What happens July 8-14?
This week, Summer at SAM returns after a two-year hiatus, bringing free performances, activities and more to the heart of Seattle at Olympic Sculpture Park every Thursday and Saturday this summer.
The first edition of Summer at SAM kicks off on July 14 with an evening produced in partnership with the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, a multicultural and versatile art gallery rooted in Latin American artistic traditions. The evening will include performances by King Khazm and The Pazific, creative art with artist Eileen Jimenez, food trucks El Cabrito and Hallava Falafel and MARKET Seattle serving beer, wine and dinner fare.
If you attend Summer at SAM on a Thursday, you’ll find live music against the backdrop of Richard Serra’s “Wake” sculpture, as well as arts activities, food trucks, and the SAM MARKET Seattle catering.
“The concert series is really about providing a space where people can meet after work, enjoy a glass of wine or a piece of music, and participate in creating art,” said Robert Rutherford, public engagement manager. at the Seattle Art Museum and head of summer planning at SAM.
Summer at SAM also works with Black Fret, an organization that provides grants directly to working musicians. “We know that live music is an industry that’s been hit really hard over the past two years, so being able to work with some of these bands that have worked hard to keep musicians working, we just want to do whatever that we can draw more attention to their work,” Rutherford said.
Every Saturday, yoga sessions will be led by 8 Limbs Yoga Centers, and there will be Zumba fitness dance classes and walk-in interactive studios with local artists. Select Saturdays, visitors can also find low-tide pocket beach tours with Seattle Aquarium naturalists and activities with Puget Soundkeeper, Snake River Savers, and SeaLife Response, Rehab, and Research.
“The park has been an incredible resource over the past two years to help people cope with all that’s going on by just having some green space and some respite and space to retreat,” Rutherford said. “One of the things we really wanted to focus on as we return to in-person programs is bringing the piece that the park has been missing for two years – and that’s community.
“People are really hungry right now for the opportunity to connect with each other, so I’m personally excited to be able to use the spaces in the park for exactly that connection,” he said.
Summer at SAM is 6-8 p.m. every Thursday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday from July 14 to August 14. 20 at Olympic Sculpture Park (2901 Western Ave., Seattle). Find more information about seattleartmuseum.org/summer.
What else is going on
Here are some other events taking place July 8-14 in the Puget Sound area. If you would like to submit an event for consideration, please email your event details to weekend@seattletimes.com.
Family carnival evening — July 8
The Eastridge Church welcomes families from the community for Family Carnival Night from 7-8:30 p.m. in West Seattle. The carnival includes carnival games, face painting, inflatables, candies and prizes. Register on line; free. 4500 39th Avenue SW, Seattle; 425-270-6300; EastridgeToday.com/carnival
Northwest Tune-up Festival — July 8-10
Enjoy this bike, beer and music festival held to celebrate PNW culture. This three-day event showcases the beauty of the region and all it has to offer with bike brands, exhibitors, demonstrations, musical guests, breweries and cider houses, bike clinics, morning yoga, a kids zone and more. To buy tickets on line; prices vary. 1145 Granary Avenue, Bellingham; nwtuneup.com
Polish holiday — July 9
Seattle Center Festál continues with the Polish Festival from noon to 7 p.m. This joyous celebration of Polish culture, traditions and modern achievements includes a parade, beer garden, vendors market, poster display, children’s crafts, food and desserts, and Moreover. Free. 305 Harrison Street, Seattle; polishfestivalseattle.org
Seattle Summer Musical Games — July 9
In partnership with the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Seafair and Drum Corps International, the Northwest Youth Music Association presents a drum and bugle corps competition, plus a full day of family activities, food, a market and more again at 6:30 p.m. tickets on line; $25 to $50. 405 Logan Ave N., Renton; seattlesummermusicgames.org
Willows Orchard Art Exhibition on Whidbey Island – July 9-10
Willows Orchard welcomes 15 Pacific Northwest artists from Seattle, Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island to showcase and sell their work in a variety of art media including paintings, woodwork, sculpture, metal, glass and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 1306 Willow Pond Lane, Coupeville; willowsorchard.com
How To Be A Viking Summer Camp – July 11-15
Join the Nordic National Museum and forge your own maritime adventure from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11-15. This half-day camp learns about the daily life of Norse warriors and campers will be able to think, create and explore like the Vikings did. This half-day camp is intended for children 6 to 8 years old. Register on line; $100/members, $125/non-members. 2655 Northwest Market Street, Seattle; 206-789-5707; nordicmuseum.org
Opera Camps — July 11-15
Seattle Opera presents Opera Camps for crafty explorers (ages 7-9) and maestros (ages 10-13) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11-15. Participants will create original opera stories, learn songs from actual operas, and then put it all together in their own opera performance while learning more about the art form. Register on line; $77 to $385. 363 Mercer Street, Seattle; 206-389-7600; seattleopera.org
Black to Nature – Conversation with writer Rosette Royale — July 13
Join Seward Park Audubon at the Royal(e) Room in Columbia City at 6:00 p.m. as writer Rosette Royale tells the life story of a man who found refuge in the seclusion of Olympic National Park. Writer and translator Wendy Call will join Rosette on stage to catalyze a lively discussion. Register on line; free. 5000 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle; 206-652-2444; sewardpark.audubon.org
Civic Cocktail on Keep Art Alive: The Critical Role of Creative Culture in Seattle — July 13
Enjoy this hybrid panel discussion on the importance of arts and music in our culture and community with Vivian Philips (Editor of Arte Noir magazine), Greg Lundgren (Founder of the Museum of Museums), Adam Zacks (Chief Chief programming at the Seattle Theater Group; founder of Sasquatch Festival and THING) and Kevin Sur (founder of Artist Home) 6:30-8:00 p.m. Registration on line; prices vary. 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle; seattlecityclub.org
Flower Hour Summer Sampler Series: Native Discovery Garden & Yao Garden — July 14
Bellevue Botanical Garden is hosting a class for attendees to learn what makes Native Discovery Garden and Yao Garden so special 5:00-6:00 PM Buy tickets on line; $10.50 to $15. bellevuebotanical.org