Seattle LitCrawl
You know what we don't have enough of these days? Schmoozing with writers. Back in the days of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, going to parties and sharing drinks with friends and strangers was basically a second job for writers. But now, it seems our world's word-obsessors have become estranged from society, more closed off and reclusive, locked up in dark rooms with foiled-off windows. (OK, probably an exaggeration. Maybe.)
Well, not anymore. Say hello to the Seattle LitCrawl, where you can drink booze, barhop, and listen to some of the best writers Seattle has to offer. And maybe they'll let you buy them drinks. Hooray schmoozing!
If you go: Various locations, March 30, starts at 7:30 p.m., more info
Northwest Native Foods and Diets
If you haven't gone to see Burke Museum's Hungry Planet: What the World Eats exhibit, you're still in luck, because it's going on until June. This weekend, not only can you see what is an extraordinary and revealing exhibit, which showcases the diets of people from all around the world, but you can also partake in lectures, workshops, and demonstrations hosted by contemporary Northwest Salish cooks.
On the schedule is a story session performed by popular Salish storyteller Roger Fernandes, a presentation of traditional food recipes that includes samplings, an interactive demonstration on basketry and toolmaking, "food walks" around the UW campus, and a panel discussion on diverse wild food and medicine traditions in urban Seattle.
It might prove to be one of the most interesting events the exhibit puts on, so don't miss out.
If you go: Burke Museum, 17 Ave NE and NE 45th, March 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Free, more info
Seattle Edible Book Festival
Possibly the best idea in existence. Edible books. Last year had such memorable entries as, "Don Quichote" "The Unbearable Lightness of Bean" and "A Sweetcar Named Desire." Hopefully this year there will be an entry based on this intern's favorite short story collection by Raymond Carver, perhaps titled, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Pie." One can dream.
If you go: The Good Shepard Center, 4th Floor, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, March 31, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (books eaten at 2 p.m.), $10, more info
Hide/Seek
A lot of hubbub has been going on about the Hide/Seek exhibit that landed at Tacoma Art Museum recently, and not just because it displays "questionable" content. But because it's extensive, revealing, and, from the sounds of reviews, pretty darn good. With about 100 pieces, the exhibit takes an unprecedented look at 150 years of art exploring sexuality and gender, according to the TAM website. Artists include Thomas Eakins, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and more.
Tacoma might be further than your reguar commute, but the Sounder fare or the perpetual traffic tangle near the Tacoma Dome is worth it. It's the type of show that will only come once in a great, long while.
If you go: Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave, open through Jun 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10, more info
Emerald City Comicon
Nerds, unite!
What is there to say about the Comicon? It's pure geeky enjoyment, enlightment, and beauty all wrapped into one giant, three-day package. Like comics? Great. There's going to be a lot of them, and at really cheap prices. (Can anyone say 25 cent comics? Yes please.) Not only that, but there will be a lot of prominent artists and writers, including, yes, Seattle-based webcomic The Oatmeal. Furthermore, there are numerous events, including a costume party, nerd-inspired music, and, uh, "sci-fi speed dating."
Not a nerd? Whatever, loser. There's still plenty entertainment, such as media stars George Takei of Star Trek fame (Sulu!) — who is entertaining and wonderful no matter who you are — and Marty McFly's mother from Back to the Future. If nothing else, you'll see what are probably the most hilarious costumes ever, in the history of the universe.
If you go: Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, March 30 through April 1, $20-30 at the door, more info
