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Must List

Must List: The Top 6 Events in Seattle This Week

Frosted fantasies, Nordic tranquility, Black & Loud, and a festival of apples

By Sarah Stackhouse September 12, 2024

Promotional poster featuring the band "Future Islands" standing against a red background, with event details: Sept. 12th at The Crocodile, "Black & Loud," and images of apples for Fall City Apple Festival. Don't miss out—this concert is a Must List event!
Image collage by Vivian Lai

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.

 

An abstract painting featuring various cakes on stands. The cakes, depicted in a must-list mix of black, white, and yellow colors, captivate the eye against a background awash with similar hues. Save the date: Sept. 12 for an exclusive viewing.

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.

 

Promotional image for "An Evening with Esther Perel: The Future of Relationships, Love & Desire" on Sept. 12 in Seattle, WA at Paramount Theatre. Esther Perel is seated and smiling. Don't miss this event; it's a Must List feature.

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.

 

Four men stand against a red and pink gradient background, with the text "FUTURE ISLANDS" in white, stylized letters at the top. A must-list for music lovers, their performance on Sept. 12 promises an unforgettable experience.

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.

 

Promotional poster for "Jack Daniel's Black & Loud Music Fest 2024" on Sept. 12, featuring a must-list lineup including Ayron Jones, King Youngblood, The Velot, Down North, and others. Additional events and ticket information included.

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.

 

A window view of water and shoreline. Overlaid text reads: "SEA NORDIC FILM FEST - A Must List Event on Sept. 12.

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.

 

Collage of the Fall City Apple Festival on Sept. 12, showing a person holding a pie, a child with apples, festival attendees viewing stalls, and the festival's logo—a red apple with a green leaf. This event is definitely one for your Must List!

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.

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