Hey there. More rain has been rolling in, which is great for the garden. We’re welcoming the cooler air and enjoying the foggy mornings and dewy grass.

Oktoberfest is back, and if you’re looking for a little thrill while you stay active this fall, check out this local running club. Starbucks is working on cutting wait times, and Georgetown is celebrating its Rainier roots. The aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion has opened —have you been yet? Plus, Seattle is on the global stage this week.

Our new September/October magazine is out now. Our editor and publisher share their hard-earned insights on the challenges of caregiving and the magic of new beginnings.

There’s a lot of fun to be had in and around Seattle this week.

 

Eric Chamberlain: CAKES

Every Friday & Saturday, Sept. 5–28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Shift Gallery
Free

Eric Chamberlain’s work feels like a cozy Saturday afternoon in your favorite neighborhood café. His paintings of cake plates, vases, and pitchers, are both familiar and a little quirky. The way he plays with perspective turns the ordinary into something playful, like a secret little world of housewares with stories to tell. The show is in Pioneer Square, so after taking it all in, swing by Zeitgeist Coffee for a ham and butter sandwich and notice the little details of your day.

 

Esther Perel

Monday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre
$25

Esther Perel is a master at making even the cringiest relationship moments feel relatable. Known for her hit podcast Where Should We Begin and with more than 40 million TED Talk views, she turns awkward struggles into lessons we all recognize. Whether or not it’s your specific issue, hearing others share theirs is fascinating and comforting. Her insights on how we connect, love, and desire will leave you rethinking all of your relationships.

 

Future Islands

Friday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m.
$35
The Paramount Theatre

Future Islands had me the moment I saw that famous David Letterman performance — frontman Samuel Herring’s unashamed energy and raw vocals hooked me. Its album Singles is packed with wonderfully moody standouts like “Back in the Tall Grass” and “A Song for Our Grandfathers.” Its live shows are a full of electrifying passion, often compared to the synth-heavy drama of New Order, but with a magic that’s entirely original.

 

Black And Loud Fest

Saturday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
$30-$90
The Crocodile

Black and Loud Fest is a celebration of Black-fronted bands. Co-founded by Cameron Lavi-Jones of King Youngblood and Anthony Briscoe of Down North, this festival highlights the overlooked contributions of Black artists to American music. Inspired by the DIY spirit, it’s about honoring legends like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Fishbone, and giving today’s alternative Black musicians the recognition they deserve.

 

Sea-Nordic Film Festival

Sept. 13-15
$13-$100
Majestic Bay Theatres

This is a celebration of contemporary Nordic cinema, featuring a lineup of films that span everything from gripping dramas to documentaries and shorts. It’s a great chance to explore stories and perspectives you won’t find elsewhere, all curated by special guest Silja Espolin Johnson.

 

Fall City Apple Festival

Sunday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fall City Wash.
Free

Families can dig into local food and farm activities while supporting a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Warrior Family Retreat and provide summer camp scholarships for local kids in need. Take a breather, let the kids roam, and snap some photos as you soak up the last stretch of summer in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.