We're squarely in the middle of August, and the Puget Sound is showing up with plenty to do. Look for outdoor theater and music this week, along with a few chances to take in some local art.
Midweek Merriment
Starting Wednesday, Wooden O is performing Macbeth in various parks throughout the Puget Sound area. It's a free show, so check their schedule for a park near you. If music is more your speed, Sylvester Park in Olympia hosts LoveOly Music in the Park 2026 at 6 PM, also free. Over in Tacoma, the Old Town Summer Concert Series at Old Town Park features local talent like Champagne Sunday and Kim Archer starting at 6:30 PM. For those looking for an indoor show, Driveways plays El Corazón at 7 PM, and WILLIS is at The Crocodile at 8 PM.
Thursday brings a couple of art walks. The Capitol Hill Art Walk kicks off at 5 PM across multiple locations, and the West Seattle Art Walk is happening at the West Seattle Junction Association, both free. For something a little different, the Tacoma Art Museum has a free live painting event with barry johnson at 5:30 PM. Music-wise, hi hi hi performs for free at the Mural Amphitheatre at Seattle Center at 6:30 PM. Later, FOOTWORK FACTORY is at Nectar Lounge at 7 PM with DJs Ricky Rombo, DROŚE, Lucky Light, and Mai Tai OG. If you're into jazz, John Pizzarelli Presents "Dear Mr. Bennett" at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley.
Weekend Warm-Up
Friday night starts with Frye Nouveau After Hours at Frye Art Museum at 6 PM. For theater, Night Night, Roger Roger is a fanciful comedy playing at Seattle Public Theater at 7:30 PM. Music options are plentiful: a Tribute to Eric Clapton by Bell Bottom Blues at The Triple Door at 7:30 PM, IV and The Strange Band at El Corazón at 8 PM, and Olivia O'Brien at Neumos also at 8 PM. If you're in the mood to dance, Jazzbones has Straight Up! An 80s vs 90s Dance Party with DJ Baby Van Beezly at 9 PM.
Saturday Sounds and Sunday Celebrations
Saturday is a big day for music in Tacoma with the Downtown Tacoma Blues Festival happening on Broadway between 11th and 13th Streets starting at noon. It's a free event, and a good chance to catch some local blues. For those in Seattle, Jejune plays The Vera Project at 7 PM, and Divorce is at Tractor Tavern at 8 PM. Later, Neumos hosts Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Electronic Dance Party at 9 PM, and KBONG & JOHNNY COSMIC are at Nectar Lounge.
Sunday brings BrasilFest to Seattle Center, a free cultural festival celebrating Brazil. For music, the Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple hosts the Live It OutLoud - Final Show 2026 at 1 PM, featuring bands from their summer rock camp. Neal Morse Band plays The Triple Door at 7:30 PM.
Looking Ahead
Next week, Fink plays The Crocodile on Monday at 8 PM, and Sean Hayes is at Tractor Tavern at the same time. Tuesday, The Triple Door has a Huey Lewis and the News Tribute Band, Power of Love, at 7:30 PM. Wednesday, you can catch Joel Astley Music for free at Old Town Park at 6:30 PM, and Lucia Flores-Wiseman also for free at Magnuson Park Amphitheater at 6:30 PM.
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