Skip to content

Must List

Must List: The Top 6 Events in Seattle This Week

Grungy art, festival of lights, two plays

By Sarah Stackhouse October 31, 2024

Decorated clay oil lamps surrounded by flowers are lit, arranged in a circle pattern for a festive celebration, creating the perfect must-list ambiance for any gathering.
Photo by Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash

Happy Halloween, Seattle! What are you dressing up as? I’m going as an avocado. Fingers crossed that the rain stays away so all the ghosts and ghouls can roam free without an umbrella. Diwali and Día de los Muertos are both coming up this weekend too, so whether you’re out celebrating or just cozying up inside, enjoy the festivities. And don’t forget to vote by Tuesday — we’re all curious how things will turn out. It’s doubtful we’ll know right away.

Headed out? We’ve got a list of Halloween bars that go big. Or, if you’re handing out candy at home, check out a scary movie or video game set in the Pacific Northwest. And in other spooky news, you can rent or buy shares in the Stranger Things house, for when you need a taste of Hawkins.

Art fans, Keith Haring’s A Radiant Legacy just opened at MoPOP, a peek into his bold artwork and activism. And once Election Day wraps up, Ridwell is offering campaign sign recycling, so they don’t litter the city forever. 

 

A woman in colorful traditional attire dances on stage under the banner "Diwali: Lights of India," infusing the live event with vibrant energy reminiscent of a dynamic music festival.

Diwali: Lights of India

Saturday, Nov. 2, noon- 6 p.m.
Seattle Center
Free

This Hindu festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance — just as Seattle days start to get shorter. Expect music, dance, art, and plenty of Indian food to keep you warm and happy.

Poster for "The Park," a play by Lisa Every and Jenn Ruzumna, directed by Amy Poisson. Features a bench under a large tree. Text: "Some places hold an eternity of connections. October 11 - November 3."

The Park

Now-Nov. 3
Seattle Public Theater
$10+

The Park brings generations together — strangers, families, even a few ghosts — wandering the same space, trying to find meaning in our complicated world. It’s a play about those everyday intersections, the little moments that connect us, and how we all keep moving forward, even when we don’t have it all figured out.

 

Vote: Make Your Voice Count

Now-Nov.5, 8 p.m.

This year, your vote matters more than ever. Washingtonians, ballots are in hand — no excuses! Mail it in by Nov. 5 or find a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. It’s a wild time, and your voice matters. 

 

A person holding a drink is shown against a yellow background with a blue shadow beside them. Text reads "Primary Trust" by Eboni Booth, accompanied by blue floral designs, evoking the vibrant art scene reminiscent of the Seattle Glass Experience.

Primary Trust

Now-Nov. 24
Seattle Rep
$41+

In Primary Trust, Kenneth’s quiet, predictable world is upended when he loses his job and has to face his biggest fear: change. This new comedy by Eboni Booth gets into the twists and complications of friendship, comfort zones, and a leap into the unknown. If you’re into offbeat humor with a lot of heart, this play looks like a winner.

 

Album cover for The Magnetic Fields' "69 Love Songs - 25th Anniversary Tour," showcasing the band members in black and white photos with striking red and white text, celebrating their iconic music.

The Magnetic Fields

Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m.
The Neptune Theatre
$42.50+

The Magnetic Fields come straight out of New York with lyrics that keep it real — funny and a little heartbreaking. Songs like “The Book of Love” and “I Think I Need a New Heart” aren’t fancy, but they hit hard. And that Stephin Merritt voice? It’ll get you every time.

 

A black-and-white photo captures a guitarist in motion on stage, embodying the raw energy of performance, with "Charles Peterson's Nirvana" in bold white text alongside.

Charles Peterson’s Nirvana

Now-May 25, 2025
Tacoma Art Museum
$18 (free for members)

Catch Charles Peterson’s Nirvana exhibit at Tacoma Art Museum, showcasing rare shots that capture the heart of Seattle’s grunge. There’s something about Kurt Cobain and the band — even the most unassuming photos feel electric. This sounds like the kind of show that reminds you why Seattle’s music scene changed everything.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.

Follow Us

Must List: 6 Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week

Must List: 6 Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week

Dec 05 - Dec 11

Victorian charm, gospel joy, handmade treasures

Life feels like one big, glittery marathon right now. There’s something happening every day — concerts, markets, school performances, parties, the works. But honestly, I don’t mind. I like staying busy as the days grow shorter.  If you’re ready to dive into the holiday spirit, there’s a lot going on this week. The Gates Foundation…

Must List: The Top 5 Events in Seattle This Week

Must List: The Top 5 Events in Seattle This Week

Nov 28 - Dec 04

Ghostly laughs, dazzling lights, market magic

Happy Thanksgiving! If you celebrate, what are you most looking forward to? I like the pie. Well, Seattle is buzzing with ways to make the most of the season (yes, even if it’s pouring). Big news this week: Seattle Theatre Group bought Kerry Hall, ensuring this Capitol Hill landmark stays rooted in the arts.  A…

Frosty Festivals

Frosty Festivals

Seattle gears up for the holidays

Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane turns 20 this year, while the Seattle Christmas Market celebrates its 2nd... ☃️❄️

Must List: 6 Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week

Must List: 6 Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week

Nov 21 - Nov 27

Nordic cheer, Indigenous art, and Mary Poppins magic

How did the bomb cyclone treat you? We had a two-hour school delay and an eight-hour power outage — but we’re feeling lucky compared to those still waiting for their lights to come back on. And heads up, there’s more rain on the way, though it’s not supposed to be as gusty. Seattle theaters are…