Lots of revelry ahead, fueled by the first Pride Weekend since the Supreme Court confirmed marriage equality. The rainbow flag will be flying atop the Space Needle, and Capitol Hill will brim with more dance parties and drag shows than usual, so step on out there.
Absolut X Seattle
Paramount Theatre, Thurs. 6/27, FREE with RSVP (ASAP!)
Pride Weekend is upon us, and this event, among many others, is part of the festivities. The free show at the Paramount (thank you, Absolut) features Canadian dream pop artist Grimes, plus visual artist Bert Rodriguez — and a mixologist.
Mark Farina with DJs Riz Rollins and Wesley Holmes
Neumos, Fri. 6/28 at 8 p.m., $15
San Francisco-based DJ Mark Farina, a big name in house music who’s gained a following through his series Mushroom Jazz, will be at Neumos as part of yet another Pride event. KEXP electronic dance DJ Riz Rollins will be on hand too.
40th Anniversary of Elliott Bay
Elliott Bay Book Company, Sat. 6/29 at 7 p.m., FREE
To celebrate its passage into middle age, the beloved Elliott Bay bookstore will host a night of readings by local talents Jim Lynch, Maria Semple and Ryan Boudinot. Soak up the Bay's incredible selection, lovingly written book recs and truly impressive — and free! — reading lineup, and celebrate its past, present and future (a theme which cleverly ties into the readings).
Talcum: Pride Edition
Chop Suey, Sat. 6/29 at 9 p.m., $5
I always look forward to the sweet soul music and dainty pastels of Talcum, a recurring soul night for those who love dancing, and this Pride Edition is sure to be especially magical. And swing by the Wildrose Pride Bash nearby.
The Parade followed by the KEXP Pride Party
Tillikum Place Park, Sun., 6/30, Starts at 10 a.m., FREE (Pig roast plate $15)
Like all parades, the gay pride variety can be a bit hokey, not to mention crowded and never-ending. Somehow this one has always been worth it, though, if only for the chance to marvel at all the great local organizations and businesses — big and small — that come out to support the gay community. I like to slap a rainbow bandana on my dog. Afterward, head to KEXP where its talented DJs (including my favorite DJ El Toro) celebrate with free tunes, as well as drink specials and several roast pigs from the 5 Point Café.
Rage Within/Without
Theatre Off Jackson, Thurs. 6/27- Sat. 6/29 at 8 p.m., Sun. 6/30 at 4:30 p.m., $12 general
Written as a one-woman show, this all-original production has been reworked for a small ensemble cast (showcasing among others, my talented friend Nora Taylor). It explores the roots and rippling effects of women’s anger through “movement, poetry, and true life stories.”
Rebel Without A Cause
Central Cinema, Thurs. 6/29 - Wed. 7/3 at 7 p.m., $6 in advance, $8 day of show
Screenwriter Stewart Stern, 91, will be answering questions after the Thursday screening of his 1955 classic, the last film starring iconic brooder James Dean.
Stories We Tell
Landmark Varsity Theatre, 7 and 9:30 p.m., $10
In case you missed this documentary at SIFF (like I did), documentary filmmaker Sarah Polley explores storytelling (as both a medium and a subject). She talks with family, colleagues and friends about her parents’ relationship — and her own paternity. A touching portrait of how families tell their stories, particularly to themselves.
Sunday Sundaes at Cupcake Royale
Cupcake Royale (Capitol Hill, 108 Pine, Bellevue, and Ballard locations), All day, $4
All month, Cupcake Royale has been offering $4 "Sundaes on Sundays." But I just found out! Which means we all have one final Sunday to take advantage of this deal, and treat ourselves to delicacies like the salty mess (one scoop burnt caramel ice cream, two shots espresso, top with housemade hot fudge and whipped cream), or a seasonal cupcake, or the whiskey-maple-bacon-crack ice cream.
What are you doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments area below. And if you hear of any interesting – under $15 - events in or around our grand city, please email editor@crosscut.com.
