This Weekend’s Musts: See New SIFF Digs, Eat Gyros, Spell

MUST WATCH
Nora’s Will
Friday through Thursday (9/16–9/22)
Emerging Mexican writer and director Mariana Chenillo’s Nora’s Will provides the perfect excuse to check out SIFF’s brand-new Film Center at the Seattle Center (which doesn’t have any spilled drinks on the floor yet!). The warm comedy—which won Mexico’s Best Picture in 2010—carefully balances melancholy, romance and humor in telling the story of a man battling the last request of his newly deceased ex-wife.

Times and prices vary. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.464.5830; siff.net

MUST GYRO
Seattle Greek Festival
Friday through Sunday (9/16-9/18)
This annual community event is always a must. The Greek Dancing is fun to watch. Kids love the games area. Bigger kids like watching sports on TV in the “beer garden.” The coffee is really strong (to the point of having true grit). And just about everything on the menu is worth the wait – but we highly recommend the souvlaki (meat grilled on skewers), the spanikopita (heavenly spinach and cheese-filled pastry) and all of the desserts. Kali orexi!
 
9/16-9/18. Hours vary. Free. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. 2100 Boyer Ave East, 206-325-4347, seattlegreekfestival.com

MUST SHOP
Fashion First Seattle
Thursday (9/15)
Don’t miss Fashion First, it’s the longest running independent fashion show in Seattle and proceeds benefit Rise N’ Shine, an advocacy group for children and teens with HIV/AIDS. Seattle magazine presents the 2011 Seamless in Seattle winners on the runway at the beginning of the evening.

9/15. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. for general admission (red carpet opening is at 7 p.m.). $50 and up. Showbox SoDo. Day of tickets call: (206) 628-8949 ext. 216. fashionfirstseattle.com

MUST JAM
Pike Place Buskers Festival
Sunday (9/18)
Dozens of a cappella groups, accordion players and harmonica masters take the stage—make that three stages, spanning the Market—for the 10th annual Buskers Festival, co-founded by Seattle’s legendary Artis the Spoonman. These spirited sidewalk musicians will wow you, as always, rain or shine.

9/18. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St.; pikemarketbuskers.org

MUST SPELL CHECK
Local Celebrity Spelling Bee
Thursday (9/15)
Richard Hugo House launches a new fundraising event where local celebs face off in a classic grade school spelling contest. Correct spellings advance them to the next round and misspellings invite you, the audience, to help them cheat! Brave participants include our own contributor and food expert Langdon Cook, author Stacy Levine, DJ Riz Rollins and more.

9/15. 7:30 p.m. $25 and up. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue; 206.322.7030. hugohouse.org