that showcase individual designers (some local, even). Check out Craft & Culture for beautiful clothing and jewelry; Splendid Avenue for Northwest-ready gear that doesn’t sacrifice style and Seattle-based Mignon Kitchen & Co. for adorable kitchen tools.

MUST TASTE
Bean Sprouts Café
Food options for kids at Seattle Center’s Armory have taken a turn for the healthy. The recently opened Seattle branch of the Wisconsin-based Bean Sprouts Café & Cooking School offers pint-size foodies the chance to order off an adorable menu, full of food arranged into friendly shapes, from a kid-level counter.
Open daily, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St.; beansprouts.com

MUST TRICK-OR-TREAT
First Hill Costume Crawl
Saturday (10/27) – First Hill’s annual neighborhood fright fest returns with a tri-part Halloween party celebrated simultaneously at The Hideout, Vito’s and The Hunt Club at the Sorrento Hotel (all within easy walking distance of each other). A $500 cash prize is available for the best costume–and live music and, of course, tasty libations and food abound at these delightfully grownup watering holes. Check out the event page on Facebook for a special deal on a room at the Sorrento.
10/27, 9pm. Different venues near Madison St between 9th and Boren Avenues. No cover charge. See the Facebook page for event details.