Things to Do in Seattle

Alaskan salmon from Bristol Bay get their moment in the spotlight in late November; dozens of restaurants and retailers in Seattle—from Fremont’s Haerfest and Local Tide to Beacon Hill’s Homer—craft fresh menu items for the seasonal catch. 

Turkey, foraged mushrooms, or salmon—no matter what’s on your holiday table, the day is upon us. Seattle’s restaurants offer prix fixe menus, seasonal buffets, and even takeout. Trot on over to those reservations and order forms before they fill up. We’ve compiled a whole list.

The Henry Art Gallery’s Spirit House, on view until early next year, showcases 34 Asian American and Asian diasporic artists’ take on ghosts, reincarnation, and the supernatural. It’s a meaningful journey through time, ancestral memory, and dimensions beyond our own.

The Museum of Flight houses more than history this season: South African artist Ralph Ziman transformed a Cold War-era MiG-21 fighter jet from a relic of violence into a work of art. The entire aircraft now wears a mosaic-like cloak made from thousands of glass beads. Alongside the seminal work, colorfully beaded Afrofuturistic flight suits spark curiosity about how creative and design-forward space travel could be, and interactive stations allow visitors to create their own digital flying works of art.

Go ahead, interact with the art in Anila Quayyum Agha’s new exhibition at the Volunteer Park museum, the first solo show from a Pakistani American artist in SAM’s 90-years. Laser-cut steel cubes suspend from the ceiling, lit by a halogen bulb that paints the room—and visitors—with intricate shadows that illuminate the light and dark of life. 

Blending her heritage and experiences living in Tacoma and Yucatán, Mexico, artist Priscilla Dobler Dzul’s museum debut features sculpture, textile, and video work that center climate injustice. Water—from Mexican cenotes to Washington wetlands—takes center stage in her work. 

The rock legend who skyrocketed to fame with the 1984 hit “Summer of 69” brings heartfelt tributes, classic tracks, and fresh hits to Climate Pledge; power couple Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo set the tone with an opening set. 

Neo soul artist JMSN delivers unforgettable live performances dripping with artistic talent. From producing to directing tour visuals, the independent artist values just that: the independence that allows his taste to shine. Catch his brand of alternative R&B at Nuemos—or an intimate, free live show at KEXP on November 20. 

Less a centralized festival and more of an exploration-focused primer in Seattle’s music scene, the annual Cloudbreak Music Festival brings nearly a month-long slate of shows to 35 venues. From dinner shows at The Triple Door to a Tomo Nakayama album release at the Fremont Abbey, think of it a scavenger hunt with no wrong answers. 

Seattle-born group Minus The Bear emerges from retirement for their 20th anniversary tour’s three-night run at The Showbox. The final shows of their reunion tour promise energetic indie rock and nostalgia-filled crowds. 

A decade ago, Seattle Rep premiered a show that would become a beacon of hope, joy, and connection. With skies shut down after September 11, 2001, travelers from all over the world shelter in a small Newfoundland town where they find resilience and unlikely friendship. Come From Away returns to its Seattle roots this winter; new staging from hometown director Brandon Ivie infuses new life to the beloved storyline. 

In the classic, Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghosts take to the Union Arts Center stage for the 50th time this year. The enduring tale of redemption kicks off opening night (December 4) with a pre-show party of music, photo ops, and theater fun. 

The beloved Will Ferrell film gets an onstage adaptation filled with holiday cheer. From Buddy’s attempts to fit into the elf-sized North Pole workshop to the his sugary spaghetti and social faux pas in New York City, the musical version augments the story with heart, adventure, and comedy.

MOPOP celebrates Seattle-born rock ’n’ roll legend Jimi Hendrix with a tribute birthday bash. The afternoon promises a competitive round of trivia, showing of documentary Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church, and a post-film chat with Hendrix’s sister Janie L. Hendrix. 

A full quarter century after the original series, the third Twin Peaks season continued the supernatural mystery in a feat of ambitious storytelling and striking visuals—filmed in Washington’s own Snoqualmie Valley. Tucked in Columbia City, The Beacon wards off The Big Dark with screenings of the entire 2017 season in their cozy, oh-so-cute independent theater. 

Taking cues from traditional European Christmas markets, Seattle’s version brings daily snow showers, a festive carousel, a magical wishing forest, and dozens upon dozens of requisite vendors. Plus, special workshops teach skills in succulent planting, mocktail mixing, and crochet, just in time for holiday gifts with a handmade touch.

Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center—located in Discovery Park—transforms into a market showcasing local Native artisans. From formline Seahawks hoodies to children’s books and intricate serving platters to handcrafted jewelry, the market brings a fresh wares from local creators. 

Little Saigon Creative, the International District art gallery championing Vietnamese culture, hosts a pop-up market with local Asian American creators and crafters. Small Business Saturday brings seven vendors’ clothing, jewelry, cutesy trinkets, and illustrations. 

After a full day of cookie decorating, Santa photos, and roaming holiday choirs, Pike Place Market’s tree lighting happens at 5pm. It’s more than just a dramatic flip of the switch; the illumination celebration continues with performances from Can Can dancers and live music in the holiday spirit. 

Spiritual medium Travis Holp put a lifetime of stories—and guidance—onto the page in his debut release. Part memoir and part guide, the book shares the funny, the heartwarming, and the life changing stories that come from his line of work. At Elliott Bay, Holp chats about it all with KING 5 morning talk show host Kelly Hanson. 

The highly-anticipated tradition at Madison Valley’s vegetarian cafe returns at long last. Diners sip curated teas and munch on a magical three-tiered platter of goodies: gingerbread scones, english cucumber canapé, and chestnut and wild mushroom gougeres make every Bridgerton dream come true.